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CINCINNATI — Hurricane Ike battered Kroger’s third-quarter profit, and the grocery chain offered a cautious forecast Tuesday amid the churning U.S. economic storm.

The nation’s largest traditionary grocer said its profit cut down 6 percent in the quarter, mainly because of far-reaching damage from Hurricane Ike, even as its sales rose 9 percent. But Kroger expects lessen holiday spending to detriment fourth-quarter results, and projects slower same-store sales growth for next year.

“Times are such that it’session a little less predictable than you strength want,” Chairman and CEO David B. Dillon said in a conference call with investors.

Kroger shares dropped $1.84, or 6.7 percent, to $25.47 Tuesday

“Clearly, as an economy, things have gotten a little worse across the country, and I think you can experience that in more elements of our business, too,” Dillon said. “Bottom line for us is that whenever the economy is corrupt, family are still going to eat, and somebody is going to do well, and we’re really committed to it heart us.”

Third-quarter revenue rose 9 percent to $17.6 billion, and identical-supermarket sales rose 5.6 percent in the mercy without firing material sales and 7.8 percent with them. Those sales, because stores open at least five habitation, are considered a key measure of retail strength.

Kroger said sales were strong for its deli, bakery and other store-prepared foods as Americans cut down on restaurant meals, and that its corporate brand sales continue to rise, accounting for more than a fourth of grocer’s shop sales.

The Cincinnati-based company operates 2,477 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states, under local banners that include Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Food 4 Less, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons and City Market.

Kroger said it earned $237.7 million, or 36 cents a certain quantity, in the quarter, down from $253.8 million, or 37 cents a receive, a year earlier.

The partnership said results were hurt by every after-tax charge of $15.9 million, or 3 cents a share, allied to its $25 million insurance deductible in the place of Ike. The storm damaged stores, forced some to shut down temporarily and caused outage-spoiled food in September, particularly in Texas.

Otherwise, Kroger said earnings would have been $253.6 million, or 39 cents a parcel out.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had predicted earnings of 38 cents a share on revenue of $17.4 billion.

The company said it expects full-year profits. of $1.88 to $1.91 a contingent, excluding the 3-cent quota charge from Ike. The previous guidance was for $1.85 to $1.90, excluding Ike effects. Analysts projected $1.91 a share.

Kroger expects fourth-quarter profits. of 49 cents to 52 cents a allotment, saying that range “considers the cautious mind-set of many consumers this holiday fit time.” Analysts were projecting 53 cents with a view to the quarter.

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