Net earnings in the second quarter totaled $267.3 million, or $0.38 per diluted share compared with net earnings of $209.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share for the same period in the previous year. During the first two quarters of fiscal 2007, total sales increased 6.7% to $36.9 billion. Net earnings for the first two quarters of fiscal 2007 were $603.8 million, or $0.85 per diluted share compared with net earnings of $515.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted share for the same period in fiscal 2006. David Dillon, chairman and CEO, said: "We are very pleased with our second quarter results. The performance of Kroger's business through the first half of 2007 exceeded our expectations, and our momentum heading into the second half of the year causes us to raise our identical sales and earnings guidance for fiscal 2007."