FLEMING COMPANIES INC /OK/
10-Q, 1998-05-18
GROCERIES, GENERAL LINE
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                      WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                             FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

 X    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 18, 1998

                                OR

      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                 to

Commission file number  1-8140

                      FLEMING COMPANIES, INC.
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                OKLAHOMA                        48-0222760
         (State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer
         incorporation or organization)      Identification No.)

   6301 Waterford Boulevard, Box 26647
         Oklahoma City, Oklahoma                  73126
 (Address of principal executive offices)      (Zip Code)

                           (405) 840-7200
       (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

       (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                  if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  X  No

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of May 15, 1998 is as follows:

                Class                             Shares Outstanding
     Common stock, $2.50 par value                    38,264,000

<PAGE>

                               INDEX

                                                            Page
                                                           Number
Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

  Item 1.  Financial Statements

           Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings -
             16 Weeks Ended April 18, 1998,
             and April 19, 1997

           Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets -
             April 18, 1998, and December 27, 1997

           Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows -
             16 Weeks Ended April 18, 1998,
             and April 19, 1997

           Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

  Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION:

  Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

  Item 4.  Results of Votes of Security Holders

  Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

Signatures
<PAGE>

                     PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

<TABLE>
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings
For the 16 weeks ended April 18, 1998, and April 19, 1997
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
============================================================================
<CAPTION>
                                           1998                 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>
Net sales                               $4,567,126            $4,752,031

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales                          4,117,882             4,319,349
  Selling and administrative               371,429               363,716
  Interest expense                          51,202                48,822
  Interest income                          (11,305)              (14,354)
  Equity investment results                  3,589                 4,078
  Litigation charge                          2,954                19,218
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total costs and expenses             4,535,751             4,740,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before taxes                       31,375                11,202
Taxes on income                             16,105                 5,938
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                            $   15,270            $    5,264
============================================================================
Basic and diluted net earnings per share      $.40                  $.14
Dividends paid per share                      $.02                  $.02
Weighted average shares outstanding:
  Basic                                     37,804                37,801
  Diluted                                   37,972                37,810
============================================================================
</TABLE>
Fleming Companies, Inc.  See notes to consolidated condensed financial
statements.

<TABLE>
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
============================================================================
<CAPTION>
                                            April 18,         December 27,
Assets                                        1998                1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                $   36,109         $   30,316
  Receivables                                 341,361            334,278
  Inventories                                 956,857          1,018,666
  Other current assets                        118,496            111,730
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total current assets                    1,452,823          1,494,990
Investments and notes receivable              139,438            150,221
Investment in direct financing leases         198,309            201,588

Property and equipment                      1,626,277          1,598,786
Less accumulated depreciation
  and amortization                           (675,115)          (648,943)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net property and equipment                    951,162            949,843
Other assets                                  159,424            164,295
Goodwill                                      953,121            963,034
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total assets                               $3,854,277         $3,923,971
============================================================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                         $  760,231         $  831,339
  Current maturities of long-term debt         41,418             47,608
  Current obligations under capital leases     21,555             21,196
  Other current liabilities                   247,381            254,454
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total current liabilities               1,070,585          1,154,597
Long-term debt                              1,113,233          1,127,311
Long-term obligations under
  capital leases                              368,449            367,068
Deferred income taxes                          70,652             61,425
Other liabilities                             121,301            123,898

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $2.50 par value per share      95,660             95,660
  Capital in excess of par value              504,798            504,451
  Reinvested earnings                         551,291            536,792
  Accumulated other comprehensive income:
    Cumulative currency translation adjustment      -             (4,922)
    Additional minimum pension liability      (37,715)           (37,715)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Accumulated other comprehensive income  (37,715)           (42,637)
  Less ESOP note                               (3,977)            (4,594)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total shareholders' equity              1,110,057          1,089,672
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $3,854,277         $3,923,971
============================================================================
</TABLE>
Fleming Companies, Inc.  See notes to consolidated condensed financial
statements.

<TABLE>
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the 16 weeks ended April 18, 1998, and April 19, 1997
(In thousands)
===========================================================================
<CAPTION>
                                                     1998            1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings                                    $  15,270        $  5,264
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                    56,379          56,572
    Credit losses                                     2,713           6,444
    Deferred income taxes                            10,323          (3,808)
    Equity investment results                         3,589           4,078
    Consolidation and restructuring reserve activity (5,126)           (510)
    Change in assets and liabilities, excluding
      effect of acquisitions:
      Receivables                                    (6,512)          8,873
      Inventories                                    61,809         109,200
      Accounts payable                              (71,108)       (195,372)
      Other assets and liabilities                  (14,104)        (16,280)
    Other adjustments, net                           (3,462)           (762)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
        operating activities                         49,771         (26,301)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Collections on notes receivable                    16,890          14,530
  Notes receivable funded                           (10,350)        (12,972)
  Purchase of property and equipment                (38,334)        (27,698)
  Proceeds from sale of
    property and equipment                           10,708           4,656
  Investments in customers                                -          (1,428)
  Proceeds from sale of investment                    3,514           1,927
  Businesses acquired                                     -          (9,572)
  Other investing activities                          1,382           2,629
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash used in
      investing activities                          (16,190)        (27,928)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings                 35,000         110,000
  Principal payments on long-term debt              (55,268)        (54,083)
  Principal payments on capital
    lease obligations                                (6,575)         (6,141)
  Sale of common stock under incentive
    stock and stock ownership plans                     219             206
  Dividends paid                                       (778)           (758)
  Other financing activities                           (386)            (19)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash provided by (used in)
      financing activities                          (27,788)         49,205
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)in cash
  and cash equivalents                                5,793          (5,024)
Cash and cash equivalents,
  beginning of period                                30,316          63,667
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period           $ 36,109        $ 58,643
============================================================================

Supplemental information:
  Cash paid for interest                            $43,721         $39,443
  Cash paid for taxes                                $8,967         $17,464
============================================================================
</TABLE>
Fleming Companies, Inc.  See notes to consolidated condensed financial
statements.
<PAGE>


Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

1. The consolidated condensed balance sheet as of April 18, 1998, and the
consolidated condensed statements of earnings and cash flows for the 16-week
periods ended April 18, 1998, and April 19, 1997, have been prepared by the
company, without audit.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments
necessary to present fairly the company's financial position at April 18, 1998,
and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have
been made.  All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except as
disclosed.  Both basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based on net
earnings divided by weighted average shares as appropriate for each
calculation.

The preparation of the consolidated condensed financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted.  These consolidated condensed financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes included in the company's 1997 annual report on
Form 10-K.

3. The LIFO method of inventory valuation is used for determining the cost of
most grocery and certain perishable inventories.  The excess of current cost of
LIFO inventories over their stated value was $38 million at April 18, 1998, and
$36 million at December 27, 1997.

4. Sales and operating earnings for the company's food distribution and retail
food segments are presented below.

<TABLE>
=============================================================================
<CAPTION>
                                         First Interim Period
($ in millions)                          1998           1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>
Sales:
  Food distribution                     $4,096         $4,285
  Intersegment elimination                (610)          (597)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net food distribution                  3,486          3,688
  Retail food                            1,081          1,064
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total sales                             $4,567         $4,752
=============================================================================

Operating earnings:
  Food distribution                        $92            $86
  Retail food                               19             27
  Corporate expense                        (33)           (44)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating earnings                    78             69
Interest expense                           (51)           (49)
Interest income                             11             14
Equity investment results                   (4)            (4)
Litigation charge                           (3)           (19)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before taxes                      $31            $11
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

General corporate expenses are not allocated to food distribution and retail
food segments.  The transfer pricing between segments is at cost.  Operating
earnings for 1997 have been restated due to adopting SFAS No. 131 - Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

5. The company had comprehensive income totaling $20,192 thousand and $5,264
thousand for the 16 weeks ended April 18, 1998 and April 19, 1997,
respectively.  Other comprehensive income is comprised of foreign currency
translation and minimum pension liability adjustments.

6. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the company records a
charge reflecting contingent liabilities (including those associated with
litigation matters) when management determines that a material loss is
"probable" and either "quantifiable" or "reasonably estimable."  Additionally,
the company discloses material loss contingencies when the likelihood of a
material loss is deemed to be greater than "remote" but less than "probable."
Set forth below is information regarding certain material loss contingencies
and charges related to litigation matters:

David's.
The company was sued by David's Supermarkets, Inc. ("David's") in 1993 for
allegedly overcharging for products during a three-year period.  In April 1996,
judgment of $211 million was entered against the company and the company
recorded a $7.1 million liability.  During the second quarter of 1996, the
judgment was vacated, a new trial was granted and the accrual was reduced to
$650,000.  The company denied the plaintiff's allegations; however, to
eliminate the uncertainty and expense of protracted litigation, the company
paid $19.9 million to the plaintiff in April 1997 in exchange for dismissal,
with prejudice, of all plaintiff's claims against the company, resulting in a
charge to first quarter 1997 earnings of $19.2 million($9 million after-tax or
$.24 per share).

Furr's.
Furr's Supermarkets, Inc. ("Furr's"), which purchased approximately
$500 million of products from the company in 1997 under a supply contract
originally set to expire in 2001, filed suit against the company in February
1997 claiming it was overcharged for products.  Fleming denied Furr's
allegations.

In October 1997, Fleming and Furr's reached an agreement dismissing all
litigation between the parties.  Pursuant to the agreement, Furr's was offered
for sale during an auction process which ended in April 1998.  No sale
occurred. Consequently, during the first quarter of 1998, Fleming recorded a
charge of $4.0 million.  Fleming does not expect to incur any additional
impairment relating to Furr's.

Furr's has until May 26, 1998, to elect to purchase Fleming's El Paso product
supply center (including inventory) or to pay certain liquidation costs related
to the termination of the center's operation.  Fleming has agreed to extend
this election period by 90 days, subject to documentation.  Under the
settlement agreement, Fleming is paying Furr's $800,000 per month as a refund
of fees and charges.  The payments will cease when the supply contract
terminates on the earlier of the sale of the El Paso product supply center to
Furr's or its assignee or the liquidation of the center on or before June 1,
1999.

Randall's.
In July 1997, Randall's Food Markets, Inc. ("Randall's"), initiated arbitration
proceedings against Fleming.  Randall's has been a Fleming customer for over
30 years.  In 1997, Randall's purchased approximately $450 million of products
from Fleming under an eight-year supply contract entered into in 1993 in
connection with Fleming's purchase of certain distribution assets from
Randall's. Prior to initiating the arbitration proceeding, Randall's
unsuccessfully sought to terminate its supply contract.

Randall's alleged that Fleming conspired with a group of manufacturers and
vendors to defraud Randall's by inflating prices and that Fleming impermissibly
modified the pricing mechanism of its supply contract.  Randall's claims it was
overcharged by approximately $54 million during a 4 1/2  year period.
Randall's initially alleged breach of contract, fraud and RICO violations, and
sought actual, punitive and treble damages, termination of its supply contract,
attorneys' fees and costs.  The contract on which Randall's bases its claim
prohibits either party from recovering any amount other than actual damages;
recovery of consequential damages, punitive damages and all similar forms of
damages are expressly prohibited.

In April 1998, the evidentiary phase of the arbitration was concluded during
which Randall's withdrew its RICO claims (thereby eliminating any basis for
treble damages) and offered no evidence to support its earlier allegations of
fraud (the basis on which punitive damages may be sought).

The company believes it has complied with its obligations to Randall's in good
faith.  While management is unable to predict the potential range of monetary
exposure to Randall's, if any, the effect of an unfavorable outcome in the
arbitration or the premature loss of Randall's business could have a material
adverse effect on the company.

Class Action Suits.
In 1996, the company and certain of its present and former officers and
directors were named as defendants in nine purported class action suits filed
by certain stockholders and one purported class action suit filed by a
noteholder.  In April 1997, the court consolidated the stockholder cases as
City of Philadelphia, et al. v. Fleming Companies, Inc., et al.; the noteholder
case was also consolidated, but only for pre-trial purposes.  A complaint has
been filed in the consolidated cases asserting liability for the company's
alleged failure to properly account for and disclose the contingent liability
created by the David's litigation and by the company's alleged "deceptive
business practices." The plaintiffs claim that these alleged failures and
practices led to the David's litigation and to other material contingent
liabilities, caused the company to change its manner of doing business at great
cost and loss of profit, and materially inflated the trading price of the
company's common stock.  The company denies each of these allegations.

During the first quarter of 1998, the noteholder case was dismissed, without
prejudice, for failure to state a cause of action.  The plaintiff has asked the
court to reconsider the matter.

The plaintiffs in the remaining case seek undetermined but significant damages
and management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation.
However, if the ruling of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of
Oklahoma described below is upheld, Fleming believes the litigation will not
have a material adverse effect on the company's liquidity or consolidated
financial position.

In November 1997, the company won a declaratory judgment against certain of its
insurance carriers regarding directors and officers insurance policies ("D&O
policies") issued to Fleming for the benefit of its officers and directors.  On
motion for summary judgment, the court ruled that the company's exposure, if
any, under the class action suits is covered by certain D&O policies written by
the insurance carriers (aggregating $60 million) and that the "larger
settlement rule" will be applicable to the case.  According to the trial court,
under the larger settlement rule a D&O insurer is liable for the entire amount
of coverage available under a policy even if there is some overlap in the
liability created by the insured individuals and the uninsured corporation.  If
a corporation's liability is increased by uninsured parties beyond that of the
insured individuals, then that portion of the liability is the sole obligation
of the corporation.  The court also held that allocation is not available to
the insurance carriers as an affirmative defense.  The insurance carriers have
appealed.

Century.
Century Shopping Center Fund I ("Century Fund I") commenced an action in
November 1988 in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin,
seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages of an unspecified amount.  The
plaintiff originally obtained a temporary restraining order preventing the
company from closing a store at the Howell Plaza Shopping Center, for which the
plaintiff was the landlord, and from opening a new store at a competing
shopping center located nearby.  Shortly thereafter, the order was dissolved by
the court and the stores opened and closed as scheduled.  Following the closure
of the store, a number of shopping center tenants and Century Fund I
experienced financial difficulty ultimately resulting in bankruptcy.

In June 1993, three former tenants of the Howell Plaza Shopping Center filed
another case in the same court and in September 1993, the trustee in bankruptcy
for Howell Plaza, Inc. (the predecessor to Century Fund I and its successor as
company's landlord) filed a third case.  The allegations of these cases are
very similar to the allegations made in the Century Fund I case.

In November 1993, Century Fund I amended its complaint to allege breach of
contract, tortious interference with contract, tortious interference to
business, defamation, attempted monopolization, conspiracy to monopolize,
conspiracy to restrain trade and monopolization.  Plaintiffs claim that the
company and the company's new landlord conspired to force the Howell Plaza
Shopping Center out of business.  The cases have been consolidated and are set
for trial in October 1998.

Plaintiffs seek actual, consequential, treble and punitive damages, attorneys'
fees, court costs and other relief.  In March 1997, plaintiffs supplied the
company with an analysis of damages alleging actual damages, after trebling but
excluding any punitive damages, of approximately $18 million.

In July 1997, the trial court granted plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment
with respect to their breach of contract claim against Fleming (as to liability
only, not as to damages).  Plaintiffs have alleged $1.7 million of actual
damages resulted from the breach of contract.  Management is unable to predict
the ultimate outcome of this matter.  However, an unfavorable outcome in the
litigation could have a material adverse effect on the company.

Tru Discount Foods.
Fleming brought suit on a note and an open account against its former customer,
Tru Discount Foods.  In December 1997, the defendant amended its counter claim
against the company alleging fraud, overcharges for products and violations of
the Oklahoma Deceptive Trade Practices Act.  Although Tru Discount Foods has
not quantified damages, it has made demand in the amount of $8 million.
Management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter. However,
an unfavorable outcome in the litigation could have a material adverse effect
on the company.

Don's United Super.
On March 18, 1998 the company and two retired executives were named in a suit
filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
by approximately 20 current and former customers of the company (Don's United
Super, et al. v. Fleming, et al.) who operate 24 retail grocery stores in the
St. Joseph and Kansas City metropolitan areas.  Previously, two cases had been
filed in the same court (R&D Foods, Inc. et al. v. Fleming, et al. and Robandee
United Super, Inc. et al. v. Fleming, et al.) by 10 customers, some of whom are
plaintiffs in the Don's case.  These two cases, which principally seek an
accounting of the company's expenditure of certain joint advertising funds,
have been consolidated. Causes of action in these two cases relating to supply
contracts containing arbitration clauses have been sent to arbitration and all
remaining causes of action have been stayed pending the arbitration.

The Don's suit alleges product overcharges, breach of contract,
misrepresentation, fraud, and RICO violations and seeks recovery of actual,
punitive and treble damages and a declaration that certain contracts are
voidable at the option of the plaintiffs.  Damages have not been quantified.
However, the time period during which the alleged overcharges took place
exceeds, with respect to some plaintiffs, 25 years and the company anticipates
that the plaintiffs will allege substantial monetary damages.  The company
intends to vigorously defend its interests.  Management is currently unable to
predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation.  However, based upon the
plaintiffs' allegations, an unfavorable outcome in this litigation could have a
material adverse effect on the company.

Other.
The company utilizes numerous computer systems which were developed employing
six digit date structures (i.e., two digits each for the month, day and year).
Where date logic requires the year 2000 or beyond, such date structures may
produce inaccurate results.  Management has implemented a program to comply
with year 2000 requirements on a system-by-system basis.  Fleming's plan
includes extensive systems testing and is expected to be substantially
completed by the first quarter of 1999.  The solution for each system is
potentially unique and may be dependent on third-party software providers and
developers.  Failure to ensure that the company's computer systems are year
2000 compliant could have a material adverse effect on the company's
operations.  Additionally, failure of the company's suppliers or its customers
to become year 2000 compliant might also have a material adverse impact on the
company's operations.

The company's facilities and operations are subject to various laws,
regulations and judicial and administrative orders concerning protection of the
environment and human health, including provisions regarding the
transportation, storage, distribution, disposal or discharge of certain
materials.  In conformity with these provisions, the company has a
comprehensive program for testing and removal, replacement or repair of its
underground fuel storage tanks and for site remediation where necessary.  The
company has established reserves that it believes will be sufficient to satisfy
the anticipated costs of all known remediation requirements.

The company and others have been designated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") and by similar state agencies as potentially
responsible parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or similar state laws, as applicable,
with respect to EPA-designated Superfund sites.  While liability under CERCLA
for remediation at such sites is generally joint and several with other
responsible parties, the company believes that, to the extent it is ultimately
determined to be liable for the expense of remediation at any site, such
liability will not result in a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial position or results of operations.  The company is committed to
maintaining the environment and protecting natural resources and human health
and to achieving full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and
orders.

The company is a party to various other litigation and contingent loss
situations arising in the ordinary course of its business including: disputes
with customers and former customers; disputes with owners and former owners of
financially troubled or failed customers; disputes with employees and former
employees regarding labor conditions, wages, workers' compensation matters and
alleged discriminatory practices; tax assessments and other matters, some of
which are for substantial amounts.  However, the company does not believe any
such action will result in a material adverse effect on the company.

7. Certain indebtedness is guaranteed by all direct and indirect subsidiaries
of the company (except for certain inconsequential subsidiaries), all of which
are wholly owned.  The guarantees are joint and several, full, complete and
unconditional.  There are no restrictions on the ability of the subsidiary
guarantors to transfer funds to the company in the form of cash dividends,
loans or advances.  Full financial statements for the subsidiary guarantors are
not presented herein because management does not believe such information would
be material.

The following summarized financial information, which includes allocations of
material corporate-related expenses, for the combined subsidiary guarantors may
not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial
position had the subsidiary guarantors been operated as independent entities.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    April 18,        April 19,
(In millions)                         1998              1997
<S>                                 <C>              <C>
Current assets                           $31              $19
Noncurrent assets                        $72              $63
Current liabilities                      $15              $10
Noncurrent liabilities                    $7                -
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          16 weeks ended
                                    April 18,        April 19,
(In millions)                         1998              1997
<S>                                 <C>              <C>
Net sales                               $110              $89
Costs and expenses                      $112              $92
Net earnings (loss)                      $(1)             $(1)
</TABLE>

8. The accompanying earnings statements include the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               16 weeks
                                        ----------------------
(In thousands)                          1998              1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>
Depreciation and
  amortization (includes
  amortized costs in
  interest expense)                   $56,379          $56,572
Amortized costs in
  interest expense                     $1,839           $3,045
</TABLE>

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results
of Operations

Results of Operations

Management believes that the company's ultimate success will depend on its
ability to continue to cut costs while expanding profitable operations. The
company has revised its marketing plans and is taking other steps to reverse
sales declines.  These initiatives include increased marketing emphasis and
expanded offerings of Fleming Retail Services, streamlining and expanding
Fleming Brands, developing and marketing additional foodservice products and
growing retail food operations through remodels, new store development and
selective acquisitions. While the company believes considerable progress has
been made to date, no assurance can be given that the company will be
successful in continuing to cut costs, in reversing sales declines or in
increasing higher margin activities.

After taking into consideration one-time adjustments (recapitalization charge
in 1997, litigation charges in 1996 and 1997, a facilities consolidation and
restructuring adjustment in 1995 and $3 million in other charges in 1996 due
primarily to divested stores), adjusted earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA
(in millions) for the past thirteen quarters were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 1995 Adjusted   1996 Adjusted   1997 Adjusted    1998 Adjusted
                 -------------   -------------   -------------    -------------
                 EPS   EBITDA    EPS    EBITDA   EPS    EBITDA    EPS   EBITDA
                 ---   ------    ---    ------   ---    ------    ---   ------
<S>              <C>   <C>       <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>       <C>   <C>
First quarter    $ .40    $146   $ .25    $126   $ .39    $137    $.40    $141
Second quarter     .39     113     .30     104     .35     106
Third quarter      .10      92     .19     100     .23     100
Fourth quarter     .11      97     .27     105     .34     111
Rounding             -       -       -       -     .01       -
    Total        $1.00    $448   $1.01    $435   $1.32    $454
</TABLE>

Set forth in the following table is information for the first interim periods
of 1998 and 1997 regarding components of the company's earnings expressed as a
percentage of net sales.

<TABLE>
=============================================================================
<CAPTION>
First Interim Period                                     1998         1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Net sales                                            100.00%      100.00%

Gross margin                                           9.84         9.11
Less:
Selling and administrative                             8.14         7.65
Interest expense                                       1.12         1.03
Interest income                                        (.25)        (.30)
Equity investment results                               .08          .09
Litigation charge                                       .06          .40
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total expenses                                         9.15         8.87
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before taxes                                   .69          .24
Taxes on income                                         .36          .13
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings                                            .33%         .11%
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

Net sales
Sales for the first quarter (16 weeks) of 1998 decreased by $.2 billion, or 4%,
to $4.6 billion from $4.8 billion for the same period in 1997.  Several
factors, none of which are individually material, adversely affected net sales
including: lower sales at certain company-owned retail stores, the closing or
sale of certain other company-owned retail stores and a reduced amount of new
business which, the company believes, was caused, in part, by the adverse
publicity surrounding various litigation matters.  See Note 6 in the notes to
the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Retail sales generated by the same stores for the first quarter of 1998
compared to the same period in 1997 decreased 4.5%.  The decrease was
attributable, in part, to new stores opened by competitors in some markets and
aggressive marketing initiatives by certain competitors.

Fleming measures inflation using data derived from the average cost of a ton of
product sold by the company.  For the first quarter of 1998, food price
inflation was 2% which was up from the first quarter of 1997 when it was less
than 1%.

Gross margin
Gross margin for the first quarter of 1998 increased by approximately $16
million, or 4%, to $449 million from $433 million for the same period of 1997,
and also increased as a percentage of net sales to 9.84% from 9.11% for the
same period in 1997.  The increase was due, in part, to improved gross margins
at retail stores as well as favorable adjustments for closed stores due to
better-than-expected lease buyouts and property dispositions.  Product handling
expenses, consisting of warehouse, transportation and building expenses, were
lower as a percentage of net sales in 1998 compared to 1997, reflecting
productivity improvements.

Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 1998 increased by
approximately $7 million, or 2%, to $371 million from $364 million for the same
period in 1997 and increased as a percentage of net sales to 8.13% for 1998
from 7.65% in 1997.  The increase was principally due to increased expense at
retail stores.  Selling expense was higher than the previous year as the
company continues to work at reversing recent sales declines.  A charge for $4
million related to the expected outcome of the Furr's agreement was recorded in
the first quarter of 1998.  See Note 6 in the notes to the consolidated
condensed financial statements.  A $3.7 million facility consolidation reversal
was also recorded during the first quarter.

As more fully described in the 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the company has
a significant amount of credit extended to its customers through various
methods.  These methods include customary and extended credit terms for
inventory purchases and equity investments in and secured and unsecured loans 
to certain customers.  Secured loans generally have terms up to 10 years.

Credit loss expense is included in selling and administrative expenses and for
the first quarter of 1998 decreased to $3 million from $6 million for the
comparable period in 1997.  Credit loss expense has consistantly been improved
over the last few years due to tighter credit practices and reduced emphasis on
credit extensions to and investments in customers.  Although the company plans
on continuing these ongoing credit practices, it is not expected that the
credit loss expense will remain at current levels.

Interest expense
Interest expense for the first quarter of 1998 increased $2 million to $51
million from $49 million for the same period in 1997.  This was primarily due
to interest rates on new subordinated notes issued in the last half of 1997
being higher than the rates on the refinanced debt offset in part by lower
average levels of long-term debt.

The company's derivative agreements have consisted of simple "floating-to-fixed
rate" interest rate caps and swaps.  For the first quarter of 1998, interest
rate hedge agreements contributed $1.5 million of net interest expense 
compared to $2.7 million in the same period of 1997.

Interest income
Interest income for the first quarter of 1998 decreased by $3 million to $11
million from $14 million for the same period in 1997.  The decrease is partly
due to the sale of notes receivable in the fourth quarter of 1997 when the
company sold $29 million of notes receivable with limited recourse and a
reduced amount of notes receivable funded.  The decrease is also due to a lower
balance in investments in direct financing leases.  These items reduced the
amount available to produce interest income.

Equity investment results
The company's portion of operating losses from equity investments for the first
quarter of 1998 remained virtually unchanged at $4 million compared to the same
period in 1997.

Litigation charge
In October 1997, the company began paying Furr's $800,000 per month as part of
a settlement agreement.  Such payments may continue for up to an additional 13
months.  The $3 million charge in 1998 is representative of this charge.  In
the first quarter of 1997, the company expensed $19.2 million in settlement of
the David's litigation. See Note 6 in the notes to the consolidated condensed
financial statements.

Taxes on income
The estimated effective tax rate for the first quarter of 1998 was 51.3%
compared to 53.0% for the same period in 1997.  The higher rate in 1997 is
primarily due to anticipated lower earnings in 1997 due to the David's
litigation charge with basically no change in the nondeductible dollar amounts.

Litigation and contingencies

From time to time the company faces litigation or other contingent loss
situations resulting from owning and operating its assets, conducting its
business or complying (or allegedly failing to comply) with federal, state and
local laws, rules and regulations which may subject the company to material
contingent liabilities.  In accordance with applicable accounting standards,
the company records as a liability amounts reflecting such exposure when a
material loss is deemed by management to be both "probable" and "quantifiable"
or "reasonably estimable."  Furthermore, the company discloses material loss
contingencies in the notes to its financial statements when the likelihood of a
material loss has been determined to be greater than "remote" but less than
"probable."  Such contingent matters are discussed in Note 6 in the notes to
the consolidated condensed financial statements.  An adverse outcome 
experienced in one or more of such matters, or an increase in the likelihood 
of such an outcome, could have a material adverse effect on the company.  
Also see "Legal Proceedings."

Fleming has numerous computer systems which were developed employing six digit
date structures (i.e., two digits each for month, day and year).  Where date
logic requires the year 2000 or beyond, such date structures may produce
inaccurate results.  Management has implemented a program to comply with year
2000 requirements on a system-by-system basis.  Fleming's plan includes
extensive systems testing and is expected to be substantially completed by the
first quarter of 1999.  The solution for each system is potentially unique and
may be dependent on third-party software providers and developers.  Failure to
ensure that the company's computer systems are year 2000 compliant could have a
material adverse effect on the company's operations.  Additionally, failure of
the company's suppliers or its customers to become year 2000 compliant might
have a material adverse impact on the company's operations.

Program costs to comply with year 2000 requirements are being expensed as
incurred.  Expenditures with third parties are not expected to exceed
$10 million.  To compensate for the dilutive effect on results of operations,
the company has delayed other non-critical development and support initiatives.
Accordingly, the company expects that annual information technology expenses
will not differ significantly from prior years.

Other
Several factors negatively affecting earnings in the first quarter of 1998 are
likely to continue for the near term.  Management believes that these factors
include lower sales, operating losses in certain company-owned retail stores,
continuing commitments under the Furr's settlement agreement and legal fees and
expenses related to litigation.

Segment information
Sales and operating earnings for the company's food distribution and retail
food segments are presented below.

<TABLE>
=============================================================================
<CAPTION>
                                        First Interim Period
                                        --------------------
      ($ in millions)                   1998            1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>
Sales:
  Food distribution                    $3,486          $3,688
  Retail food                           1,081           1,064
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total sales                            $4,567          $4,752
=============================================================================

Operating earnings:
  Food distribution                       $92             $86
  Retail food                              19              27
  Corporate expense                       (33)            (44)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total operating earnings                  $78             $69
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

Operating earnings for industry segments consist of net sales less related
operating expenses.  Operating expenses exclude interest expense, interest
income, equity investment results, litigation charge and taxes on income.
General corporate expenses are not allocated to food distribution and retail
food segments.  The transfer pricing between segments is at cost.  Operating
earnings for 1997 have been restated as of year-end 1997 due to adopting SFAS
No. 131 - Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Set forth below is certain information regarding the company's capital
structure at the end of the first quarter of 1998 and at the end of fiscal
1997:

<TABLE>
=============================================================================
<CAPTION>
Capital Structure (In millions)    April 18, 1998     December 27, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>                <C>
Long-term debt                     $1,155   43.5%     $1,175    44.3%
Capital lease obligations             390   14.7         388    14.6
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total debt                          1,545   58.2       1,563    58.9
Shareholders' equity                1,110   41.8       1,090    41.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total capital                      $2,655  100.0%     $2,653   100.0%
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

Note: The above table includes current maturities of long-term debt and current
obligations under capital leases.


Long-term debt was $20 million lower at the end of the first quarter of 1998
compared to year-end 1997 primarily because net cash provided from operations
plus cash proceeds from the sale of assets and investments exceeded net cash
required for investing activities and payments on capital leases. Capital lease
obligations increased $2 million in 1998 because leases added for new retail
stores exceeded repayments.

The debt-to-capital ratio at quarter-end 1998 was 58.2%, down from 58.9% at
year-end 1997. The company's long-term target ratio is between 50% and 55%.

Operating activities generated $50 million of net cash flows for the first
quarter of 1998 compared to the use of $26 million in the same period of 1997.
The difference was principally due to changes in working capital, higher
deferred taxes and higher net earnings. Working capital was $382 million at
quarter-end 1998, an increase from $340 million at year-end 1997. The current
ratio increased to 1.36 to 1, from 1.29 to 1 at year-end 1997.

Capital expenditures were $38 million for the first quarter of 1998 compared to
$28 million for the same period in 1997. Total capital expenditures for 1998
(excluding acquisitions, if any) are expected to be approximately $230 million.
The company intends to increase its retail operations by increasing investments
in new and remodeled stores in the company's existing retail chains and by
making selective acquisitions of supermarket chains or groups as opportunities
arise.

The company's principal sources of liquidity and capital in the first quarter
of 1998 have been cash flows from operating activities, the sale of certain
assets and investments and, as needed, borrowings under its credit facility.

The company's credit agreement and the indentures under which other company
debt instruments were issued contain customary covenants associated with
similar facilities. The credit agreement currently contains the following more
significant financial covenants: maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio
of at least 1.7 to 1, based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization and net rent expense; maintenance of a ratio of
inventory-plus-accounts receivable to funded bank debt (including letters of
credit) of at least 1.4 to 1; and a limitation on restricted payments,
including dividends. Covenants contained in the company's indentures under
which other company debt instruments were issued are generally less restrictive
than those of the credit agreement. The company is in compliance with all
financial covenants under the credit agreement and its indentures.

In addition, the credit facility may be terminated in the event of a defined
change of control. Under the company's indentures, noteholders may require the
company to repurchase notes in the event of a defined change of control coupled
with a defined decline in credit ratings.

At quarter-end 1998, borrowings under the credit facility totaled $237 million
in term loans and $35 million of revolver borrowings, and $88 million of
letters of credit had been issued. Letters of credit are needed primarily for
insurance reserves associated with the company's normal risk management
activities. To the extent that any of these letters of credit would be drawn,
payments would be financed by borrowings under the credit agreement.

At quarter-end 1998, the company would have been allowed to borrow an
additional $477 million under the revolving credit facility contained in the
credit agreement based on the actual borrowings and letters of credit
outstanding. Under the company's most restrictive borrowing covenant, which is
the fixed charges coverage ratio contained in the credit agreement, $53 million
of additional fixed charges could have been incurred.

The composite interest rate for total debt (including capital lease
obligations) before the effect of interest rate hedges was 10.4% for quarter-
end 1998, versus 9.2% for the same period in 1997. Including the effect of
interest rate hedges, the composite interest rate of debt was 10.7% and 9.8% at
the end of the first quarter of 1998 and the same period in 1997, respectively.

At quarter-end 1998, the company employed interest rate swaps covering a total
of $250 million of floating rate indebtedness with three counterparty banks
possessing investment grade credit ratings. The swaps have an average fixed
interest rate of 7.22% and an average remaining term of 2.1 years. Net interest
payments made or received under interest rate swaps are included in interest
expense. See "-Results of Operations-Interest Expense" above and Note 6 in the
notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Dividend payments in the first quarter of 1998 were $.02 per share. The credit
agreement and the indentures for the $500 million of senior subordinated notes
limit restricted payments, including dividends, to $61 million at quarter-end
1998 based on a formula tied to net earnings and equity issuances.

For the foreseeable future, cash flows from operating activities and the
company's ability to borrow under its credit agreement are expected to be the
company's principal sources of liquidity and capital. In addition, lease
financing may be employed for new stores and certain equipment. Management
believes these sources will be adequate to meet working capital needs, capital
expenditures (including expenditures for acquisitions, if any) and other
capital needs for the next 12 months.

Forward-Looking Information

This report contains forward-looking statements of expected future
developments.  The company wishes to ensure that such statements are
accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements pursuant to the safe harbor
established in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The
forward-looking statements in the report refer to, among other matters, the
company's expectations regarding the adequacy of capital and liquidity.  These
forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based upon
currently available data; however, actual results are subject to future events
and uncertainties which could materially impact actual performance.  The
company's future performance also involves a number of risks and uncertainties.
Among the factors that can cause actual performance to differ materially are
the continuation of competitive pressures on pricing, the implementation of the
company's reengineering programs, the company's inability to achieve cost
savings due to unexpected developments, changed plans regarding capital
expenditures, adverse developments with respect to litigation and other
contingency matters, together with world and national economic conditions and
the impact of such conditions on consumer spending.



                         PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Set forth below is information regarding litigation which became reportable or
as to which a material development has occurred since the date of the company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997:

(1) Randall's.  In July 1997, Randall's Food Markets, Inc. ("Randall's"),
initiated arbitration proceedings against Fleming.  Randall's has been a
Fleming customer for over 30 years.  In 1997, Randall's purchased approximately
$450 million of products from Fleming under an eight-year supply contract
entered into in 1993 in connection with Fleming's purchase of certain
distribution assets from Randall's.  Prior to initiating the arbitration
proceeding, Randall's unsuccessfully sought to terminate its supply contract.

Randall's alleged that Fleming conspired with a group of manufacturers and
vendors to defraud Randall's by inflating prices and that Fleming impermissibly
modified the pricing mechanism of its supply contract.  Randall's claims it was
overcharged by approximately $54 million during a 4 1/2 year period.  Randall's
initially alleged breach of contract, fraud and RICO violations, and sought
actual, punitive and treble damages, termination of its supply contract,
attorneys' fees and costs.  The contract on which Randall's bases its claim
prohibits either party from recovering any amount other than actual damages;
recovery of consequential damages, punitive damages and all similar forms of
damages are expressly prohibited.

In April 1998, the evidentiary phase of the arbitration was concluded during
which Randall's withdrew its RICO claims (thereby eliminating any basis for
treble damages) and offered no evidence to support its earlier allegations of
fraud (the basis on which punitive damages may be sought).

The company believes it has complied with its obligations to Randall's in good
faith.  While management is unable to predict the potential range of monetary
exposure to Randall's, if any, the effect of an unfavorable outcome in the
arbitration or the premature loss of Randall's business could have a material
adverse effect on the company.

(2)  Class Action Suits.  In 1996 certain stockholders and one noteholder filed
purported class action suits against the company and certain of its present and
former officers and directors, each in the U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Oklahoma.  In April 1997, the court consolidated the stockholder
cases as City of Philadelphia, et al. v. Fleming Companies, Inc., et al.; the
noteholder case was also consolidated, but only for pre-trial purposes. During
the first quarter of 1998, the noteholder case was dismissed, without
prejudice, for failure to state a cause of action.  The plaintiff has asked the
court to reconsider the matter.

(3)  Tobacco Cases.  In August 1996, Richard E. Ieyoub, the Attorney General of
the State of Louisiana, brought an action in the 14th Judicial District Court
of Louisiana against The American Tobacco Company and numerous defendants
including the company.  Since then 20 actions have been filed by individual
plaintiffs (Joseph Aezen, Najiyya El-Haddi, Victoria Lynn Katz, Robert R.
Applebaum, Carla Boyce, Robert J. Ruiz, Rosalind K. Orr, Florence Ferguson,
Ella Daly, Janet Anes, Kym Glasser, Welton Lee Upshur, Donald G. Teti, George
Thompson, Ronald Folkman, Sandy and Howard Greenfield, Francis Ryziw, Patricia
Oliver, Charles Simmons Sr. and Patricia Simmons, and Joseph Pennetti) against
major tobacco companies (R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Phillip Morris
Companies, Lorillard Tobacco Company and The American Tobacco Company) and
others including the company (or one of its predecessors) in the Court of
Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; two individuals (Doyle Smith
and Gloria Schultz) commenced separate actions in the Court of Common Pleas,
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania against Phillip Morris Companies and others
including the company; one individual (Olanda Carter) commenced an action
against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and a predecessor of the company in the
Circuit Court for Shelby County, Tennessee; and one case (Carrie Badon, et ux)
was filed against RJR Nabisco, Inc. and others including the Company in the
Cameron Parish, Louisiana.  Each of these cases alleges substantial monetary
liability for Fleming's participation in the distribution of tobacco products.
The company is being indemnified and defended by substantial third party
co-defendants with respect to these cases.  The indemnifications are
unconditional and unlimited.

(4)  Don's United Super.  On March 18, 1998 the company and two retired
executives were named in a suit filed in the United States District Court for
the Western District of Missouri by approximately 20 current and former
customers of the company (Don's United Super, et al. v. Fleming, et al.) who
operate 24 retail grocery stores in the St. Joseph and Kansas City metropolitan
areas.  Previously, two additional cases were filed in the same court (R&D
Foods, Inc. et al. v. Fleming, et al. and Robandee United Super, Inc. et al. v.
Fleming, et al.) by 10 customers, some of whom are plaintiffs in the Don's
case.  These two cases, which principally seek an accounting of the company's
expenditure of certain joint advertising funds, have been consolidated.  Causes
of action in these two cases relating to supply contracts containing
arbitration clauses have been sent to arbitration and all remaining causes of
action have been stayed pending the arbitration.

The Don's suit alleges product overcharges, breach of contract,
misrepresentation, fraud, and RICO violations and seeks recovery of actual,
punitive and treble damages and a declaration that certain contracts are
voidable at the option of the plaintiffs.  Damages have not been quantified.
However, the time period during which the alleged overcharges took place
exceeds, with respect to some plaintiffs, 25 years and the company anticipates
that the plaintiffs will allege substantial monetary damages.  The company
intends to vigorously defend its interests.  Management is currently unable to
predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation.  However, based upon the
plaintiffs' allegations, an unfavorable outcome in this litigation could have a
material adverse effect on the company.

Item 4.  Results of Votes of Security Holders

The company held its annual meeting on May 14, 1998.  Matters voted on were as
follows:

Election of directors - Robert E. Stauth and Archie Dykes were each elected
members of the Board of Directors for terms expiring in 2001.  Directors whose
terms of office continued are Jack W. Baker, Edward C. Joullian III, Alice M.
Peterson, Carol B. Hallett, Guy A. Osborn, and David Rismiller.

Election of independent auditors - Shareholders ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP
as independent auditors for 1998.

Shareholder proposal relating to the declassification of the Board of Directors
- - Shareholders approved the proposal recommending that the company elect
directors annually and not by classes.

The number of votes cast for the above matters is as follows (votes in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        For             Withheld
<S>                                     <C>             <C>
Election of Directors
  Robert E. Stauth                      31,822          3,220
  Archie Dykes                          31,876          3,166

                                        For             Against       Abstain

Independent auditors                    34,786            186              70

Shareholder proposal                    21,962          7,595             520
</TABLE>

No other business came before the meeting.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number                                     Page Number
<S>   <C>                                          <C>
12    Computation of Ratio of Earnings
        to Fixed Charges

27    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

    None
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                        FLEMING COMPANIES, INC.
                                             (Registrant)

Date: May 18, 1998                      KEVIN J. TWOMEY
                                        Kevin J. Twomey
                                        Vice President-Controller
                                        (Principal Accounting Officer)

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                           EXHIBIT INDEX
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.   Description                 Method of Filing
- -----------   -----------                 ----------------
<S>           <C>                         <C>
12            Computation of Ratio of     Filed herewith electronically
                Earnings to Fixed Charges

27            Financial Data Schedule     Filed herewith electronically
</TABLE>


                                                              Exhibit 12
<TABLE>
                       Fleming Companies, Inc.
           Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
<CAPTION>
                                              16 Weeks Ended
                                        April 18,       April 19,
(In thousands of dollars)                 1998            1997
<S>                                     <C>             <C>
Earnings:
  Pretax income                         $31,375         $11,202
  Fixed charges, net                     62,428          60,562

Total earnings                          $93,803         $71,764

Fixed charges:
  Interest expense                      $51,202         $48,822
  Portion of rental charges
    deemed to be interest                11,095          11,627
  Capitalized interest                        -               -

     Total fixed charges                $62,297         $60,449

  Ratio of earnings
    to fixed charges                       1.51            1.19
</TABLE>


"Earnings" consists of income before income taxes and fixed charges excluding
capitalized interest.  Capitalized interest amortized during the respective
periods is added back to earnings.

"Fixed charges, net" consists of interest expense, an estimated amount of
rental expense which is deemed to be representative of the interest factor and
amortization of capitalized interest.

The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges is omitted as it is not
applicable.



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM
10-Q FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED APRIL 18, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-26-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-18-1998
<CASH>                                          36,109
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  359,008
<ALLOWANCES>                                    17,647
<INVENTORY>                                    956,857
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,452,823
<PP&E>                                       1,626,277
<DEPRECIATION>                                 675,115
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,854,277
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,070,585
<BONDS>                                      1,113,233
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        95,660
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,014,397
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,854,277
<SALES>                                      4,567,126
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             4,567,126
<CGS>                                        4,117,882
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                4,481,836
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,713
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              51,202
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 31,375
<INCOME-TAX>                                    16,105
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,270
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,270
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .40
        

</TABLE>


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