Winn Dixie (WINN) emerging from bankruptcy

Grocery store chain Winn Dixie Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: WINN) is emerging from bankruptcy with remodeled stores, better shopping conditions and product mix, improved customer service, and strict attention to cost management. Same store sales for 1Q 2008 are essentially flat, but the company posted a huge reduction in net loss, $800,000, down from $24.6 million net loss one year ago, a $23.8 million improvement. Net income for 1Q 2008 was $1.6 billion, up $11 million. Gross profits increased $22 million to $446.4 million, and the 30 remodeled stores have registered increased foot traffic. Winn Dixie plans to remodel a total of 75 stores in 2008.

Winn Dixie is also focusing on cost control as it emerges from Chapter 11. Administrative and promotional expenses have been slashed, as have costs at the company's distribution facilities. Winn Dixie still faces significant capital expenditures for store remodeling, at least $140 million. Legal costs to emerge from bankruptcy will run in the $5 million to $7 million range.

Even in the midst of a difficult and complex multi-year turnaround, Winn Dixie has acted to gain the goodwill of consumers and investors. Winn Dixie remodeled and reopened one of the first full-service grocery stores in lower east side New Orleans to help the city rebuild. The company is on the front lines in the fight against breast cancer, providing educational materials in its stores and sponsoring free mammograms for women without access to health care services.

The stock currently trades around $19. Given the success of the company's turnaround thus far, this is a stock for bargain hunters to investigate.