CKE Restaurants June same-store sales fall

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (AP) — CKE Restaurants Inc., which operates Hardee's and Carl's Jr. restaurants, said Wednesday same-store sales fell 5.2 percent during the four weeks ended June 15.

Sales in stores open at least one year, or so-called same-store sales, fell 7.1 percent at Carl's Jr. and 2.7 percent at Hardee's.

Andrew F. Puzder, company CEO, said the weak economy and "fierce competitive pressure designed to attract low guest-check consumers" hurt results. He also said year-earlier fiscal stimulus checks and the current rising unemployment rates hurt results.

Year-to-date, same-store sales fell 2.5 percent, including a 5.5 percent drop at Carl's Jr. and a 1.4 percent increase at Hardee's.

Separately, CKE Restaurants said its fiscal first-quarter profit fell 13 percent, but results beat analyst expectations.

Shares rose 30 cents, or 3.5 percent, to $9 during aftermarket electronic trading after gaining 18 cents to close at $8.70 in the regular session.