Rite Aid $425 million in the red during second quarter.(Brief Article)

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Although earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and nonrecurring expenses (EBITDA) and sales improved, Rite Aid Corp. remained shrouded in red ink during the 13 weeks ended August 26, as the effects of special charges and hefty interest payments drove losses upward.

The embattled drug chain reported a $425 million loss from continuing operations for this year s second quarter, compared with a $154.4 million loss in the 1999 period. Sales rose 7.5% to $3.44 billion from $3.2 billion, as a 9.9% same-store gain was partially offset by the effects of store closings. Including an estimated $31.4 million after-tax loss on the October 2, 2000, sale of PCS …