Publix comps up in Q4 and FY

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix Tuesday reported fourth-quarter sales of $6.4 billion, a 4.4% increase from last year’s $6.1 billion. Comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased 3.2%.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2010 were $342.1 million, compared with $284.2 million in 2009, an increase of 20.4%. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter increased to 44 cents for 2010, up from 36 cents per share in 2009.

For the fiscal year ended Dec. 25, 2010, Publix reported sales of $25.1 billion, a 3.3% increase from last year’s $24.3 billion. Comparable-store sales for 2010 increased 2.3%.

Net earnings for 2010 were $1.3 billion, compared with $1.2 billion for 2009, an increase of 15.2%. Earnings per share increased to $1.70 for 2010, up from $1.47 per share in 2009.