Q4, fiscal-year comps up for Publix

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Tuesday disclosed a 4.4% increase in its fourth-quarter sales, reaching $6.4 billion, while comparable-store sales for quarter also rose 3.2%.

Net earnings for the retailer totaled $342.1 million, compared with $284.2 million in the year-ago period, 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, Publix reported sales of $25.1 billion, a 3.3% uptick from last year’s $24.3 billion. Comparable-store sales for 2010 experienced a 2.3% gain.

Net earnings also saw a boost in 2010, rising 15.2% to $1.3 billion, compared with last year. Earnings per share increased to $1.70 for 2010, up from $1.47 per share in 2009.