Mar 4, 2005 8:52 AM, from staff and wire reports

Fourth quarter 2004 sales for the Publix supermarket chain reached about $4.8 billion, a 10.3% increase from $4.3 billion in the same period of 2003.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter were approximately $232.9 million this year, compared with $177.7 million in 2003, a gain of 31.0%.

Publix’s sales for the fiscal year ended Dec 25, 2004, reached $18.6 billion, a 10.7% increase from $16.8 billion a year earlier. Net earnings for 2004 were $819.4 million, versus $660.9 million for 2003.

In other news, Publix is converting stores in Kissimmee and Hialeah FL to a Hispanic-themed supermarket format called Publix Sabor. The stores are expected to open by early May. They will feature expanded offerings in the Hispanic food and grocery categories and be staffed with bilingual associates.