LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets Inc. on Monday posted earnings of $789 million in its fiscal fourth quarter. Sales increased 5%, to $9.8 billion.

Comparable-store sales increased 3.6% in the period, the company said.

Publix’s sales for the fiscal year ended December 28 were $38.1 billion, up 5.6% from fiscal 2018. Full-year comps increased 3.6%, the company said in a statement.

Net earnings for the fiscal year were up 26.2% to $3 billion.

“I’m proud of our Publix associates for continuing to make us a leader in our industry and providing legendary customer service,” said Todd Jones, Publix’s chief executive officer.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the United States, operates 1,243 stores in seven states Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.