A&P EARNINGS JUMP IN QUARTER

MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P here said it had its best second-half performance since 1990 during the period ended Feb. 24.

for the 12-week quarter was $25.6 million, compared with $5.8 million a year ago.

After closing 124 stores in 1995, the company said sales fell 2.2% for the year and 1.7% for the quarter.

4TH-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 2/24/96 2/25/95

Sales $2.3 billion $2.4 billion

Change - 1.7%

Same-store 0.3%

Net Income $25.6 million $5.8 million

Change 342.4%

Inc/Share 67 cents 15 cents

52 Weeks 1995 1994

Sales $10.1 billion $10.3 billion

Change - 2.2%

Same-store - 0.5%

Net Income $57.2 million ($171.5 million)

Inc/Share $1.50 ($4.49)