PATHMARK REPORTS NET DOWN, PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS UP

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- Pathmark Stores here said sales and earnings from continuing operations increased for the fourth quarter ended Feb. 3. Nevertheless, net earnings were off following the sale of 30 drug stores to Rite Aid Corp. and the closure of six others.

week fourth quarter.

Sales fell 0.2% for the year and rose 4% for the quarter.

Earnings from continuing operations rose 36.1% to $32.8 million for the year and 40.5% to $17.7 million for the quarter, while operating cash flow rose 6.2% for the year to $268.9 million and 17.5% for the quarter to $86.8 million.

4TH-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 2/3/96 1/28/95

Sales $1.14 billion $1.09 billion

Change 4.0%

Same-store - 0.4%*

Net Income $17.7 million $29.6 million

Change - 40.2%

53 Weeks 1995 1994

Sales $4.182 billion $4.189 billion

Change - 0.2%

Same-store - 0.3%*

Net Income $32.8 million $39.0 million

Change - 15.9%

* Excludes the extra week in fiscal 1995.