WFSB parent ends fiscal 2010 strong

Meredith Corp. got more revenue from ads and licensed products at its magazines and TV stations, including WFSB Channel 3 in Rocky Hill, on its way to lifting fiscal fourth-quarter and annual sales and earnings.

The Des Moines, Iowa, broadcaster and publisher of Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal and other magazines earned $33.4 million, or 74 cents a share, in the three months ended June 30, compared to a loss of $163.7 million, or $3.64 a share, the same period last year.

Fourth-quarter sales climbed to $365.1 million from $345.9 million a year ago.

On the year, Meredith earned $104 million, or $2.30 a share, compared to a loss of $107.1 million, or $2.38 a share, in fiscal 2009.

Fiscal 2010 sales were $1.39 billion vs. $1.4 billion the previous year.