WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the final three months of last year, and Americans earned more income than previously reported. That could set the stage for stronger growth this year.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the economy expanded at a 3 percent annual rate in the October-December quarter, the fastest pace since the spring of 2010. It exceeded the previous estimate of 2.8 percent and was better than the growth rate of 1.8 percent in the third quarter of 2011.

Most of last quarter’s growth stemmed from a jump in company restocking. That happened because businesses rebuilt inventories that had been depleted last summer. Stockpiling is expected to slow sharply this quarter. And as it slows, economic growth could, too.

But economists stressed that the fundamental drivers of the economy — incomes, consumer spending and business investment — are rising. They will most likely sustain modest growth this year.