Publix overall sales and earnings are down in the third quarter versus a COVID-19 influenced period a year previous, but comparable sales gained as better established operations saw strength amid the company’s expansion.
For the third quarter, Publix posted net earnings of $856.9 million, or $1.24 per share, compared to $917.6 million, or $1.31 per share in the 2020 period. With the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2021 and 2020 excluded, net earnings were $802.5 million, or $1.16 per share, versus $836.2 million, or $1.20 per share, in the year-prior quarter.
Comparable store sales for the three months for the third quarter increased 6.3% year over year the company reported. Publix’s total sales were $11.9 billion versus $11.1 billion in the 2020 period.
Effective November 1, Publix’s stock price increased from $63.10 per share to $66.40 per share, the company noted. As is always the case, Publix stock is not publicly traded and available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.
