Net and comp sales at Publix gained in the first quarter but earnings came in essentially flat.
Net earnings were $1.2 billion or 37 cents per share, versus $618 million, or 18 cents per share, in the 2022 quarter. With the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2023 and net unrealized losses on equity securities in 2022 excluded, net earnings for the first quarter would be $1.1 billion, or 32 cents per share, versus $1.1 billion or 31 cents per share, in the year-previous period.
Publix based the numbers on unaudited financial statements it has filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and which it makes available on the company’s website at corporate.publix.com/stock.
Effective May 1, Publix’s stock price advanced from $14.55 per share to $14.97 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.
