Publix reports a 2.1% sales boost in Q2

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix’s sales for the second quarter of 2016 were $8.1 billion, a 2.1% increase from last year’s $8 billion. Comparable-store sales for the second quarter of 2016 increased 1.1%. 

The company says sales were negatively impacted by 1.2% due to the effect of the Easter holiday being in the first quarter in 2016. In 2015, the effect of the Easter holiday was in the second quarter.

Net earnings for the second quarter of 2016 were $478.2 million, compared to $482.7 million in 2015, a decrease of 0.9%. Earnings per share were unchanged at $0.62 per share.

Publix’s sales for the first half of 2016 were $16.8 billion, a 3.3% increase from last year’s $16.3 billion. Comparable-store sales for the first half of 2016 increased 2.2%.

Net earnings for the first half of 2016 were $1.1 billion, compared to $1 billion in 2015, an increase of 2.8%. Earnings per share increased to $1.37 for the first half of 2016, up from $1.33 per share in 2015.

Effective Aug. 1, Publix’s stock price decreased from $43.95 per share to $41.90 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.

“Our results were impacted by weakening tourism in some market areas and the timing of Easter,” said Publix CEO & President Todd Jones. “Our associates remain focused on providing excellent customer service.”

Currently Publix has 1,121 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.