Publix third-quarter sales up 4.4%

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Thursday announced a 4.4% increase in third-quarter sales to $6.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 2.5%. 

“Although the economy continues to be weak, I’m pleased with the improvement in our operating results and stock price,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver exceptional customer service.”

Net earnings for the third quarter were $368.4 million, an increase of 18.1%. Earnings per share for the third quarter increased to $0.47 for 2012, up from $0.40 per share in 2011. 

Publix’s sales for the first nine months of 2012 were $20.5 billion, a 3.9 percent increase from last year’s $19.7 billion. Comparable-store sales for the first nine months of 2012 increased 2.6 percent. 

Effective Nov. 1, 2012, Publix’s stock price increased from $22.00 per share to $22.50 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.