In its first quarter, which ended March 29, Publix’s comparable sales and adjusted earnings gained momentum.
Net earnings were $1.01 billion versus $1.37 billion in the year-earlier quarter, with earnings per share slipping to 31 cents from 41 cents, the company reported. However, with the effect of unrealized losses on equity securities in 2025 and unrealized gains on equity securities in 2024 excluded, net earnings were $1.18 billion versus $1.08 billion in the year-prior period, with earnings per share gaining to 36 cents from 33 cents.
Sales were $15.8 billion versus $15.1 billion in the 2024 period, as comparable sales advanced 4%. The company noted that the quarter’s year-over-year comp increase was one point lower due to the Easter holiday falling in the 2025 second quarter compared with the 2024 first quarter.
Effective May 1, Publix’s stock price increased from $19.20 to $20.20 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and the company’s board of directors.
