Publix quarterly comps up 4%

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix today reported sales for the second quarter of 2007 were $5.7 billion, a 5.9% increase from last year's $5.3 billion. Comparable-store sales for the second quarter of 2007 increased 4%.

Net earnings for the second quarter were $306.4 million this year, compared to $264 million in 2006, an increase of 16.1%. Earnings per share were 36 cents for the second quarter of 2007, compared to 31 cents per share for the second quarter of 2006.

Publix's sales for the first half of 2007 were $11.5 billion, a 6.3% increase from last year's $10.9 billion. Net earnings for the first half of 2007 were $624 million, compared to $552.4 million in 2006, an increase of 13%. Earnings per share increased to 74 cents for the first half of 2007, up from 65 cents per share in 2006.