Publix same-store sales up but stock takes a hit

Exceptional customer service continues to drive growth at Publix Supermarkets, which had strong earnings and same-store sales growth in its third quarter.



Publix sales for the third quarter 2015 totaled $7.8 billion, representing a 6.3% increase from last year. Comparable-store sales for the third quarter of 2015 increased 4.2%.



Net earnings for third quarter 2015 were $412.3 million, compared to $384.2 million in 2014, an increase of 7.3%. Earnings per share for the third quarter increased to $0.53 for 2015, up from $0.49 per share in 2014.



Publix sales for the first nine months of 2015 were $24.1 billion, a 6.4% increase. Same-store sales for the first nine months of 2015 increased 4.5%.



Effective Nov. 1, 2015, Publix’ stock price decreased from $42 per share to $41.80 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.



“I’m proud of our associates for delivering strong results,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Unfortunately, the challenges in the stock market continue to impact our stock price.”