LAKELAND, Fla. – Publix has released its fourth-quarter results as well as FY 2020, and their performance is stellar YOY.
“It remains a top priority of Publix to serve the communities in which it operates in a way that protects the health and safety of its associates and customers,” said Publix in a release.
Publix’s sales for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020, were $11.2 billion, a 14.8% increase from $9.8 billion in 2019. Comparable store sales for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020, increased 13.4%. The company estimates its sales for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020, increased approximately $850 million or 8.7% due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020 were $1 billion, compared to $789.3 million in 2019, an increase of 29.2%. Earnings per share for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020 increased to $1.47 per share, up from $1.11 per share in 2019.
Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2020 and 2019, net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 26, 2020 would have been $918.5 million, compared to $656.6 million in 2019, an increase of 39.9%. Earnings per share would have been $1.32 per share, compared to $0.93 per share in 2019.
Publix’s sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 were $44.9 billion, a 17.7% increase from $38.1 billion in 2019. Comparable store sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 increased 16%. The company estimates its sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 increased approximately $4.6 billion or 12.1% due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Net earnings for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 were $4 billion, compared to $3 billion in 2019, an increase of 32.2%. Earnings per share for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 increased to $5.67 per share, up from $4.21 per share in 2019. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2020 and 2019, net earnings for the fiscal year ended Dec. 26, 2020 would have been $3.7 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in 2019, an increase of 41%. Earnings per share would have been $5.27 per share, compared to $3.67 per share in 2019.
These amounts are based on audited financial statements that were to be filed Monday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and made available on the company’s website at corporate.publix.com/stock.
Effective March 1, 2021, Publix’s stock price increased from $57.95 per share to $60.20 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.
“It has been about a year since the start of the pandemic, and our associates’ efforts to serve our customers, communities and each other during this difficult time have been amazing,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “Now, by doing our part to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, we are proud to help our communities take the next step to return to normal.”