Publix Super Markets, Inc. reported its third quarter 2026 results on November 2, 2026, showing a modest increase in total sales but a decline in net earnings compared to the prior year.
For the three months ended September 26, 2026, total sales reached $15.5 billion, representing a 1% increase from $15.4 billion in the same period in 2025. However, comparable store sales decreased by 0.6% during this timeframe. The company attributes the sales increase to organic growth, though it notes that the growth was lower than expected due to the Medicare maximum fair price (MFP) change effective January 1, 2026, which reduced drug prices for 10 specific drugs. Additionally, sales were negatively impacted by broader economic conditions affecting consumer spending.
Net earnings for the quarter ended September 26, 2026, were $1.1 billion, a decrease of 9.9% from $1.2 billion in 2025. Earnings per share (EPS) decreased to $0.33 per share from $0.37 per share in the prior year. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities, net earnings would have been $908 million, down 7.3% from $980 million in 2025, and EPS would have been $0.29 per share compared to $0.30 per share.
For the nine months ended September 26, 2026, total sales were $47.4 billion, a 1.4% increase from $46.8 billion in 2025. Comparable store sales decreased by 0.4% over the nine-month period. Net earnings for the nine months were $3.5 billion, a decrease of 1.5% from $3.6 billion in 2025. EPS remained unchanged at $1.10 per share for the nine months. Excluding the impact of equity securities, net earnings would have been $3.1 billion, a decrease of 2.8% from $3.2 billion in 2025, and EPS would have been $0.97 per share compared to $0.98 per share.
Publix stock is not publicly traded and is available for sale only to current associates and board members. Effective November 1, 2026, the stock price decreased from $19.60 per share to $18.70 per share.
