Though Publix’s sales for the second quarter and first half of 2026 were up 1 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively, comparable store stores were down 0.5 percent and 0.3 percent for those periods.
For three months ended June 27, sales were $15.7 billion, up from $15.6 billion in 2025; for the six months, sales were $31.9 billion, an increase from $31.4 billion in 2025.
The comp store decreases were due to the impact of the Medicare maximum fair price (MFP) change effective Jan. 1, 2026, which reduced drug prices for 10 drugs. The Lakeland, Florida-based grocer said sales also were negatively affected by economic conditions impacting consumer spending.
“I’m grateful for our associates’ commitment to our customers, our communities and each other, especially during this difficult economic time,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy.
Second quarter financials
Net earnings for the three months ended June 27 were $1.7 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in 2025, an increase of 20.5 percent. Earnings per share increased to $0.52 per share, up from $0.42 per share in 2025. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2026 and 2025, net earnings for the three months would have been $1.1 billion, compared to $1 billion in 2025, an increase of 1.7 percent. Earnings per share would have been $0.33 per share, compared to $0.32 per share in the 2025 period.
First half financials
Net earnings for the six months were $2.5 billion, compared to $2.4 billion in 2025, an increase of 2.7 percent. Earnings per share increased to $0.76 per share, up from $0.73 per share in 2025. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2026 and 2025, net earnings would have been $2.2 billion, and earnings per share would have been $0.69 per share versus $0.68 per share in 2025.
Effective Aug. 1, 2026, Publix’s stock price decreased from $20.45 per share to $19.60 per share. The stock is only available for sale to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, operates 1,441 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.