LAKELAND, Fla. —  Publix on Monday reported strong sales gains for the third quarter and fiscal year ended December 26.

Publix’s sales for the fourth quarter were $11.2 billion, a 14.8% increase from the $9.8 billion recorded in 2019. Comparable store sales for the three-month period increased 13.4%. The company estimates about $850 million, or 8.7%, of the fourth quarter sales gain was due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Publix reported net earnings of $1 billion for the quarter, compared to $789.3 million in 2019, an increase of 29.2%. Earnings per share for the quarter 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 period 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 were $44.9 billion, a 17.7% increase from $38.1 billion in 2019. Comparable store sales for the fiscal year increased 16%. The company estimates that sales stemming from the pandemic accounted for about $4.6 billion — or 12.1% — of its sales for the year.

“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,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said. “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.”

Net earnings for the fiscal year were $4 billion, an increase of 32.2% from the $3 billion posted in 2019. Earnings per share for the fiscal year 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 would have been $3.7 billion, an increase of 41% compared to $2.6 billion in 2019. Earnings per share would have been $5.27 per share, compared to $3.67 per share in 2019.

Effective Monday, 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.