Easter holiday helps bolster Publix Q1 results

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix posted first quarter sales of $7.5 billion, representing a 6.1% increase. The Easter holiday in the first quarter of 2013, which was in the second quarter of 2012, increased sales by approximately 1.3%, the grocer noted.

Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3.9%.

“I’m very pleased that our strong operating performance and improvements in the stock market resulted in a significant increase in our stock price,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “I want to thank our associates — the owners of Publix — for continuing to make us a leader in our industry.”

Effective May 1, Publix’s stock price increased from $23.20 per share to $26.90 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.