Publix sees boost in private stock

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix's associates and board members will be pleased with the news that the company's private stock has increased from $22.40 per share to $22.70 per share, effective May 1. Since it is not publicly traded, only current Publix employees and members of its board of directors can buy Publix stock.



“I’m pleased we had another increase in our stock price during a time of economic challenges,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our associates deserve the credit for continuing to make us a leader in our industry.”



Publix’s sales for the first quarter of 2012 were $7.1 billion, a 4.2% increase from last year’s $6.8 billion. Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased 3.3%.



Net earnings for the first quarter of 2012 were $409.4 million, compared with $398.2 million in 2011, an increase of 2.8%. Earnings per share for the first quarter increased to 52 cents for 2012, up from 51 cents per share in 2011.