Publix Sales, Comps Up in Q1

Publix has posted $7.8 billion in net sales for the first quarter of 2014, a 4.1 percent increase from last year's $7.5 billion, as well as a 4 percent increase in comparable-store sales.

Net earnings for Q1 of 2014 were $493.7 million, up from $471.3 million in 2013, an increase of 4.8 percent. Earnings per share for the first quarter increased to 63 cents per share for 2014, up from 61 cents in 2013.

“I’m proud of our Publix associates who continue to deliver premier customer service,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our good operating performance is a result of their hard work and dedication.”

Additionally, Publix’s stock price increased from $30.15 per share to $32.50 per share, effective today.

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix operates 1,077 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina, and has been named one of Fortune's “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 17 consecutive years.