Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kroger has filed a motion for preliminary injunction against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging its merger with Albertson's. The company argues that the FTC's actions violate Constitutional protections in two key areas:

1. The Administrative Law Judge's lack of removability by the President violates Article II.
2. Adjudicating private rights through the Executive Branch rather than the Judicial Branch violates Article III.

Kroger contends that the FTC is inappropriately seeking multiple opportunities to litigate the same issues by splitting its challenge into two separate tribunals. The company remains prepared to defend the merger in the upcoming federal court trial, set to begin on August 26 in the District of Oregon.

Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has initiated private exchange offers for certain eligible holders of Albertsons Companies notes, aiming to exchange up to $7.44 billion in new Kroger notes and cash. The exchange is linked to the anticipated merger between Kroger and Albertsons, expected to close in Q4 2024.

The offers target multiple Albertsons-issued notes, including series due from 2026 to 2037. Kroger seeks consent to amend indentures governing these notes, removing restrictive covenants and certain default events, among other changes. Eligible holders who tender notes before the Early Participation Date will receive incentives, including a $1 consent payment and up to $1,000 in Kroger notes per $1,000 of Albertsons notes.

The exchange offers and consent solicitations will expire on September 13, 2024, with the settlement date expected soon after.

The Kroger Wellness Festival, presented by PepsiCo and P&G, is set to return on September 27 and 28, 2024, in Downtown Cincinnati. This free health and wellness event will feature over 200 experiences focused on six core pillars: balance, breathe, care, move, play, and uplift. Highlights include:

- Free concerts by Third Eye Blind and Jason Derulo
- Appearances by celebrities like Alex Rodriguez and Chrissy Teigen
- Fitness activities, cooking demos, and panel discussions
- Six stages sponsored by major brands

The festival aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional health for families in a new, larger location on Fifth Street.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has announced its Smart Way™ product line, offering pantry staples for less than $3. This opening price point brand provides affordable options for essential kitchen items, including:

- Condiments, canned and dry goods starting at 99 cents
- Spices from $1.50
- Baked breads from $1.50
- Snacks and treats from $1.99
- Cold and frozen items from $2.29

Customers can access these products in-store or through Kroger Pickup and Delivery. Additional savings are available through digital coupons, the Boost by Kroger Plus membership, and the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.

Home Chef, a leading meal solutions company, has partnered with the popular animated series PAW Patrol for a four-week collaboration aimed at making family dinnertime more exciting. Starting August 12, 2024, customers can order PAW Patrol-themed recipes that will change weekly until September 13. Each Family Menu meal will come in a special interactive box inspired by the PAW Patroller truck and include a surprise PAW Patrol toy.

The menu features character-inspired dishes like Chase's Cheesy Turkey Quesadilla and Marshall's Fire Roasted Tomato Tortellini. Home Chef is also hosting a giveaway for a PAW Patrol playhouse, kids' dishware set, and a year's worth of meals. New customers can use the code 'RESCUEDINNER' to receive 18 free meals. This collaboration aims to make mealtime more convenient, approachable, and fun for families with young children.

Vitacost.com, Kroger's e-commerce health and wellness retailer, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and 10 years with Kroger by offering customer savings throughout the year. The company, known for providing affordable access to high-quality supplements, specialty foods, and eco-friendly products, is marking these milestones with several promotions:

• 30% discount on select brands every Thursday
• $30K Giveaway Sweepstakes with three $10,000 cash prizes
• 20% off first order for new email subscribers

Vitacost offers nearly 40,000 health and wellness products across various categories, including vitamins, beauty care, fitness, household essentials, and pet supplies. The company's commitment to providing affordable wellness products aligns with Kroger's strategy to offer customers convenient and tailored shopping options.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has introduced Field & Vine™, a new fresh produce line in its Our Brands portfolio. The brand features locally grown berries from U.S. farmers in eight states, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Field & Vine™ focuses on peak seasonality and optimal freshness, offering high-quality berries during the best U.S. growing seasons.

This -time, annual offering aims to provide customers with an enhanced fresh experience while supporting local growers. By sourcing locally, Kroger reduces transit time, ensuring better freshness and quality. Customers can purchase Field & Vine™ berries in-store or through Kroger Pickup and Delivery, with additional savings available through digital coupons and the Boost by Kroger Plus membership program.

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is promoting a comprehensive approach to back-to-school health. The company emphasizes the importance of vaccines, physical exams, and balanced nutrition for students' success. Dr. Marc Watkins, chief medical officer, highlights the role of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases and reducing school absences. Kroger Health provides a detailed list of recommended vaccines for different age groups, from kindergarten through high school.

The company offers wellness screenings, annual physicals, and preventive healthcare services through The Little Clinic. Additionally, Kroger Health focuses on the significance of healthy meals for students' energy and overall well-being. Laura Brown, director of nutrition, introduces their virtual dietitian services and the OptUP™ tool to help families make healthier food choices.

Murray's Cheese has won seven awards at the American Cheese Society (ACS) conference for their Cave Aged line, marking a significant achievement in their 20th anniversary year of cheese caves. The awards showcase Murray's expertise in aging and ripening cheeses, with their proprietary techniques and original recipes developed in collaboration with local creameries.

Notable winners include Cave Aged Original Buttermilk Basque (1st place in Sheep's milk cheese aged 31-60 days), Murray's Cave Aged Double Doe (1st place in washed cheeses from mixed milk), and Cave Aged Original Stockinghall Cheddar (1st place in Clothbound Cheddar aged up to 12 months). Murray's plans to celebrate with events at their Greenwich Village flagship store and introduce select cave aged cheeses at Kroger store cheese counters.