Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is urging college students to get vaccinated before the fall semester. Vaccinations are important for protecting individual and community health, especially in close-quarter environments like college campuses. Common vaccine requirements for post-secondary enrollment include Meningococcal, Tdap, and MMR. Additional recommended vaccines are HPV, Influenza, and COVID-19.

Students in specific fields may need additional vaccinations. For example, those in healthcare programs might need Hepatitis B and TB tests, while students in trades involving material handling should get tetanus shots. Kroger Health emphasizes the importance of being up-to-date on vaccinations and offers convenient healthcare services for students and families at every life stage.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has announced the return of seasonal favorite Hatch Chiles to its stores nationwide. Sourced directly from local farms in Hatch, New Mexico, these chiles are harvested and shipped within 24 hours. Kroger is offering an expanded range of Hatch Chile products, including fresh peppers in varying heat levels, seasoned meats, and prepared foods.

To celebrate the Hatch Chile season, Kroger is hosting over 4,000 live store roasting events across America. The company also provides instructions for customers to roast chiles at home. Kroger offers these products in-store and through their Pickup and Delivery services, with additional savings available through the Boost by Kroger Plus membership program.

Bayer and Kroger have partnered with country music star Luke Bryan and Feeding America to launch the 'Take Care, Now' campaign, addressing food insecurity and 'hidden hunger' in rural America. The initiative aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and improve access to nutritious food and essential vitamins and minerals.

Key aspects of the campaign include:

1. Distribution of educational materials through Feeding America's network of food banks

2. Bayer's donation of up to 1 million meals and over 100,000 bottles of multivitamins and nutritional supplements

3. Kroger's efforts to expand access to fresh, affordable food and nutrition services

4. Awareness events at the Farm Progress Show and Luke Bryan Farm Tour concerts

The campaign has the potential to reach 200 food banks and over 60,000 partner agencies, impacting thousands of people across rural America daily.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) announced Boost Bonus Days, a two-week event from July 10-July 23 offering substantial savings for Boost by Kroger Plus members.

Members can access over $60 in savings, free items, and 50% off new and renewed annual memberships. The event provides free delivery options and double fuel points, enhancing the value of the Boost membership which already saves members up to $1,000 per year.

Free items during the event include Simple Truth Organic Cookies, Kroger Brand Spices, and more. The initiative aims to reward current members and attract new subscribers.

Kroger's Board of Directors has approved a 10% increase in the annual dividend, raising it from $1.16 to $1.28 per share. The next quarterly dividend of 32 cents per share will be paid on September 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2024.

This marks the 18th consecutive year of dividend increases, with Kroger's dividend growing at a 13.5% compounded annual growth rate since 2006. The increase reflects confidence in Kroger's business model, consistent operating results, and strong free cash flow, enabling the company to return value to shareholders while investing in growth.

Kroger has honored 14,656 students nationwide as 'Zero Heroes' for their volunteer work in fighting hunger and waste through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste youth engagement program. During the 2023-2024 school year, these students completed 107,175 volunteer hours, valued at $3.5 million in community impact. This initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Since its inception in 2019, the program has recognized over 46,425 students, generating a community impact valued at $10.8 million. The program encourages students aged 14-24 to engage in local volunteer efforts and earn awards for their contributions.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) is offering families affordable grilling recipes for Independence Day, with options costing as little as $15. The retailer provides various recipe ideas like Sweet and Spicy Grilled Porkchops, Grilled Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa, and Shrimp and Vegetable Kebabs. A special grilling bundle is available, serving the entire barbeque for just $4 per person. Additionally, Kroger offers discounts on grilling essentials, fresh produce, Home Chef mains and sides, bakery desserts, and beverages. Customers can shop in-store or online, with additional savings available through digital coupons and the Boost membership program, which offers significant annual savings on fuel and grocery delivery.

Kroger reported its Q1 2024 results with total sales of $45.3 billion, a slight increase from $45.2 billion in Q1 2023. Despite this, identical sales without fuel only saw a modest rise of 0.5%. Operating profit was $1,294 million, down from $1,470 million last year, while EPS dropped to $1.29 from $1.32. Adjusted figures show a decline in EPS from $1.51 to $1.43 and FIFO operating profit from $1,669 million to $1,499 million. The company experienced growth in digital sales by over 8%, particularly in delivery and pickup services.

Kroger reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance, projecting identical sales growth without fuel between 0.25% and 1.75%, adjusted FIFO operating profit between $4.6 billion and $4.8 billion, and adjusted EPS between $4.30 and $4.50. The company continues to focus on long-term investments, particularly in digital platforms and customer engagement, while pausing share repurchases to prioritize debt reduction.

Kroger, America's largest sushi retailer, is celebrating International Sushi Day on June 18 with special deals and -time flavors. Customers can enjoy fresh, restaurant-quality sushi made in-store daily, available for delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Kroger started selling sushi in 1991 and now offers it in over 1,800 stores, with weekly sales exceeding one million rolls. Special offers include the CHEETOS® FLAMIN' HOT® California Roll and future DORITOS® FLAMIN' HOT® Limón Shrimp Tempura Roll. From June 12-18, in-store customers can save $2 on sushi items priced $11.99 or more, while DoorDash and Uber Eats users can buy one roll and get one free. Additionally, from June 20-July 24, DoorDash DashPass members get 50% off orders over $20.