Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Food 4 Less is gearing up for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series by participating in the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this weekend. The Food 4 Less/Velveeta Camaro, driven by two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr., will compete in the race. Fans can meet Stenhouse Jr. on February 3 at the Food 4 Less store in Gardena, CA, from 4-5 PM Pacific. The race day kicks off with qualifying heats on February 5 at 2 PM Pacific, followed by the main race at 5 PM Pacific. Food 4 Less, a subsidiary of Kroger (NYSE: KR), operates over 121 supermarkets across Southern California, Illinois, and Indiana.

Home Chef has partnered with Life Time to offer exclusive meal solutions to Life Time members, enhancing their ability to prepare simple and healthy meals at home. This initiative will provide members with discounts on Home Chef meal kits, which include fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.

The collaboration marks Life Time's first partnership with a national meal kit brand and aims to improve home cooking convenience for members. The integrated partnership will run through 2025, underscoring Home Chef's commitment to accessible meal preparation. Life Time members can benefit from various offers, including birthday perks and meal recommendations.

Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has released its 2023 Food Trends Report, highlighting the continued trend of home cooking as consumers shift towards celebrating special moments with family and friends. As pandemic concerns decline, customers are embracing cooking at home to save money. The report emphasizes the popularity of celebratory foods, with items like cheese and cheesecake gaining traction. Additionally, the report suggests a rise in seafood consumption and global flavors. Kroger also promotes its Boost membership service, which can save consumers up to $1,000 annually on grocery delivery.

Kroger Health has launched a clinical trial site network aimed at enhancing access to colorectal cancer research. In collaboration with Persephone Biosciences, they are actively recruiting participants for the ARGONAUT clinical study, which investigates microbiome-based biomarkers for colorectal cancer. The initiative begins in Toledo, Ohio, with plans to enroll 55 individuals with varying risk levels.

With a significant presence in socially vulnerable areas, Kroger aims to utilize its pharmacy network to improve healthcare accessibility. The trial leverages data analytic capabilities and patient engagement tools to enhance recruitment and retention throughout the study.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced that its Community Rewards program has contributed over $200 million to local charities since its inception in 2017. The program enables loyalty members to choose local nonprofits to benefit from their purchases. Thousands of organizations, including schools and youth sports, have received funding, showcasing Kroger's commitment to community support. CEO Rodney McMullen emphasized the program's ease of participation and the importance of customer involvement in charitable contributions. Customers can track their donations quarterly via their Kroger accounts.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has declared a quarterly dividend of 26 cents per share, scheduled for payment on March 1, 2023. Shareholders of record as of February 15, 2023 will receive this dividend. Since its reinstatement in 2006, Kroger's quarterly dividend has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 14%. The company's strategy focuses on utilizing free cash flow for business investments, maintaining its investment-grade debt rating, and returning capital to shareholders. Furthermore, Kroger expects to increase dividends over time, pending board approval.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) participated in the National Retail Federation Big Show 2023, where Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen discussed the company's customer-centric approach amid an evolving grocery landscape. He emphasized the importance of providing excellent service, investing in associates, and addressing community needs, particularly through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative. Since its inception in 2017, this initiative has contributed to billions of meal donations and significant food waste reduction. Kroger has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2023, reflecting its commitment to corporate responsibility.

Home Chef is offering a unique opportunity for individuals to kickstart their New Year goals by sponsoring one winner with $5,000 in cash and a year's supply of meals. Participants can submit their goals through www.freshstarthomechef.com by January 31. The initiative aims to support individuals in achieving aspirations beyond cooking, like mental health and personal growth. Furthermore, Home Chef will select ten additional participants to receive three months' worth of meals. Winners will be notified by February 15, 2023.