Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has appointed Erin Rolfes as the new Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations. Rolfes, who joined Kroger in 2018, previously led Kroger Technology & Digital Communications. Her responsibilities include enhancing Kroger's corporate reputation and driving brand narrative. She succeeds Kristal Howard, who is leaving for other interests. Rolfes has notable experience in strategic communications and was recognized in the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty under 40 list.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced that Carl Icahn intends to nominate two director candidates, Alexis C. Fox and Margarita Paláu-Hernández, for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors supports open communication with shareholders and prioritizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, particularly animal welfare. Kroger aims to eliminate the use of gestation crates in its pork supply chain by 2025 and has established a Responsible Sourcing Framework to uphold these commitments. Shareholders need not take action at this time.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per share, payable on June 1, 2022, to shareholders on record as of May 13, 2022. This marks a continuation of their dividend growth, which has seen a double-digit compound annual growth rate since its reinstatement in 2006. The company aims to deliver sustainable total shareholder returns of 8% to 11% over time, focusing on using free cash flow for investments, maintaining investment-grade ratings, and returning capital to shareholders.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced its expansion of grocery delivery services at its 2022 Business Update. New spoke facilities are set to open in Austin and San Antonio, TX, and Birmingham, AL, enhancing its fulfillment capabilities in collaboration with Ocado Group (LSE: OCDO). Each facility will serve as a last-mile cross-dock location, with the Austin and San Antonio sites creating up to 161 jobs each. The expansion aims to double digital sales and profitability by the end of 2023, leveraging automation and strategic partnerships.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) recently held its 2022 Business Update in Orlando, detailing its strategy of Leading with Fresh and Accelerating with Digital. CEO Rodney McMullen highlighted robust financial results and ongoing investments in innovation and technology that support sustainable growth. Key themes included enhancing customer loyalty through competitive advantages, expanding its digital ecosystem into new regions, and maintaining a total shareholder return (TSR) target of 8-11%. The updates aim to foster long-term growth while committing to environmental and social governance initiatives.

The Kroger Co. reported strong fourth-quarter results for 2021, with identical sales without fuel rising by 4.0% and digital sales demonstrating impressive two-year growth of 105%. EPS reached $0.75, or $0.91 adjusted, alongside operating profits of $965 million. For fiscal 2021, total sales increased to $137.9 billion, and adjusted EPS stood at $3.68. Looking ahead, Kroger projects 2022 identical sales growth of 2.0% to 3.0% and adjusted EPS between $3.75 and $3.85. The company continues to invest in its workforce, raising average hourly wages significantly, while maintaining a positive outlook for total shareholder returns of 8-11%.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced the opening of a new Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in northeast Ohio, powered by Ocado Group (LSE: OCDO). This facility will leverage advanced technology, including robotics and machine learning, to enhance grocery delivery services. The CFC, covering 270,000 square feet, aims to create up to 400 new jobs and is part of Kroger's strategy to double its digital sales by the end of 2023. The site is expected to begin operations in 24 months, serving areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania.