Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) will host its fourth quarter 2021 earnings conference call on March 3, 2022, at 10 a.m. ET. The management team will discuss financial results for both the fourth quarter and full year 2021. The presentation will be available online at ir.kroger.com, with an on-demand replay starting at approximately 1 p.m. ET on the same day. Kroger's fourth quarter concluded on January 29, 2022, and aims to highlight operational performance and growth strategies during the call.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced the retirement of senior vice president Mark Tuffin effective April 1, 2022, after over 26 years of service. He will be succeeded by Kenny Kimball, currently president of the Smith's division. Kimball, who joined Kroger in 1984, has held various leadership roles, bringing extensive experience to his new position. Kroger's CEO Rodney McMullen praised Kimball's leadership qualities and commitment to customer service.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has officially opened the Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Forest Park, GA, powered by Ocado Group (LSE: OCDO). This facility enhances Kroger's grocery e-commerce capabilities through advanced technology, including robotics and machine learning, aimed at providing efficient grocery delivery services. The CFC can fulfill thousands of orders daily and serves customers up to 90 miles away. The launch is expected to create hundreds of job opportunities while improving customer service and satisfaction.

The Kroger Co. announced the launch of a new delivery spoke facility in Louisville, Kentucky, enhancing its fulfillment network powered by Ocado Group. This 50,000-square-foot facility aims to improve access to fresh food, employing up to 161 full-time associates. The facility is part of Kroger's strategy to leverage advanced robotics and AI for grocery deliveries, increasing efficiency in service areas. Kroger's initiatives are expected to elevate its e-commerce capabilities, serving customers in various regions without traditional stores.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per share, payable on March 1, 2022, to shareholders of record as of February 15, 2022. The dividend has increased at a double-digit compound annual growth rate since its reinstatement in 2006, reflecting the company’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Kroger's capital allocation strategy aims to balance investments in the business and shareholder returns, targeting sustained returns of 8% to 11% over time.

Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has released its 2022 Food Trends Report, forecasting key food trends, consumer preferences, and popular items for the year. The report highlights the rise of at-home meal preparation driven by affordability, convenience, and sustainability. Key trends include a focus on umami flavors, plant-based foods, and nostalgic comfort meals. Kroger aims to innovate and adapt its offerings based on these insights and will introduce new products to enhance home dining experiences.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Nuro have expanded their collaboration to enhance grocery delivery via autonomous vehicles. This partnership, initially launched in 2018, will utilize Nuro's third-generation autonomous delivery vehicle, aiming to improve customer convenience in Houston. Kroger emphasizes its commitment to providing fresh food at great value while supporting sustainability through the use of all-electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan and its long-term growth strategy.