Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), announced the expansion of its prescription drug safety education program, 'Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth.' The program, offered at no cost to middle and high schools through collaboration with EVERFI, will now reach more than 470 schools across the United States.

Since partnering with EVERFI in 2018, Kroger Health has educated over 170,000 students about prescription drug safety, teaching the science of addiction, misuse dangers, and proper medication storage and disposal. The program aims to help young people identify warning signs of drug abuse and make informed decisions about prescription medications.

Kroger (NYSE:KR) has announced a $1 million commitment to support families affected by the Southern California wildfires. The initiative includes $500,000 in company matching funds for customer donations to benefit the American Red Cross and local Feeding America-affiliated food banks. Customers can contribute by rounding up their purchases at checkout or donating online.

The company is actively providing food, water, and supplies to fire departments and evacuation centers. Additionally, Kroger is supporting the California National Guard's disaster relief efforts through a Kroger + USO Mobile Canteen in Los Alamitos, CA, providing gift cards for necessary supplies. The company's Ralphs and Food4Less stores in the region are working with emergency responders while maintaining operations to serve affected communities.

Kroger's Simple Truth® brand has launched six -time Resolution Rescue bundles, priced at $15 or less, to help customers maintain their New Year's resolutions past Quitter's Day on January 10, 2025. According to Kroger's data science arm 84.51º, 79% of customers make resolutions focused on physical health, with 58% planning healthier eating habits.

The bundles include: Mocktails Bundle for Dry January participants, Meatless Meal Bundle for protein and fiber intake, Protein-Packed Breakfast Bundle, Savory Snacks Bundle, Sweet Treats Bundle, and Get Your Veggies Bundle. From January 10-21, customers can receive free delivery on orders of $75+ when purchasing $15+ in Simple Truth® products.

Simple Truth® offers over 1,500 products free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, including plant-based, gluten-free, and USDA-certified organic options. The bundles are available across Kroger Family of Stores, both in-store and through Pickup and Delivery services.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has announced Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) agreements with Wells Fargo Bank and Citibank to repurchase $5.0 billion in common stock. The company will receive an initial delivery of approximately 65.6 million shares on December 20, 2024, representing about 80% of the total expected shares. The ASR is part of a larger $7.5 billion share repurchase authorization, with $2.5 billion remaining capacity for future buybacks. The program will be funded with existing cash, and final settlement is expected by the third fiscal quarter of 2025.

Kroger (NYSE:KR) has received dual recognition from Forbes, being named one of America's Best Employers for Tech Workers and acknowledged for exceptional customer service in its pharmacy division. The employer recognition was based on a survey of over 25,000 tech workers in the U.S. at companies with 1,000+ employees.

The Forbes 2025 Best Customer Service survey analyzed 414 million ratings from 181,000 people evaluating more than 3,500 brands based on personal interaction, speed, services, and resolution. Tim Massa, senior VP and chief people officer, emphasized how this recognition reflects their associates' dedication to customer service and how technology advancements enhance customer experience.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) announces extensive holiday savings initiatives offering over $1,200 in weekly savings through January 2024. The promotion includes multiple digital coupon offers, fuel points multipliers, and significant discounts across various departments. Key offers include 5X digital coupons through January 1, 4X Fuel Points on Fridays (5X for Boost members), and up to 70% off on holiday home products and winter apparel post-Christmas.

The company is also promoting its Home Chef heat-and-eat meals with holiday bundles starting at $75, including protein and six sides. Additional savings are available through the Boost membership program, offering free delivery and exclusive benefits, with a new monthly subscription option at $7.99.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons following a U.S. District Court's preliminary injunction. In response, the company announced a new $7.5 billion share repurchase program, including a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase. The company will also redeem $4.7 billion in senior notes issued in August 2024.

Kroger emphasizes its commitment to investing in America through lower grocery prices, wage increases, and community support. The company highlights its track record of investing $5 billion in lower prices since 2003 and $2.4 billion in wage increases since 2018. Kroger plans to host an Investor Day in late spring 2025 to share strategic priorities and long-term financial outlook.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has issued a statement responding to Albertsons' lawsuit, strongly refuting all allegations as baseless and without merit. The company asserts that Albertsons committed multiple material breaches and interference during the merger process. Kroger views the lawsuit as an attempt by Albertsons to deflect responsibility and wrongfully seek the merger's break fee.

Kroger maintains it made extraordinary efforts to uphold the merger agreement throughout the regulatory process and plans to defend its position in court. The company's Board of Directors is currently evaluating next steps to create value for shareholders while serving customers' and associates' interests.

Albertsons (NYSE: ACI) has filed a lawsuit against Kroger (NYSE: KR) in Delaware Court of Chancery for breach of merger agreement. The lawsuit alleges Kroger willfully breached the contract by refusing to provide adequate divestiture packages and ignoring regulators' concerns, leading to the merger being blocked by courts in Oregon and Washington.

Albertsons is seeking billions in damages to compensate for denied share premium, decreased shareholder value, and resources invested in the failed merger. The company has terminated the merger agreement, which entitles them to an immediate $600 million termination fee and removes constraints on pursuing other strategic opportunities.