Welcome to our dedicated page for Kroger news (Ticker: KR), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Kroger stock.
The Kroger Co. operates a U.S. grocery retail business with supermarkets across multiple banners, complemented by fuel centers, pharmacies, private-label products, manufacturing, advertising and data analytics. News about KR commonly covers fresh food and seasonal merchandising, pickup and delivery services, digital coupons, private brands such as Simple Truth, Private Selection and Kroger brand products, and customer access through Kroger.com, the Kroger app and delivery marketplaces.
Company updates also include Harris Teeter, a wholly owned Kroger subsidiary, with recurring coverage of pharmacy services, nutrition support, grocery promotions, fuel rewards, community programs and associate initiatives. Other news themes include new products entering Kroger-banner stores, floral and gift offerings such as Bloom Haus, and enterprise training programs such as Pearl Street Academy.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) reported strong financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2020, with total sales of $30.7 billion in Q4, up from $28.9 billion in Q4 2019. Adjusted EPS rose to $0.81 from $0.57 year-over-year. Fiscal year 2020 sales increased to $132.5 billion, up 8.5% year-over-year, driven by a 14.1% increase in identical sales. Kroger has committed over $2.5 billion to safeguard the work environment and reward associates. Guidance for 2021 anticipates two-year identical sales growth of 9-11% and adjusted EPS CAGR of 12-16%.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has committed over $270,000 in emergency grants to support over 500 associates affected by the Texas winter storm. The company is collaborating with local governments and organizations like the Houston Food Bank to provide essential resources, including drinkable water. Kroger has also pledged $190,000 to Dallas' Disaster Relief Fund and $180,000 to the Houston Harris County Fund. Additionally, Kroger Health has administered over 600,000 COVID-19 vaccines across states, resuming services as power is restored.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced the retirement of Mike Donnelly, executive vice president and COO, effective later this spring after 42 years of service. His leadership has emphasized customer experience, including fresh foods and reliable service. Donnelly's career at Kroger included various roles since joining as a clerk in 1978. A succession plan will be revealed later. Kroger, which serves over 11 million customers daily, remains committed to its purpose of feeding the human spirit and aims to create #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.
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The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) confirmed a data security incident involving Accellion, Inc., affecting certain files accessed through their services. Kroger reported that less than 1% of customers, primarily from Kroger Health and Money Services, were impacted, with no credit card or password data compromised. Following the breach, Kroger terminated its use of Accellion, notified federal law enforcement, and began an investigation. Affected individuals will be offered free credit monitoring.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) will host its fourth quarter 2020 earnings conference call on March 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Management will discuss financial and operational results for both the fourth quarter and the full year 2020. The presentation will be available online at ir.kroger.com, with a replay accessible at approximately 1 p.m. ET on the same day. Kroger aims to foster #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025, serving over 11 million customers daily across its brands.
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), introduced a new online COVID-19 vaccine scheduling tool designed to streamline appointment bookings. The tool can handle over 250,000 requests daily, allowing users to check eligibility and schedule both doses simultaneously. As of February 16, 2021, Kroger Health has administered over 380,000 vaccines across 25 states, with potential capacity to deliver 500,000 vaccines weekly. The initiative underscores Kroger's commitment to health safety and community service amidst the pandemic.
Kroger Health has announced plans to introduce the first smartphone-enabled, at-home Gauss COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit, making it easier for patients nationwide to access testing. The kit, pending FDA Emergency Use Authorization, will allow users to perform tests using only a smartphone, eliminating the need for lab involvement. Gauss has produced 1.5 million tests, with a capacity of 30 million monthly. The test showcases a 93% positive agreement and a 99% negative agreement compared to authorized PCR tests. It will be available at 2,200 Kroger pharmacies and online.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a one-time payment of $100 for associates fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This initiative aims to encourage vaccination among its workforce. Additionally, Kroger is investing $50 million to reward its associates, including $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for eligible employees. The company has invested over $1.5 billion in associate rewards and safety measures since March 2020 and continues to support health initiatives, including hiring more healthcare personnel to assist in vaccine distribution.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced a quarterly dividend of 18¢ per share to be paid on March 1, 2021, for shareholders on record by February 12, 2021. The dividend has grown at a double-digit compound annual growth rate since its reinstatement in 2006. Kroger's strategy focuses on using free cash flow for business reinvestment and returning capital to shareholders while maintaining an investment-grade credit rating. However, the ability to sustain and increase dividends is contingent upon anticipated free cash flow and operational outcomes, as stated in forward-looking comments.