Welcome to our dedicated page for The Kroger Co. news (Ticker: KR), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on The Kroger Co. stock.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is a premier retail giant and one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States. With more than 2,425 supermarkets and multi-department stores spanning across 31 states, Kroger operates under a wide array of local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillon's, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs, and Smith's. Additionally, the company boasts 789 convenience stores, 337 fine jewelry stores, 1,109 supermarket fuel centers, and 38 food processing plants in the U.S.
Kroger is not just about grocery retailing. It offers a diversified portfolio of services and products, including 80+ “The Little Clinic” retail healthcare sites, pharmacies in 80% of its locations, and fuel stations at 60% of its stores. Kroger's private-label products contribute significantly to its revenue, with around 30% of units produced in-house in its 33 food production plants.
The company is recognized for its commitment to the community and social responsibility. It supports numerous initiatives such as hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, military family support, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 160 million meals annually through its partnerships with over 80 Feeding America food banks.
Financially, Kroger has maintained robust performance, evidenced by its 2023 fiscal year results. Total company sales reached $150.0 billion, including $2.7 billion from the 53rd week. The company also continues to innovate and expand, as seen in its recent launch of MCoBeauty in the U.S., exclusive to Kroger stores.
Kroger's strategy for growth includes leveraging its “Leading with Fresh” and “Accelerating with Digital” platforms. The company is continually investing in its seamless shopping experience, digital innovation, and associate welfare, aiming to create a sustainable growth model. Recent initiatives include the sale of its specialty pharmacy business to CarelonRx and the introduction of SDS for HD, a coastal living home décor collection in collaboration with Bravo Reality Personality Craig Conover.
Furthermore, Kroger's proposed merger with Albertsons aims to expand its market reach, bringing even more choices and lower prices to consumers while securing the long-term future of unionized grocery jobs. The merger is expected to enhance competition, increase local product offerings, and maintain job security for frontline associates.
To stay updated on Kroger’s latest financial performance, growth strategies, and community initiatives, visit Kroger’s newsroom and investor relations site.
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.
Home Chef, the leading meal delivery service, has revealed six major home cooking trends for 2025 based on customer insights and industry expertise. The trends include: low-effort, high-reward meals; increased focus on value amid rising food costs; conscious comfort foods that balance wellness with familiar flavors; demand for protein-packed and fiber-filled options; expanded seafood variety beyond traditional choices; and growing interest in diverse global spicy condiments.
The company's 2024 review highlights include creating over 1,500 new recipes, launching 8 culinary partnerships, and adding hundreds of new ingredients to their pantry. Their most popular new addition was Shrimp Étouffée, while the Swiss-Crusted Chicken with Chocolate Lava Cake was the most-ordered recipe-dessert combination.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) has been named to Foundry's Computerworld 2025 Best Places to Work in IT, ranking No. 50 among large organizations. This marks the company's seventh consecutive year on the list. The recognition highlights Kroger's commitment to creating an innovative workplace culture that empowers technology professionals.
The ranking is based on comprehensive evaluations of company benefits, career development, DEI initiatives, future of work strategies, and training programs. According to Yael Cosset, Kroger's SVP & CIO, the company focuses on delivering seamless digital experiences through advanced technology, data-driven insights, and data science.
The recognition comes at a time when the industry faces increasing demand for skills in AI, data analytics, and cloud computing. Kroger emphasizes building a culture where associates can learn, grow, and contribute unique ideas to address industry challenges.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has unveiled a holiday gift guide featuring customer-favorite cheeses and recipes from Murray's Cheese. This guide includes options for creating custom cheeseboards, unique cave-aged cheeses, and family-friendly recipes. Customers can shop at Kroger stores nationwide or use Kroger Pickup and Delivery services. Highlights include:
- Entertainer's Delight: Custom cheeseboards with Brie, English Cheddar, and Gouda.
- Connoisseur's Choice: Cave Aged Reserve Mini Greensward and other award-winning cheeses.
- Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: Pairing cheeses with chocolates and caramels.
- Family Fun: Recipes like Murray's Classic Mac & Cheese and Mascarpone Cupcakes.
- Cheese Clubs: Five monthly club experiences available for nationwide shipping.
Kroger offers additional savings through digital coupons and the Boost by Kroger Plus membership, which includes a free 30-day trial and potential savings of up to $1,000 per year. Eligible Kroger cardholders can also redeem a free one-year Boost membership.
Kroger has extended the expiration date of its exchange offers for Albertsons Companies notes from December 9 to December 13, 2024. The exchange offers cover up to $7.44 billion aggregate principal amount of new Kroger notes and cash in exchange for outstanding Albertsons notes. The settlement is expected to occur promptly after the expiration date and the closing of the merger, which is anticipated during Q4 2024.
As of August 29, 2024, the required consents were received for the Consented Series, with supplemental indentures executed. The proposed amendments will become operative upon settlement. Tenders can be withdrawn before the expiration date, and the exchange offers remain conditional upon the merger closing.
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