Core Insights - Kroger has launched a new exclusive line of protein products called Simple Truth™ Protein, which includes over 80 nutritious and affordable meals and snacks designed to help customers meet their protein goals [1][2][4] - The Simple Truth™ Protein line is Kroger's largest product expansion for the brand, emphasizing quality and affordability while catering to customers prioritizing wellness [4][5] - The new product offerings include a variety of convenient options, such as on-the-go meals and snacks, that are free from artificial ingredients [3][4] Product Details - The Simple Truth™ Protein line features items like Protein French Toast Sticks, Protein Instant Decaf Coffee with a superfood mushroom blend, Protein Jalapeno Cheddar Puffs, Protein Cacio E Pepe Chicken Bowl, and Protein Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix [9] - These products are designed to support balanced routines and satisfy cravings while helping customers achieve their protein intake goals [4][5] Pricing and Promotions - Kroger is committed to providing customers with high-quality products at low prices, simplifying promotions, and lowering prices on thousands of items [6] - The company emphasizes that customers do not have to compromise on quality for affordability, supported by their Fresh & Quality Guarantees [6]

Upgrades Summary - Loop Capital upgraded Netflix (NFLX) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $1,350, increased from $1,150, citing "exceptional" engagement on the platform in Q3 and a "strong" Q4 content slate [2] - Guggenheim upgraded Workday (WDAY) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $285, indicating that Workday will be well positioned to accelerate growth when the environment improves [2] - Piper Sandler also upgraded Workday to Neutral from Underweight with a price target of $235, up from $220 [2] - Bernstein upgraded Zillow Group (ZG) to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $105, increased from $75, highlighting mid-teens revenue growth with Rentals and Showcase as growth drivers [2] - Roth Capital upgraded Kroger (KR) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $75, up from $66, noting strong alternative profit streams while the stock's valuation lags peers [2] - Berenberg upgraded AbbVie (ABBV) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $270, increased from $170, stating the company has "successfully navigated the largest drug patent expiry in the world" [2]

Group 1: Wearables and IPOs - Meta Platforms (META) is set to unveil new smart glasses named "Celeste" with a built-in display at a retail price of $800 [1] - StubHub (STUB) is going public today after several delays, pricing its shares amid a recovering IPO market in 2025 [1] Group 2: Manufacturing Investments - GSK (GSK) announced a $30 billion investment in R&D and manufacturing in the United States [2] - Eli Lilly (LLY) revealed plans for a new $5 billion production plant in Virginia [2] Group 3: Federal Reserve Insights - Danielle DiMartino Booth discussed significant changes at the Federal Reserve, highlighting the impact of easy credit on consumer spending [2] - The conversation noted the reality of stagflation at the company level, with a margin squeeze being observed [2] Group 4: Retail and Media Developments - Kroger (KR) is reintroducing paper coupons as part of its retail strategy [3] - Paramount Skydance's bid for Warner Bros. (WBD) may take longer than expected [3] - Apollo Global (APO) is exploring the sale of AOL, an internet pioneer [4] Group 5: Technology and Transportation - Baidu (BIDU) shares surged as investors anticipate growth in AI [4] - Waymo is set to test robotaxis at San Francisco International Airport [5] Group 6: Market Updates - In Asia, Japan's market decreased by 0.3%, while Hong Kong increased by 1.8% [6] - In Europe, London saw a slight increase of 0.2%, while Paris decreased by 0.1% [6] - Futures indicate a slight increase in Dow by 0.1%, with S&P flat and Nasdaq down by 0.1% [6]

Core Insights - Kroger is reintroducing paper coupons in all stores to simplify promotional offers and appeal to a broader customer base, particularly older consumers and those without access to the latest technology [2][3][4] - Customer price perception has improved across nearly all divisions, indicating positive reception to the changes made by Kroger [2] - The company aims to address the needs of low- and middle-income consumers who are increasingly using coupons to save money amid economic stress [5] Group 1 - Kroger's Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent emphasized the importance of paper coupons for older consumers who may not be digitally savvy, aiming to provide them with equal access to deals [3][4] - The reintroduction of paper coupons is expected to generate incremental business, as it caters to customers who feel disenfranchised by digital-only offers [3][4] - The CFO of Kroger noted measurable benefits from paper coupons, including increases in unit sales and positive customer feedback [4] Group 2 - In 2023, Kroger delivered over 4 billion digital coupons, which was 1 billion more than in 2022, indicating a growing reliance on couponing among consumers [5] - Sargent reported that low- and middle-income consumers are making smaller, more frequent shopping trips and are increasingly purchasing private-label products [5]

Foundation has granted more than $5 million in scholarship funds CINCINNATI , Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Foundation today announced the Kroger Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year, awarding $265,000 to 106 students. ...

Core Insights - Kroger is reintroducing paper coupons in response to consumer demand, particularly appealing to older shoppers and those less digitally savvy [2][3] - The move reflects a broader strategy to enhance price perception and accessibility for all customer segments amid economic uncertainty [2][4] Group 1: Digital and Paper Coupons - Kroger has begun reintroducing paper coupons across all stores, indicating a shift in consumer preferences back to traditional shopping methods [2] - The interim CEO highlighted the importance of catering to a wider customer base, including those who may not have access to advanced technology [3] Group 2: Price Perception and Promotions - Since the start of the year, Kroger has lowered prices on over 3,500 items, leading to improved customer price perception across nearly all divisions [4] - The company is working with suppliers to simplify promotions and reduce costs, which is expected to enhance overall service [5] Group 3: Private Label Performance - Kroger's private label sales are outperforming national brands, with over $32 billion in sales last year, driven by premium-tier labels like Simple Truth and Private Selection [6]

Core Viewpoint - Kroger's stock presents a buy-the-dip opportunity following a recent sell-off, supported by strong Q2 results that affirm its market position and cash flow capabilities [1][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Q2 net sales reached $33.94 billion, reflecting a 0.1% year-over-year increase, although it fell short of consensus estimates. Adjusting for divestitures, ongoing business sales increased by 3.8%, driven by a 3.4% comp-store increase [6]. - E-commerce sales grew by 16%, contributing to overall sales performance [6]. - Gross margin improved by 40 basis points, while operating income and earnings saw significant increases due to reduced operating expenses [7]. Group 2: Share Buybacks and Capital Management - The company is aggressively repurchasing shares, with a current authorization of $5 billion in accelerated purchases expected to be completed in the current quarter, alongside an additional $2.5 billion planned for future quarters [2][3]. - The share count has been reduced by approximately 8.45% year-over-year, with expectations for continued aggressive repurchases [3]. Group 3: Debt and Financial Stability - Kroger maintains a strong balance sheet with low leverage and investment-grade debt ratings, using debt strategically to support growth and capital needs [4]. Group 4: Future Guidance and Analyst Sentiment - The company raised its revenue and earnings guidance above consensus estimates, indicating strong future growth potential [8]. - Analysts have a bullish outlook on Kroger's stock, with a 12-month price target of $70.58, suggesting a 3.21% upside from the current price [9][10].

Core Insights - Kroger Co reported strong second-quarter results, attributed to solid business momentum and strong execution [1] - The company achieved adjusted earnings of $1.04 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of 99 cents per share, driven by healthy ID sales growth [1][2] - Analyst Joseph Feldman maintained an Outperform rating with a price target of $82 [1] Sales Performance - Strong ID sales, excluding fuel, were driven by outperformance in pharmacy, continued strength in fresh and digital, and improvement in grocery volumes [2] - Kroger raised its 2025 ID sales guidance, excluding fuel, to 2.7%-3.4% from the previous forecast of 2.25%-3.25% [3] Earnings Guidance - The company also raised the lower end of its 2025 earnings guidance range to $4.70-$4.80 per share, up from $4.60-$4.80 per share [3] - The emphasis on simplifying the organization, improving customer experience, and creating value is showing early signs of success [3] Stock Performance - Kroger's shares rose by 1.8% to $68.44 at the time of publication [4]

Group 1 - Jim Cramer has expressed a favorable view of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) due to its ability to maintain low prices for consumers [2] - Following the second-quarter earnings report, Kroger raised its full-year profit per share guidance to $4.7 from $4.6 and increased its same-store sales growth guidance to a range of 2.7% to 3.4% from the previous 2.25% to 3.25% [2] - Cramer highlighted the importance of brick-and-mortar companies like Kroger in the food business, contrasting them with the growing influence of Amazon [3] Group 2 - The article suggests that while Kroger is a potential investment, there are AI stocks that may offer higher returns with limited downside risk [3]

Core Viewpoint - Shares in Ocado, an online supermarket and technology group, experienced a significant decline following indications from U.S. partner Kroger regarding a possible reduction in investment in automated warehouses [1] Company Summary - Ocado's stock price fell sharply on Friday, reflecting investor concerns about its partnership with Kroger [1] - The potential retreat from investment by Kroger could impact Ocado's growth strategy and operational plans [1] Industry Summary - The news highlights the challenges faced by companies in the automated warehouse sector, particularly in the context of partnerships and investment commitments [1] - The situation underscores the volatility in the online grocery and technology market, influenced by strategic decisions from key partners like Kroger [1]