Core Viewpoint - Kroger's stock is at an all-time high, up 16% year-to-date, contrasting with a 10% decline in the S&P 500 index, indicating strong performance and potential for further growth [1][2]. Group 1: Business Model and Market Position - Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., operating nearly 2,800 stores under various brands, making it a leader in consumer staples [3]. - The company's focus on essential food products positions it well against potential economic slowdowns, as consumers prioritize food over discretionary spending [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Kroger reported a 2.4% year-over-year increase in identical sales for the last quarter, reversing a previous decline of 0.8% [5]. - The company anticipates identical sales growth of 2% to 3% in 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $4.40 to $4.80, reflecting a 3% increase from 2024 at the midpoint [7]. Group 3: Growth Drivers - Kroger's private label portfolio expanded with over 900 new items last year, contributing to positive customer responses [6]. - E-commerce delivery sales increased by 18% in Q4, highlighting the effectiveness of Kroger's digital strategy [6]. - The company's advertising and data monetization efforts have become significant profit drivers, with media sales surging 17% in 2024, generating $1.4 billion in operating profit [9][11]. Group 4: Dividend and Valuation - Kroger has doubled its quarterly dividend payment over the past five years to $0.32 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.9%, with expectations for further growth [12]. - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15, significantly lower than peers like Walmart and Costco, suggesting an attractive valuation [14].

Core Viewpoint - Kroger may be riskier now than in many years, suggesting a shift in the grocery retail landscape that could impact investor confidence [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - Kroger's current risk profile is highlighted, indicating potential challenges that may affect its stock performance [1] - BBB Foods is presented as a more favorable grocery stock option for investors, implying a comparative analysis of growth potential and stability [1] Group 2: Market Context - The discussion reflects broader trends in the grocery industry, emphasizing the need for investors to reassess their positions in light of changing market dynamics [1]

Group 1 - Kroger Co has reclaimed its March highs and is up over 10% year-to-date, finding strong support at its 50-day moving average during recent volatility [2] - The large call open interest at the 65 strike is set to expire after April, which may allow the stock price to move higher in the coming months [2] - The stock's gamma-weighted Schaeffer's open interest ratio (SOIR) is above 1.0, historically indicating price bottoms [3] Group 2 - There is potential for upgrades as nine out of twenty analysts have a "hold" or worse rating on Kroger [4] - Short interest is currently 322% higher than levels in November 2024, representing 5.8% of the stock's available float, indicating a significant short position [4] - The recommended call option has a leverage ratio of 7.1, which could double with a 13.6% rise in the underlying shares [4]

Company Overview - The Kroger Co. is undergoing a significant transformation in the grocery industry, focusing on plant-based products and technological advancements [11] - The company has acquired Home Chef and partnered with Ocado to enhance its online ordering and delivery capabilities [11] - Kroger has introduced Kroger Ship for grocery delivery and has collaborated with Nuro for driverless car delivery services [11] Investment Ratings - Kroger is rated 2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, indicating a positive outlook [12] - The company has a VGM Score of A, suggesting strong overall performance across value, growth, and momentum metrics [12] Performance Metrics - Kroger's shares have increased by 3.3% over the past four weeks, indicating positive momentum [12] - Five analysts have revised their earnings estimates upward for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.02 to $4.74 per share [12] - The company has an average earnings surprise of 2.6%, reflecting its ability to exceed earnings expectations [12] Conclusion - With a solid Zacks Rank and high Momentum and VGM Style Scores, Kroger is positioned as a strong candidate for investment consideration [13]

Joe Kelley Named SVP of Retail Divisions Kenny Kimball Named Smith's Division President Chris Albi Named King Soopers Division President Kendra Doyel Named Food 4 Less Division President CINCINNATI, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced several appointments of experienced enterprise leaders to retail roles. Kroger appointed Joe Kelley, president of the Colorado-based King Soopers & City Markets division, to be senior vice president of Retail Divisions. Kelley is an indu ...

Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Even ...

The Retail-Wholesale group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Kroger (KR) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Kroger is one of 210 companies in the Retail-Wholesale group. The Retail-Wholesale group currently sits at #9 within the Zacks Sector Rank. T ...

Core Insights - Kroger is offering an affordable Easter meal for less than $6 per person, including ham, sides, and dessert, to help families enjoy the holiday without financial strain [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Offerings - The Easter meal includes items such as Kroger® Brand Spiral Ham, Private Selection Wisconsin 5 Cheese Blend Macaroni & Cheese, and Bakery Fresh Fruit Pies [7] - Kroger provides a variety of DIY ideas and recipes for Easter, including guides for making the perfect ham, carrot cake, and homemade candy [7] Group 2: Customer Engagement - Kroger encourages customers to explore The Fresh Lane blog for fresh recipes and DIY ideas, enhancing the holiday experience [4] - The company offers digital coupons with over $600 in savings available weekly, promoting cost-effective shopping [4][5] Group 3: Shopping Experience - Customers can shop in-store or through Kroger Pickup and Delivery, ensuring access to fresh products at low prices [5] - The Boost by Kroger Plus membership can save customers up to $1,100 per year on various services, enhancing customer loyalty [6] Group 4: Company Mission - Kroger is committed to its purpose of feeding the human spirit and aims to create ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025 [8]

Group 1 - Kroger's shares experienced a decline after reaching an all-time high of $71.93 on Friday, closing around $67 [1][4] - The stock is currently viewed as a potential investment opportunity despite the overall market downturn, as it has attracted funds from other declining stocks [1] - A 'Reversal Day' pattern was identified, indicating a potential shift in market leadership from bullish to bearish [2][4] Group 2 - If a downtrend develops, Kroger's stock may find support around $62.25, a level previously established in March [5] - Traders who sold shares at this support level are likely to place buy orders if the stock returns to this price, potentially creating renewed support [5][6]

Group 1 - The Kroger Co. is viewed positively as a 'buy' candidate, reaffirmed in December of the previous year [1] - The investment focus is on cash flow and companies that generate it, highlighting value and growth prospects [1] Group 2 - An investment service and community centered on oil and natural gas is offered, emphasizing cash flow analysis [2] - Subscribers have access to a stock model account and in-depth analyses of exploration and production firms [2]