Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have experienced declines due to ongoing tariff discussions in the U.S., raising inflation concerns, while Kroger and Albertsons stocks remain resilient as defensive investments [1][2]. Market Performance - The Nasdaq is down 6% year-to-date in 2025, while the S&P 500 has decreased by 1%. Albertsons' stock has increased by 7% to $21 per share, and Kroger's shares are up 5% to $63 [3]. Valuation Metrics - Kroger and Albertsons are trading below the optimal sales level of less than 2X, with Kroger at 0.3X and Albertsons at 0.15X. Kroger's forward earnings multiple is 13.1X, while Albertsons is at 9X [4]. Growth Outlook - Kroger's total sales are expected to decline by 2% in fiscal 2025 but are projected to stabilize and rise by 1% in FY26 to $148.78 billion. Annual earnings are anticipated to drop by 6% to $4.46 per share in 2025, with a forecasted rebound of 7% to $4.77 in FY26 [7]. - Albertsons' revenue is expected to grow by 1% in FY25 and by another 3% in FY26 to $82.58 billion. However, annual earnings are projected to decrease to $2.29 per share, with a slight recovery to $2.34 in FY26 [10]. Dividend Yields - Both Kroger and Albertsons offer attractive dividend yields, with Albertsons at 2.89% and Kroger at 2.05%, surpassing the S&P 500 average of 1.23% [11]. Investment Consideration - Currently, both Kroger and Albertsons hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), making them potential defensive options in a portfolio amid macroeconomic uncertainties, although there may be better growth prospects in other essential operation stocks [14].

Core Insights - Natural Grocers has introduced Organic Mussels to its frozen seafood line, emphasizing convenience and quality for consumers [1][2] - The company highlights its commitment to sustainability and traceability in sourcing, ensuring high standards in the production process [3] Company Overview - Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. was founded in 1955 and operates 169 stores across 21 states, focusing on natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements [5] - The company adheres to strict quality guidelines, ensuring products are free from artificial ingredients and only sell USDA-certified organic produce [5] Product Attributes - The Organic Mussels are rope-grown in Chile, certified organic, non-GMO, and sustainably harvested, with no artificial flavorings or preservatives [7] - Each 16 oz packet of Organic Mussels is priced at $4.99 and is marketed as high in protein and low in fat [7] Recent Developments - Since its launch in 2016, the Natural Grocers Brand has expanded to over 800 products, with recent additions including Organic Coconut Water and upcoming varieties of Natural Grocers Brand Chips [5]

Core Viewpoint - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is investigating potential claims against Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. due to allegations of violations of federal securities laws related to misleading statements and undisclosed issues affecting the company's performance and profitability [2][4]. Group 1: Legal Investigation - The law firm is encouraging investors who suffered losses in Grocery Outlet between November 7, 2023, and May 7, 2024, to discuss their legal rights [1]. - A federal securities class action has been filed against Grocery Outlet, with a deadline of March 31, 2025, for investors to seek the role of lead plaintiff [2]. - The firm has a history of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995 [3]. Group 2: Company Performance Issues - The complaint alleges that Grocery Outlet and its executives disseminated materially false and misleading statements regarding the company's transition to new systems, failing to disclose potential setbacks to profitability [4]. - On May 7, 2024, Grocery Outlet reported Q1 2024 earnings that fell below expectations and subsequently lowered its guidance for the year, attributing the decrease to disruptions from new technology implementations [5]. - Following the earnings report, Grocery Outlet's stock price dropped by $5.02 per share, approximately 19.38%, closing at $20.88 per share on May 8, 2024 [6].

Core Insights - The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign by Walmart and Sam's Club aims to provide food and resources to those facing hunger, running from March 1 to March 31 [1] - Since its launch in 2014, the campaign has raised over $206 million and secured 2 billion meals for the Feeding America network [2] - In 2023, 47.4 million people in the U.S. experienced food insecurity, the highest number in a decade, highlighting the urgent need for food assistance [3][4] Company Contributions - Walmart and Sam's Club have partnered with various suppliers to support the campaign, with participating suppliers donating the equivalent of at least one meal for every purchase of a participating product [5][6] - Walmart's fiscal year 2024 revenue reached $648 billion, and the company employs approximately 2.1 million associates globally [10] - Sam's Club, a division of Walmart, generated $86 billion in revenue and operates 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico [11] Community Impact - The North Texas Food Bank serves 664,000 individuals facing hunger, with nearly 40% being children, emphasizing the critical role of corporate partnerships in addressing food insecurity [3] - The North Texas Food Bank delivers over 100 million nutritious meals annually and focuses on nutrition education and innovative solutions to eliminate hunger [7] - Feeding America, the largest hunger relief network in the U.S., advocates for policies to improve food security and partners with various stakeholders to address the root causes of hunger [9]

Grocery giant Kroger said Monday (March 3) that Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen resigned from the company after a board investigation of his personal conduct.The company did not specify the personal conduct but said in a press release that it “while unrelated to the business, was inconsistent with Kroger’s Policy on Business Ethics.”Kroger added that McMullen’s conduct is not related to the company’s financial performance, operations or reporting and did not involve any company employees.The company appoin ...

Core Insights - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has delivered significant returns for investors over the past year, achieving returns that are double those of its peers [1]. Group 1 - Kroger's stock has been a reliable source of alpha for investors, indicating strong performance in the retail grocery sector [1].

Core Viewpoint - A class action securities lawsuit has been filed against Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. due to alleged securities fraud affecting investors between November 7, 2023, and May 7, 2024 [1] Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit aims to recover losses for Grocery Outlet investors who were negatively impacted by the company's financial disclosures and guidance reductions [1] - On May 7, 2024, Grocery Outlet reported first-quarter fiscal 2024 results that were significantly below expectations and lowered its guidance for the second quarter and the full fiscal year 2024 [2] - The company cited "unforeseen systems transition costs" and "residual expense from our commission support program" as reasons for the disappointing results [2] - Following the announcement, Grocery Outlet's stock price dropped to $20.88 per share on May 8, 2024, marking a decline of approximately 19.38% in one day [2] Group 2: Next Steps for Investors - Investors who suffered losses during the specified timeframe have until March 31, 2025, to request to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit [3] - Participation in the lawsuit does not require serving as a lead plaintiff, and class members may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket costs [3] Group 3: Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has a history of securing hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders and has extensive experience in complex securities litigation [4] - The firm has been recognized in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report for seven consecutive years as one of the leading securities litigation firms in the United States [4]

Core Insights - Lowe's Companies, Inc. reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results with both net sales and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, marking an improvement in earnings year over year despite a slight decline in net sales [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted quarterly earnings were $1.93 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.83 and improving from $1.77 in the same period last year [2] - Net sales reached $18,553 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18,346 million but reflecting a 0.3% year-over-year decline [3] - Comparable sales increased by 0.2%, a recovery from the 1.1% decline in the previous quarter, driven by high-single-digit growth in Pro and online sales, strong holiday performance, and post-hurricane rebuilding efforts [4] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit rose by 1.2% year over year to $6,097 million, with gross margin expanding by 50 basis points to 32.9% [5] - Operating income increased by 8.5% to $1,830 million, and operating margin expanded by 80 basis points to 9.9% [5] Financial Health - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,761 million and long-term debt of $32,901 million [6] - For fiscal 2024, Lowe's generated cash flow from operations of $9,625 million and executed a buyback of approximately 5.5 million shares, totaling $1.4 billion [6] Fiscal 2025 Outlook - Lowe's anticipates total sales between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion for fiscal 2025, with comparable sales expected to be flat to up 1% [7] - Adjusted earnings per share are projected in the range of $12.15 to $12.40, with capital expenditures estimated at approximately $2.5 billion [8] Stock Performance - Lowe's shares have increased by 1.3% over the past six months, compared to the industry's growth of 3.2% [9]