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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Wall Street Bullish or Bearish on Kroger Stock?
The Kroger Co. (KR) is a leading American retail firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating within the retail sector, primarily in the supermarket and grocery store industry. Currently, its market capitalization stands at $47.4 billion, securing its position as one of the largest grocery retailers in the U.S. Founded in 1883, the company now oversees a vast network of supermarkets, warehouse-style 'price-impact' stores, fuel centers, pharmacies, in-store clinics, manufacturing plants, and jewelry outlets. Kroger is also widely recognized for its private-label brands such as Big K and Simple Truth, which account for a significant portion of its sales, leveraging an integrated supply chain with in-house manufacturing and distribution facilities. More News from Barchart This High-Yield Dividend Stock Is Staging a Comeback. Should You Buy Shares Now? Palantir's Free Cash Flow Margins and Forecasts Rise - Where This Leaves PLTR Stock Cathie Wood is Buying Figma Stock with Both Hands. Should You Buy This Hot IPO, Too? Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Kroger has delivered strong price performance in 2025, climbing 17.3% year-to-date (YTD) and around 33.1% over the past 52 weeks, which notably outpaced the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) return of 7.1% and 21.5%, respectively. On the other hand, the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) has posted more muted gains of 2.4% on a YTD basis and about 3.6% for the past year. Kroger has comfortably outperformed both the broader market and its sector. Kroger's outperformance stems from several key catalysts, including Kroger's Q1 2025 results, posted on June 20. Identical sales excluding fuel rose 3.2% and adjusted EPS came in at $1.49, beating analyst estimates and prompting the firm to raise full-year identical sales growth guidance to a 2.25% to 3.25% range. The stock spiked by 9.8% on the day of earnings release, driven by renewed confidence in its strategic direction. For the current fiscal year, ending in January 2026, analysts expect Kroger to report EPS growth of 6.5% YoY to $4.76, on a diluted basis. The company has a stellar track record of consistently surpassing projections. It has topped consensus EPS estimates in each of the last four quarters. Among the 20 analysts covering KR stock, the consensus rating is a 'Moderate Buy.' That's based on 11 'Strong Buy' and nine 'Hold' ratings. The current configuration has remained largely consistent over the past few months. But compared to three months ago, it reflects a slightly improved sentiment, with no 'Strong Sell' rating now, indicating a reduced bearish sentiment. On July 21, Barclays initiated coverage on KR with an 'Equalweight' rating and a $90 price target, implying an upside potential of 25.4%. The brokerage firm cited expected improvements in identical store sales through 2025 to 2026, driven by competitor closures, streamlined promotions, and price investments. The firm also highlighted Kroger's strong track record of delivering consistent shareholder returns. Meanwhile, the mean price target of $76.84 is not quite as ambitious, but it still represents a premium of 7.1% to KR's current price. On the date of publication, Sristi Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
News24
04-07-2025
- General
- News24
Ribcanha on the braai
Experience the mouthwatering flavours of Ribcanha on the Braai, a succulent beef steak recipe that guarantees a deliciously satisfying meal. Preparing this masterpiece is a breeze. The result is a juicy and perfectly cooked Ribcanha steak that is bursting with flavour. Whether you prefer it medium-rare or well-done, this recipe can be tailored to your liking. The Ribcanha can be enjoyed as the star of the meal or paired with your favourite side dishes and accompaniments. Want to make this later? Tap on the bookmark ribbon at the top of your screen and come back to it when you need to shop for ingredients or start cooking. Ingredients 1 Steakhouse Classic Beef Ribcanha 3 tbsp Simple Truth Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub Salt and pepper Method Ensure the Ribcanha is at room temperature before grilling. Leave it outside the fridge for about an hour after seasoning. Score the Ribcanha fat in a crisscross pattern to the meat. Rub the spices onto the meat. Place the Ribcanha fat side down over low to medium coals. Let the fat render for about 10 minutes until it turns a golden colour. Flip the steak over and continue cooking over medium coals. Cook for 15 – 20 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Monitor closely to prevent burning. If using a kettle braai, put the lid on to ensure even cooking. Serve with your preferred accompaniments.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroger's CEO Issues a Stark Warning About the Future of Grocery Shopping
The grocery industry is in the middle of a seismic shift, and Kroger's CEO, Ron Sargent, says it's being driven by customers themselves. According to The Street, during the company's recent earnings call, Sargent revealed that despite solid profits and growing sales in categories like pharmacy and fresh foods, consumer behavior is evolving in ways the company didn't fully anticipate. He pointed to a mix of caution, cost-consciousness, and health-focused choices that could permanently alter the way Americans shop for food. "Customers continue to spend cautiously in an uncertain economic environment," Sargent said, adding that many are turning to private label brands and larger pack sizes while cutting back on snacks, alcohol, and general merchandise. While Kroger has dropped prices on more than 2,000 items, the average shopper is still tightening their belt, relying heavily on coupons and promotions to make ends meet. One of the biggest shifts, Sargent noted, is the growing demand for protein-rich products, particularly among consumers using weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. In response, Kroger's Simple Truth line is preparing to launch 80 new protein-focused products, including bars, shakes, and powders. "Simple Truth and Private Selection led our sales growth," Sargent explained. "That tells us shoppers want premium, health-conscious products—but they want them at a value." Yet the changing tides come with hard choices. Kroger announced plans to close 60 underperforming stores over the next 18 months, while simultaneously investing in new locations in high-growth areas. Sargent emphasized that displaced employees will be offered roles at other locations. "Our top priorities are clear," he said. "We're going to move with speed, focus on our core business, and run great stores. That's how we'll position Kroger for long-term performance." In short, what's in your cart and how you get it is changing fast. And Kroger is racing to keep up. Kroger's CEO Issues a Stark Warning About the Future of Grocery Shopping first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 24, 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroger CEO sounds alarm on unexpected customer behavior
Kroger CEO sounds alarm on unexpected customer behavior originally appeared on TheStreet. Kroger () appears to be resonating well with consumers, despite recent inflation and growing concerns about tariffs increasing prices. However, the grocery chain is noticing drastic changes in customer behavior. In Kroger's first-quarter earnings report for 2025, it revealed that its identical sales without fuel increased by 3.2% year-over-year during the quarter. 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵 The increase in sales contributed to it generating an operating profit of $1.3 billion, which is about 2% higher than what it earned during the same time period last recent data from found that customer visits to Kroger stores increased year-over-year in January but were slightly down in February. During an earnings call on June 20, Kroger CEO Ron Sargent said the company had 'strong sales' in pharmacy, e-commerce, and fresh food categories. He said fresh food sales, in particular, were 'better than center store sales,' which signals that more customers are prioritizing consuming healthier foods. 'Simple Truth and private selection led our sales growth, highlighting that customers want premium products while also spending less,' said Sargent. 'Our Brands is also creating new products that support customers' healthier eating habits. For example, earlier this year, we identified protein as a major customer trend, and soon, Simple Truth will introduce 80 new protein products to our assortment.' New Simple Truth protein products will include bars, powders, and shakes. Sargent attributed the higher interest in protein products to customers using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight trend also comes after a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council last year found that 79% of Americans consider whether a food product is processed when deciding to purchase it. Also, 63% of Americans avoid processed foods, while more than half follow a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diet to be healthier. While more customers are eating healthier, Sargent flagged that shoppers are also focused on reducing their spending amid inflation. 'Customers continue to spend cautiously in an uncertain economic environment,' said Sargent. 'Many customers want more value, and as a result, they're buying more promotional products and more Our Brands products. They're also eating more meals at home.' He said that even though Kroger has lowered prices on more than 2,000 products this year, customers are continuing to scale back discretionary spending in several categories and are relying more on coupons to save money. 'We are kind of seeing a shift into larger pack sizes and increased use of coupons,' he said. 'We're seeing some discretionary spend that's a little softer in areas like snacks and adult beverages, pet, general merchandise categories. So, you know, I think in terms of the consumer, we expect the consumer to remain cautious throughout the year. And we're responding to that with simpler promotions, coupons, lower prices, and a lot of own brand choices.' As consumers change their shopping habits, Kroger has announced plans to close 60 low-performing stores nationwide over the next 18 months. 'We don't take these decisions lightly, but this will make the company more efficient, and Kroger will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at affected stores,' said Sargent during the call. 'To recap, our top priorities are clear. We're going to move with speed. We're gonna concentrate on our core business, and we're gonna run great stores. This is how we'll position Kroger for long-term performance.' More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customers T-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customers AT&T makes generous offer to older customers Despite its plans to close 60 stores, Kroger will be opening new stores this year in competitive areas and cities where it operates. 'We'll be investing to accelerate store openings going forward,' said Sargent. 'We don't have a number to share with you this morning, but it'll be north of the 30 that we open this year.' Sargent also said that new store openings will be 'scattered around the country, and there'll be a variety of store formats,' with many being marketplace CEO sounds alarm on unexpected customer behavior first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Kroger CEO sounds alarm on unexpected customer behavior
Kroger (KR) appears to be resonating well with consumers, despite recent inflation and growing concerns about tariffs increasing prices. However, the grocery chain is noticing drastic changes in customer behavior. In Kroger's first-quarter earnings report for 2025, it revealed that its identical sales without fuel increased by 3.2% year-over-year during the quarter. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The increase in sales contributed to it generating an operating profit of $1.3 billion, which is about 2% higher than what it earned during the same time period last year. Related: Kroger announces big store change amid price gouging accusations Also, recent data from found that customer visits to Kroger stores increased year-over-year in January but were slightly down in February. During an earnings call on June 20, Kroger CEO Ron Sargent said the company had "strong sales" in pharmacy, e-commerce, and fresh food categories. He said fresh food sales, in particular, were "better than center store sales," which signals that more customers are prioritizing consuming healthier foods. "Simple Truth and private selection led our sales growth, highlighting that customers want premium products while also spending less," said Sargent. "Our Brands is also creating new products that support customers' healthier eating habits. For example, earlier this year, we identified protein as a major customer trend, and soon, Simple Truth will introduce 80 new protein products to our assortment." New Simple Truth protein products will include bars, powders, and shakes. Sargent attributed the higher interest in protein products to customers using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. Related: Sam's Club makes big change to products as customers switch gears The trend also comes after a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council last year found that 79% of Americans consider whether a food product is processed when deciding to purchase it. Also, 63% of Americans avoid processed foods, while more than half follow a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diet to be healthier. While more customers are eating healthier, Sargent flagged that shoppers are also focused on reducing their spending amid inflation. "Customers continue to spend cautiously in an uncertain economic environment," said Sargent. "Many customers want more value, and as a result, they're buying more promotional products and more Our Brands products. They're also eating more meals at home." He said that even though Kroger has lowered prices on more than 2,000 products this year, customers are continuing to scale back discretionary spending in several categories and are relying more on coupons to save money. "We are kind of seeing a shift into larger pack sizes and increased use of coupons," he said. "We're seeing some discretionary spend that's a little softer in areas like snacks and adult beverages, pet, general merchandise categories. So, you know, I think in terms of the consumer, we expect the consumer to remain cautious throughout the year. And we're responding to that with simpler promotions, coupons, lower prices, and a lot of own brand choices." As consumers change their shopping habits, Kroger has announced plans to close 60 low-performing stores nationwide over the next 18 months. "We don't take these decisions lightly, but this will make the company more efficient, and Kroger will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at affected stores," said Sargent during the call. "To recap, our top priorities are clear. We're going to move with speed. We're gonna concentrate on our core business, and we're gonna run great stores. This is how we'll position Kroger for long-term performance." More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersAT&T makes generous offer to older customers Despite its plans to close 60 stores, Kroger will be opening new stores this year in competitive areas and cities where it operates. "We'll be investing to accelerate store openings going forward," said Sargent. "We don't have a number to share with you this morning, but it'll be north of the 30 that we open this year." Sargent also said that new store openings will be "scattered around the country, and there'll be a variety of store formats," with many being marketplace stores. Related: Costco to make generous offer to frustrated phone customers The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
