Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat—I’m interested in your view on Kroger Inc. on the New York exchange. Thanks

Article Excerpt

A: Kroger Co., $29.30, symbol KR on New York (Shares outstanding: 949.0 million; Market cap: $27.8 billion; www.kroger.com), started up in 1883; it’s now the largest grocery store operator in the U.S. by sales. The company has 2,778 locations (1,400 of which also sell gasoline). They operate mainly in the U.S. South, Midwest and West Coast regions. In addition to Kroger, the company’s banners include City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. Kroger’s other operations include 785 convenience stores, 323 jewellery stores and 38 plants that make its private-label baked goods and dairy products. The company’s sales rose 21.5%, from $90.4 billion in 2012 to $109.9 billion in 2016 (fiscal years ended January 31). Earnings jumped 70.9%, from $1.2 billion to $2.0 billion. Thanks to fewer shares outstanding, per-share earnings gained 106.0%, from $1.00 to $2.06 (all per-share…