Kroger Lifts Outlook as Sales Rise

Kroger (NYSE:KR) reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 on June 19, 2025, delivering identical sales growth excluding fuel of 3.2% and adjusted EPS of $1.49, up 4%. Management announced accelerated store network optimization, a heightened focus on core operations, and raised fiscal 2025 guidance for identical sales excluding fuel to 2.25%-3.25%.Planned closures of approximately 60 underperforming stores over the next 18 months follow a pause on annual real estate reviews that occurred during the failed merger process with Albertsons Companies. These closures coincide with the completion of 30 major store projects this fiscal year and an anticipated acceleration in new store openings beginning in fiscal 2026, targeting high-growth geographies and increasing total square footage.This proactive footprint rationalization and simultaneous reinvestment strategy should structurally boost average store productivity metrics. The company is also reallocating capital toward markets and formats with superior long-term return on investment (ROI) potential.Continue readingWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei MotleyFool Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei MotleyFool