Kroger, based in Cincinnati, operated about 2,700 retail supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 35 states at the end of FY24. We estimate that these stores generated over 90% of the company's $150 billion in sales in FY24. KR also operated 1,665 supermarket fuel centers, more than 225 Little Clinics, and 33 food processing plants in the U.S. These plants make about 31% of KR's private-brand units. The company's name plates include Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Scoopers, Smith's, Fry's, Dillon's, City Market and Harris Teeter. Some 15% of the supermarkets are in California, 9% are in Ohio and 8% are in Texas. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club are primary competitors in most major markets. KR has pharmacies in about 82% of its food stores. The company has 179 million square feet of supermarket space. KR completed the sale of 782 convenience stores in the first quarter of FY19. Non-Perishables represented 51% of FY24 sales, Fresh foods were 24%, Supermarket Fuel 11%, Pharmacy 9.5% and Other 4%. The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Kroger's fiscal first quarter is 16 weeks. The second, third and fourth quarters are each 12 weeks. The current FY25 is a 52-week year.

Stocks are broadly higher at midday on Friday, supported by improving inflation data, a pending interest-rate cut from the Federal Reserve (but by how much?), broadening participation from sectors, and news of improved consumer sentiment. Perhaps the September jinx, which seemed firmly in play about a week ago, can be overcome this year. Time will tell.

Kroger is one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States with more than 2,700 stores across a portfolio of over 20 supermarket banners. The company boasts an ingrained presence in US communities, citing that it is a top-two grocer in most of its major market areas. Over one fourth of Kroger’s roughly $110 billion in nonperishable and fresh food sales (about 75% of revenue) stems from its private-label portfolio, of which the company manufactures about 30% of units via its 33 food production plants. The firm also operates fuel stations and pharmacies at 60% and 80% of its locations, respectively.

Kroger is one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States with more than 2,700 stores across a portfolio of over 20 supermarket banners. The company touts its ingrained presence in US communities, citing that it is a top-two grocer in most of its major market areas. Over one fourth of Kroger’s roughly $110 billion in nonperishable and fresh food sales (about 75% of revenue) stems from its private-label portfolio, of which the company manufactures about 30% of units via its 33 food production plants. The firm also operates fuel stations and pharmacies at 60% and 80% of its locations, respectively.