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Investing.com - Citi raised its price target on Kroger (NYSE:KR) to $74.00 from $65.00 on Monday while maintaining a Neutral rating following the retailer’s strong first-quarter performance. The stock, currently trading near its 52-week high of $73.63, has delivered an impressive 9% return in the past week and maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score according to InvestingPro.
The grocery chain reported comparable sales growth of 3.2%, exceeding consensus expectations of 2.4%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of accelerated comparable sales. Earnings per share reached $1.49, surpassing the FactSet consensus estimate of $1.45. With a market capitalization of $47.6 billion and a track record of raising dividends for 19 consecutive years, Kroger demonstrates strong market position and shareholder commitment.
Kroger management increased its comparable sales guidance for the year from 2.0-3.0% to 2.25-3.25%, while maintaining its fiscal 2025 earnings per share guidance of $4.60-4.80, which Citi suggests likely reflects some conservatism. InvestingPro analysis reveals 8 additional key insights about Kroger’s financial outlook and market position. Get access to the complete Pro Research Report for comprehensive analysis.
The retailer is investing in pricing on high-frequency items while maintaining its targeted couponing strategy. Comparable sales growth of 3.2% outpaced inflation, which was slightly below 2% in the first quarter, showing early signs of success for this approach.
Kroger expects grocery to be a bigger driver of second-half comparable growth relative to pharmacy, with Citi viewing the risk/reward as balanced at current levels and closing its Short-Term upside view on the stock.
In other recent news, Kroger Company announced its first-quarter earnings for 2025, revealing earnings per share (EPS) of $1.49, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.45. Despite a slight miss in revenue, which came in at $45.12 billion compared to the forecast of $45.28 billion, the company’s financial results reflect strong operational efficiencies and strategic brand initiatives. Kroger’s identical sales, excluding fuel, increased by 3.2%, supported by strong sales in pharmacy, e-commerce, and fresh categories. The company also reported a 15% growth in e-commerce sales, highlighting its digital expansion efforts.
In strategic moves, Kroger plans to close approximately 60 underperforming stores while accelerating new store openings in 2026 to optimize its store network. Analysts from firms such as Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and Guggenheim noted the company’s focus on cost optimization and capital allocation to improve long-term growth and shareholder value. Additionally, Kroger has raised its guidance for identical sales without fuel to a range of 2.25% to 3.25% for the year, indicating a positive outlook despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
The company continues to invest in its e-commerce business, aiming to enhance profitability and customer experience. Kroger’s strong adjusted free cash flow and balance sheet provide flexibility for further investments in growth opportunities. The company remains committed to improving its market share by prioritizing new store growth and competitive pricing strategies, while also focusing on enhancing its private label offerings to meet changing consumer preferences.
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