Bonfire Financial Makes New Investment in The Kroger Co. $KR

Key Points

• Bonfire Financial purchased 21,040 Kroger shares worth approximately $1.17 million in the second quarter, making KR its 16th-largest holding; institutional investors collectively own 80.93% of the company.
• Kroger reported quarterly revenue of $46.12 billion, up 2.2% year over year, but earnings of $1.58 per share narrowly missed estimates. The company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.39, equivalent to a 2.8% annualized yield.
• Analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” consensus with a $72 price target, although several firms recently lowered targets. Reported risks include planned store closures, declining traffic, product recalls and the discontinuation of Kroger’s co-branded credit card.

Bonfire Financial purchased a new stake in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR - Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 21,040 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,168,000. Kroger comprises approximately 0.8% of Bonfire Financial's portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest position.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in KR. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its stake in Kroger by 27.3% during the fourth quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 15,733 shares of the company's stock valued at $962,000 after purchasing an additional 3,373 shares during the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP grew its position in Kroger by 40.7% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 56,243 shares of the company's stock worth $3,807,000 after buying an additional 16,270 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Kroger in the second quarter valued at $201,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Kroger by 11.5% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 97,288 shares of the company's stock valued at $6,978,000 after buying an additional 10,051 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nebula Research & Development LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kroger during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,840,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.93% of the company's stock.

Kroger Stock Up 0.6%

Shares of Kroger stock opened at $56.39 on Wednesday. The Kroger Co. has a 1 year low of $54.15 and a 1 year high of $76.58. The company has a market cap of $34.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.43. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $58.34 and a 200 day moving average price of $64.84.

Kroger (NYSE:KR - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, June 18th. The company reported $1.58 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.59 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $46.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $45.59 billion. Kroger had a net margin of 0.71% and a return on equity of 44.33%. The company's revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.49 EPS. Kroger has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.100-5.30 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that The Kroger Co. will post 5.21 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Kroger Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Saturday, August 15th will be given a $0.39 dividend. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 14th. This is a positive change from Kroger's previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. Kroger's payout ratio is currently 91.76%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on KR shares. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Kroger from $73.00 to $67.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research note on Monday, June 22nd. Barclays set a $61.00 price target on Kroger and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research report on Monday, June 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an "outperform" rating on shares of Kroger in a research note on Monday, June 1st. UBS Group set a $63.00 price objective on Kroger and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Monday, June 22nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a "buy" rating and set a $82.00 price objective on shares of Kroger in a research note on Friday, June 19th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $72.00.

More Kroger News

Here are the key news stories impacting Kroger this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Kroger is opening new Marketplace locations in metro Atlanta, expanding its larger-format grocery, general merchandise and prepared-food offering. A new store is also planned for Lenoir City, Tennessee, supporting the company’s long-term growth and local market presence. Kroger opens new Marketplace locations in metro Atlanta New Kroger grocery store coming to Lenoir City
• Neutral Sentiment: Rebel Creamery, whose ice cream products are sold at Kroger and other major retailers, filed for bankruptcy while appealing a multimillion-dollar judgment. The development could affect product availability, but appears unlikely to have a material direct impact on Kroger’s finances. Ice cream brand sold at Kroger files for bankruptcy
• Negative Sentiment: Kroger reportedly plans to close 60 U.S. stores in 2026, including locations tied to its Fry’s banner. The closures may improve efficiency and profitability, but they also signal weak store economics and could reduce sales and customer reach. Kroger to Close 60 Stores
• Negative Sentiment: Reports and social-media reactions highlight declining Kroger store traffic, raising concerns about competitive pressure, consumer behavior and the company’s ability to sustain sales growth. Kroger’s declining traffic
• Negative Sentiment: A jalapeño-related salmonella recall involving products sold at Kroger and other grocers creates potential reputational, compliance and customer-trust risks, although the financial impact is not yet clear. Products recalled over jalapeño salmonella outbreak
• Negative Sentiment: Kroger’s co-branded credit card with U.S. Bank is reportedly being discontinued, including changes to gas-discount benefits. Ending the program may frustrate shoppers and weaken loyalty incentives. Kroger’s credit card is going away

Kroger Company Profile

The Kroger Co NYSE: KR is one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, offering a wide range of retail grocery and related services. Founded in Cincinnati in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company operates a portfolio of supermarket and multi-department store banners and provides customers with fresh foods, packaged groceries, deli and bakery items, meat and seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Kroger's stores commonly include pharmacy services and fuel centers, positioning the company as a broad-based neighborhood retail destination for everyday needs.

In addition to traditional in-store retailing, Kroger manufactures and distributes a variety of private-label brands and operates its own food production and supply-chain facilities.

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