The Analyst Verdict: Kroger In The Eyes Of 19 Experts

Across the recent three months, 19 analysts have shared their insights on Kroger KR, expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.

The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 4 8 7 0 0
Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0
1M Ago 0 1 1 0 0
2M Ago 4 7 5 0 0
3M Ago 0 0 0 0 0

Analysts have recently evaluated Kroger and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $66.32, accompanied by a high estimate of $75.00 and a low estimate of $56.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $62.65, the current average has increased by 5.86%.

price target chart

Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look

A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Kroger is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
Paul Lejuez Citigroup Announces Neutral $61.00 -
Simeon Gutman Morgan Stanley Raises Equal-Weight $65.00 $62.00
Ken Goldman JP Morgan Raises Overweight $71.00 $69.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform $70.00 $70.00
Robert Ohmes B of A Securities Raises Buy $75.00 $70.00
John Heinbockel Guggenheim Announces Buy $68.00 -
Michael Lasser UBS Raises Neutral $66.00 $63.00
Kelly Bania BMO Capital Raises Market Perform $63.00 $60.00
Edward Kelly Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $73.00 $70.00
Simeon Gutman Morgan Stanley Raises Equal-Weight $62.00 $58.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform $65.00 $65.00
Bill Kirk Roth MKM Raises Neutral $56.00 $52.00
Ken Goldman JP Morgan Raises Overweight $69.00 $59.00
Edward Kelly Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $70.00 $65.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Maintains Outperform $65.00 $65.00
Kelly Bania BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform $60.00 $60.00
Rob Dickerson Jefferies Raises Buy $73.00 $54.00
Joseph Feldman Telsey Advisory Group Raises Outperform $65.00 $62.00
John Heinbockel Guggenheim Raises Buy $63.00 $61.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Kroger. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Kroger compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Kroger's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.

Capture valuable insights into Kroger's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Kroger analyst ratings.

Discovering Kroger: A Closer Look

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 own food production plants. The firm also operates fuel stations and pharmacies at 60% and 80% of its locations, respectively.

Breaking Down Kroger's Financial Performance

Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.

Revenue Challenges: Kroger's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 October, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -0.95%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.

Net Margin: Kroger's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.84%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.

Return on Equity (ROE): Kroger's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 4.86%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.

Return on Assets (ROA): Kroger's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.09%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.

Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 2.31, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.

Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings

Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.

Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.

Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?

Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Comments
Loading...
date
ticker
name
Price Target
Upside/Downside
Recommendation
Firm
Posted In:
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!