16 days ago
This past weekend marked our first UK basketball/football doubleheader, and now we're preparing for another with two games in Lexington this coming weekend for the Kentucky Wildcats.
On Friday, Mark Pope's Wildcats will face a stiff pre-season test, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders come to town. The Red Raiders are projected to be a top-25 team to start the season, but they currently face eligibility questions regarding some key players, including returners Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell, as well as UCF transfer JaMichael Stillwell.
Star forward JT Toppin is also out this week as he continues to recover from a torn ACL that will likely keep him out until sometime in conference play.
Regardless, Texas Tech under Grant McCasland has been solid and should be a good measuring stick to see where this Kentucky team stands heading into the season.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Football returns home for an SEC matchup against Vanderbilt in front of what was recently announced as a sold-out crowd at Kroger Field.
#kentucky #texas #raiders #weekend
On Friday, Mark Pope's Wildcats will face a stiff pre-season test, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders come to town. The Red Raiders are projected to be a top-25 team to start the season, but they currently face eligibility questions regarding some key players, including returners Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell, as well as UCF transfer JaMichael Stillwell.
Star forward JT Toppin is also out this week as he continues to recover from a torn ACL that will likely keep him out until sometime in conference play.
Regardless, Texas Tech under Grant McCasland has been solid and should be a good measuring stick to see where this Kentucky team stands heading into the season.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Football returns home for an SEC matchup against Vanderbilt in front of what was recently announced as a sold-out crowd at Kroger Field.
#kentucky #texas #raiders #weekend
1 month ago
Guillermo Rodriguez's salsa brand is launching nationwide after surpassing one million tubs
Guillermo's Salsa will expand to Kroger locations nationwide on Oct. 4, and in H-E-Bs on Nov. 4
"When you try it, you're going to be like, 'Oh my God, this salsa is real good,' " Rodriguez tells PEOPLE
In the past few weeks, Guillermo Rodriguez, has spiced up the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, competing alongside his pro partner Witney Carson. But the dance floor isn't the only place he's brought the heat.
Rodriguez, 55, launched his salsa brand — co-founded with Chris Kirby, founder of Ithaca Hummus — in January, and it has been sold in stores across the Northeast and Southeast. Since its release, Guillermo's Salsa has become one of the fastest-growing refrigerated salsa brands, selling over one million tubs, according to an official press release.
#guillermo #brand
Guillermo's Salsa will expand to Kroger locations nationwide on Oct. 4, and in H-E-Bs on Nov. 4
"When you try it, you're going to be like, 'Oh my God, this salsa is real good,' " Rodriguez tells PEOPLE
In the past few weeks, Guillermo Rodriguez, has spiced up the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, competing alongside his pro partner Witney Carson. But the dance floor isn't the only place he's brought the heat.
Rodriguez, 55, launched his salsa brand — co-founded with Chris Kirby, founder of Ithaca Hummus — in January, and it has been sold in stores across the Northeast and Southeast. Since its release, Guillermo's Salsa has become one of the fastest-growing refrigerated salsa brands, selling over one million tubs, according to an official press release.
#guillermo #brand
2 months ago
Auxier ******* et Management, an investment advisory firm, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. Following a strong rebound from the first-quarter decline, the S&P 500 gained 15.2% as accelerating capital spending toward artificial intelligence infrastructure drove significant gains across technology hardware companies. Semiconductor and data-center-related businesses benefited from supply constraints and strong demand, while enterprise software remained under pressure as investors reassessed AI disruption risks and compressed valuations. In the quarter, Auxier Focus Fund's Investor Class gained 8.82% and 10.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Despite strong earnings growth across the broader market, Auxier highlighted concerns around rising margin debt, increased leverage, and elevated capital flows into high-growth technology areas that could amplify future volatility. The firm continues to focus on identifying enduring businesses with strong competitive advantages, resilient cash flows, and sustainable long-term growth potential. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ******* et Management highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 14, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $60.91 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 10.12%, but its shares are down 7.06% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $37.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Auxier ******* et Management stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Consumer staples underperformed during the quarter. Elevated inflation, high interest rates and rising gas prices contributed to lower consumer spending, impacting companies like The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) and PepsiCo. Although Kroger's stock has been weak, its new CEO Greg Foran brings exceptional leadership that promises positive change. While he was President of Walmart US from 2014-2019, the company achieved 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth and scaled its online grocery pickup. Since joining Kroger he has aggressively reduced prices and boosted the growth in private label and organic offerings. The stock trades at a mere 12 times earnings which is a significant discount to both Costco and Walmart."
#Growth #asset
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ******* et Management highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 14, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $60.91 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 10.12%, but its shares are down 7.06% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $37.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Auxier ******* et Management stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Consumer staples underperformed during the quarter. Elevated inflation, high interest rates and rising gas prices contributed to lower consumer spending, impacting companies like The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) and PepsiCo. Although Kroger's stock has been weak, its new CEO Greg Foran brings exceptional leadership that promises positive change. While he was President of Walmart US from 2014-2019, the company achieved 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth and scaled its online grocery pickup. Since joining Kroger he has aggressively reduced prices and boosted the growth in private label and organic offerings. The stock trades at a mere 12 times earnings which is a significant discount to both Costco and Walmart."
#Growth #asset
2 months ago
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) cut its full-year 2026 identical-sales forecast excluding fuel to 0.2%–0.8% from 1%–2%, reflecting a sharper-than-expected slowdown in consumer demand. Second-quarter identical sales rose just 0.2%, down from 3.4% a year earlier and below the 0.9% ****** yst estimate.
The weakness reflects pressure on middle- and lower-income consumers, while a Cyclospora outbreak reduced quarterly identical sales by roughly 35 basis points and Medicare prescription-drug pricing changes created an approximately 140-basis-point headwind for pharmacy revenue. Importantly, Kroger maintained its full-year adjusted FIFO operating-profit forecast of $5.0 billion–$5.2 billion and delivered adjusted EPS of $1.09, ahead of the $1.06 consensus.
The strongest bullish argument is that The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is currently protecting earnings despite the deterioration in sales momentum. Second-quarter adjusted EPS increased 5% year over year to $1.09, while adjusted FIFO operating profit was $1.076 billion. Kroger's gross margin rate actually increased by 13 basis points, although the overall gross-margin percentage was 22.4% versus 22.5% a year earlier, suggesting that pricing, sourcing, and cost-management initiatives are helping offset weaker volumes. The company's higher-margin businesses are also becoming increasingly important: adjusted e-commerce sales grew 20% in the quarter, and Kroger Precision Marketing profit increased 24%. That mix shift gives Kroger an earnings lever even when supermarket traffic and comparable sales are weak.
There is also evidence that management is actively responding to the competitive pressure rather than simply accepting slower growth. CEO Greg Foran has been pursuing tighter sourcing, simpler operations and lower prices, with Reuters reporting plans to cut prices across thousands of products to regain shoppers from Walmart, Costco and Aldi. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)'s balance sheet provides room to fund that strategy: its net debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio was 1.91x, below its stated target range of 2.30x–2.50x, while the company repurchased $1.0 billion of shares in the second quarter and $1.2 billion year to date. It also raised its dividend 11%, marking the 20th consecutive year of increases. If sales stabilize while e-commerce, retail media and cost efficiencies continue expanding, the unchanged $5.0 billion–$5.2 billion operating-profit forecast could prove more important to valuation than the reduced top-line outlook.
#year
The weakness reflects pressure on middle- and lower-income consumers, while a Cyclospora outbreak reduced quarterly identical sales by roughly 35 basis points and Medicare prescription-drug pricing changes created an approximately 140-basis-point headwind for pharmacy revenue. Importantly, Kroger maintained its full-year adjusted FIFO operating-profit forecast of $5.0 billion–$5.2 billion and delivered adjusted EPS of $1.09, ahead of the $1.06 consensus.
The strongest bullish argument is that The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is currently protecting earnings despite the deterioration in sales momentum. Second-quarter adjusted EPS increased 5% year over year to $1.09, while adjusted FIFO operating profit was $1.076 billion. Kroger's gross margin rate actually increased by 13 basis points, although the overall gross-margin percentage was 22.4% versus 22.5% a year earlier, suggesting that pricing, sourcing, and cost-management initiatives are helping offset weaker volumes. The company's higher-margin businesses are also becoming increasingly important: adjusted e-commerce sales grew 20% in the quarter, and Kroger Precision Marketing profit increased 24%. That mix shift gives Kroger an earnings lever even when supermarket traffic and comparable sales are weak.
There is also evidence that management is actively responding to the competitive pressure rather than simply accepting slower growth. CEO Greg Foran has been pursuing tighter sourcing, simpler operations and lower prices, with Reuters reporting plans to cut prices across thousands of products to regain shoppers from Walmart, Costco and Aldi. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)'s balance sheet provides room to fund that strategy: its net debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio was 1.91x, below its stated target range of 2.30x–2.50x, while the company repurchased $1.0 billion of shares in the second quarter and $1.2 billion year to date. It also raised its dividend 11%, marking the 20th consecutive year of increases. If sales stabilize while e-commerce, retail media and cost efficiencies continue expanding, the unchanged $5.0 billion–$5.2 billion operating-profit forecast could prove more important to valuation than the reduced top-line outlook.
#year
2 months ago
Auxier ***** et Management, an investment advisory firm, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. Following a strong rebound from the first-quarter decline, the S&P 500 gained 15.2% as accelerating capital spending toward artificial intelligence infrastructure drove significant gains across technology hardware companies. Semiconductor and data-center-related businesses benefited from supply constraints and strong demand, while enterprise software remained under pressure as investors reassessed AI disruption risks and compressed valuations. In the quarter, Auxier Focus Fund's Investor Class gained 8.82% and 10.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Despite strong earnings growth across the broader market, Auxier highlighted concerns around rising margin debt, increased leverage, and elevated capital flows into high-growth technology areas that could amplify future volatility. The firm continues to focus on identifying enduring businesses with strong competitive advantages, resilient cash flows, and sustainable long-term growth potential. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ***** et Management highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 14, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $60.91 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 10.12%, but its shares are down 7.06% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $37.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Auxier ***** et Management stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Consumer staples underperformed during the quarter. Elevated inflation, high interest rates and rising gas prices contributed to lower consumer spending, impacting companies like The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) and PepsiCo. Although Kroger's stock has been weak, its new CEO Greg Foran brings exceptional leadership that promises positive change. While he was President of Walmart US from 2014-2019, the company achieved 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth and scaled its online grocery pickup. Since joining Kroger he has aggressively reduced prices and boosted the growth in private label and organic offerings. The stock trades at a mere 12 times earnings which is a significant discount to both Costco and Walmart."
#NYSE #quarter #Growth #strong
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ***** et Management highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 14, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $60.91 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 10.12%, but its shares are down 7.06% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $37.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Auxier ***** et Management stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Consumer staples underperformed during the quarter. Elevated inflation, high interest rates and rising gas prices contributed to lower consumer spending, impacting companies like The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) and PepsiCo. Although Kroger's stock has been weak, its new CEO Greg Foran brings exceptional leadership that promises positive change. While he was President of Walmart US from 2014-2019, the company achieved 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth and scaled its online grocery pickup. Since joining Kroger he has aggressively reduced prices and boosted the growth in private label and organic offerings. The stock trades at a mere 12 times earnings which is a significant discount to both Costco and Walmart."
#NYSE #quarter #Growth #strong
2 months ago
The deafening roar of Kroger Field that fueled a 17-13 halftime lead eventually gave way to a much heavier, quieter reality. When the final whistle blew on a 45-17 loss to Alabama, the scoreboard reflected a fractured dream of an upset, leaving players and fans alike processing the sting of what could have been yet again.
For Will Stein, the immediate aftermath wasn't about pointing fingers; it was about raw accountability and a profound gratitude for a fanbase that delivered a championship-level atmosphere.
The fans showed up in full force, selling out Kroger Field for Will Stein's SEC debut, creating an environment that Stein described as "unbelievable," "loud," and "energetic." Recognizing the massive emotional investment of the crowd, he didn't mince words. "I apologize to our fans for the way that we finished," he admitted, fully aware of the collective heartbreak echoing through the stands and the locker room. "I know our guys are hurting."
That hurt can't carry on too long; the SEC is an unforgiving league, and the 2nd-half performance against Alabama can't bleed over to next week.
The first half offered a vivid glimpse into the program's potential that Will Stein spoke on before the season started. The defense hunted the ball, securing three takeaways, while the offense capitalized to carry a lead into the locker room. But the second half brought stalled drives and exhausted defenders. Pinned back by short fields, the defense was asked to hold back the Tide a few too many times. "When you're defending a short field virtually the entire half, and we weren't converting on third downs, that was tough on our defense," Stein noted, acknowledging the brutal physical toll.
#field #defense #room
For Will Stein, the immediate aftermath wasn't about pointing fingers; it was about raw accountability and a profound gratitude for a fanbase that delivered a championship-level atmosphere.
The fans showed up in full force, selling out Kroger Field for Will Stein's SEC debut, creating an environment that Stein described as "unbelievable," "loud," and "energetic." Recognizing the massive emotional investment of the crowd, he didn't mince words. "I apologize to our fans for the way that we finished," he admitted, fully aware of the collective heartbreak echoing through the stands and the locker room. "I know our guys are hurting."
That hurt can't carry on too long; the SEC is an unforgiving league, and the 2nd-half performance against Alabama can't bleed over to next week.
The first half offered a vivid glimpse into the program's potential that Will Stein spoke on before the season started. The defense hunted the ball, securing three takeaways, while the offense capitalized to carry a lead into the locker room. But the second half brought stalled drives and exhausted defenders. Pinned back by short fields, the defense was asked to hold back the Tide a few too many times. "When you're defending a short field virtually the entire half, and we weren't converting on third downs, that was tough on our defense," Stein noted, acknowledging the brutal physical toll.
#field #defense #room
2 months ago
Through 30 minutes, Kentucky was right with Alabama. In fact, the Cats went to the locker room leading 17-13 with tangible hope that they could pull off the upset.
However, Alabama came out and put the clamps down in the second half.
Backed by four second-half touchdowns, the Crimson Tide completely flipped the momentum of the game and held the Cats to under 100 yards of offense in the second 30 minutes. It was just part of a 45-17 win that handed the Cats their first loss of the season and Will Stein his first loss as a head coach.
Let's take a look at four things that stand out from Saturday's game at Kroger Field.
They may not be the Crimson Tide of 2009-2020, but this is still a really good Crimson Tide team. Really good teams overcome two early turnovers, which is what Alabama did on Saturday. In addition, really good teams just keep coming at you. That's also what Alabama did on Saturday.
#tide
However, Alabama came out and put the clamps down in the second half.
Backed by four second-half touchdowns, the Crimson Tide completely flipped the momentum of the game and held the Cats to under 100 yards of offense in the second 30 minutes. It was just part of a 45-17 win that handed the Cats their first loss of the season and Will Stein his first loss as a head coach.
Let's take a look at four things that stand out from Saturday's game at Kroger Field.
They may not be the Crimson Tide of 2009-2020, but this is still a really good Crimson Tide team. Really good teams overcome two early turnovers, which is what Alabama did on Saturday. In addition, really good teams just keep coming at you. That's also what Alabama did on Saturday.
#tide
2 months ago
Paul Finebaum and SEC Nation made their way to Lexington as Alabama is set to play Kentucky at Kroger Field today at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The Wildcats are in Year 1 under Will Stein, who kicked off his head coaching debut with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State last week. Saturay, he's facing his first conference opponent.
Ahead of today's contest, Finebaum made a bold statement about the Stein comparing him to one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
"Seventy-five years ago, Bear Bryant coached at the University of Kentucky," Finebaum said on the set of SEC Nation. "I feel a vibe right now that the next Bear Bryant has showed up at Kentucky. They really feel like they've got their guy. Will 'Bear' Stein has arrived."
"What a statement," Tim Tebow said. "That's a left hook."
#stein #bear
The Wildcats are in Year 1 under Will Stein, who kicked off his head coaching debut with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State last week. Saturay, he's facing his first conference opponent.
Ahead of today's contest, Finebaum made a bold statement about the Stein comparing him to one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
"Seventy-five years ago, Bear Bryant coached at the University of Kentucky," Finebaum said on the set of SEC Nation. "I feel a vibe right now that the next Bear Bryant has showed up at Kentucky. They really feel like they've got their guy. Will 'Bear' Stein has arrived."
"What a statement," Tim Tebow said. "That's a left hook."
#stein #bear
2 months ago
There is a particular kind of quiet that follows a quarterback who hasn't needed to be loud. Marcus Washington Jr. throws touchdowns the way some kids collect grades—steadily, without much fuss, until one day the transcript is too good to ignore. The three-star, 2029 First Team MaxPreps All-American out of Cajon (Calif.), has spent this season quietly ******* embling one of the most productive stat lines in the country, and this weekend he trades the Southern California sun for the SEC's version of theater when he makes his way back to Lexington for Kentucky football's showdown with Alabama at Kroger Field.
Call it a homecoming, even if his mailing address says otherwise. Washington camped in the Bluegrass this past summer, and the visit left a mark. He is coming back not as a tourist, but as a young man doing due diligence on a decision that will shape the next four years of his life—and doing it the way the good ones always have, on his own clock, gathering information instead of chasing headlines.
THE NUMBERS DON'T WHISPER.
Whatever Washington is doing quietly, the box score is not. Last week alone he was 14 of 25 for 219 yards and a touchdown through the air, then shredded the edges for 138 yards and four more scores on the ground—the kind of two-way workload that makes opposing coordinators lose sleep and college recruiters lose their composure. Through three games this fall, he has piled up 1,176 total yards and 13 touchdowns, a pace that reads less like a high school box score and more like a mid-major Saturday.
Numbers like that don't need adjectives. They need context, and the context is this: Washington isn't just a runner who can throw or a thrower who can run. He is a West Coast problem that programs from four time zones away are now trying to solve, and Kentucky is convinced it has the answer.
#kentucky
Call it a homecoming, even if his mailing address says otherwise. Washington camped in the Bluegrass this past summer, and the visit left a mark. He is coming back not as a tourist, but as a young man doing due diligence on a decision that will shape the next four years of his life—and doing it the way the good ones always have, on his own clock, gathering information instead of chasing headlines.
THE NUMBERS DON'T WHISPER.
Whatever Washington is doing quietly, the box score is not. Last week alone he was 14 of 25 for 219 yards and a touchdown through the air, then shredded the edges for 138 yards and four more scores on the ground—the kind of two-way workload that makes opposing coordinators lose sleep and college recruiters lose their composure. Through three games this fall, he has piled up 1,176 total yards and 13 touchdowns, a pace that reads less like a high school box score and more like a mid-major Saturday.
Numbers like that don't need adjectives. They need context, and the context is this: Washington isn't just a runner who can throw or a thrower who can run. He is a West Coast problem that programs from four time zones away are now trying to solve, and Kentucky is convinced it has the answer.
#kentucky
2 months ago
Kroger (KR) stock has inched lower ahead of the department store chain's fiscal Q2 results, which are set to be published before the market opens on Sept. 11. Consensus is for the retailer to post $1.05 a share of earnings (EPS) for the quarter, which would represent a 0.96% increase versus last year.
The earnings event comes as Kroger shares have fallen out of favor with investors, currently down nearly 25% versus their year-to-date high.
Why It's Time to Load Up on Intel Stock
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Just Called CrowdStrike Its Top Security Partner. How to Play CRWD Stock Here.
Google Plans to Build Mammoth Solar Farm on an Abandoned Coal Mine. This Penny Stock Just Won the Deal.
#year #sept #consensus #Intel
The earnings event comes as Kroger shares have fallen out of favor with investors, currently down nearly 25% versus their year-to-date high.
Why It's Time to Load Up on Intel Stock
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Just Called CrowdStrike Its Top Security Partner. How to Play CRWD Stock Here.
Google Plans to Build Mammoth Solar Farm on an Abandoned Coal Mine. This Penny Stock Just Won the Deal.
#year #sept #consensus #Intel
2 months ago
We are only two days removed from Kentucky Football hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide as Will Stein tries to make some major noise in only his second game as head coach. The BBN is rocking, and many are believing an upset could happen at Kroger Field on Saturday. That will take a healthy roster, and fortunately for the Cats, it looks like they will have that.
When the first injury report dropped Wednesday, Kentucky got great news, as four major pieces of this team did not appear on the report: Jovante Barnes, Teryhon Nichols, Hasaan Sykes, and Malachi Wood. That means we should see them take the field for the Cats on Saturday.
Several reserves still appear on the report that weren't expected to play much, including backup offensive lineman Jay Clark, who has already been ruled out.
For the Crimson Tide, if you missed it yesterday, they will be without wideout Noah Rogers. Starting offensive lineman Michael Carroll also remains doubtful. This would be a major blow for the Tide's o-line in their first road game.
Not much movement tonight. Now, we wait until Friday to see if we get any surprise names.
#major
When the first injury report dropped Wednesday, Kentucky got great news, as four major pieces of this team did not appear on the report: Jovante Barnes, Teryhon Nichols, Hasaan Sykes, and Malachi Wood. That means we should see them take the field for the Cats on Saturday.
Several reserves still appear on the report that weren't expected to play much, including backup offensive lineman Jay Clark, who has already been ruled out.
For the Crimson Tide, if you missed it yesterday, they will be without wideout Noah Rogers. Starting offensive lineman Michael Carroll also remains doubtful. This would be a major blow for the Tide's o-line in their first road game.
Not much movement tonight. Now, we wait until Friday to see if we get any surprise names.
#major
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0 donations
0.00$
to go
2 months ago
Harbor Funds, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for "Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund". The letter can be downloaded here. Global equities experienced a sharp rally in Q2 2026, with the S&P 500 returning 15.2%, its strongest quarter since 2020, driven by a shift from software to hardware in the Artificial Intelligence capital spending cycle. Small caps outperformed large caps, with the Russell 2000® gaining 21.5% compared to the Russell 1000's 15.1%. Growth stocks led within large caps, while Information Technology rose about 33%, contributing significantly to the S&P 500's return. The Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund returned 13.99%, outperforming its benchmark, the Russell Midcap Value Index. Strong stock selection in Consumer Discretionary, Real Estate, and Financials contributed positively, although an underweight in Information Technology negatively impacted results. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, the investment philosophy remains committed to a disciplined value approach. Check the fund's top five holdings for its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 04, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $58.59 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 1.83%, but its shares are down 15.42% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $35.89 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Other detractors were The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in the Consumer Staples sector and Matador Resources in the Energy sector. Kroger was down more than 20% as slowing same-store sales and inflation weighed on the stock. Competition from lower cost providers has forced Kroger to reduce prices to maintain market share."
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 56 hedge fund portfolios held The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) at the end of the second quarter, up from 52 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#NYSE #value #fund
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund highlighted The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a leading supermarket chain that operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. On September 04, 2026, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) closed at $58.59 per share. Over the past month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) returned 1.83%, but its shares are down 15.42% over the past year. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has a market capitalization of $35.89 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $54.15 to $76.58.
Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund stated the following regarding The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Other detractors were The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) in the Consumer Staples sector and Matador Resources in the Energy sector. Kroger was down more than 20% as slowing same-store sales and inflation weighed on the stock. Competition from lower cost providers has forced Kroger to reduce prices to maintain market share."
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 56 hedge fund portfolios held The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) at the end of the second quarter, up from 52 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#NYSE #value #fund
2 months ago
Harbor Funds, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for "Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund". The letter can be downloaded here. Global equities experienced a sharp rally in Q2 2026, with the S&P 500 returning 15.2%, its strongest quarter since 2020, driven by a shift from software to hardware in the Artificial Intelligence capital spending cycle. Small caps outperformed large caps, with the Russell 2000® gaining 21.5% compared to the Russell 1000's 15.1%. Growth stocks led within large caps, while Information Technology rose about 33%, contributing significantly to the S&P 500's return. The Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund returned 13.99%, outperforming its benchmark, the Russell Midcap Value Index. Strong stock selection in Consumer Discretionary, Real Estate, and Financials contributed positively, although an underweight in Information Technology negatively impacted results. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, the investment philosophy remains committed to a disciplined value approach. Check the fund's top five holdings for its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund highlighted Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR). Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR), a US-based independent energy company engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas resources, detracted from the performance during the quarter. On September 04, 2026, Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) closed at $59.15 per share. Over the past month, Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) returned 16.27%, and its shares are up 28.26% over the past year. Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) has a market capitalization of $7.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $37.14 to $66.84.
Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund stated the following regarding Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Other detractors were Kroger in the Consumer Staples sector and Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) in the Energy sector. Matador Resources fell 20%. ***** ysts downgraded the stock during the quarter as natural gas prices fell and costs increased, squeezing margins."
Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 38 hedge fund portfolios held Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) at the end of the second quarter, up from 35 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#NYSE #Stock
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund highlighted Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR). Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR), a US-based independent energy company engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas resources, detracted from the performance during the quarter. On September 04, 2026, Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) closed at $59.15 per share. Over the past month, Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) returned 16.27%, and its shares are up 28.26% over the past year. Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) has a market capitalization of $7.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $37.14 to $66.84.
Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund stated the following regarding Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Other detractors were Kroger in the Consumer Staples sector and Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) in the Energy sector. Matador Resources fell 20%. ***** ysts downgraded the stock during the quarter as natural gas prices fell and costs increased, squeezing margins."
Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 38 hedge fund portfolios held Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) at the end of the second quarter, up from 35 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#NYSE #Stock
2 months ago
Kroger (KR) is set to report its second-quarter results before the market opens on Sept. 11, 2026. ******* ysts are looking for adjusted earnings of $1.05 per share for the quarter ending July 2026. That would mark a small 1% rise from the EPS of $1.04 the company reported in the same period last year.
Kroger reported adjusted EPS of $1.58 on June 18, 2026, which came in just below the $1.59 consensus estimate. Annual sales are about $147.6 billion, while Kroger's market capitalization sits near $35.7 billion.
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#billion #kroger #adjusted #reported
Kroger reported adjusted EPS of $1.58 on June 18, 2026, which came in just below the $1.59 consensus estimate. Annual sales are about $147.6 billion, while Kroger's market capitalization sits near $35.7 billion.
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A $1.4 Billion Reason to Buy GameStop Stock Now
TIME Left Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Off Its 100 Most Influential People in AI List — But Paris Hilton and Ben Affleck Made the Cut
#billion #kroger #adjusted #reported
2 months ago
Saturday marked the beginning of a new era for Kentucky football. Will Stein took over for Mark Stoops, who was fired after 13 years. The Wildcats went from having the SEC's elder statesman of coaches to the league's youngest head man. In a "White Out" day at Kroger Field, the Cats came out almost as hot as the weather. Behind a strong performance from their new quarterback, the Cats knocked off a very good FCS squad. Let's break it down as Kentucky wins Will Stein's debut 45-13 over Youngstown State.
Starting his first game since he was a senior in high school, Kenny Minchey looked every bit the QB1 the Big Blue Nation was hoping for. The junior led Kentucky to four first-half scores on the way to a 28-7 lead. Overall, Minchey completed 18 of 27 passes, including nine of his first ten for 301 yards and four touchdowns. In addition, his average yards per throw was a nice 11.1 on the day. He also spread the wealth around, hitting nine different receivers.
His two first-half strikes went to his tight ends. If you've followed Kentucky football for any amount of time, you know one thing the BBN has been asking for is more looks to the tight ends. His first touchdown was a 10-yard strike to Mikkel Skinner, who got his first career score on his first college catch.
The second score was a two-yard pass to potential all-conference player Willie Rodriguez. Look for that to be said a lot this year. Rodriguez had 48 yards on four catches.
Minchey wasn't the only Cat having a great day. Let's look at some more good performances as Kentucky wins Will Stein's debut 45-13 over Youngstown State.
#minchey #cats #state #rodriguez
Starting his first game since he was a senior in high school, Kenny Minchey looked every bit the QB1 the Big Blue Nation was hoping for. The junior led Kentucky to four first-half scores on the way to a 28-7 lead. Overall, Minchey completed 18 of 27 passes, including nine of his first ten for 301 yards and four touchdowns. In addition, his average yards per throw was a nice 11.1 on the day. He also spread the wealth around, hitting nine different receivers.
His two first-half strikes went to his tight ends. If you've followed Kentucky football for any amount of time, you know one thing the BBN has been asking for is more looks to the tight ends. His first touchdown was a 10-yard strike to Mikkel Skinner, who got his first career score on his first college catch.
The second score was a two-yard pass to potential all-conference player Willie Rodriguez. Look for that to be said a lot this year. Rodriguez had 48 yards on four catches.
Minchey wasn't the only Cat having a great day. Let's look at some more good performances as Kentucky wins Will Stein's debut 45-13 over Youngstown State.
#minchey #cats #state #rodriguez
2 months ago
When people talk about shoplifting and organized retail crime (ORC), they tend to focus on the bottom-line impact on businesses. That makes sense because the numbers aren't small, according to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) The Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report.
"The 2026 report demonstrates a concerning shift as criminals move beyond traditional shoplifting to more sophisticated external theft schemes, with retailers reporting higher rates of repeat offenders (50%), ORC-related incidents (40%), and walkout or pushout theft (37%). Fraud is also rising, with phone scams (69%), loyalty fraud (51%) and gift card theft or fraud (42%) increasing," the data showed.
The NRF, however, does not focus on how theft and thieves impact frontline retail workers.
A new report from HALOS, a bodycam company used by retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, TJ Maxx, H&M, and Aldi, shows that it does, and that the impact is quite severe.
"Two-thirds of frontline workers have experienced customer aggression acutely enough that they've considered leaving their job," according to HALOS' study of 2,500 frontline employees.
#according
"The 2026 report demonstrates a concerning shift as criminals move beyond traditional shoplifting to more sophisticated external theft schemes, with retailers reporting higher rates of repeat offenders (50%), ORC-related incidents (40%), and walkout or pushout theft (37%). Fraud is also rising, with phone scams (69%), loyalty fraud (51%) and gift card theft or fraud (42%) increasing," the data showed.
The NRF, however, does not focus on how theft and thieves impact frontline retail workers.
A new report from HALOS, a bodycam company used by retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, TJ Maxx, H&M, and Aldi, shows that it does, and that the impact is quite severe.
"Two-thirds of frontline workers have experienced customer aggression acutely enough that they've considered leaving their job," according to HALOS' study of 2,500 frontline employees.
#according
2 months ago
A major grocery chain continues to reduce its store footprint, with another location set to close in a key U.S. market.
The latest shutdown will eliminate one of the city's two remaining stores operated under the chain's banner, leaving shoppers with fewer options for groceries, pharmacy services, and other everyday essentials.
The closure will affect about 100 unionized workers and comes as the company's parent works to streamline its operations and reassess parts of its store portfolio.
Founded in 1922 in Portland, Oregon, by its namesake, the Fred Meyer grocery store chain was among the first to pioneer the one-stop-shop format. The Kroger Co. (KR) acquired Fred Meyer in 1999 and operates the banner alongside other brands.
Fred Meyer is closing its James Center store at 6901 S. 19th St. in Tacoma, Washington. The store is expected to remain open until Jan. 30, 2027, and approximately 100 unionized workers will be affected.
#grocery #banner #workers #portland
The latest shutdown will eliminate one of the city's two remaining stores operated under the chain's banner, leaving shoppers with fewer options for groceries, pharmacy services, and other everyday essentials.
The closure will affect about 100 unionized workers and comes as the company's parent works to streamline its operations and reassess parts of its store portfolio.
Founded in 1922 in Portland, Oregon, by its namesake, the Fred Meyer grocery store chain was among the first to pioneer the one-stop-shop format. The Kroger Co. (KR) acquired Fred Meyer in 1999 and operates the banner alongside other brands.
Fred Meyer is closing its James Center store at 6901 S. 19th St. in Tacoma, Washington. The store is expected to remain open until Jan. 30, 2027, and approximately 100 unionized workers will be affected.
#grocery #banner #workers #portland
2 months ago
An Ohio woman who dragged a DoorDash driver to his death following a fender bender in a grocery store parking lot was sentenced last week to up to 5½ years in prison.
Danielle Henry was handed the sentence after pleading guilty last month to aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of 38-year-old Ibrahim Diakite, WBNS-TV reported.
Henry had just shoplifted and was driving a stolen car when she collided with Diakite in October 2025 at a Kroger parking lot in Westerville.
The incident escalated, authorities said, when Henry fled in her vehicle.
Pregnant Woman Driving Home From Prenatal Visit Shot During Alleged Road Rage Attack: Police
#diakite #woman
Danielle Henry was handed the sentence after pleading guilty last month to aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of 38-year-old Ibrahim Diakite, WBNS-TV reported.
Henry had just shoplifted and was driving a stolen car when she collided with Diakite in October 2025 at a Kroger parking lot in Westerville.
The incident escalated, authorities said, when Henry fled in her vehicle.
Pregnant Woman Driving Home From Prenatal Visit Shot During Alleged Road Rage Attack: Police
#diakite #woman
2 months ago
If you went to Kroger Field the last couple of years, you probably left with a sour taste in your mouth. Kentucky was just 1-8 over the last 2 seasons against Power 5 schools at home. But it wasn't just the on-field performance that left a lot to be desired.
Fans saw places like Bryant-Denny and Williams-Brice come alive with lights, music, and great sound. The pregame atmosphere was electric. For Kentucky, everything had seemed a little stale. There was Grove Street but not much else. And a lot of fans complained about the speaker system that felt like it was only being played on one end of the stadium. And the stadium itself needed a good, deep cleaning after a couple of years of grime had built up on the outside.
Will Stein heard those comments.
The new head coach said he wanted new traditions; he talked about how he would love to extend the Wildcat walk and have different songs and an electric atmosphere. He and new AD J Batt even delivered pizzas to fans who wanted to set up their tailgating spots.
They power-washed the stadium and cleaned up the inside and out. It was announced that they have now put in field-level speakers to help boost the sound, and they will have a new game-day host to help keep the atmosphere rocking all night long.
#fans #atmosphere #couple
Fans saw places like Bryant-Denny and Williams-Brice come alive with lights, music, and great sound. The pregame atmosphere was electric. For Kentucky, everything had seemed a little stale. There was Grove Street but not much else. And a lot of fans complained about the speaker system that felt like it was only being played on one end of the stadium. And the stadium itself needed a good, deep cleaning after a couple of years of grime had built up on the outside.
Will Stein heard those comments.
The new head coach said he wanted new traditions; he talked about how he would love to extend the Wildcat walk and have different songs and an electric atmosphere. He and new AD J Batt even delivered pizzas to fans who wanted to set up their tailgating spots.
They power-washed the stadium and cleaned up the inside and out. It was announced that they have now put in field-level speakers to help boost the sound, and they will have a new game-day host to help keep the atmosphere rocking all night long.
#fans #atmosphere #couple
2 months ago
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)'s food and beverage sales grew 7% in the quarter ended August 1, 2026, its fastest growth in that business in three years. Reuters reported on August 20, 2026, that the retailer still holds only about 5% of the US grocery market compared with Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)'s 27%.
Grocery brings shoppers into stores more often than almost any other purchase, making it a critical traffic driver. However, the food carries lower margins than apparel and home goods.
Can Target turn grocery trips into bigger spending elsewhere in the store, or is it just building a snack business that never expands into real market share?
Food and beverage sales grew 7% this quarter, the fastest pace in three years, and that growth directly pulled shoppers into stores: traffic rose 3.6% while snack sales grew 15%. Grocery trips happen more often than clothing trips, so every extra visit gives Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) more chances to sell higher-margin items in the same basket. Target plans roughly 600 new private-label food products over two years, expected to add more than $2 billion in growth, on top of comparable sales up 3.8%. A nearly $1 billion tariff refund gave Target room to lean into lower prices without hurting margins, and the company raised its annual sales forecast to about 5% from 4%.
Grocery still makes up less than a quarter of Target's merchandise sales, and its food business remains roughly 12 times smaller than Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)'s. Hence, fast growth off that small base moves the needle only a little. Being priced about 5% higher than Walmart on identical items, with an even wider gap in snacks, works against Target once shoppers compare carts. Gross margin expanded to 33.7%. But that came while Kroger's new CEO, a former Walmart executive, pledged the chain's biggest price cuts in years and Costco cut egg and beef prices. It means Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is winning on curation while rivals compete harder on price. Home furnishings and apparel stayed roughly flat, showing grocery traffic isn't reliably spreading into the rest of the store.
#corporation #Growth #years
Grocery brings shoppers into stores more often than almost any other purchase, making it a critical traffic driver. However, the food carries lower margins than apparel and home goods.
Can Target turn grocery trips into bigger spending elsewhere in the store, or is it just building a snack business that never expands into real market share?
Food and beverage sales grew 7% this quarter, the fastest pace in three years, and that growth directly pulled shoppers into stores: traffic rose 3.6% while snack sales grew 15%. Grocery trips happen more often than clothing trips, so every extra visit gives Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) more chances to sell higher-margin items in the same basket. Target plans roughly 600 new private-label food products over two years, expected to add more than $2 billion in growth, on top of comparable sales up 3.8%. A nearly $1 billion tariff refund gave Target room to lean into lower prices without hurting margins, and the company raised its annual sales forecast to about 5% from 4%.
Grocery still makes up less than a quarter of Target's merchandise sales, and its food business remains roughly 12 times smaller than Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)'s. Hence, fast growth off that small base moves the needle only a little. Being priced about 5% higher than Walmart on identical items, with an even wider gap in snacks, works against Target once shoppers compare carts. Gross margin expanded to 33.7%. But that came while Kroger's new CEO, a former Walmart executive, pledged the chain's biggest price cuts in years and Costco cut egg and beef prices. It means Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is winning on curation while rivals compete harder on price. Home furnishings and apparel stayed roughly flat, showing grocery traffic isn't reliably spreading into the rest of the store.
#corporation #Growth #years
2 months ago
Nine days.
That's all that separates Kroger Field from becoming the loudest introduction in college football this fall. Nine days until the tunnel opens, the smoke clears, and Will Stein jogs out as a head coach for the first time in his life—not as Oregon's offensive coordinator, not as somebody's understudy, but as the man tasked with dragging Kentucky football out of a two-year nosedive.
The Wildcats host Youngstown State on Sept. 5, and by kickoff the "Stein Era" label stamped on every press conference since December will finally mean something on a scoreboard. Stein didn't leave a Playoff-contending Oregon staff to coach a scrimmage. He came home—his father lettered at defensive end for Kentucky in the 1980s—to build something that lasts. Fans who packed the east lower bowl for a storm-delayed spring game already bought in. Now comes the real test.
Every new coaching staff needs a name ***** ody outside the fan base is watching yet, someone who turns into the season's first surprise. On this Kentucky roster, that's DJ Miller. And the deeper you dig into how he got here, the more it looks like the fan base should already be watching.
The prospect the previous staff almost lost
#stein #days
That's all that separates Kroger Field from becoming the loudest introduction in college football this fall. Nine days until the tunnel opens, the smoke clears, and Will Stein jogs out as a head coach for the first time in his life—not as Oregon's offensive coordinator, not as somebody's understudy, but as the man tasked with dragging Kentucky football out of a two-year nosedive.
The Wildcats host Youngstown State on Sept. 5, and by kickoff the "Stein Era" label stamped on every press conference since December will finally mean something on a scoreboard. Stein didn't leave a Playoff-contending Oregon staff to coach a scrimmage. He came home—his father lettered at defensive end for Kentucky in the 1980s—to build something that lasts. Fans who packed the east lower bowl for a storm-delayed spring game already bought in. Now comes the real test.
Every new coaching staff needs a name ***** ody outside the fan base is watching yet, someone who turns into the season's first surprise. On this Kentucky roster, that's DJ Miller. And the deeper you dig into how he got here, the more it looks like the fan base should already be watching.
The prospect the previous staff almost lost
#stein #days
2 months ago
Kroger CEO Gregory Foran has been open about the fact that many of his chain's stores need work.
"Our operating costs have been growing faster than our sales. That's not sustainable. And frankly, it's not acceptable. Taking costs out of this business is not optional. It's the starting point for everything else we want to do," he said during the chain's first-quarter earnings call.
He also made it clear that many Kroger locations are not well run.
"The way we operate behind the stores needs to improve. We need to move faster, make decisions more quickly, and get more out of the ******* ets and the talent we already have," he added.
Those are problems that won't be easily solved because of how the chain has opted to spend its money. Kroger has also been dealing with falling in-store customer counts, and that may be a problem the chain caused itself.
#stores #faster #gregory #foran
"Our operating costs have been growing faster than our sales. That's not sustainable. And frankly, it's not acceptable. Taking costs out of this business is not optional. It's the starting point for everything else we want to do," he said during the chain's first-quarter earnings call.
He also made it clear that many Kroger locations are not well run.
"The way we operate behind the stores needs to improve. We need to move faster, make decisions more quickly, and get more out of the ******* ets and the talent we already have," he added.
Those are problems that won't be easily solved because of how the chain has opted to spend its money. Kroger has also been dealing with falling in-store customer counts, and that may be a problem the chain caused itself.
#stores #faster #gregory #foran
2 months ago
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football held its second and, according to first-year coach Will Stein, final scrimmage of preseason camp Saturday, Aug. 22, at Kroger Field.
The Wildcats' word of the day: turnovers.
Errors committed by the offense. Takeaways created by the defense.
"You never want to put the ball on the ground as an offensive player, and that's stuff that we can control," Stein said in a post-practice interview. "We preach ball excellence all the time on both sides of the ball — getting takeaways on defense and protecting the football on offense.
"So it's a little bit of a double-edged sword for me. ... I think when it's in our control, that's when it is not good. I didn't think our backs did a good enough job today protecting the football. But kudos to the defense as well."
#stein #takeaways #offense #control
The Wildcats' word of the day: turnovers.
Errors committed by the offense. Takeaways created by the defense.
"You never want to put the ball on the ground as an offensive player, and that's stuff that we can control," Stein said in a post-practice interview. "We preach ball excellence all the time on both sides of the ball — getting takeaways on defense and protecting the football on offense.
"So it's a little bit of a double-edged sword for me. ... I think when it's in our control, that's when it is not good. I didn't think our backs did a good enough job today protecting the football. But kudos to the defense as well."
#stein #takeaways #offense #control
2 months ago
Major supermarket chains, including Kroger, Stop & Shop, and The Raley's Companies, are in the middle of a downsizing mode that began in 2025 and will continue for some companies through 2027.
Kroger said it expected to close approximately 60 stores across its portfolio by the end of 2026, according to the company's first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings call. Giant Ahold Delhaize's Stop & Shop chain confirmed in July that it will close store locations in Basking Ridge and Westfield, N.J., also in 2026
And now Raley's has said that it will close another Northern California store located in Petaluma, Calif., on Jan. 26, 2027, affecting 48 workers' jobs.
The closures are part of Raley's regional downsizing plan that calls for seven store closings in California and Nevada. Raley's said it will offer transfer opportunities to as many affected employees as possible, KSRO radio reported.
The Raley's Companies cited local market conditions and long-term financial sustainability for the downsizing.
#store #shop #major
Kroger said it expected to close approximately 60 stores across its portfolio by the end of 2026, according to the company's first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings call. Giant Ahold Delhaize's Stop & Shop chain confirmed in July that it will close store locations in Basking Ridge and Westfield, N.J., also in 2026
And now Raley's has said that it will close another Northern California store located in Petaluma, Calif., on Jan. 26, 2027, affecting 48 workers' jobs.
The closures are part of Raley's regional downsizing plan that calls for seven store closings in California and Nevada. Raley's said it will offer transfer opportunities to as many affected employees as possible, KSRO radio reported.
The Raley's Companies cited local market conditions and long-term financial sustainability for the downsizing.
#store #shop #major
3 months ago
On August 11, Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results that on the surface look almost too good to be true. Non-GAAP diluted EPS jumped 40% year over year to $2.91, and full-year adjusted free cash flow hit $5 billion. But a large piece of that quarterly jump came from a one-time tariff refund, and the company's own guidance for the year ahead points to a much more normal pace of growth. That gap between the headline number and what's actually repeatable is where this story gets interesting.
Cardinal Health's fiscal 2026 was broad, not lucky. Operational growth was broad-based across segments, with fourth-quarter total revenue reaching $63.7 billion (up 6% year over year) driven by solid demand in Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions. Non-GAAP earnings per share have more than doubled since fiscal 2022, from $5.07 to $11.26, and adjusted free cash flow grew from $2.3 billion to $5 billion over that same four-year stretch, funding $7 billion returned to shareholders.
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions did the heavy lifting again in the fourth quarter, with revenue up 6% to $58.8 billion and segment profit up 21% to $645 million on strength in both brand and Specialty. BioPharma Solutions landed two additional gene therapy 3PL commercialization agreements, with Cardinal Health now exclusively servicing nearly half the cell and gene therapy market and supporting approximately three-fourths of the total market overall. The smaller growth businesses continue to compound rapidly: Nuclear PET and Theranostics revenue grew 20% and 30% respectively in the fourth quarter, while at-Home Solutions posted a 99% total fill rate with its best quarter ever for on-time departures. The board also just authorized a $5 billion increase to the buyback program, pushing total authorization to $6.4 billion, and locked in a long-term Kroger contract extension along with a renewal of its largest medical products customer.
Look closer at that 40% EPS jump, though, and a chunk of it isn't repeatable. About $0.31 of the $2.91 in quarterly diluted earnings per share, roughly 15 percentage points of the 40% growth, came from a one-time $100 million net benefit tied to IEEPA tariff refunds landing in the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment. Strip that out and GMPD's fourth-quarter profit was just $50 million, and the company says it continues to incur ongoing costs from the tariffs that replaced IEEPA. Reported GMPD revenue actually fell 2% for the quarter.
#quarter #specialty
Cardinal Health's fiscal 2026 was broad, not lucky. Operational growth was broad-based across segments, with fourth-quarter total revenue reaching $63.7 billion (up 6% year over year) driven by solid demand in Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions. Non-GAAP earnings per share have more than doubled since fiscal 2022, from $5.07 to $11.26, and adjusted free cash flow grew from $2.3 billion to $5 billion over that same four-year stretch, funding $7 billion returned to shareholders.
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions did the heavy lifting again in the fourth quarter, with revenue up 6% to $58.8 billion and segment profit up 21% to $645 million on strength in both brand and Specialty. BioPharma Solutions landed two additional gene therapy 3PL commercialization agreements, with Cardinal Health now exclusively servicing nearly half the cell and gene therapy market and supporting approximately three-fourths of the total market overall. The smaller growth businesses continue to compound rapidly: Nuclear PET and Theranostics revenue grew 20% and 30% respectively in the fourth quarter, while at-Home Solutions posted a 99% total fill rate with its best quarter ever for on-time departures. The board also just authorized a $5 billion increase to the buyback program, pushing total authorization to $6.4 billion, and locked in a long-term Kroger contract extension along with a renewal of its largest medical products customer.
Look closer at that 40% EPS jump, though, and a chunk of it isn't repeatable. About $0.31 of the $2.91 in quarterly diluted earnings per share, roughly 15 percentage points of the 40% growth, came from a one-time $100 million net benefit tied to IEEPA tariff refunds landing in the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment. Strip that out and GMPD's fourth-quarter profit was just $50 million, and the company says it continues to incur ongoing costs from the tariffs that replaced IEEPA. Reported GMPD revenue actually fell 2% for the quarter.
#quarter #specialty
3 months ago
While concern continues to rise about the cost of groceries, another major issue is quietly cropping up in your neighborhood: local grocery stores closing.
During its June 2025 earnings call, Kroger announced that it would shutter 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing underperformance. The closures also affect other brands under the company umbrella, including Fred Meyer, Fry's Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and QFC.
Many consumers struggling with higher food costs have turned to discount grocery stores for relief, but those are also winking out of sight in some areas. Aldi is another chain closing stores in 2026, with locations shuttering in Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. While the chain has plans to expand up to 3,200 locations by 2028, it needs to cut underperforming stores to reach that goal.
Grocery Outlet also falls into the discount category -- and it's also closing stores. The chain announced in March 2026 that it would shutter 36 locations. CEO Jason Potter said that the chain stretched itself too thin with a rapid expansion plan. 24 locations included in the closure are on the east coast, translating into less discount grocery options for many consumers in need of them.
Now, another grocery has announced new closures, some affecting locations that have been open for decades.
#stores
During its June 2025 earnings call, Kroger announced that it would shutter 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing underperformance. The closures also affect other brands under the company umbrella, including Fred Meyer, Fry's Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and QFC.
Many consumers struggling with higher food costs have turned to discount grocery stores for relief, but those are also winking out of sight in some areas. Aldi is another chain closing stores in 2026, with locations shuttering in Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. While the chain has plans to expand up to 3,200 locations by 2028, it needs to cut underperforming stores to reach that goal.
Grocery Outlet also falls into the discount category -- and it's also closing stores. The chain announced in March 2026 that it would shutter 36 locations. CEO Jason Potter said that the chain stretched itself too thin with a rapid expansion plan. 24 locations included in the closure are on the east coast, translating into less discount grocery options for many consumers in need of them.
Now, another grocery has announced new closures, some affecting locations that have been open for decades.
#stores
3 months ago
While concern continues to rise about the cost of groceries, another major issue is quietly cropping up in your neighborhood: local grocery stores closing.
During its June 2025 earnings call, Kroger announced that it would shutter 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing underperformance. The closures also affect other brands under the company umbrella, including Fred Meyer, Fry's Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and QFC.
Many consumers struggling with higher food costs have turned to discount grocery stores for relief, but those are also winking out of sight in some areas. Aldi is another chain closing stores in 2026, with locations shuttering in Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. While the chain has plans to expand up to 3,200 locations by 2028, it needs to cut underperforming stores to reach that goal.
Grocery Outlet also falls into the discount category -- and it's also closing stores. The chain announced in March 2026 that it would shutter 36 locations. CEO Jason Potter said that the chain stretched itself too thin with a rapid expansion plan. 24 locations included in the closure are on the east coast, translating into less discount grocery options for many consumers in need of them.
Now, another grocery has announced new closures, some affecting locations that have been open for decades.
#stores #chain #less #many
During its June 2025 earnings call, Kroger announced that it would shutter 60 locations over the next 18 months, citing underperformance. The closures also affect other brands under the company umbrella, including Fred Meyer, Fry's Food and Drug, Harris Teeter, Foods Co, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and QFC.
Many consumers struggling with higher food costs have turned to discount grocery stores for relief, but those are also winking out of sight in some areas. Aldi is another chain closing stores in 2026, with locations shuttering in Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. While the chain has plans to expand up to 3,200 locations by 2028, it needs to cut underperforming stores to reach that goal.
Grocery Outlet also falls into the discount category -- and it's also closing stores. The chain announced in March 2026 that it would shutter 36 locations. CEO Jason Potter said that the chain stretched itself too thin with a rapid expansion plan. 24 locations included in the closure are on the east coast, translating into less discount grocery options for many consumers in need of them.
Now, another grocery has announced new closures, some affecting locations that have been open for decades.
#stores #chain #less #many
3 months ago
The Kroger Co. (KR), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates supermarkets, multi-department stores, and fulfillment centers. Valued at $35.7 billion by market cap, the company offers meat, seafood, bakery, dairy, frozen, cleaning, kitchen, beverages, health, electronics, toys, vegetables, fruits, beauty, and household products.
Shares of this supermarket chain have underperformed the broader market over the past year. KR has declined 18.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 21.8%. In 2026, KR stock is down 6.8%, compared to the SPX's 11% rise on a YTD basis.
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#market #cincinnati #valued #index
Shares of this supermarket chain have underperformed the broader market over the past year. KR has declined 18.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 21.8%. In 2026, KR stock is down 6.8%, compared to the SPX's 11% rise on a YTD basis.
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#market #cincinnati #valued #index
3 months ago
This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.
When Kroger introduced Greg Foran as its CEO earlier this year, the supermarket chain drew accolades for its decision to hire a new leader who had distinguished himself by turning around Walmart's U.S. operations.
But beyond his background as a senior executive at the world's largest retailer, Foran brings Kroger another ******* et that could prove pivotal as he strives to work the same magic at Kroger that he did at Walmart: experience working outside the United States.
Ahead of joining Kroger in February, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand. And before his promotion to head Walmart's stateside division in July 2014, Foran was president and CEO of Walmart Asia, a role he ******* umed after running Walmart's China unit. Earlier in his career, he held multiple positions at Australia-based retailer Woolworths Group, which runs stores in that country and New Zealand.
The perspective people develop over years working in other countries' retail sectors can give an edge over grocers that have not looked as far afield for leaders, industry ******* ysts said.
#grocery #daily #retailer
When Kroger introduced Greg Foran as its CEO earlier this year, the supermarket chain drew accolades for its decision to hire a new leader who had distinguished himself by turning around Walmart's U.S. operations.
But beyond his background as a senior executive at the world's largest retailer, Foran brings Kroger another ******* et that could prove pivotal as he strives to work the same magic at Kroger that he did at Walmart: experience working outside the United States.
Ahead of joining Kroger in February, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand. And before his promotion to head Walmart's stateside division in July 2014, Foran was president and CEO of Walmart Asia, a role he ******* umed after running Walmart's China unit. Earlier in his career, he held multiple positions at Australia-based retailer Woolworths Group, which runs stores in that country and New Zealand.
The perspective people develop over years working in other countries' retail sectors can give an edge over grocers that have not looked as far afield for leaders, industry ******* ysts said.
#grocery #daily #retailer
3 months ago
The time has come once again. Football has arrived in the Bluegrass.
Head Coach Will Stein took the podium on Monday to kick off 2026 fall camp, sporting a fresh haircut (and joking about his newfound resemblance to AD J Batt, which he actually really does). But beneath the lighthearted opening was a message that should have every Kentucky football fan ready to pack Kroger Field right now.
Will Stein made waves when he told everyone at SEC Media Days that Kentucky would be a winner because of "me." Now, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous, relentless process that ensures he is speaking facts.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Will Stein's fall camp kickoff and what it means for our Wildcats as we barrel toward the September 5th opener against Youngstown State.
When Stein made waves nationally with his "because of me," some critics misunderstood the confidence. On Monday, he clarified exactly what he meant: it's not about ego or ***** iness. He just knows what it takes to build the culture he knows is a winner.
#Monday #camp #made
Head Coach Will Stein took the podium on Monday to kick off 2026 fall camp, sporting a fresh haircut (and joking about his newfound resemblance to AD J Batt, which he actually really does). But beneath the lighthearted opening was a message that should have every Kentucky football fan ready to pack Kroger Field right now.
Will Stein made waves when he told everyone at SEC Media Days that Kentucky would be a winner because of "me." Now, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous, relentless process that ensures he is speaking facts.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Will Stein's fall camp kickoff and what it means for our Wildcats as we barrel toward the September 5th opener against Youngstown State.
When Stein made waves nationally with his "because of me," some critics misunderstood the confidence. On Monday, he clarified exactly what he meant: it's not about ego or ***** iness. He just knows what it takes to build the culture he knows is a winner.
#Monday #camp #made
