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Kroger first quarter earnings preview

Kroger, the nations largest grocery chain, will be reporting its fiscal first quarter earnings tomorrow before the market opens.

The current slowdown in consumer spending has actually played into the hands of Kroger (NYSE: KR). Households have been cutting back on dinners at restaurants, and looking for cheaper ways to feed the family. As a result, grocery sales are up, and for Kroger, its name brand products have also been on the rise.

Continue reading Kroger first quarter earnings preview

Safeway: A frugality play, for the new era

Acting boldly in any stock market carries with it considerable risk. Acting boldly in this market, amid the U.S. recession and an unresolved toxic asset situation, and you're looking at a 30-40% haircut up ahead. (Or worse.)

Still, investors capable of tolerating risk would be wise to position themselves in a few defensive plays with decent upside potential. But let's make one thing clear: defensives with an upside are not, strictly speaking, conventional defensive plays. They carry more risk but, one could argue, that risk is reasonable, given the potential for the capital appreciation pop. With the above as a backdrop, grocery chain Safeway (NYSE: SWY) is worth a review.

Continue reading Safeway: A frugality play, for the new era

Kroger is the defensive play that's right down the street

The market's choppy / consolidating pattern continues, suggesting the need for a defensive play or two (or perhaps more) as the new year begins. Further, there are few defensive plays better than a grocery store chain, and in this category Kroger is worth a review.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is the nation's largest grocery chain, boasting more than 2,400 stores, with the typical format being food/drug store combination stores.

Analysts see modest sales growth in 2008 of 4-7% but margins should widen, due to Kroger's ability to pass on product cost increases, and a more-modest advertising budget.

In general, analysts also sense that Kroger is in-tune with competitive pressures in the grocery chain segment - - improving customer service levels and the overall shopping experience. Further, look for KR's private label items to play a larger role in revenue, particularly as some consumers switch down to generic brands in 2008 to reduce their food costs. The Reuters FY 2008/FY 2009 EPS consensus estimates for KR are $1.69 to $1.89.

Continue reading Kroger is the defensive play that's right down the street

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Last updated: November 14, 2009: 09:24 PM

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