Kroger (KR) Tops Q4 EPS by 3c; Comps Rose 3.9%

Kroger (NYSE: KR) reported Q4 EPS of $0.57, $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of $0.54. Revenue for the quarter came in at $26.17 billion versus the consensus estimate of $26.28 billion.

Comps rose 3.9 percent.

Fiscal 2016 Annual Guidance

Kroger anticipates identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel, of approximately 2.5% to 3.5% for 2016. This range takes into account the expectation of lower inflation during the year, and the merger with Roundy's.

Full-year net earnings for 2016 are expected to range from $2.19 to $2.28 per diluted share. Where the company falls within the range will be primarily driven by actual fuel margins, which are expected to be at or slightly below the five-year average, with continued volatility. Kroger expects its core business in 2016 to grow in line with its long-term net earnings per diluted share growth rate of 8 – 11%. Shareholder return will be further enhanced by a dividend which is expected to increase over time.

The company expects capital investments, excluding mergers, acquisitions and purchases of leased facilities, to be in the $4.1 to $4.4 billion range for 2016.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Kroger (KR) click here.

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