By Denny Jacob

Kroger is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results Thursday before the market opens, an event that will be shadowed by Rodney McMullen's sudden departure. Here is what you need to know:

SALES: The supermarket chain is expected to post $34.57 billion in sales for the quarter, down from $37.06 billion in the year-ago period, according to FactSet.

NET INCOME: The Cincinnati company is expected to report $740.3 million in net income compared to $736 million in net income in the prior-year period, according to FactSet.

ADJUSTED EARNINGS: Stripping out certain one-time items, earnings are expected to come in at $1.11 a share.

The stock rose 2.9% during the quarter and recently traded around $62.79.

WHAT TO WATCH

--Kroger is expected to address the abrupt resignation of long-time Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Rodney McMullen over personal conduct. McMullen, who led the grocery chain since 2014, is the latest departure in a period of heavy transition among the company's senior leadership. Board member Ronald Sargent was appointed interim CEO as the company searches for McMullen's successor.

--The grocer will report earnings for the first time since Albertsons terminated its $20 billion planned sale to Kroger and filed a lawsuit alleging the company didn't do enough to secure regulatory approval. Analysts say the nixed deal frees up cash and a resumption of share repurchases after a pause of more than two years will strengthen Kroger's balance sheet.

--Look for changes around the company's investor day. BMO Capital Markets Kelly Bania tells investors, "While no official comment was made regarding the company's spring analyst day, it seems logical that it is likely to be delayed."

Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 05, 2025 13:40 ET (18:40 GMT)

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