Ahead of Kroger Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for KR Stock

Kroger (KR) stock has dipped before its second quarter results are released on September 11. Analysts predict the retailer will report $1.05 per share of earnings, marking a 0.96% rise from last year. However, Kroger shares have been losing investor interest, slipping nearly 25% from their yearly high. The company's shares are now trading at a forward P/E ratio of approximately 11x, which is higher than its competitor Albertsons' 8x.

Despite this, Kroger offers a 2.75% dividend yield, making it appealing for long-term investment. Wall Street analysts are more optimistic than the options market, assigning a "Moderate Buy" rating to Kroger, with an average price target of $71, implying a potential 25% gain. Put-to-call ratios suggest bearish sentiment, with the current ratio at 1.94x, and the lower price of options contracts at $53.54 signaling a possible decline of over 5% by the end of next week.

Winton Group, an investment management firm, reduced its exposure to Kroger by 12.7% in Q2, selling 39,123 shares, indicating decreasing confidence in the retailer's short-term earnings growth and valuation.