In response to a question posed during Kroger's 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Ronald Sargent, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, addressed the company's approach to the changing tariff situation. Sargent noted that Kroger is less impacted by the proposed tariffs compared to some of its competitors, attributing this to the types of products the company sells. He mentioned that where potential impacts are foreseen, Kroger has been actively collaborating with suppliers to source products from areas less affected by the proposed tariffs.
Moreover, Sargent emphasized that Kroger views price increases as a last resort and is committed to taking every possible measure to avoid passing on additional costs to consumers, particularly in a time when customers are seeking value more than ever. This statement aligns with the company's dedication to providing affordable options for its customer base.
This approach reflects Kroger's proactive stance in managing potential impacts from changing tariff situations while prioritizing the interests of its customer base. It also showcases the company's efforts to maintain competitive pricing in the face of evolving economic conditions. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved 0.2%, and are now trading at a price of $71.42. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.