Kroger's 1Q 2015 Performance Tops Analysts' Predictions

Retailer Kroger Co. said its net earnings reached $619 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Same-store sales grew 5.7 percent during the period, with fuel sales excluded. Total sales rose 0.3 percent to $33.1 billion, compared with $33.0 billion from last year. With fuel sales excluded, total sales for the period grew 6.4 percent from the previous year. For the quarter, Kroger recorded a LIFO charge of $28 million.