HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first quarter earnings parade came to a close for area companies with Kroger posting strong numbers.
The parent company of Dillons reported first quarter net earnings were $1.21 million or $1.52 per diluted share, compared with $0.95 per share a year earlier. Digital sales grew 92% during the quarter and operating profit increased from $901 million to $1.3 billion.
Kroger provided $830 million in funds to its employees during the pandemic and took numerous measures to protect employees and customers during the pandemic. The company also contributed an additional $236 million to multi-employer pension plans to help stabilize future associate benefits.
Reports on the second quarter of the year kick off when Union Pacific rolls out its report on July 16.