SCHEDULE 13G/A: BlackRock Amends Kroger Stake, Disclosing 7.5% Passive Ownership

BlackRock, Inc. has filed an amendment to its Schedule 13G, reporting a 7.5% beneficial ownership stake in Kroger Co. common stock as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. filed Amendment No. 18 to its Schedule 13G concerning its beneficial ownership in Kroger Co.
• As of March 31, 2025, BlackRock, Inc. beneficially owned an aggregate of 54,223,923 shares of Kroger Co. common stock.
• This ownership represents 7.5% of Kroger Co.'s total outstanding common stock.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 48,825,300 shares and sole dispositive power over 54,223,923 shares.
• The filing, made under Rule 13d-1(b), certifies that the shares were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of Kroger Co.
• Various BlackRock subsidiaries, including some that may individually own 5% or more of Kroger's outstanding shares, contribute to this aggregate ownership.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: Neutral. This is a factual disclosure of an institutional ownership stake, which is a routine filing and does not inherently convey positive or negative sentiment about the issuer's performance or outlook.

Future Outlook

NA

Management Comments

• "By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §§ 240.14a-11." (Certification by Spencer Fleming, Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.)

Industry Context

This filing reflects a major institutional investor's continued significant stake in a leading U.S. grocery retailer, Kroger. Such large passive holdings are common for index fund managers like BlackRock, indicating their broad market exposure rather than a specific strategic move related to the grocery industry's competitive landscape.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Provides transparency regarding a significant institutional holder's stake, confirming a passive investment approach.

Key Dates

Keywords

BlackRock, Kroger, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, Institutional Investor, SEC Filing, Ownership Disclosure, Passive Investment, Retail, Grocery