...Kroger Company - 2005 A. Case Abstract This is a comprehensive strategic management case that includes the company’s financial statements, organization chart, competitor information, and industry trends. Sufficient internal and external data are provided to enable students to evaluate current strategies and recommend a three-year strategic plan for the company. The Kroger Company, Inc., with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio (513-762-4000), operates over 2,500 supermarkets, 795 convenience stores, and 436 jewelry stores. The Kroger Company employs approximately 290,000 employees. The company achieved annual revenues of $56.4 million in fiscal year ending February 2005, compared to $53.7 million in 2004. Kroger is ranked #19 on the Fortune 500 list and is ranked as the third largest retailer in the world, behind Wal-Mart (#1) and the Home Depot (#2). The company has been in existence for over one hundred years and is the # 1 pure grocery chain in the United States with over 3,770 (including subsidiary businesses) stores in 32 states. Kroger and its subsidiary operations market food, pharmacy, and jewelry products. B. Vision Statement (proposed) Our vision is to be America’s supermarket, and to continue to provide innovation and unparalleled value to our customers, employees, and shareholders. C. Mission Statement (actual) Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health...
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...Assignment 1-Financial Research Report FIN 534: Financial Management Hannah Fox Dr. Dana Leland August 30, 2015 The U.S. publicly traded company that I have selected is Kroger. Kroger is a grocery retail chain in the US. It operates supermarkets and multi-department stores under a number of banners including Kroger, Harris Teeter, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, Dillons, Jay C, QFC and City Market. According to The (Kroger Co. SWOT Analysis, 2015), the company holds the largest or the second largest market share position in 41 of the 49 major markets in which it operates. It ranks among the largest corporations in the US. Kroger's size provides it with significant pricing power over food producers, giving the company economies of scale over smaller supermarket operators. Kroger follows a strategy which has evolved to incorporate more elements of differentiation on factors other than price. The company has tried to identify various factors that drive customer visits and loyalty and has made several targeted investments to achieve the same. One such move is the increase in gasoline stations. The company has increased the number of stores with fuel centers to 1,240 in FY2014 from 376 in FY2003. Having more than 1,000 fuel centers is a key advantage for Kroger, enabling the company to drive traffic to its stores. In 2010, the company partnered with Shell to roll out the grocer rewards program in Cincinnati, Dayton, Knoxville, Nashville and San...
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...Introduction: By 2006, Whole Foods Market had evolved into the “world’s largest retail chain of natural and organic foods supermarkets.” Their rapid growth and success is primarily due to being highly selective about what they sell, as well as being dedicated quality standards and core values. Whole Food’s stated mission statement was to “promote vitality and well-being for all individuals by offering the highest quality, least processed, most flavorful natural and naturally preserved foods available.” II. Situational Analysis a. Firm Analysis (Internal Strengths and Weaknesses) (Based on Appendix A). i. Current strategy and strategic position in industry: Whole Food’s strategy since 2002 has been to open its own large stores, 50,000 square feet and larger, rather than acquiring small chain stores ranging from 5,000- 20,000 square feet. The driving concept behind their merchandising strategy was to create and “inviting and interactive store atmosphere that turned shopping for food into a fun, pleasurable experience.” Whole Food’s wanted customers to think of the store as a “third place” outside of home and work, where they could relax as well as interact with others in a colorful environment. Financials Analysis: After reading the case and reporting the financial numbers the profit margins from year 2005 have been decreasing each year. The costs of goods sold are on the rise over the past three years and debt over the past three years...
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...Toggle SGML Header (+) Section 1: 10-K (10-K) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014. OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-303 THE KROGER CO. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (513) 762-4000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered 31-0345740 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 45202 (Zip Code) Common Stock $1 par value NONE (Title of class) New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. No Yes Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding...
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...Alex Calkins Page 1 PROBLEM STATEMENT TruEarth has developed a frozen pizza product, but the brand manager and other executives are struggling with the decision to launch the product or not. Poor forecasting in the past has lead TruEarth to misstep with previous product launches; judging the correct volume will be critical. The team is aware that their rival, Rigazzi, has also tested a pizza concept and is not far from a product launch. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The ready-‐made or semi-‐made meals market is mature, now reaching the late majority segment of the product life cycle. A segment of the ready made foods market is shifting away from mass produced, highly processed foods toward greater quality and authenticity. TruEarth has managed to differentiate itself and its products by targeting this niche, a segment of ready-‐made foods that is still experiencing sustainable growth...
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...Integrative Project; we the students are require to generate a report using the Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model to conduct an analysis of Whole Food Market’s inputs and how they align with the current company strategy, as well as its outputs. In this case study we will use the strategy we previously discussed in Module 1 and using the Porter’s three generic competitive strategies to analyzed organizational categories input to the strategy using the congruence model. The model should be able to help us determine how aligned the inputs are with the strategy. The model will give us three categories for inputs: the environment, resources and historical inputs and three categories for outputs: organizational level, group level and individual level to help us determine the congruence of the outputs. While conducting the Congruence Model we will use the inputs and outputs categories to determine the organizational level congruence of the Whole Food Markets; using all these various aspects the model will give us a good vision of the current organizational structure and performance of the company. Lastly we will analyzed all three level of organizational inputs and outputs and determine how each of these categories interact with each other to determine their similarity to was the Whole Foods Market business strategy. 2- Whole Foods Markets Inc. Strategy The Whole Foods market’s business strategy is based on their reputation and differentiation from other firms in the Grocery industry. The...
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...Fall 2014 Accounting 501 Term Paper Whole Foods Market, Inc. Financial Analysis Whole Foods Market, Inc. Based in Texas December 2014 Executive Summary Whole Foods Market, Inc. has been in operation for over 30 years, and has since demonstrated a very successful business model that continues to benefit all stakeholders. When the first Whole Foods Market store opened in 1980, business owners John Mackey and Walter Robb had no idea they would become the 8th largest public food and drug retailer in the U.S., nor did they know at the time that they would soon rank #232 on the Fortune 500. In 2005, the firm hit a major milestone reporting six stores averaging roughly $1 million per week. Now they have more than 50 stores averaging at least $1 million or more. In 1985, the Declaration of Interdependence was crafted by 60 team members. The document was last updated in 1988, 1992, and 1997. The piece proclaims the party’s vision of instilling a clear sense of interdependence among various stakeholders, and validating the contingency upon their efforts in communicating more often, more openly, and more compassionately. The idea behind this concept is the fact that better communication in turn equals a greater understanding, and therefore more trust. Today food retailing is more competitive than ever with an ever-growing demand for fresh, healthy foods. However, Whole Foods’ industry-leading metrics complement their ability toward innovation and display of high...
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...Financial Statement Analysis Project Sprouts Farmer Markets vs Whole Foods Financial Accounting and Reporting ACTG 4610 August 10, 2015 Table of Contents 1. Background of Sprouts Farmers Market 3 1.1 Description of the company and its business 3 1.2 Business Environment 3 2. Income Statement 4 2.1 Major Sources of Operating Revenues and Revenue Recognition Method 4 2.2 Major Types of Operating Expenses 5 2.3 Significant changes in operating revenues and expenses 5 2.4 Other items on the income statement 6 3. Balance Sheet 7 3.1 Current and long-term assets 7 3.2 Current and long-term liabilities 9 3.3 Major Components of Stockholders’ Equity 10 3.4 Significant Changes in the Balance Sheet 10 4. Statement of Cash Flows 11 4.1 Major Adjustments to Net Income 11 4.2 Major inflows and outflows of cash for investing activities 11 4.3 Major inflows and outflows of cash for financing activities 12 4.4 Significant Changes in Cash Flow 12 5. Ratio Analysis 13 5.1 Computed Ratios 13 5.2 Discussion of Ratios 14 6. Summary 15 1. Background of Sprouts Farmers Market 2.1 Description of the company and its business (p.1,7-9 10-K) Sprouts has become a chain of grocery store that identify themselves as being healthy. They offer natural, organic and most importantly fresh food and other products to their customers...
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...[pic] By Table of Contents Strategic Evaluation……………………………………………….3 SWOT……………………………………………………………..8 5 Forces……………………………………………………………11 Substitutes…………………………………………………...11 Industry Rivalry……………………………………………...13 Buyers……………………………………………………….14 Suppliers…………………………………………………….15 New Entrants………………………………………………..16 Environment………………………………………………………..17 Remote environment…………………………………………17 Industry environment…………………………………………21 Operating environment……………………………………….23 Profile……………………………………………………………….24 Short Term Objectives………………………………………………27 Long Term Objectives………………………………………………28 Boundaries……………………………………………………………29 Implementation………………………………………………………31 Recommendations…………………………………………………...33 Strategic Evaluation Pick n Save is owned by Roundy’s who is in turn owned by Willis Stein & Partners, an equity investment firm based in Chicago. This paper will focus on the relationship between Roundy’s and Pick n Save and briefly touch on the influence of the parent company. Some parts of the paper wills stress areas fo the Pick n Save store because it is the largest of the four banners of Roundy’s. We have determined the current market and geographic location to be concentrated in southeast Wisconsin and moving West to Minnesota. A long term object of Willis Stein & Partners is to create a distribution chain from Chicago to Milwaukee. Our evaluation of Roundy’s strategic goals have resulted in identification of several grand strategies that...
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...The purpose of this report is to conduct a comprehensive business performance analysis using financial historical information/analysis of Costco. While Costco may not seem to have the revenue, assets and market share like similar and larger companies such as Wal-Mart and Target they are without a doubt a very profitable and successful company. What Costco lacks in high margins, they make up for in being a highly efficient company boasting high asset and equity turnover while maintaining optimum liabilities and debt to equity ratios. Costco is a great company that is seeing profitable success due to their business model that prioritizes quality for both its customers and employees. However, emerging with the 21st century are new ways of doing business. Online companies like Amazon.com are quickly taking market share not just from Costco but also their biggest competitors: Wal-Mart and Target. In order to stay relevant, Costco will need to maintain their business growth in the coming years and also find ways to compete against online retail giants like Amazon.com. 1. Company Background Costco is a multi-billion dollar warehouse company that operates on a global scale. Consumers can frequent Costco to find merchandise including but not limited to groceries, electronics, furniture and home goods, pharmaceuticals and gasoline. Costco specializes in purchasing its merchandise wholesale and re-selling to consumers. Consumers who frequent the warehouse club are required to pay...
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...Whole Foods Strategic Audit Robert Harper Andrew Pequinot Taylor Tisdale Renee Werner MBA 8820 Professor Denis Grégoire April 18, 2006 Executive Summary – Whole Foods Strategic Audit Whole Foods Market competes successfully within the organic/natural foods industry, having enjoyed close to 19% growth over the past five years. As a point of comparison, Kroger – a traditional supermarket operator – only grew 4%. On a larger scale, the organic food retail industry in the U.S. has fared well in the last decade. Reported sales grew 23.4%, which is much more than the 3.3% growth of the overall food industry during the same time period. However, a recent announcement from a Whole Foods competitor recently sparked considerable buzz in the industry and put a mild dent in Whole Foods Market stock price. The announcement came from the industry giant Wal-Mart who unveiled its plan to more than double its organic offerings and begin marketing to more upscale clientele, many of who currently shop at Whole Foods. Wal-Mart is well known for squeezing supplier margins to bring “everyday low prices” to consumers. As the industry leader in several retail categories, including traditional grocery sales, Wal-Mart has the size and influence to significantly impact the organic food landscape if it dedicates itself to the market. Although Wal-Mart’s impact on the natural niche remains to be seen, it’s critical that Whole Foods review its strategy in light of Wal-Mart’s entry. Whole Foods’...
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...to the holidays.” She’d felt the same way at two other Reeds she’d visited that day . Collins walked on to the Dollar General (DG). A fairly steady stream of shoppers entered DG’s doors, their progress slowed by families exiting with plastic bags jammed full. When Collins looked inside, she noticed workers filling what was obviously a new freezer case—the first freezer she had seen in a dollar store that day. This DG was doing just as well, to judge from this glimpse, as the Family Dollar she’d walked past half an hour earlier at North Valley—but no better than the Aldi store she had visited in the morning. That Aldi trip was interesting: a bright and spotless mini- supermarket, run by a giant firm from Germany that carried one-tenth the food items that a Reed did and sold virtually no brand names, only private-label—but still posed a threat to Reed due to its remarkably low prices. As she drove out of the parking lot, thinking back to last week’s discussions with the management team about the newest threats to Reed’s position as a leader among the region’s supermarkets, Collins wondered how Marketing could target competitors like DG. It seemed clear to her that dollar stores and Aldi both...
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...The Local Food Movement Benefits Farms, Food Production, Environment The Local Food Movement, 2010 Pallavi Gogoi is a writer for BusinessWeek Online. She frequently writes on retailing. Just as small family-run, sustainable farms were losing their ability to compete in the food marketplace, the local food movement stepped in with a growing consumer demand for locally grown, organic, fresh produce. In addition to supermarket giants following the trend toward locally grown food and devoting shelf space to such items, local foods are also finding their way into schools, office cafeterias, and even prisons. Although the trend toward organic foods has not waned, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact caused when organic foods must travel to find their way to the local grocery store shelf. For this and other reasons, consumers are opting instead for locally grown counterparts, choosing to eat what is available in each season in their areas rather than purchasing food that must be shipped from other regions. Drive through the rolling foothills of the Appalachian range in southwestern Virginia and you'll come across Abingdon, one of the oldest towns west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If it happens to be a Saturday morning, you might think there's a party going on—every week between 7 a.m. and noon, more than 1,000 people gather in the parking lot on Main Street, next to the police station. This is Abingdon's farmers' market. "For folks here, this is part of the Saturday...
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...Insights into the Food, Beverage, and Consumer Products Industry GMA Overview of Industry Economic Impact, Financial Performance, and Trends The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading branded food, beverage, and consumer products companies. Since 1908, GMA has been an advocate for its members on public policy issues and has championed initiatives to increase industrywide productivity and growth. GMA member companies employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states and account for more than $680 billion in global annual sales. The association is led by a board of member company chief executives. For more information, visit the GMA website at www.gmabrands.com The Food Products Association (FPA) is the largest trade association serving the food and beverage industry in the United States and worldwide. FPA’s laboratory centers, scientists, and professional staff provide technical and regulatory assistance to member companies and represent the food industry on scientific and public policy issues involving food safety, food security, nutrition, consumer affairs, and international trade. For more information, visit FPA’s website at www.fpa-food.org The member firms of the PricewaterhouseCoopers network (www.pwc.com) provide industry-focused assurance, tax, and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 130,000 people in 148 countries across our network work collaboratively...
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...Looking Into WAL-MART The Company Every week, 100 million customers visit Wal-Mart stores worldwide, making it the world’s largest retailers. A leader in the discount industry, Wal-Mart posted $218 billion in sales last year as it continued to specialize in selling discounted household goods. The company has 1.3 million employees working at 3,200 locations in the United States and 1,100 locations in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, China, Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart aims to instill its logo, “Everyday Day Low Prices” in each and every division. Currently the company is broken down into four divisions: Wal-Mart Supercenters, Discount Stores, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S Club Warehouses. The magnitude and global presence of Wal-Mart allows it to be a dominant player in the retailing market place. It is essential that fundamental relationships within the industry and the company’s environment need to be analyzed in order to efficiently evaluate the correct market price for the company’s stock (WMT (NYSE)). Industry Outlook Household products, retail drugs stores, and personal care segments are expected to produce above-average revenue growth and increase market share in the coming months. The uncertainty between the U.S. and global economies should not affect the sector because many of the products are basic necessities. The retail sector is expected to perform in line with the overall market in the next 6-12 months...
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