date:Sep 13, 2013
Executives at the Cincinnati-based company that owns Ralphs, Smith's and Food 4 Less chains, recently vowed to deliver higher profits amid raging competition from retailers ranging from supermarket operator Safeway Inc (SWY.N) and retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) to dollar stores and convenience marts.
Kroger, a leader in using purchasing data to offer customized deals to customers, this year plans to spend $2.1 to $2.4 billion to maintain its debt rating, buy back shares, pay dividends