Kroger’s $0.49B Volume Dips 35.62% to 266th Rank as Barclays Sets $90 Target Amid Strategic Expansion and Dividend Growth

On August 1, 2025, The Kroger Co. (KR) recorded a trading volume of $0.49 billion, a 35.62% decline from the previous day, ranking 266th in market activity. The stock closed higher amid strategic developments and analyst activity.

Barclays initiated coverage on KR with an "Equal Weight" rating and a $90 price target, citing potential sales growth through same-store improvements, competitor store closures, and simplified promotions. The firm highlighted Kroger’s consistent dividend growth—19 consecutive years of increases—with a current yield of 2.02%. Analysts also noted opportunities from Express Scripts integration, which aims to expand pharmacy services, though they warned of competitive pressures and valuation concerns. Kroger’s merger with Albertsons remains a focal point, with divestitures and local product expansion plans expected to shape its market position.

The strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day delivered a 166.71% return from 2022 to the present, outperforming the benchmark return of 29.18% by 137.53%. This underscores the role of liquidity concentration in short-term stock performance, particularly in volatile markets.