Kroger Boosts Dividend 30%

The Kroger Co.'s KR Board of Directors today raised the quarterly dividend by approximately 30 percent, to 15¢ per share, to be paid on December 1, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2012. "This substantial dividend increase demonstrates the confidence of our Board of Directors that the Customer 1st strategy will produce strong returns for shareholders," said David B. Dillon, Kroger's chairman and chief executive officer. "The 30 percent increase demonstrates our ability to continue to generate strong free cash flow and operating results."