Kroger (KR) will raise its quarterly dividend by 4.2 percent $0.125 per share. The next quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents per share will be paid on September 1, 2017, to shareholders of record on the close of business on August 15, 2017.

Kroger's quarterly dividend has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 13.0% since it was reinstated in 2006. The company continues to expect an increasing dividend over time.

"Kroger's share repurchase authorization and dividend increase reflects our Board of Directors' confidence in our long-term strategy," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Kroger has repurchased nearly half of the shares of the company and has returned approximately $14 billion to shareholders through share repurchases since January 2000. We are committed to delivering value that our shareholders can count on."

The Kroger Co. operates supermarkets and multi-department stores throughout the United States. Kroger operates supermarkets under a variety of local banner names, including pharmacies, fuel centers and jewelry stores. The company's brands include Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Jay C Food Store, Kroger, Owens Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's Food and Drug. The Kroger Co. was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1902.