CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. on Thursday reported a profit of $2 billion in fiscal 2016, an increase of 3.1% from the preceding year. Revenue rose 5% to $115.3 billion. Excluding fuel, total sales increased 6.7%, the company said. Mergers with Milwaukee-based grocer Roundy’s and specialty pharmacy ModernHEALTH contributed to its 2016 profit growth, Kroger said.
SEATTLE — Net income for Amazon.com Inc. nearly quadrupled during fiscal 2016, aided by 27%-plus growth in total sales, sharply lower non-operating expenses and a dramatically lower effective income tax rate. Earnings for the year and the fourth quarter exceeded Wall Street’s hopes, but sales fell short of analysts’ projections. Net profit for the year
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sales continued to slide at Fred’s Inc., as the discount and pharmacy retailer reported decreases for its fiscal 2016 fourth quarter and full year and January 2017. Fred’s said Thursday that January sales totaled $148.1 million, down 5.6% from $156.9 million a year earlier. Same-store sales for the month fell 4.8%, compared