Benzinga | Jun 24, 2021 12:21PM EDT

Kroger Raises Quarterly Dividend By 17%

* Kroger Co's (NYSE:KR) raises quarterly dividend by 17% to $0.21 per share from $0.18.

* The dividend will be paid on September 1, 2021, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 13, 2021.

* It marks the 15th consecutive year of annual dividend increases.

* The company continues to expect, subject to board approval, an increasing dividend over time.

* "In recognition of our strong performance during the last year, we are proud to increase the quarterly dividend at a higher rate than our historical average," said Rodney McMullen, Chief Executive Officer.

* Price action: KR shares are trading lower by 0.04% at $39.18 on the last check Thursday.