Kroger profit up 7.3%

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. reported Friday that net income in the second quarter rose 7.3% to $280.8 million. The company said earnings got a boost from tax adjustments and sales at its gas stations.



Sales increased 11.5% to $20.9 billion. Same-store sales were up 5.3%.



“Our ongoing investments in the four keys -- our people, products, prices and the shopping experience -- continued to enhance our connection with customers and drive positive identical sales growth,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman and CEO.