Kroger initiated with a Hold at HSBC

HSBC analyst Daniela Bretthauer initiated coverage of Kroger with a Hold rating and $52 price target. The analyst says the U.S. retail sector is a “vast market set for further growth.” Pandemic accelerated digital transformations but well-developed offline-to-online approaches still appear key to market share, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm calls Walmart its preferred name with Dollar General its least favorite.