Kroger likely to ‘stand down’ after Albertsons ruling, says JPMorgan

JPMorgan analyst Ken Goldman found the federal judge’s injunction on Kroger’s (KR) proposed buyout of Albertsons (ACI) to be “comprehensively in favor” of the Federal Trade Commission. The firm is “hard pressed” to see Kroger continuing ahead with the transaction in its current form unless, for reasons unclear at this time, the company thinks an appeal is likely to succeed, the analyst tells investors in a research note. More likely, Kroger “will stand down” and pay the $600M breakup fee to Albertsons and move forward as a standalone business. While Kroger might pursue other, smaller acquisitions, much of the cash on its balance sheet will be used for share repurchases, contends the firm.