HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kroger reported a strong start to the year with first quarter adjusted net earnings of $626 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, compared with $546 million or $0.58 per share in 2017.

Total sales increased 3.4 percent to $37.5 billion in the first quarter compared to $36.3 billion for the same period last year. Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 2.3 percent in the first quarter over the same period last year. Excluding fuel and the effect of Kroger’s recently-sold convenience store business unit, total sales increased 2.8 percent.

The report is the first since the sale off Kroger’s convenience store segment, which included area Kwik Shops.

The second quarter earnings report kicked off July 19 when Union Pacific released its second quarter numbers.