Kroger Co. is a prominent food and drug retailer operating 2,722 supermarkets across 35 states and the District of Columbia, with additional online operations through a digital ecosystem . The company primarily focuses on its retail grocery business, which includes retail pharmacies and fuel centers, aiming to grow customer loyalty by delivering value and convenience . Kroger's revenue is mainly derived from the sale of consumer products in its stores, fuel centers, and online platforms, with retail operations accounting for 97% of its consolidated sales . The company's product lines include non-perishable items, fresh produce, supermarket fuel, and pharmacy products, with its private label, Our Brands, playing a significant role in its merchandising strategy .
- Non-Perishable Items - Offers a wide range of packaged and shelf-stable products, contributing significantly to total sales.
- Fresh Produce - Provides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, emphasizing quality and freshness.
- Supermarket Fuel - Operates fuel centers that offer gasoline and other fuel products to customers.
- Pharmacy Products - Includes prescription medications and health-related products available in retail pharmacies.
- Our Brands - Features a private label line that enhances the company's merchandising strategy, offering exclusive products across various categories.
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| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
W. Rodney McMullen ExecutiveBoard | Chairman of the Board and CEO | None | Joined Kroger in 1978; became CEO in 2014 and Chairman in 2015. Has held numerous leadership roles, including CFO and COO. | View Report → |
Brian W. Nichols Executive | Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Assistant Treasurer | None | Joined Kroger in 2000; became VP, Corporate Controller in March 2024. Oversees corporate accounting, tax, and modernization efforts. | |
Carin L. Fike Executive | Vice President and Treasurer | None | Joined Kroger in 1999; became VP and Treasurer in April 2017. Oversees financial operations and investor relations. | |
Christine S. Wheatley Executive | Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | None | Joined Kroger in 2008; became SVP, General Counsel, and Secretary in May 2023. Leads legal and corporate governance functions. | |
Gabriel Arreaga Executive | Senior Vice President of Supply Chain | None | Joined Kroger in 2020; oversees logistics, manufacturing, and fulfillment centers. Previously held leadership roles at Mondelez and Unilever. | |
Kenneth C. Kimball Executive | Senior Vice President | None | Joined Kroger in 1984; oversees several retail divisions. Previously served as President of Smith's Division. | |
Mary E. Adcock Executive | Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer | None | Joined Kroger in 1999; became Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer in January 2025. Previously SVP of Operations. | |
Timothy A. Massa Executive | Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer | Board Member at SHRM, HRPA, Cincinnati Zoo, and others | Joined Kroger in 2010; leads HR and labor relations. Recognized as a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources in 2024. | |
Todd A. Foley Executive | Senior Vice President and Interim CFO | Board Member at Connetic Venture Capital Access Fund; Board of Advisors for Star Engineering, LLC | Joined Kroger in 2001; has held roles such as VP and Treasurer, and Corporate Controller. Interim CFO since February 2024. | |
Valerie L. Jabbar Executive | Senior Vice President | None | Joined Kroger in 1987; oversees several retail divisions. Previously served as President of Ralphs Division and Group VP of Merchandising. | |
Yael Cosset Executive | Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer | None | Joined Kroger through 84.51° LLC; leads digital strategy and alternative profit businesses. | |
Anne Gates Board | Director | Chair of Tapestry, Inc.; Board Member at Raymond James Financial and others | Director since 2015; brings financial expertise and leadership in governance and ESG. | |
Ashok Vemuri Board | Director | Board Member at Opal Fuels; Chair of Audit Committee at Opal Fuels | Director since 2019; former CEO of Conduent and IGATE, with expertise in technology and risk management. | |
Clyde R. Moore Board | Director | President and CEO of Gliocas LLC | Director since 1997; provides oversight to Kroger’s facilities, digital, and manufacturing businesses. | |
Elaine L. Chao Board | Director | Board Member at ChargePoint, Embark Technology, Hyliion Holdings, and others | Director since 2021; former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Labor. | |
J. Amanda Sourry Knox Board | Director | Chair of Compensation Committee at PVH Corp.; Board Member at OFI, Trivium Packaging, and others | Director since 2021; former President of Unilever North America, with expertise in CPG and ESG. | |
Karen M. Hoguet Board | Director | Board Member at Nielsen Holdings, UCHealth, and others | Director since 2019; former CFO of Macy's, Inc., with extensive retail and financial expertise. | |
Kevin M. Brown Board | Director | EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Dell; Board Member at Howard University Center for Supply Chain Excellence and others | Director since 2021; provides expertise in supply chain management and sustainability. | |
Mark S. Sutton Board | Director | Chairman and CEO of International Paper; Member of Business Roundtable and others | Director since 2017; provides expertise in global supply chain and sustainability. | |
Nora A. Aufreiter Board | Director | Chair of Public Responsibilities Committee at KR; Board Member at Bank of Nova Scotia, MyTheresa, and others | Director since 2014; brings expertise in ESG, governance, and retail strategy. | |
Ronald L. Sargent Board | Lead Director | Director at Five Below and Wells Fargo; Chair of JFK Library Foundation and others | Director since 2006; former CEO of Staples, Inc., with expertise in retail and governance. |
- Fuel sales and profitability were significantly lower this quarter compared to last year. What strategies are you implementing to offset this decline in fuel profitability, and how do you anticipate it impacting your earnings in upcoming quarters?
- With inflation normalizing around 1% and expected to remain consistent, how do you plan to sustain sales growth and margin expansion in a low-inflation environment, especially considering the ongoing pressure on budget-conscious households?
- You mentioned that budget-conscious households remain under pressure and may take longer to feel the benefits of economic improvement. What specific actions are you taking to retain and engage these customers to prevent potential loss of market share?
- In discussing your prepared food offerings and competition with restaurants, you acknowledged that you're just scratching the surface. What challenges have you faced in fully capitalizing on this opportunity, and what initiatives are you implementing to accelerate growth in this area?
- Given your net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is significantly below your target range, and considering the potential that the Albertsons merger may not proceed, how do you intend to leverage your strong balance sheet to drive growth and enhance shareholder value through alternative investments or strategic initiatives?
Research analysts who have asked questions during KROGER earnings calls.
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Recent press releases and 8-K filings for KR.
- Starting October 1, nearly 2,700 Kroger stores will be available on DoorDash, offering on-demand delivery of Kroger’s full grocery assortment—including fresh foods, private-label “Our Brands” products, and everyday essentials—in as little as an hour.
- Shoppers will receive Kroger deals and loyalty program discounts seamlessly within the DoorDash app, aiming to attract new households and increase shopping occasions.
- Kroger and DoorDash will collaborate on retail media channels, brand partner insights, and new delivery models that leverage Kroger’s store network and DoorDash’s technology to drive incremental customer engagement.
- Kroger delivered identical sales without fuel growth of 3.4%, led by strong pharmacy, fresh and e-commerce sales up 16%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of comp-store improvement.
- The company achieved a 39 bps increase in FIFO gross margin rate and a 5 bps reduction in OG&A rate, with adjusted EPS of $1.04, up 12% year-over-year.
- Full-year guidance raised: identical sales without fuel to 2.7–3.4%, adjusted operating profit to $4.8–4.9 B, and EPS to $4.70–$4.80.
- Capital returns bolstered by a 9% dividend increase, completion of a $5 B ASR under the $7.5 B buyback authorization, and plans to accelerate new store openings—30% more in 2026.
- Kroger achieved 3.4% identical sales without fuel growth, its sixth consecutive quarter of comp improvement, driven by pharmacy, e-commerce and fresh categories amid stabilized grocery volumes and targeted price investments on 3,500 SKUs.
- FIFO gross margin rate (ex-fuel, rent, D&A) rose 39 bps year-over-year; excluding the Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sale, underlying margin declined 9 bps, and full-year gross margin is expected to remain relatively flat.
- Adjusted OG&A rate improved 5 bps (ex-fuel) with a 41 bps underlying reduction post-pharmacy sale, supporting an adjusted operating profit of $1.1 billion and EPS of $1.04 (+12% YoY).
- E-commerce sales grew 16%, led by delivery surpassing pickup, with profitability gains in both channels and 97% of stores capable of two-hour delivery.
- Raised full-year guidance: identical sales without fuel to 2.7–3.4%, adjusted operating profit to $4.8–$4.9 billion, EPS to $4.70–$4.80; announced a 9% dividend increase and a 30% boost in 2026 new-store openings.
- Second-quarter sales were $33.94 B, essentially flat year-over-year, with identical sales excluding fuel up 3.4%.
- GAAP operating profit was $863 M and GAAP EPS was $0.91; adjusted FIFO operating profit reached $1.091 B with adjusted EPS of $1.04.
- eCommerce sales grew 16% over the prior year, led by strong delivery performance.
- Full-year 2025 guidance was updated: identical sales ex fuel of 2.7%–3.4%, operating profit of $4.8–$4.9 B, and EPS of $4.70–$4.80.
- Identical store sales ex fuel increased 3.4%; GAAP operating profit of $863 M and EPS of $0.91; Adjusted FIFO operating profit of $1,091 M and Adjusted EPS of $1.04; eCommerce sales up 16%
- Raised full-year 2025 guidance: identical sales ex fuel to 2.7%–3.4%, operating profit to $4.8–$4.9 B, and EPS to $4.70–$4.80
- Initiated a $5 B accelerated share repurchase program to complete in Q3 2025, with $2.5 B remaining under buyback authorization to be executed by fiscal year-end
- Maintained strong balance sheet: net total debt to adjusted EBITDA at 1.63×, versus 1.24× a year ago, supporting ongoing investments and dividends
- Kroger delivered 3.4% identical sales growth excluding fuel in Q2 2025, with eCommerce sales up 16% year-over-year.
- Q2 operating profit was $863 million with GAAP EPS of $0.91, and adjusted FIFO operating profit reached $1.091 billion with adjusted EPS of $1.04.
- The company raised its FY2025 guidance, now expecting 2.7%–3.4% identical sales growth without fuel, $4.8–$4.9 billion in operating profit, and $4.70–$4.80 EPS.
- Kroger’s net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.63, underscoring a strong balance sheet to support dividends and share repurchases.
- Kroger’s Board approved a 9% increase in its annual dividend from $1.28 to $1.40, marking the 19th consecutive year of increases.
- The next quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share will be paid on September 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025.
- The company’s quarterly dividend has grown at a 13% compounded annual growth rate since its 2006 reinstatement.
- Management reiterated its strategy to deploy free cash flow for business investment, maintain investment-grade debt, and return capital to shareholders.
- Kroger delivered a strong Q1 performance with adjusted EPS of $1.49, GAAP EPS of $1.29, 3.2% identical sales growth, and 15% digital sales growth .
- Q1 results included $1.322B in GAAP operating profit and $1.518B in adjusted FIFO operating profit, with total sales around $45.1B .
- The company reaffirmed FY25 guidance: 2.25–3.25% identical sales growth ex-fuel, $4.7–$4.9B operating profit, $4.60–$4.80 EPS, plus Free Cash Flow of $2.8–3.0B .
- Leadership changes came as the CEO departed amid an internal investigation, and the planned merger with Albertsons was terminated following a judicial ruling, prompting legal disputes .
- In-store performance saw margin gains in Supermarket and Health & Wellness segments from shrink improvements and GLP-1–led prescription growth, despite lower fuel profitability .
- Kroger maintained a strong balance sheet with net debt/EBITDA at 1.69×, executing a $5B accelerated share repurchase (of a $7.5B authorization) and planning $2.5B in open-market buys, with dividends set to grow .
- A $100M impairment charge for closing ~60 stores was recorded, with expectations of modest benefits and full reinvestment that won’t impact full-year guidance .
- Kroger has filed its answer and counterclaims against Albertsons in the Delaware Court of Chancery, alleging that Albertsons undermined Kroger's regulatory strategy during their failed merger, which was terminated in December 2024.
- The counterclaims assert that Albertsons' misconduct, including secret communications with C&S Wholesale Grocers, nullifies its entitlement to a $600 million termination fee and other damages.
- The Board of Directors has appointed Ronald Sargent as interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, effective March 2, 2025.
- As interim CEO and Chairman, Mr. Sargent will receive an annual base salary of $4,350,000 and a grant of 60,515 shares of restricted stock that will vest in one year.