The US grocer reported a 4.3% rise in net earnings to $903m, driven by higher sales and e-commerce growth.
Kroger’s first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings rose as total sales increased to $46.12bn from $45.11bn a year earlier. Net earnings attributable to the company climbed to $903m, up from $866m in the prior-year period, while operating profit reached $1.40bn, compared with $1.32bn previously.
Identical sales excluding fuel rose 1%, and adjusted EPS increased to $1.58 from $1.49. Gross margin narrowed to 22.7% due to higher fuel sales and transportation costs, though e-commerce sales surged 19%. The company reaffirmed its full-year outlook.
Kroger plans to maintain its investment-grade debt rating and continue paying quarterly dividends while generating strong free cash flow.