The Kroger Co. (KR) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Kroger's Q3 results missed top-line estimates, triggering a sharp sell-off while peers like Dollar General soared. We dig into the data to understand why the retailer's momentum has suddenly taken a hit. Management is aggressively repurchasing shares, but with leverage rising and interest costs doubling, investors must ask whether this is financial engineering or a deeper structural growth problem. With guidance narrowed to the low end and multiples compressing, I revisit my investment thesis to explain why I am changing my rating.
Kroger Co (NYSE:KR, XETRA:KOG) swung to a quarterly loss in the third quarter as rising expenses weighed on results, despite modest growth in core sales. The US grocery giant reported earnings per share of $1.05, slightly above analysts' expectations of $1.04, while revenue fell short at $33.9 billion, below the $34.2 billion estimate.
| - Industry | - Sector | Ronald L. Sargent CEO | XMUN Exchange | US5010441013 ISIN |
| US Country | 409,000 Employees | 14 Nov 2025 Last Dividend | 14 Jul 2015 Last Split | - IPO Date |
The Kroger Co., founded in 1883 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, stands as a prominent food and drug retailer in the United States. The company's extensive operations encompass a variety of store formats, including combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. Through its broad network of stores, Kroger not only addresses the everyday needs of consumers but also caters to specific market segments with its diverse range of products and services. Additionally, the company's engagement in the manufacturing and processing of food products for both in-store sales and online presence, alongside operating fuel centers, underscores its integrated approach to retailing, aiming to provide a comprehensive shopping experience to its customers.
These stores feature an extensive selection of products, including natural foods, organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers, fresh seafood, and organic produce. They cater to customers looking for a one-stop shopping experience that combines grocery shopping with pharmacy needs and more.
Kroger's multi-department stores offer a wide range of products across various categories like apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products, and toys. These stores are targeted at consumers seeking a diverse shopping experience under one roof, covering most household and personal needs.
These stores provide a full-service grocery experience along with pharmacy, health and beauty care, and perishable goods. In addition to grocery items, marketplace stores offer general merchandise including apparel, home goods, and toys, meeting the needs of families and individuals looking for convenience and variety in their shopping.
Price impact warehouse stores focus on offering value to customers through grocery, health and beauty care items, as well as fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods. These stores appeal to budget-conscious shoppers looking for quality products at competitive prices.
Kroger engages in the manufacturing and processing of food products for sale in its supermarkets and online platform. This vertical integration allows the company to offer unique and private-label products, ensuring quality control and potentially better pricing for consumers.
The company provides convenience and value to its customers through fuel centers located at some of its store locations. This service not only completes the one-stop shopping experience but also offers competitive fuel prices to its shopping customers.