Second-quarter sales were $34.62 billion, narrowly beating estimates of $34.58 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share of $1.09 surpassed expectations of $1.06, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Kroger maintained its annual profit forecast, but expects full-year identical sales to grow between 0.2% and 0.8%, including a 140-basis-point headwind from the Inflation Reduction Act, compared with a prior forecast for a 1.0% to 2.0% rise.
Second-quarter identical sales growth was 0.2%, down from 3.4% a year ago and below estimates for 0.9% growth.
J.P. Morgan analysts said expectations ahead of the print were for identical sales to come in light.
Up to the last close, the stock was down about 9% year to date.
Shares rise after quarterly beat
Shares of Kroger KR.N reversed premarket losses to rise about 4% at $58.97 in early trading.
The company reported quarterly results that beat on demand even as it cut its annual identical sales forecast, bracing for weaker consumer spending even on essentials.
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