Kroger expects identical sales excluding fuel to grow by 1-2% in fiscal 2026, with earnings per share of $5.10-5.30, free cash flow of $2.7-2.9 bn and capital expenditures of $3.8-4 bn. New CEO Greg Foran plans to enhance value, improve in-store and online experiences, and drive cost savings and productivity.

In the fourth quarter, Kroger recorded sales of $34.72 bn, up from $34.30 bn a year earlier, with sales excluding fuel rising 2.1% and identical sales excluding fuel up 2.4%. Operating profit climbed to $1.24 bn from $912 m, while earnings per share reached $1.35 and net earnings rose to $861 m.

For fiscal 2025, total sales increased to $147.64 bn from $147.12 bn, with sales excluding fuel and specialty pharmacy up 3% year-on-year. Net earnings fell to $1.01 bn from $2.66 bn following a $2.5 bn impairment charge on its automated fulfilment network, while gross margin improved to 22.9% of sales.

Kroger completed a $7.5 bn share repurchase programme—$5 bn accelerated and $2.5 bn open-market—and the board approved an additional $2 bn to be completed by end of fiscal 2026. Leadership transition emphasizes operational stability, enhanced digital experience and productivity gains under Greg Foran.