Skip to content
AnalystLens

Kroger 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jun 18, 2026)

Reports
Earnings & Results·Exhibits & Filings
Filing Date
Filed June 18, 2026
Period End
June 18, 2026
Security
KR
In the record · 2016–202610-K1210-Q328-K137

KR filed 12 annual reports (10-K), 32 quarterly reports (10-Q) and 137 current reports (8-K) between 2016 and 2026.

  1. Material agreement8-K · Aug ’17Aug ’17
  2. Leadership change8-K · Dec ’19Dec ’19
  3. Material agreement8-K · Nov ’22Nov ’22
  4. Leadership change8-K · Mar ’25Mar ’25

01—Abstract

Summary

Summary of the 8-K filed June 18, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) reported first quarter 2026 results on June 18, 2026, in a press release furnished as Exhibit 99.1 under Item 2.02 of this Form 8-K.

Sales were $46.1 billiona versus $45.1 billion a year earlier, and operating profit rose to $1,407 million from $1,322 million. Diluted EPS was $1.46 compared with $1.29, and Adjusted EPS was $1.58 compared with $1.49. Identical sales without fuel increased 1.0%, while Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit was $1,544 million versus $1,518 million.

Gross margin declined to 22.7% from 23.0%, with the decrease attributed mainly to higher fuel sales mix, higher transportation costs, egg deflation, and planned price investments. Kroger reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, which calls for identical sales without fuel of 1.0% to 2.0% (including an approximately 130 basis point unfavorable impact from the Inflation Reduction Act), FIFO operating profit of $5.0 to $5.2 billionb, EPS of $5.10 to $5.30, free cash flow of $2.7 to $2.9 billion, and capital expenditures of $3.8 to $4.0 billion. The company reported a net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.75, compared with 1.69 a year earlier, against a target range of 2.30 to 2.50.

It also stated it expects to complete the $2 billionc share repurchase authorization approved in December 2025 by the end of fiscal 2026. The filing shows that net earnings for the rolling four quarters ended May 23, 2026 were $1,053 million, reflecting a $2,497 million adjustment for fulfillment network impairment and related charges. Cash and temporary cash investments declined to $2,873 million at period end, and the company stated it expects to continue paying its quarterly dividend, which is subject to board approval.

02—Key points

Key Highlights

  1. First quarter 2026 sales of $46,121 million, up from $45,118 million; operating profit of $1,407 million, up from $1,322 million.
  2. Diluted EPS of $1.46 versus $1.29 a year earlier; Adjusted EPS of $1.58 versus $1.49.
  3. Identical sales without fuel increased 1.0%, compared with 3.2% in the prior-year first quarter, and include an unfavorable 130 basis point impact from the Inflation Reduction Act.
  4. Gross margin of 22.7% versus 23.0%, with the FIFO gross margin rate decreasing 9 basis points and the OG&A rate increasing 16 basis points.
  5. Full-year 2026 guidance reaffirmed: FIFO operating profit of $5.0 to $5.2 billion, EPS of $5.10 to $5.30, and free cash flow of $2.7 to $2.9 billion.
  6. Net total debt to adjusted EBITDA of 1.75, versus 1.69 a year earlier; the company's target range is 2.30 to 2.50.
  7. Rolling four-quarter net earnings were $1,053 million, which includes a $2,497 million adjustment for fulfillment network impairment and related charges.

03—Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Did Kroger change its 2026 guidance?

    No. The filing states that Kroger maintained its 2026 guidance, which includes identical sales without fuel of 1.0% to 2.0%, FIFO operating profit of $5.0 to $5.2 billion, EPS of $5.10 to $5.30, free cash flow of $2.7 to $2.9 billion, and capital expenditures of $3.8 to $4.0 billion.

  2. What drove the decline in gross margin?

    The filing attributes the decrease from 23.0% to 22.7% primarily to the mix impact of higher fuel sales, higher transportation costs, egg deflation, and planned price investments. These were partially offset by favorable pharmacy mix, improved eCommerce profitability, sourcing benefits, and lower depreciation.

  3. How is Kroger's balance sheet and capital return positioned?

    Kroger reported a net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.75, versus 1.69 a year earlier, and stated it intends to maintain its investment grade debt rating. The company expects to complete the $2 billion share repurchase authorization approved in December 2025 by the end of fiscal 2026, and it expects to continue paying its quarterly dividend, which was $0.35 per share declared in the quarter.

  4. Why does the rolling four-quarter net earnings figure look so low?

    The filing's Table 5 reconciliation shows rolling four-quarter net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. of $1,053 million, after a $2,497 million adjustment for fulfillment network impairment and related charges. Kroger's adjusted EBITDA for the same period was $8,183 million.

04—Continue

← View all 8-K filings