Kroger Co. (KR)

In April 2025, Kroger's stock traded up amid speculation regarding potential strategic partnerships, and the company carved out a new eCommerce business unit. In June 2025, Kroger raised its annual same-store sales forecast for the second time, citing strong grocery demand and an uptick in its pharmacy business. In September 2025, Kroger boosted its annual core sales forecast, driven by resilient demand for affordable essentials, reporting better-than-expected second-quarter sales and profit figures. Throughout this period, several institutional investors adjusted their positions in Kroger, and a legal battle with Albertsons regarding a merger issue continued.

Demand for Kroger's products and services exhibits seasonality, with periodic demand spikes during holidays and festivals, and increased summer sales of certain items like soft drinks. Retailers like Kroger analyze past sales data and trends to anticipate product demand for upcoming seasons, adjusting inventory levels to ensure availability and minimize excess stock. External factors such as weather changes and promotions also influence demand, and Kroger's strategic marketing efforts are used to target shoppers during key seasonal events.

The Kroger Co. operates as a food and drug retailer, specializing in the production and distribution of food and non-food products, operating in the Retail-Wholesale sector and the Supermarkets & Grocery Stores industry, with a notable market share in Online Grocery Sales. Kroger's product portfolio includes bakery goods, beverages, dairy and egg products, fresh and frozen meat, fruits and vegetables, and other general food items, as well as general merchandise, pet centers, apparel, home fashion and furnishings, electronics, automotive products, toys, and outdoor living products. The company also operates pharmacies, supermarket fuel centers, and jewelry stores, producing private-label brands such as "Kroger," "Private Selection," "Big K," "Smart Way," "Heritage Farm," "Simple Truth," and "Simple Truth Organic," as well as "Home Chef."

Kroger operates grocery retail stores under various banners and divisions in 35 states and the District of Columbia. As of May 13, 2024, there were 1,255 Kroger stores across 593 cities in 16 states and territories. Other sources indicate a total of 2,719 supermarkets as of Q1 2023, and 4,157 supermarkets under various banners in the US in 2024. Key states with a significant Kroger presence include Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Illinois, and West Virginia. Kroger does not operate stores in 40 states and territories, including populous regions like New York, California, and Florida. The company also operates over 2,200 pharmacies and 225 in-store medical clinics.

The Kroger Co. has received positive recognition for its brand reputation, including being named one of "America's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek in June 2025. Kroger was also recognized for its commitment to providing fresh, affordable food, offering dependable employment, and its "Zero Hunger | Zero Waste" plan. Additionally, Kroger was named a top place to work by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN™, honored by Handshake for excellence in early career hiring, named a best workplace for diverse professionals by Mogul, and ranked among Computerworld's Top 100 best places to work in IT. In March 2025, Kroger formed a dedicated e-commerce division, and in Fall 2025, Kroger launched a strategic initiative in seasonal beauty retailing.

The Kroger Co. is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, who hold between 75% and 84.16% of the company’s stock, with major holders including Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Individual investors hold a smaller percentage, ranging from approximately 13.86% to 27.07% of the shares. Insiders own a minimal percentage, typically less than 1% to 1.99% of the company's stock.