Kroger Co. (KR)

In early April 2025, Kroger's stock trended up amid speculation regarding potential strategic partnerships. In June 2025, Kroger announced plans to close approximately 60 underperforming stores nationwide. In September 2025, Kroger reported stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 results, with identical sales (excluding fuel) up and e-commerce climbing. In October 2025, Kroger's stock received an upgrade from "buy" to "strong-buy" by Wall Street Zen analysts, announced a major expansion of its partnership with DoorDash, and announced plans to hire over 18,000 associates for the 2025 holiday season.

Demand for Kroger's products and services exhibits seasonality, particularly around holidays such as Thanksgiving. Grocery demand remains relatively steady throughout the year, but can fluctuate with weather changes, holidays, and cultural events. Kroger offers holiday deals and adjusts prices to match demand shifts. The company's decision to hire fewer associates for the 2025 holiday season suggests a more cautious outlook on anticipated consumer demand for that period.

The Kroger Co. is an American retail company that operates supermarkets and multi-department stores across the United States, categorized within the Consumer Staples sector and the Supermarkets & Grocery Stores industry. Kroger offers a wide selection of grocery items, produces approximately 55% of its corporate brand products in-house, and operates supermarket fuel centers, pharmacies, in-store medical clinics, and jewelry stores. The company sells products under various brand names such as Private Selection, Kroger, Big K, Smart Way, Heritage Farm, Simple Truth, and Simple Truth Organic.

Kroger operates approximately 2,719 grocery stores in 35 states, primarily in the South, Midwest, and West, as well as the District of Columbia. Its store formats include multi-department stores, combo stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouse stores. The company's headquarters are located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it operates under various banners, including Dillons, Food-4-Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay-C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs, Roundy's, and Smith's.

Kroger's brand reputation has been influenced by the announcement to close approximately 60 underperforming stores, which sparked concerns among loyal shoppers and local communities. Consumer Reports raised concerns about Kroger's loyalty program, and Kroger voluntarily recalled two varieties of deli pasta salads due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. AquaStar (USA) Corp also issued a recall for Kroger shrimp products due to potential cesium-137 contamination. Despite these challenges, Kroger's Q2 2025 results showed strong sales growth.

The Kroger Co. is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, who hold approximately 76% to 84.16% of the company's stock. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc., State Street Corp., Geode Capital Management, LLC, Northern Trust Corp., Wellington Management Group LLP, and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. W. Rodney McMullen, Kroger's CEO, is a significant individual shareholder.