The Kroger Co.
American supermarket chain operating supermarkets, multi-department stores, and jewelry stores, one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States.
Company Type
public
Founded
1883
Headquarters
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Stock
NYSE: KR
About The Kroger Co.
Kroger delivered mixed Q4 2025 results, exceeding earnings expectations while navigating a significant leadership transition. The company reported EPS of $1.15, surpassing analyst expectations, with revenue reaching $34.8 billion for the quarter.
CEO Transition: In March 2025, Rodney McMullen unexpectedly resigned as Chairman and CEO, ending a tenure that began in 2009 when he became president. Under McMullen's leadership, Kroger's stock price grew from an average of $8.15 in 2009 to $62.27 by 2025, positioning the company as a formidable competitor to Walmart and Amazon in the grocery sector.
Leadership Search: Kroger has been deliberately taking time to appoint a successor, looking for someone with "a deep understanding of retail transformation" who is "very close to the customer" and reflects Kroger's culture and values. The company intends to bring in someone from outside the organization to serve as its next chief executive.
Operational Performance: Despite the leadership transition, Kroger executives remain upbeat about growth plans for 2025. The company is operating from a position of strength, delivering fourth quarter results that came in ahead of expectations and maintaining momentum across key business segments.
History of The Kroger Co.
Kroger was founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first store, called The Great Western Tea and Coffee Company, was located in downtown Cincinnati. Kroger's innovative approach included buying directly from wholesalers and selling goods at lower prices than competitors.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kroger expanded rapidly through organic growth and acquisitions. The company pioneered many retail innovations, including in-store bakeries, meat departments, and self-service shopping. Kroger was also an early adopter of private label brands, introducing its own products to provide customers with value alternatives.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Kroger expanded beyond groceries into other retail areas, including drug stores and jewelry stores. The company also developed one of the first supermarket formats, combining various departments under one roof.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Kroger continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of regional supermarket chains like Dillons, King Soopers, and Fred Meyer. These acquisitions expanded Kroger's geographic footprint and market presence.
In the 21st century, Kroger has focused on digital innovation, launching online grocery services, mobile apps, and loyalty programs. The company has also invested heavily in private label brands, particularly its Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic lines, which have become major growth drivers.
Brands Owned by The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
The Kroger Co. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Market leadership position as second-largest U.S. grocery retailer
- +Strong private label portfolio providing higher margins and customer loyalty
- +Diversified revenue streams across food, pharmacy, and fuel segments
- +Significant scale and purchasing power enabling competitive pricing
- +Growing digital commerce capabilities with expected 2026 profitability
- +Strong operational performance with Q4 2025 EPS of $1.15 exceeding expectations
- +Comprehensive store network with over 2,700 locations across 35 states
- +Successful leadership transition strategy with deliberate CEO search process
Considerations
- -Intense competition from Walmart, Amazon, and other discount retailers
- -CEO transition creating uncertainty during leadership change period
- -Pressure on food prices and margins affecting profitability
- -Competition from online retailers and delivery services
- -Supply chain vulnerabilities affecting inventory and pricing stability
- -Balance between physical store investments and digital commerce expansion
- -Regulatory scrutiny in grocery retail and antitrust considerations
- -Need to maintain innovation pace with rapidly evolving retail technology
Frequently Asked Questions About The Kroger Co.
Is Kroger a subsidiary of another company?
No, Kroger is an independent, publicly traded corporation with no parent company. The company operates independently with its own management structure and board of directors, though it has grown through numerous acquisitions throughout its history.
Is Kroger publicly traded?
Yes, Kroger is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KR. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 1977, allowing investors to purchase shares and own a portion of the company.
What happened to Kroger's CEO?
Rodney McMullen unexpectedly resigned as Chairman and CEO in March 2025 after serving since 2009. The company is conducting a deliberate search for a successor, looking for someone with deep retail transformation experience who aligns with Kroger's culture and values.
What are Kroger's Q4 2025 financial results?
Kroger reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.15, exceeding analyst expectations, with revenue of $34.8 billion. The company delivered mixed results but maintained operational strength despite the leadership transition.
When will Kroger's e-commerce be profitable?
Kroger expects to achieve e-commerce profitability in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation after years of investment in online grocery platforms and fulfillment capabilities.
What is Kroger's relationship with Ocado?
In December 2025, Kroger modified its partnership with Ocado Group, making a one-time payment to change fulfillment arrangements while maintaining five active fulfillment centers. The company moved away from exclusivity agreements while continuing to leverage Ocado's technology for automated fulfillment.
How many stores does Kroger operate?
Kroger operates over 2,700 stores across 35 states under various banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, and King Soopers, serving millions of customers daily through physical and digital channels.
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