Kroger lifts sales target as cautious Americans buy cheaper groceries
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 20 2025
0mins
Should l Buy KR?
Source: Reuters
Kroger's Sales Growth and Strategy: Kroger raised its annual sales growth forecast to 2.25%-3.25% for 2025, while maintaining its profit target, amidst tariff-induced inflation concerns. The company is focusing on lowering prices and expanding its private-label brand to attract cost-conscious consumers.
Store Closures and Financial Performance: Kroger plans to close about 60 underperforming stores, incurring a $100 million impairment charge, but reported a first-quarter comparable sales growth of 3.2%, exceeding analyst expectations.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy KR?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on KR
Wall Street analysts forecast KR stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for KR is 75.00 USD with a low forecast of 68.00 USD and a high forecast of 85.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
15 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 67.500
Low
68.00
Averages
75.00
High
85.00
Current: 67.500
Low
68.00
Averages
75.00
High
85.00
About KR
The Kroger Co. is a food and drug retailer. The Company operates supermarkets, multi-department stores and fulfillment centers throughout the United States. It operates approximately 2,731 supermarkets, 2,273 pharmacies and 1,702 fuel centers in over 35 states and the District of Columbia while also operating online through a digital ecosystem to offer customers an omnichannel shopping experience. The Company also manufactures and processes food for sale in its supermarkets and online. It offers Pickup and Harris Teeter ExpressLane personalized, order online, pick-up at the store services at approximately 2,412 of its supermarkets and provides delivery, which allows it to offer digital solutions to substantially all of its customers. Its delivery solutions include orders delivered to customers at retail store locations, customer fulfillment centers and orders placed through third-party platforms. The Company also offers customer-facing apps and interfaces.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Market Update: Microsoft Downgrade, Kroger's New CEO Announcement
- Microsoft Downgrade: Melius Research downgraded Microsoft from buy to hold, citing that CEO Satya Nadella has lost the AI narrative and that the stock appears overpriced based on new free cash flow estimates, which may undermine investor confidence.
- Eli Lilly Acquires Orna: Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of biotech firm Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion, leading to a premarket surge in Eli Lilly and rival Novo Nordisk shares, indicating a positive market response towards biotech investments.
- Kroger's New CEO: Kroger's stock advanced nearly 7% in premarket trading after reports indicated that former Walmart executive Greg Foran will be appointed as the new CEO, having previously led Walmart's U.S. division for six years, suggesting a strategic shift for Kroger.
- Robinhood Upgrade: Wolfe Research upgraded Robinhood from hold to buy, despite the stock's recent decline amid a major cryptocurrency sell-off, as analysts believe its future potential remains strong, which could attract renewed investor interest.
See More
Kroger Appoints Former Walmart Executive as CEO
- Executive Appointment: Kroger has appointed former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new CEO, a significant leadership change nearly a year after Rodney McMullen's resignation due to an internal investigation, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
- Digital Transformation: Foran's experience at Walmart, where he accelerated digital capabilities and achieved positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters, comes at a crucial time for Kroger as it seeks to compete with Walmart and Amazon, likely accelerating its e-commerce development.
- Profitability Enhancement: In conjunction with the CEO announcement, Kroger reaffirmed its full-year guidance for identical-store sales growth of +2.7% to +3.4% and EPS of $4.70 to $4.80, which helps bolster investor confidence and has driven shares up nearly 6% ahead of Monday's open.
- Strategic Adjustments: Kroger is actively working to improve profitability in its digital business by reducing headcount and closing underperforming fulfillment centers, targeting approximately $400 million in e-commerce improvements, demonstrating the company's commitment to a strategic pivot in digital transformation.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO to Drive Growth Strategy
- Leadership Change: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as the new CEO, succeeding Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO since March 2025, with this transition aimed at advancing the company's growth strategy amidst a slight decline in broader markets.
- CEO Background: Foran brings over 40 years of experience in leading large consumer businesses, having successfully implemented digital transformations at Walmart U.S., and most recently served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he navigated challenges during the pandemic.
- Financial Outlook: Kroger is set to release its earnings report on March 5, 2026, with adjusted earnings guidance of $4.75 to $4.80 per share, slightly below the consensus estimate of $4.80, indicating a cautious approach to maintaining profitability.
- Market Performance: Kroger shares rose 6.81% in premarket trading to $72.09, trading 12.9% above its 20-day simple moving average, reflecting strong short-term momentum in the stock market.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO Greg Foran Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Change: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as the new CEO, effective immediately, succeeding interim CEO Ron Sargent, who has held the position since March 2025, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Extensive Management Experience: Foran brings over 40 years of experience in leading consumer businesses, having managed operations across five countries, and most recently served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he successfully led a company-wide digital transformation.
- Former Walmart Executive: Prior to his role at Air New Zealand, Foran led Walmart U.S. for six years, overseeing a turnaround of the company’s largest division until 2019, demonstrating his deep background in the retail sector.
- Board Membership: Foran will also join Kroger's board, further strengthening the company's governance structure, while Sargent will continue as Chairman of the Board to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
See More
Tech Companies Stock Price Movements Analysis
- Oracle Stock Rise: Oracle shares increased by 2% after DA Davidson upgraded its rating from neutral to buy, with analysts believing that a revamped OpenAI will regain its position as Google's top competitor, enhancing collaboration potential with Oracle.
- STMicroelectronics Partnership Expansion: STMicroelectronics saw a 7% stock increase following a multi-billion-dollar partnership announcement with Amazon Web Services to support infrastructure for cloud and AI data centers, which is expected to drive future revenue growth for the company.
- Kroger CEO Transition: Kroger's shares jumped nearly 5% after the Wall Street Journal reported that former Walmart executive Greg Foran will be appointed as the new CEO, indicating a potential strategic shift that could enhance the company's performance in a competitive retail market.
- Hims & Hers Health Crisis: Hims & Hers stock plummeted 18% after it withdrew its copycat weight-loss pill following legal threats from Novo Nordisk, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the market and potentially impacting Hims & Hers' future product strategy.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO to Advance Growth Strategy
- Leadership Transition: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as CEO effective immediately, succeeding Ron Sargent who served as interim CEO since March 2025, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Foran brings over 40 years of retail experience, having led Walmart U.S. for six years where he achieved positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters, demonstrating his exceptional capability in transforming large retail operations.
- Digital Transformation Leadership: As CEO of Air New Zealand, Foran led a comprehensive digital transformation that improved customer experience and enhanced business agility, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges effectively.
- Ongoing Financial Commitment: Kroger reaffirms its fiscal year 2025 guidance, indicating the company's commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, further solidifying its competitive position in the retail market.
See More
Market Update: Microsoft Downgrade, Kroger's New CEO Announcement
- Microsoft Downgrade: Melius Research downgraded Microsoft from buy to hold, citing that CEO Satya Nadella has lost the AI narrative and that the stock appears overpriced based on new free cash flow estimates, which may undermine investor confidence.
- Eli Lilly Acquires Orna: Eli Lilly announced the acquisition of biotech firm Orna Therapeutics for up to $2.4 billion, leading to a premarket surge in Eli Lilly and rival Novo Nordisk shares, indicating a positive market response towards biotech investments.
- Kroger's New CEO: Kroger's stock advanced nearly 7% in premarket trading after reports indicated that former Walmart executive Greg Foran will be appointed as the new CEO, having previously led Walmart's U.S. division for six years, suggesting a strategic shift for Kroger.
- Robinhood Upgrade: Wolfe Research upgraded Robinhood from hold to buy, despite the stock's recent decline amid a major cryptocurrency sell-off, as analysts believe its future potential remains strong, which could attract renewed investor interest.
See More
Kroger Appoints Former Walmart Executive as CEO
- Executive Appointment: Kroger has appointed former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new CEO, a significant leadership change nearly a year after Rodney McMullen's resignation due to an internal investigation, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
- Digital Transformation: Foran's experience at Walmart, where he accelerated digital capabilities and achieved positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters, comes at a crucial time for Kroger as it seeks to compete with Walmart and Amazon, likely accelerating its e-commerce development.
- Profitability Enhancement: In conjunction with the CEO announcement, Kroger reaffirmed its full-year guidance for identical-store sales growth of +2.7% to +3.4% and EPS of $4.70 to $4.80, which helps bolster investor confidence and has driven shares up nearly 6% ahead of Monday's open.
- Strategic Adjustments: Kroger is actively working to improve profitability in its digital business by reducing headcount and closing underperforming fulfillment centers, targeting approximately $400 million in e-commerce improvements, demonstrating the company's commitment to a strategic pivot in digital transformation.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO to Drive Growth Strategy
- Leadership Change: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as the new CEO, succeeding Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO since March 2025, with this transition aimed at advancing the company's growth strategy amidst a slight decline in broader markets.
- CEO Background: Foran brings over 40 years of experience in leading large consumer businesses, having successfully implemented digital transformations at Walmart U.S., and most recently served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he navigated challenges during the pandemic.
- Financial Outlook: Kroger is set to release its earnings report on March 5, 2026, with adjusted earnings guidance of $4.75 to $4.80 per share, slightly below the consensus estimate of $4.80, indicating a cautious approach to maintaining profitability.
- Market Performance: Kroger shares rose 6.81% in premarket trading to $72.09, trading 12.9% above its 20-day simple moving average, reflecting strong short-term momentum in the stock market.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO Greg Foran Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Change: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as the new CEO, effective immediately, succeeding interim CEO Ron Sargent, who has held the position since March 2025, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Extensive Management Experience: Foran brings over 40 years of experience in leading consumer businesses, having managed operations across five countries, and most recently served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he successfully led a company-wide digital transformation.
- Former Walmart Executive: Prior to his role at Air New Zealand, Foran led Walmart U.S. for six years, overseeing a turnaround of the company’s largest division until 2019, demonstrating his deep background in the retail sector.
- Board Membership: Foran will also join Kroger's board, further strengthening the company's governance structure, while Sargent will continue as Chairman of the Board to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
See More
Tech Companies Stock Price Movements Analysis
- Oracle Stock Rise: Oracle shares increased by 2% after DA Davidson upgraded its rating from neutral to buy, with analysts believing that a revamped OpenAI will regain its position as Google's top competitor, enhancing collaboration potential with Oracle.
- STMicroelectronics Partnership Expansion: STMicroelectronics saw a 7% stock increase following a multi-billion-dollar partnership announcement with Amazon Web Services to support infrastructure for cloud and AI data centers, which is expected to drive future revenue growth for the company.
- Kroger CEO Transition: Kroger's shares jumped nearly 5% after the Wall Street Journal reported that former Walmart executive Greg Foran will be appointed as the new CEO, indicating a potential strategic shift that could enhance the company's performance in a competitive retail market.
- Hims & Hers Health Crisis: Hims & Hers stock plummeted 18% after it withdrew its copycat weight-loss pill following legal threats from Novo Nordisk, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the market and potentially impacting Hims & Hers' future product strategy.
See More
Kroger Appoints New CEO to Advance Growth Strategy
- Leadership Transition: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as CEO effective immediately, succeeding Ron Sargent who served as interim CEO since March 2025, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Foran brings over 40 years of retail experience, having led Walmart U.S. for six years where he achieved positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters, demonstrating his exceptional capability in transforming large retail operations.
- Digital Transformation Leadership: As CEO of Air New Zealand, Foran led a comprehensive digital transformation that improved customer experience and enhanced business agility, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges effectively.
- Ongoing Financial Commitment: Kroger reaffirms its fiscal year 2025 guidance, indicating the company's commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, further solidifying its competitive position in the retail market.
See More
