The Kroger Co. operates a U.S. grocery retail business with supermarkets across multiple banners, complemented by fuel centers, pharmacies, private-label products, manufacturing, advertising and data analytics. News about KR commonly covers fresh food and seasonal merchandising, pickup and delivery services, digital coupons, private brands such as Simple Truth, Private Selection and Kroger brand products, and customer access through Kroger.com, the Kroger app and delivery marketplaces.
Company updates also include Harris Teeter, a wholly owned Kroger subsidiary, with recurring coverage of pharmacy services, nutrition support, grocery promotions, fuel rewards, community programs and associate initiatives. Other news themes include new products entering Kroger-banner stores, floral and gift offerings such as Bloom Haus, and enterprise training programs such as Pearl Street Academy.
Kroger (KR) is expanding its Tempo prepared-meal offering with Protein Max, a new lineup of single-serving, ready-to-heat meals.
The meals contain 40+ grams of protein per serving, cook in two minutes and start at $16.48 per serving. The lineup extends Tempo's existing protein-packed range, which offers 30+ grams per serving. Customers can order through TempoMeals.com.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) introduced long-term financial targets and a multi-year operating plan while reaffirming its previously issued full-year 2026 guidance. It targets approximately 3% comparable sales growth in 2029, excluding fuel and pharmacy; 3%-6% adjusted EBITDA compound annual growth; and 7%-11% adjusted net EPS compound annual growth for FY2027 through FY2029. EBITDA measures earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; EPS means earnings per share. These targets exclude the pending Giant Eagle acquisition.
The EPS target replaces an 8%-11% total shareholder return target that included dividend yield. Kroger plans self-funded customer investments and market expansion, expects digital sales and advertising revenue growth, and aims to fund investment through operating savings. Capital allocation remains unchanged, including dividends subject to board approval and share buybacks.
Kroger (KR) expects to sell 25 million pounds of Halloween candy this season across its seasonal assortment. The retailer's forecast includes nine million bags of fun-sized chocolate treats. Its Halloween selection, including chocolate, gummy treats and candy corn, is available in stores and online at Kroger.com.
Kroger (KR) is offering flu, COVID-19, RSV and other routine vaccines through its pharmacies, with walk-in and scheduled appointments available. Most patients with health insurance can receive vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost. Customers can book at Kroger.com/vaccine or ask a pharmacist about eligibility and which vaccines are appropriate.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) insurance subsidiaries Queen City Assurance and Vine Court Assurance received negative issuer credit rating outlooks from AM Best.
The outlooks changed from stable, while the A (Excellent) financial strength ratings and a+ (Excellent) long-term issuer credit ratings were affirmed. The financial strength rating outlook remains stable. Underwriting results weakened in 2024 because of unusually high property losses and deteriorated further in 2025 amid elevated casualty losses, adverse reserve development and medical expense containment program pressure.
Overall earnings remained positive, supported by investment income. AM Best assesses risk-adjusted capitalization at its strongest level; the group maintains strong liquidity and has financial support available from Kroger.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) has launched the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard, available now for everyday purchases and grocery rewards. The card has no annual fee and offers up to 5X Points on purchases through Kroger.com and the Kroger app. Rewards connect to customers' loyalty accounts and can be redeemed for dollars off groceries and fuel. Customers can apply and manage rewards through Kroger's app or website, using Imprint's technology.
Kroger (KR) announced on September 25, 2026, that Kroger Health president Colleen Lindholz will retire after 31 years with the company. Lindholz joined Kroger as a pharmacist in 1995, became president and CEO of the Little Clinic in 2015, and was named president of Kroger Health in 2017. Kroger credits her with shaping its Food as Medicine strategy and creating the Nourishing Change movement.
Kroger (KR) presented its artificial intelligence strategy at GroceryShop 2026, emphasizing the use of decades of customer and operational data to enhance shopping experiences, support associates and improve business decisions.
The company highlighted a portfolio of proprietary and third-party AI models covering demand forecasting, operational optimization, personalization and generative AI. Kroger described a three-stage journey from assisted to augmented to autonomous AI, with governance, privacy and security as central principles. Current applications include an AI Shopping Assistant for meal planning and budgeting, conversational search, tools for frontline teams, and AI literacy training for more than 400,000 associates.
Kroger (KR) will host its 2026 Investor Day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The event will include presentations and a question-and-answer session with executive leaders, including CEO Greg Foran and CFO David Kennerley. Management plans to update attendees on Kroger's strategic priorities and long-term financial outlook. A live webcast will run from 9:00 a.m. ET to approximately 12:00 p.m. ET, with access and later replay available via the investor relations website at ir.kroger.com under Events & Presentations.
Kroger (KR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on December 1, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2026.
The quarterly dividend has grown at a 13% compounded annual rate since its reinstatement in 2006. The company continues to expect, subject to board approval, that the dividend will increase over time, consistent with its capital allocation strategy to use free cash flow for business investment, maintaining its investment-grade debt rating, and returning capital to shareholders.