📊 KR Key Takeaways
Is Kroger Co (KR) a Good Investment?
Kroger demonstrates stable cash generation with $1.7B free cash flow, but faces structural profitability challenges with a net margin of only 0.1% and operating margin of 0.6% in a highly competitive grocery sector. Revenue headwinds (-1.9% YoY) and significant leverage (2.27x debt-to-equity) limit upside potential despite positive EPS growth from share buybacks.
Kroger's fundamentals reflect a defensive, cash-generative grocery business, with solid operating cash flow and positive free cash flow despite a slight revenue decline. However, profitability is extremely thin, leverage is elevated, and liquidity is tight, which limits balance-sheet flexibility and makes execution on margin stability critical.
Why Buy Kroger Co Stock? KR Key Strengths
- Solid free cash flow generation of $1.7B supports shareholder returns and debt service
- Operating cash flow of $4.7B demonstrates ability to convert sales into cash despite thin margins
- Reasonable interest coverage ratio of 3.1x indicates manageable debt servicing capacity
- EPS growth of 24% YoY driven by operational improvements and capital allocation discipline
- Strong operating cash flow generation of $4.66B supports reinvestment and debt service
- Positive free cash flow of $1.75B shows the business remains internally funded after capital spending
- Large asset base and staple retail exposure provide business stability even in slower growth periods
KR Stock Risks: Kroger Co Investment Risks
- Extremely thin net margin of 0.1% provides minimal buffer for operational disruptions or competitive pricing pressure
- Revenue decline of 1.9% YoY signals market share losses or volume weakness in core grocery business
- High leverage with 2.27x debt-to-equity ratio and $16B long-term debt limits financial flexibility
- Low current ratio of 0.88x and quick ratio of 0.59x indicate tight near-term liquidity relative to current obligations
- Anemic returns with ROE of 2.2% and ROA of 0.3% suggest inefficient capital deployment
- Operating and net margins are exceptionally thin, leaving little cushion against cost pressure or execution missteps
- Leverage is high with debt/equity of 2.27x and only moderate interest coverage of 3.1x
- Liquidity is constrained with a 0.88x current ratio and 0.59x quick ratio
Key Metrics to Watch
- Comparable store sales growth and market share trends
- Operating margin expansion initiatives and cost management
- Debt reduction progress and leverage ratio improvement
- Free cash flow sustainability and working capital trends
- Revenue stabilization and same-store sales performance
- Operating margin and net margin trend
- Free cash flow generation relative to debt and interest obligations
Kroger Co (KR) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 1.5% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
KR Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
KR vs Consumer Sector: How Kroger Co Compares
How Kroger Co compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Kroger Co Stock Overvalued? KR Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Kroger Co shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Kroger Co Balance Sheet: KR Debt, Cash & Liquidity
KR Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Kroger Co's revenue has grown significantly by 13% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $3.06 reflects profitable operations.
KR Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
KR Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $33.6B | $155.0M | $0.23 |
| Q2 2025 | $33.9B | $466.0M | $0.64 |
| Q1 2025 | $45.1B | $866.0M | $1.29 |
| Q3 2024 | $33.6B | $618.0M | $0.84 |
| Q2 2024 | $33.9B | -$180.0M | $-0.25 |
| Q1 2024 | $45.2B | $947.0M | $1.29 |
| Q3 2023 | $34.0B | $398.0M | $0.55 |
| Q2 2023 | $33.9B | -$180.0M | $-0.25 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Kroger Co Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
KR SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Kroger Co (CIK: 0000056873)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about KR
What is the AI rating for KR?
Kroger Co (KR) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are KR's key strengths?
Claude: Solid free cash flow generation of $1.7B supports shareholder returns and debt service. Operating cash flow of $4.7B demonstrates ability to convert sales into cash despite thin margins. ChatGPT: Strong operating cash flow generation of $4.66B supports reinvestment and debt service. Positive free cash flow of $1.75B shows the business remains internally funded after capital spending.
What are the risks of investing in KR?
Claude: Extremely thin net margin of 0.1% provides minimal buffer for operational disruptions or competitive pricing pressure. Revenue decline of 1.9% YoY signals market share losses or volume weakness in core grocery business. ChatGPT: Operating and net margins are exceptionally thin, leaving little cushion against cost pressure or execution missteps. Leverage is high with debt/equity of 2.27x and only moderate interest coverage of 3.1x.
What is KR's revenue and growth?
Kroger Co reported revenue of $112.9B.
Does KR pay dividends?
Kroger Co pays dividends, with $659.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find KR SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Kroger Co (CIK: 0000056873) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is KR's EPS?
Kroger Co has a diluted EPS of $0.23.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is KR a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Kroger Co has a HOLD rating with 70% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is KR stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for KR: ROE of 2.2% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 0.1% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy KR stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Kroger Co a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is KR's free cash flow?
Kroger Co's operating cash flow is $4.7B, with capital expenditures of $2.9B. FCF margin is 1.5%.
How does KR compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 0.1% (avg: 8%), ROE 2.2% (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.88 (avg: 1.5).
Is Kroger Co carrying too much debt?
KR has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27x, which is above the Consumer sector average of 0.8x. Combined with a current ratio below 1, this warrants careful monitoring of the balance sheet.