Kroger(US:KR) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-09-11 13:03Core Insights - Kroger Company (KR.US) reported Q2 2025 earnings per share of $0.91, significantly up from $0.64 year-over-year, and raised its full-year guidance due to better-than-expected performance [1] - The company's non-fuel sales increased by 3.4% year-over-year, a notable improvement from 1.2% in the same period last year, while total sales remained flat at $33.9 billion [1] - Operating profit rose from $815 million in the previous year to $863 million, with adjusted earnings per share reaching $1.04, surpassing $0.93 from Q2 2024 [1] Financial Performance - E-commerce sales grew by 16%, and gross margin improved from 22.1% to 22.5%, driven by better pharmacy sales, reduced supply chain costs, and lower shrinkage [1] - Kroger updated its 2025 performance guidance, raising the non-fuel same-store sales growth forecast from 2.25%-3.25% to 2.7%-3.4%, operating profit expectations from $4.7 billion-$4.9 billion to $4.8 billion-$4.9 billion, and earnings per share from $4.60-$4.80 to $4.70-$4.80 [1] Strategic Initiatives - The company is advancing a $5 billion accelerated stock repurchase program, expected to be completed in Q3, with plans to resume open market repurchases based on the remaining $2.5 billion authorization [2] - Despite concerns over consumer demand due to tariff pressures, Kroger has raised its annual core sales forecast, anticipating strong demand for its low-priced products [2] Market Position - In the current trend where consumers, especially low-income groups, are shifting towards value essentials, Kroger, along with Albertsons and Walmart, has demonstrated strong market resilience against overall industry slowdowns [2]