Kroger Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Updates Identical Sales without Fuel Guidance for 2025
First Quarter Highlights
Identical Sales without fuel increased 3.2%*
Operating Profit of $1,322 million; EPS of $1.29
Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $1,518 million and Adjusted EPS of $1.49
eCommerce sales increased 15%
CINCINNATI, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today reported its first quarter 2025 results, updated 2025 identical sales without fuel guidance and shared our progress on key priorities.
Comments from Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent
"Kroger delivered solid first quarter results, with strong sales led by pharmacy, eCommerce and fresh. We made good progress in streamlining our priorities, enhancing customer focus, and running great stores to improve the shopping experience.
Our commitment to driving growth in our core business and moving with speed positions us well for the future. We are confident in our ability to build on our momentum, deliver value for customers, invest in associates and generate attractive returns for shareholders."
* Excludes adjustment items
First Quarter Financial Results1Q25
($ in millions; except EPS)
1Q24
($ in millions; except EPS)
ID Sales(1) (Table 4)
3.2 %
0.5 %
Earnings Per Share
$1.29
$1.29
Adjusted EPS (Table 6)
$1.49
$1.43
Operating Profit
$1,322
$1,294
Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit (Table 7)
$1,518
$1,499
Gross Margin (Table 8)
23.0 %
22.0 %
FIFO Gross Margin Rate(2)
Increased 79 basis points
(including 46 basis points increase from
the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy)
OG&A Rate(1)
Increased 63 basis points
(including 33 basis points increase from
the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy)
(1) Without fuel and adjustment items, if applicable.
(2) Without rent, depreciation and amortization, fuel and adjustment items, if applicable.
Total company sales were $45.1 billion in the first quarter compared to $45.3 billion for the same period last year, which included $917 million from Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sales. Excluding fuel, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and adjustment items, sales increased 3.7% compared to the same period last year.
Gross margin was 23.0% of sales for the first quarter compared to 22.0% for the same period last year. The improvement in gross margin was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, lower shrink and lower supply chain costs, partially offset by the mix effect from growth in pharmacy sales which have lower margins.
The FIFO gross margin rate, excluding rent, depreciation and amortization, fuel and adjustment items increased 79 basis points compared to the same period last year. The improvement in rate was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, lower shrink and lower supply chain costs, partially offset by the mix effect from growth in pharmacy sales which have lower margins.
The LIFO charge for the quarter was $40 million, compared to a LIFO charge of $41 million for the same period last year.
The Operating, General and Administrative rate, excluding fuel, and adjustment items, increased 63 basis points compared to the same period last year. The increase in rate was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and an accelerated contribution to a multi-employer pension plan, partially offset by improved productivity. Multi-employer pension contributions drove a 29 basis point increase in the quarter.
In the first quarter, Kroger recognized an impairment charge of $100 million related to the planned closing of approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months. As a result of these store closures, Kroger expects a modest financial benefit. Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience, and as a result, this will not impact full-year guidance. Kroger will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at affected stores.
Capital Allocation Strategy
Kroger expects to continue to generate strong free cash flow and remains committed to investing in the business to drive long-term sustainable net earnings growth, as well as maintaining its current investment grade debt rating. The Company expects to continue to pay its quarterly dividend and expects this to increase over time, subject to board approval.
During the fourth quarter of Kroger's fiscal 2024, Kroger entered into a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program (ASR), which is expected to be completed by no later than Kroger's fiscal third quarter 2025. The ASR is being completed under Kroger's $7.5 billion share repurchase authorization. After completion of the ASR program, Kroger expects to resume open market share repurchases under the remaining $2.5 billion authorization. Kroger expects to complete these open market share repurchases by the end of fiscal 2025, which is contemplated in full-year guidance.
Kroger's net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is 1.69, compared to 1.25 a year ago (Table 5). The company's net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio target range is 2.30 to 2.50. Kroger's strong balance sheet provides ample opportunities for the Company to invest in the business and enhance shareholder value.
Full-Year 2025 Guidance*
Updated
Identical Sales without fuel of 2.25% – 3.25%
Reaffirmed
Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $4.7 – $4.9 billion
Adjusted net earnings per diluted share of $4.60 – $4.80
Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $2.8 – $3.0 billion**
Capital expenditures of $3.6 – $3.8 billion
Adjusted effective tax rate of 23%***
* Without adjusted items, if applicable. Kroger is unable to provide a full reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures used in 2025 guidance without unreasonable effort because it is not possible to predict certain of our adjustment items with a reasonable degree of certainty. This information is dependent upon future events and may be outside of our control and its unavailability could have a significant impact on 2025 GAAP financial results.
** Adjusted free cash flow excludes planned payments related to the restructuring of multi-employer pension plans, payments related to opioid settlements and merger litigation costs.
*** The adjusted tax rate reflects typical tax adjustments and does not reflect changes to the rate from the completion of income tax audit examinations and changes in tax laws and policies, which cannot be predicted.
Comments from CFO David Kennerley
"Our strong sales results and positive momentum give us confidence to raise our identical sales without fuel guidance, to a new range of 2.25% to 3.25%. While first quarter sales and profitability exceeded our expectations, the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain and as a result other elements of our guidance remain unchanged. We continue to believe that our strategy focusing on fresh, Our Brands and eCommerce will continue to resonate with customers and our resilient model positions us well to navigate the current environment."
About Kroger
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™.
We are, across our family of companies nearly 410,000 associates who serve over 11 millioncustomers daily through an eCommerce and store experience under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
Kroger's first quarter 2025 ended on May 24, 2025.
Note: Fuel sales have historically had a low gross margin rate and operating expense rate as compared to corresponding rates on non-fuel sales. As a result, Kroger discusses the changes in these rates excluding the effect of fuel.
Please refer to the supplemental information presented in the tables for reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release to the most comparable GAAP financial measure and related disclosure. As noted above, Kroger is unable to provide a full reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures used in its guidance without unreasonable effort because it is not possible to predict certain of our adjustment items with a reasonable degree of certainty. This information is dependent upon future events and may be outside of our control and its unavailability could have a significant impact on GAAP financial results.
This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" about Kroger's financial position and the future performance of the company. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "achieve," "committed," "confidence," "continue," "deliver," "drive," "expect," "future," "guidance," "model," "opportunities," "outlook," "strategy," "target," "trends," "will," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following:
Kroger's ability to achieve sales, earnings, incremental FIFO operating profit, and adjusted free cash flow goals may be affected by: labor negotiations; potential work stoppages; changes in the unemployment rate; pressures in the labor market; changes in government-funded benefit programs; changes in the types and numbers of businesses that compete with Kroger; pricing and promotional activities of existing and new competitors, and the aggressiveness of that competition; Kroger's response to these actions; the state of the economy, including interest rates, the inflationary, disinflationary and/or deflationary trends and such trends in certain commodities, products and/or operating costs; the geopolitical environment including wars and conflicts; unstable political situations and social unrest; changes in tariffs; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; manufacturing commodity costs; supply constraints; diesel fuel costs related to Kroger's logistics operations; trends in consumer spending; the extent to which Kroger's customers exercise caution in their purchasing in response to economic conditions; the uncertainty of economic growth or recession; stock repurchases; changes in the regulatory environment in which Kroger operates, along with changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies; Kroger's ability to retain pharmacy sales from third party payors; consolidation in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers; Kroger's ability to negotiate modifications to multi-employer pension plans; natural disasters or adverse weather conditions; the effect of public health crises or other significant catastrophic events; the potential costs and risks associated with potential cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of Kroger's future growth plans; the ability to execute our growth strategy and value creation model, including continued cost savings, growth of our alternative profit businesses, and our ability to better serve our customers and to generate customer loyalty and sustainable growth through our strategic pillars of fresh, our brands, personalization, and seamless; the outcome of litigation matters, including those relating to the terminated transaction with Albertsons; and the risks relating to or arising from our opioid litigation settlements, including the risk of litigation relating to persons, entities, or jurisdictions that do not participate in those settlements . Our ability to achieve these goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow.
Kroger's adjusted effective tax rate may differ from the expected rate due to changes in tax laws and policies, the status of pending items with various taxing authorities, and the deductibility of certain expenses.
Kroger assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Kroger's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties.
Note: Kroger's quarterly conference call with investors will broadcast live at 10 a.m. (ET) on June 20, 2025 at ir.kroger.com. An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available at approximately 1 p.m. (ET) on Friday, June 20, 2025.
1st Quarter 2025 Tables Include:
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Supplemental Sales Information
Reconciliation of Net Total Debt and Net Earnings Attributable to The Kroger Co. to Adjusted EBITDA
Net Earnings Per Diluted Share Excluding the Adjustment Items
Operating Profit Excluding the Adjustment Items
Gross Margin
Table 1.
THE KROGER CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)FIRST QUARTER
20252024
SALES
$ 45,118100.0 %$ 45,269100.0 %
OPERATING EXPENSES
MERCHANDISE COSTS, INCLUDING ADVERTISING,
WAREHOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION (a),
AND LIFO CHARGE (b)
34,55176.635,12477.6
OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE (a)
7,92317.67,60416.8
RENT
2710.62690.6
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
1,0512.39782.1
OPERATING PROFIT1,3222.91,2942.9
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
NET INTEREST EXPENSE
(199)(0.5)(123)(0.3)
NON-SERVICE COMPONENT OF COMPANY-SPONSOREDPENSION PLAN (EXPENSE) BENEFITS
(1)-4-
(LOSS) GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
(19)-16-
NET EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE1,1032.41,1912.6INCOME TAX EXPENSE2350.52350.5
NET EARNINGS INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS8681.99562.1
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS2-9-
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE KROGER CO. $ 8661.9 %$ 9472.1 %
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE KROGER CO. PER BASIC COMMON SHARE$ 1.30$ 1.30
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES USED IN BASIC CALCULATION660721
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE KROGER CO. PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE$ 1.29$ 1.29
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES USED IN DILUTED CALCULATION664727DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$ 0.32$ 0.29Note:
Certain percentages may not sum due to rounding.
Note:
The Company defines First-In First-Out (FIFO) gross profit as sales minus merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing and transportation, but excluding the Last-In First-Out (LIFO) charge, rent and depreciation and amortization.
The Company defines FIFO gross margin as FIFO gross profit divided by sales.
The Company defines FIFO operating profit as operating profit excluding the LIFO charge.
The Company defines FIFO operating margin as FIFO operating profit divided by sales.
The above FIFO financial metrics are important measures used by management to evaluate operational effectiveness. Management believes these FIFO financial metrics are useful to investors and analysts because they measure our day-to-day operational effectiveness.
(a)
Merchandise costs ("COGS") and operating, general and administrative expenses ("OG&A") exclude depreciation and amortization expense and rent expense which are included in separate expense lines.
(b)
LIFO charges of $40 and $41 were recorded in the first quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Table 2.
THE KROGER CO.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
May 24,May 25,
20252024
ASSETS
Current AssetsCash
$ 340$ 345
Temporary cash investments
4,3982,501
Store deposits in-transit1,1791,226
Receivables
2,1311,968
Inventories
7,0206,694
Assets held for sale-607
Prepaid and other current assets
697822
Total current assets15,76514,163
Property, plant and equipment, net
25,82925,537Operating lease assets6,8406,695Intangibles, net
836864Goodwill
2,6742,673Other assets
1,3041,647
Total Assets
$ 53,248$ 51,579LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITYCurrent LiabilitiesCurrent portion of long-term debt including obligations
under finance leases$ 807$ 198
Current portion of operating lease liabilities668665
Accounts payable10,56210,777
Accrued salaries and wages
1,2091,208
Liabilities held for sale-242
Other current liabilities3,3793,288
Total current liabilities16,62516,378
Long-term debt including obligations under finance leases
17,13812,021Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
6,5956,412Deferred income taxes1,4011,535Pension and postretirement benefit obligations381386Other long-term liabilities2,2002,434
Total Liabilities44,34039,166
Shareowners' equity
8,90812,413
Total Liabilities and Shareowners' Equity$ 53,248$ 51,579Total common shares outstanding at end of period661722Total diluted shares year-to-date
664727
Table 3.
THE KROGER CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
YEAR-TO-DATE
20252024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests$ 868$ 956
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrollinginterests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,051978
Asset impairment and store closure changes
10820
Operating lease asset amortization184187
LIFO charge4041
Share-based employee compensation3857
Deferred income taxes
(16)(64)
Loss (gain) on investments
19(16)
Other(37)(10)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Store deposits in-transit
133(11)
Receivables
47(102)
Inventories
(23)225
Prepaid and other current assets86(208)
Accounts payable
288622
Accrued expenses
(381)(327)
Income taxes receivable and payable41180
Operating lease liabilities
(134)(137)
Other(163)(49)Net cash provided by operating activities2,1492,342CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts(1,044)(1,304)
Proceeds from sale of assets
12304
Other(7)(14)Net cash used by investing activities
(1,039)(1,014)CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on long-term debt including obligations under finance leases(52)(54)
Dividends paid(211)(210)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock14585
Treasury stock purchases
(181)(103)
Other(32)(66)Net cash used by financing activities
(331)(348)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY
CASH INVESTMENTS
779980
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS:
BEGINNING OF YEAR
3,9591,883
END OF PERIOD$ 4,738$ 2,863Reconciliation of capital investments:Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts$ (1,044)$ (1,304)
Payments for lease buyouts
1137
Changes in construction-in-progress payables(150)37Total capital investments, excluding lease buyouts$ (1,183)$ (1,230)
Disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for net interest$ 269$ 70Cash paid during the year for income taxes$ 203$ 119
Table 4. Supplemental Sales Information
(in millions, except percentages)
(unaudited)Items identified below should not be considered as alternatives to sales or any other GAAP measure of performance. Identical sales is an industry-specific measure, and it is important to review it in conjunction with Kroger's financial results reported in accordance with GAAP. Other companies in our industry may calculate identical sales differently than Kroger does, limiting the comparability of the measure.Kroger defines identical sales, excluding fuel, as sales to retail customers, including sales from all departments at identical supermarket locations, jewelry and ship-to-home solutions. Kroger defines a supermarket as identical whenit has been in operation without expansion or relocation for five full quarters. We include Kroger Delivery sales as identical if the delivery occurs in an existing Kroger Supermarket geography or when the location has been in operation for five full quarters. IDENTICAL SALES (a)EXCLUDING ADJUSTMENT ITEMS
FIRST QUARTER (a)FIRST QUARTER
2025202420252024EXCLUDING FUEL$ 39,766$ 38,535$ 40,027$ 38,867EXCLUDING FUEL3.2 %0.5 %3.0 %0.5 %
(a)
Identical sales, excluding fuel, were adjusted to exclude stores involved in the labor disputes in Colorado. Identical sales, excluding fuel, were excluded for the first four weeks of the quarter for stores involved in this labor dispute.
Table 5. Reconciliation of Net Total Debt and
Net Earnings Attributable to The Kroger Co. to Adjusted EBITDA
(in millions, except for ratio)
(unaudited)The items identified below should not be considered an alternative to any GAAP measure of performance or access to liquidity. Net total debt to adjusted EBITDA is an important measure used by management to evaluate the Company's access to liquidity. The items below should be reviewed in conjunction with Kroger's financial results reported in accordance with GAAP.The following table provides a reconciliation of net total debt.May 24,May 25,
20252024ChangeCurrent portion of long-term debt including obligations
under finance leases$ 807$ 198$ 609
Long-term debt including obligations under finance leases17,13812,0215,117 Total debt17,94512,2195,726Less: Temporary cash investments4,3982,5011,897 Net total debt$ 13,547$ 9,718$ 3,829
The following table provides a reconciliation from net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. to adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the Company's credit agreement, on a rolling four quarter 52-week basis.
ROLLING FOUR QUARTERS ENDEDMay 24,
May 25,2025
2024Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. on a 53-week basis in fiscal year 2023
$ 2,584
$ 2,149
LIFO charge
94
55
Depreciation and amortization
3,319
3,146
Net interest expense
526
411
Income tax expense
670
616
Adjustment for loss (gain) on investments
183
(245)
Adjustment for severance charge and related benefits
32
-
Adjustment for impairment of intangible assets
30
-
Adjustment for property losses
25
-
Adjustment for merger-related costs (a)
509
450
Adjustment for merger-related litigation costs
15
-
Adjustment for opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves
(5)
1,413
Adjustment for gain on sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy
(79)
-
Adjustment for labor dispute charges
44
-
Adjustment for store closures
100
-
Adjustment for executive stock compensation for a former executive
(21)
-
53rd week EBITDA adjustment
-
(187)
Other
(11)
(14)Adjusted EBITDA
$ 8,015
$ 7,794Net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio on a 52-week basis
1.69
1.25
(a) Merger-related costs primarily include third-party professional fees and credit facility fees associated with the terminated merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Table 6. Net Earnings Per Diluted Share Excluding the Adjustment Items
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)The purpose of this table is to better illustrate comparable operating results from our ongoing business, after removing the effects on net earnings per diluted common share for certain items described below. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share are useful metrics to investors and analysts because they present more accurately year-over-year comparisons for net earnings and net earnings per diluted share because adjusted items are not the result of normal operations. Items identified in this table should not be considered alternatives to net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. or any other GAAP measure of performance. These items should not be reviewed in isolation or considered substitutes for the Company's financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Due to the nature of these items, as further described below, it is important to identify these items and to review them in conjunction with the Company's financial results reported in accordance with GAAP.The following table summarizes items that affected the Company's financial results during the periods presented.
FIRST QUARTER20252024Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.$ 866$ 947Adjustment for loss (gain) on investments (a)(b)15(12)Adjustment for labor dispute charges (a)(c)33-Adjustment for store closures (a)(d)77-Adjustment for executive stock compensation for a former executive (a)(e)(16)-Adjustment for merger-related costs (a)(f) -143Adjustment for merger-related litigation costs (a)(g)11-Adjustment for opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves (a)(h) 17-Executive stock compensation for a former executive income tax adjustment(7)-Held for sale income tax adjustment
-(31)2025 and 2024 Adjustment Items
130100Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.
excluding the adjustment items above$ 996$ 1,047Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.
per diluted common share
$ 1.29$ 1.29Adjustment for loss (gain) on investments (i)0.02(0.02)Adjustment for labor dispute charges (i)0.05-Adjustment for store closures (i)0.12-Adjustment for executive stock compensation for a former executive (i)(0.03)-Adjustment for merger-related costs (i) -0.20Adjustment for merger-related litigation costs (i)0.02-Adjustment for opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves (i) 0.03-Executive stock compensation for a former executive income tax adjustment (i)(0.01)-Held for sale income tax adjustment (i)-(0.04)2025 and 2024 Adjustment Items
0.200.14Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per
diluted common share excluding the adjustment items above$ 1.49$ 1.43Average number of common shares used in
diluted calculation
664727
Table 6. Net Earnings Per Diluted Share Excluding the Adjustment Items (continued)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
(a)
The amounts presented represent the after-tax effect of each adjustment.
(b)
The pre-tax adjustments for loss (gain) on investments were $19 and $(16) in the first quarters of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(c)
The pre-tax adjustments to Sales, COGS and OG&A expenses for labor dispute charges was $44.
(d)
The pre-tax adjustment to OG&A expenses for store closures was $100.
(e)
The pre-tax adjustment to OG&A expenses for executive stock compensation for a former executive was $(21).
(f)
The pre-tax adjustment to OG&A expenses for merger-related costs was $175.
(g)
The pre-tax adjustment to OG&A expenses for merger-related litigation costs was $15.
(h)
The pre-tax adjustments to OG&A expenses for opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves was $22.
(i)
The amounts presented represent the net earnings (loss) per diluted common share effect of each adjustment.
Note:
2025 First Quarter Adjustment Items include adjustments for the loss on investments, labor dispute charges, store closures, executive stock compensation for a former executive, merger-related litigation costs, opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves and executive stock compensation for a former executive income tax.2024 First Quarter Adjustment Items include adjustments for the gain on investments, merger-related costs and held for sale income tax .
Table 7. Operating Profit Excluding the Adjustment Items
(in millions)
(unaudited)The purpose of this table is to better illustrate comparable operating results from our ongoing business, after removing the effects on operating profit for certain items described below. Adjusted FIFO operating profit is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it presents more accurately year-over-year comparisons for operating profit because adjusted items are not the result of normal operations. Items identified in this table should not be considered alternatives to operating profit or any other GAAP measure of performance. These items should not be reviewed in isolation or considered substitutes for the Company's financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Due to the nature of these items, as further described below, it is important to identify these items and to review them in conjunction with the Company's financial results reported in accordance with GAAP.The following table summarizes items that affected the Company's financial results during the periods presented.
FIRST QUARTER20252024Operating profit$ 1,322$ 1,294LIFO charge4041FIFO operating profit
1,3621,335Adjustment for merger-related costs (a)-175Adjustment for merger-related litigation costs15-Adjustment for opioid settlement charges and vendor reserves22-Adjustment for labor dispute charges44-Adjustment for store closures
100-Adjustment for executive stock compensation for a former executive(21)-Other
(4)(11)2025 and 2024 Adjustment items156164Adjusted FIFO operating profit
excluding the adjustment items above
$ 1,518$ 1,499
(a)
Merger-related costs primarily include third party professional fees and credit facility fees associated with the terminated merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Table 8. Gross Margin
(in millions, except percentages)
(unaudited)
In the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Table 1, the Company separately presents rent and depreciation and amortization to evaluate operational effectiveness. The table below calculates gross margin in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") by including a portion of rent and depreciation and amortization related to the Company's manufacturing and warehousing and transportation activities.
The following table provides the calculation of gross profit and gross margin in accordance with GAAP.FIRST QUARTER20252024Sales
$ 45,118$ 45,269Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing and transportation and LIFO charge, excluding
rent and depreciation and amortization34,55135,124Rent
1823Depreciation and amortization
193181Gross profit$ 10,356$ 9,941Gross margin23.0 %22.0 %
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SOURCE The Kroger Co.
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- Forbes
Strengthen Your Executive Presence And Influence With These Questions
Exuding executive presence involves an interplay between internal confidence and outward ... More self-mastery and expression Over the years, one theme has surfaced time and again in my work with high-achieving professionals—especially those navigating mid- to senior-level roles. No matter how accomplished they are, many wrestle with a persistent question: Do I truly have what it takes—including strong executive presence—to lead at the highest levels? This question came up in a recent coaching session with a talented professional—let's call her Rebecca. Despite a strong track record, consistent praise from senior leaders, and years of excellent performance reviews, she found herself feeling out of place when presenting to executives. She feared being caught off guard. Her heart would race, her breath would shorten, and her confidence would falter—all before she'd even entered the room. When I asked if she'd ever actually been unable to answer a question or failed to present her data clearly, she said no. In fact, she'd received positive feedback every time. Rebecca's experience is far more common than we realize. Despite external success, many professionals carry self-doubt and even 'imposter syndrome' that shows up at the very moment they most need to project confidence. I've seen this pattern in thousands of individuals I've worked with over the past two decades. And it's often tied to what I call the 7 common 'power and confidence gaps'—persistent internal obstacles that undermine how we see ourselves and how we show up in the workplace (and in our personal lives). Executive Presence: A Widely Used Term Few Can Define A quick Google search of the term 'executive presence' yields over 50 million results. Clearly, it's a hot topic—but ask five people to define it, and you'll likely get five very different answers. When I asked Rebecca what 'executive presence' meant to her, she said, 'Some people just walk into the room and everyone pays attention. They speak with ease. They seem like they belong.' Her impression wasn't based on specific behaviors—it was based on energy, confidence, and perception. The problem? If we can't define executive presence, we can't develop it intentionally. From my experience in both corporate leadership and coaching, I define executive presence as a powerful combination of inner confidence and outward expression—how you carry your knowledge, how you engage with others, and how you project credibility and calm under pressure. While executive presence can look different depending on industry and role, here are the foundational traits I see across leaders who command a room and inspire confidence: Confidence – Speaking and acting in ways that convey belief in your value, ideas, and – Trusting your expertise and owning your space as a decision-maker and thought communication – Using language that is clear, collaborative, and inclusive—without diminishing your contribution – Being willing to offer new ideas, challenge the norm, and take creative under stress – Managing your emotional responses, even in high-stakes mindset – Seeing yourself not only as a contributor but as someone who uplifts and advances mastery – Handling feedback, resistance, and interpersonal conflict with resilience and clarity. Back to Rebecca—what we uncovered wasn't a lack of skill, but a deeper fear: 'Do I deserve to be here?' She recalled seeing one female executive in a recent meeting who seemed to exude presence. 'She didn't say that much,' Rebecca told me, 'but she seemed completely at ease. Everyone deferred to her. It was like she didn't have to prove anything.' This perception wasn't just about how that leader showed up—it was about how Rebecca saw herself in comparison. Too often, high performers internalize subtle workplace messages that suggest they're 'not quite ready,' even when they're delivering exceptional work. Ambiguous feedback, bias, and lack of mentorship can deepen this feeling. Over time, these conditions lead to a persistent sense of being on the outside looking in—even when you're already at the table. And in some organizations, this perception isn't an illusion—there may be real barriers preventing your growth or recognition. In those cases, it's worth asking: Is this culture one that supports and elevates the kind of leader I aspire to be? If you've ever wondered whether you truly have the presence and credibility to lead, these questions can help you assess your current strengths and illuminate areas for growth: 1. Do I have deep knowledge and mastery of my area of responsibility? Can I speak to the key drivers, risks, and opportunities within my domain with clarity and insight? 2. Am I trusted to make strategic contributions that shape outcomes and drive progress? Do others rely on me for perspective, influence, and initiative? 3. Do I actively share ideas, offer solutions, and challenge outdated thinking—even when it feels uncomfortable? 4. Do I receive feedback that affirms my impact and the value I bring to teams and leadership discussions? Is this feedback consistent with my own self-perception—or is there a disconnect? 5. When under pressure or in high-stakes environments, do I stay grounded and communicate with poise? 6. Do I believe I belong in rooms where decisions are made—and act accordingly? 7. If I doubt myself, is that based only on internal fears and outdated beliefs, or in actual performance gaps? If you can answer 'yes' to most of these questions, it's time to release the doubt and step fully into your influence. Your presence isn't about being perfect—it's about being present, prepared, and aligned with your values. If you answered 'no' to any, that's not a failure. It's a roadmap. These are the areas where you can grow—through mentorship, coaching, skill-building, or new experiences. Executive presence isn't reserved for the few—it's developed over time through self-awareness, intentional practice, and a deep commitment to personal leadership. And if you're doing the work but are still being overlooked or undervalued, it may be time to find an organization that recognizes your contributions and invests in your future. In the end, executive presence is not just how others see you. It's how you see yourself—and how powerfully and self-assuredly you choose to show up, speak up, and lead. Kathy Caprino is a career and leadership coach, author, executive trainer and podcaster supporting professional advancement and success.
Wall Street Journal
20 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Health Insurers to Promise Changes to Preapproval Process That Drew Backlash
Following the backlash that hit health insurers after the killing of a top executive last year, the industry will pledge steps meant to smooth the controversial preapproval process that can deny or delay access to care. The initiative is set to be unveiled early next week, according to people familiar with the matter.
