Is KR a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, KROGER CO (KR) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 48.7/100. It is ranked #510 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 52/100, Momentum 48/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for KR?

KROGER CO (KR) has a "Hold" rating and 3-star score. The composite score of 48.7 ranks it #510 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is KR in?

KROGER CO operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Retail industry) with a market cap of $43.31 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does KR pay a dividend?

Yes, KR pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.03%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $20.30 in annual dividend income.

What is KR's P/E ratio?

KR has a trailing P/E ratio of 57.08x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is KR?

KR's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 23.3%. ROE: 13.1% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is KR valued compared to peers?

KR's value factor score is 52/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 57.1x, EV/EBITDA 41.0x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is KR's debt level?

KR's debt-to-equity ratio is 267%. Sector average: 89%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

KR has a beta of -0.32, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 85/100.

Does KR have high short interest?

KR's short interest factor score is 20/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

KR Stock Analysis: Hold (Score 48.7/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
KR	-3.35%	-6.03%

Metric	KR	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	57.1x	+133%
EV/EBITDA	41.0x	+736%
Price / Book	7.5x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
KR KROGER CO	49	50	52	48	57.1x	13.1%	23.3%	0.4%	-0.2%	267.0x	$43.3B
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	-	-	-	-	-	-	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
EBITDA Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
FCF Margin %	-	-	-	-	-	-	3.0%	1.3%	1.0%	0.5%	0.5%
ROE %	0.1%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	0.1%	6.8%	12.6%	11.2%	15.3%	13.0%	10.3%	8.0%	9.1%	7.4%	13.3%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

EBITDA Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

FCF Margin %

3.0%

1.3%

1.0%

0.5%

ROE %

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.4%

0.3%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

0.1%

6.8%

12.6%

11.2%

15.3%

13.0%

10.3%

8.0%

9.1%

7.4%

13.3%

Line Item	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
	$146.6B	$147.6B	$147.1B	$150.0B	$148.3B	$137.9B	$132.5B	$122.3B	$121.2B	$122.7B	$115.3B	$109.8B
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$30.9B	$27.0B	$26.3B	$27.0B	$25.8B	$24.3B
Gross Margin	---	---	---	---	---	---	23.3%	22.1%	21.9%	22.3%	22.4%	22.2%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$3.4B	$3.3B	$2.5B	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.1B
Total Operating Expenses	—	$145.8B	$143.3B	$146.9B	$144.1B	$134.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.5B	$1.9B	$3.8B	$3.1B	$4.1B	$3.5B	$2.8B	$2.3B	$2.6B	$2.1B	$3.4B	$3.6B
EBIT	$1.5B	$1.9B	$3.8B	$3.1B	$4.1B	$3.5B	$2.8B	$2.3B	$2.6B	$2.1B	$3.4B	$3.6B
EBITDA	$1.5B	$1.9B	$3.8B	$3.1B	$4.1B	$3.5B	$6.2B	$5.7B	$7.1B	$4.5B	$5.8B	$5.7B
Operating Margin	0.8%	1.3%	2.6%	2.1%	2.8%	2.5%	2.1%	1.8%	2.1%	2.1%	3.0%	3.3%
EBITDA Margin	1.0%	1.3%	2.6%	2.1%	2.8%	2.5%	4.7%	4.7%	5.8%	3.7%	5.0%	5.2%
	—	—	—	$441M	$535M	$571M	$544M	$603M	$620M	$601M	$522M	$482M
	—	$1.2B	$3.3B	$2.8B	$2.9B	$2.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$176M	$670M	$667M	$653M	$385M	$782M	$469M	$900M	-$405M	$957M	$1.0B
	$780M	$1.0B	$2.7B	$2.2B	$2.2B	$1.7B	$2.6B	$1.5B	$3.1B	$1.9B	$2.0B	$2.0B
Net Margin	0.4%	0.7%	1.8%	1.5%	1.5%	1.2%	1.9%	1.2%	2.5%	1.5%	1.7%	1.9%
	$1.55	$1.55	$3.70	$2.99	$3.10	$2.20	$3.31	$2.05	$3.80	$2.11	$2.08	$2.09
Diluted EPS	$1.55	$1.54	$3.67	$2.96	$3.06	$2.17	$3.31	$2.05	$3.80	$2.11	$2.08	$2.09
Weighted Avg Basic	—	652M	715M	718M	718M	744M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	655M	720M	725M	727M	754M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

$146.6B

$147.6B

$147.1B

$150.0B

$148.3B

$137.9B

$132.5B

$122.3B

$121.2B

$122.7B

$115.3B

$109.8B

—

$30.9B

$27.0B

$26.3B

$27.0B

$25.8B

$24.3B

Gross Margin

---

23.3%

22.1%

21.9%

22.3%

22.4%

22.2%

—

$3.4B

$3.3B

$2.5B

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.1B

Total Operating Expenses

—

$145.8B

$143.3B

$146.9B

$144.1B

$134.4B

—

$1.5B

$1.9B

$3.8B

$3.1B

$4.1B

$3.5B

$2.8B

$2.3B

$2.6B

$2.1B

$3.4B

$3.6B

EBIT

$1.5B

$1.9B

$3.8B

$3.1B

$4.1B

$3.5B

$2.8B

$2.3B

$2.6B

$2.1B

$3.4B

$3.6B

EBITDA

$1.5B

$1.9B

$3.8B

$3.1B

$4.1B

$3.5B

$6.2B

$5.7B

$7.1B

$4.5B

$5.8B

$5.7B

Operating Margin

0.8%

1.3%

2.6%

2.1%

2.8%

2.5%

2.1%

1.8%

2.1%

3.0%

3.3%

EBITDA Margin

1.0%

1.3%

2.6%

2.1%

2.8%

2.5%

4.7%

5.8%

3.7%

5.0%

5.2%

—

$441M

$535M

$571M

$544M

$603M

$620M

$601M

$522M

$482M

—

$1.2B

$3.3B

$2.8B

$2.9B

$2.1B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$176M

$670M

$667M

$653M

$385M

$782M

$469M

$900M

-$405M

$957M

$1.0B

$780M

$1.0B

$2.7B

$2.2B

$1.7B

$2.6B

$1.5B

$3.1B

$1.9B

$2.0B

Net Margin

0.4%

0.7%

1.8%

1.5%

1.2%

1.9%

1.2%

2.5%

1.5%

1.7%

1.9%

$1.55

$3.70

$2.99

$3.10

$2.20

$3.31

$2.05

$3.80

$2.11

$2.08

$2.09

Diluted EPS

$1.55

$1.54

$3.67

$2.96

$3.06

$2.17

$3.31

$2.05

$3.80

$2.11

$2.08

$2.09

Weighted Avg Basic

—

652M

715M

718M

744M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

655M

720M

725M

727M

754M

—

KROGER CO (KR) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does KROGER CO Do?

The Kroger Co. operates as a retailer in the United States. The company operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. Its combination food and drug stores offer natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers, fresh seafood, and organic produce; and multi-department stores provide apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products, and toys. The company's marketplace stores offer full-service grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty care, and perishable goods, as well as general merchandise, including apparel, home goods, and toys; and price impact warehouse stores provide grocery, and health and beauty care items, as well as meat, dairy, baked goods, and fresh produce items. It also manufactures and processes food products for sale in its supermarkets and online; and sells fuel through 1,613 fuel centers. As of January 29, 2022, the company operated 2,726 supermarkets under various banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The Kroger Co. was founded in 1883 and is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. KROGER CO (KR) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Retail industry. The company is led by CEO W. Rodney McMullen and employs approximately 420,000 people, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a market capitalization of $43.3B, KR is one of the prominent companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

KROGER CO (KR) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

As of April 2026, KROGER CO receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 48.7/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.KR ranks #510 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, KROGER CO ranks #31 of 442 stocks, placing it in the top 10% of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

KR Stock Price and 52-Week Range

KROGER CO (KR) currently trades at $68.15. The stock lost $2.20 (3.1%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for KR is $76.58, which means the stock is currently trading -11.0% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $58.60, putting the stock 16.3% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 5.2M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is KR Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

KROGER CO (KR) carries a value factor score of 52/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 57.08x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a premium of 133%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 7.50x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.30x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, KR trades at 41.03x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Overall, KR's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

KROGER CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

KROGER CO (KR) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 13.1%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 1.6% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, KROGER CO reports gross margins of 23.3%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 0.8% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 0.4%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at -0.2% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

KR Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

KROGER CO has a debt-to-equity ratio of 267.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 0.80x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $15.88B.

KR has a beta of -0.32, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for KROGER CO is 85/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

KROGER CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, KROGER CO reported revenue of $146.55B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55. Net income for the quarter was $780M. Operating income came in at $1.47B.

In FY 2026, KROGER CO reported revenue of $147.64B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55. Net income for the quarter was $1.02B. Revenue grew 0.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2025. Operating income came in at $1.89B.

In Q3 2026, KROGER CO reported revenue of $33.86B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-2.02. Net income for the quarter was $-1.31B. Revenue grew 0.7% year-over-year compared to Q3 2025. Operating income came in at $-1.54B.

In Q2 2026, KROGER CO reported revenue of $33.94B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.91. Net income for the quarter was $610M. Revenue grew 0.1% year-over-year compared to Q2 2025. Operating income came in at $863M.

Over the past 8 quarters, KROGER CO has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $33.91B to $146.55B. Investors analyzing KR stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

KR Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

KROGER CO (KR) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.0%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in KR stock would generate approximately $$203.00 in annual dividend income.

KR Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

KROGER CO (KR) has a momentum factor score of 48/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 34/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 20/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

KR vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, KROGER CO (KR) ranks #31 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places KR in the top decile of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing KR against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full KR vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how KROGER CO stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

KR Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for KROGER CO (KR) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy KR? — Investment Thesis Summary

KROGER CO presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Low volatility (stability score 85/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, KROGER CO (KR) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 48.7/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on KR stock.

Related Resources for KR Investors

Explore more research and tools: KR vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare KR head-to-head with peers: KR vs MCRI, KR vs CASY, KR vs IMKTA.

Business quality

Valuation edge

Market alpha

Unlock Investment Thesis

Unlock Performance & Technicals

Unlock Valuation Tools

Institutional peer matrix

Dispersion: efficiency vs. valuation

Lateral intelligence network

Unlock Financial Statements

Unlock Ownership & Management

Intelligence Feed

What’s Getting Grocery Outlet Holding Corp (GO) From These New Directors?

140-year-old food company lays off 765 amid bankruptcy

Amazon DSPs in NYC fight for survival against ‘no subcontractor’ proposal

How you can buy the Braves Atlanta Connect jersey today in Savannah

Is It Too Late To Consider Kroger (KR) After Its Strong Multi‑Year Rally?

Unlock Earnings Transcripts

Institutional Intelligence FAQ

Related Research & Tools

Related Consumer Discretionary Stocks

KROGER CO (KR) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does KROGER CO Do?

KROGER CO (KR) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)

KR Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is KR Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

KROGER CO Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

KR Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

KROGER CO Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

KR Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

KR Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

KR vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

KR Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy KR? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for KR Investors

Comments

Institutional Benchmarks

Get alerted on rating changes

Intelligence Feed

What’s Getting Grocery Outlet Holding Corp (GO) From These New Directors?

140-year-old food company lays off 765 amid bankruptcy

Amazon DSPs in NYC fight for survival against ‘no subcontractor’ proposal

How you can buy the Braves Atlanta Connect jersey today in Savannah

Is It Too Late To Consider Kroger (KR) After Its Strong Multi‑Year Rally?