Kroger Co. reported fiscal first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.49 a share, topping the $1.45 average analyst estimate. Revenue slipped 0.4% from a year earlier to $45.1 billion, a touch below forecasts, but identical-store sales excluding fuel advanced 3.2%, outpacing the 2.3% consensus as shoppers continued to spend on groceries, pharmacy items and e-commerce orders. The stronger same-store performance prompted the Cincinnati-based grocer to lift its full-year forecast for identical sales ex-fuel to 2.25%–3.25%, up from 2%–3%. Kroger reiterated its projection for adjusted earnings of $4.60 to $4.80 a share and kept planned capital expenditures at $3.68 billion to $3.88 billion. “Our strong sales results and positive momentum give us confidence to raise our identical sales without fuel guidance,” Chief Financial Officer David Kennerley said in a statement, while noting that the broader economic backdrop remains uncertain. The company, which is searching for a permanent chief executive after Rodney McMullen’s March departure, continues to defend market share against rivals such as Walmart and Costco.