The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. operates as a food and drug 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…
What to know about KR
The Kroger Co. is a large Consumer Defensive company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on valuation and risk, but profitability is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider KR?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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The Kroger Co. is a large-cap Consumer Defensive company with a mixed overall financial profile — it sits in the upper half of Consumer Defensive stocks (18 of 35).
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Profit margins are thin compared to most S&P 500 peers — the company keeps less of each dollar it earns than the average. Watch for signs of margin improvement.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.02%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Consumer Defensive sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how KR compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 36.76 | Below avg |
| Forward P/E | 10.09 | Top 25% |
| PEG Ratio | 0.60 | Top 25% |
| Price to Sales | 0.24 | Top 25% |
| Price to Book | 6.12 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 8.96 | Top 25% |
| Earnings Yield | 2.72% | Below avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 24.10% | Below avg |
| Operating Margin | 3.44% | Below avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 0.69% | Below avg |
| Return on Equity | 14.41% | Average |
| Return on Invested Capital | 5.76% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 1.20% | Below avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | -0.14% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 50.90% | Above avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 94.49% | Top 25% |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.80 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 4.16 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 2.88 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 4.27 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 2.18% | Above avg |
| Payout Ratio | 87.01% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -2.14% | Top 25% |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 9.90% | Top 25% |
| OCF to Sales | 4.95% | Below avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.42 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 37.98% | Average |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 5.11% | Average |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.08 | Average |
| Target Upside % | 33.13% | Top 25% |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 34.9B | Average |
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