NEW YORK— Kroger will outline a new multi-year strategy aimed at strengthening its position as a leading U.S. grocery retailer while introducing updated long-term financial targets designed to provide investors with a clearer view of the company's growth plans.
At its 2026 Investor Update in New York this morning, Kroger executives will show a detailed plan centered on customer value, digital expansion and operational efficiency. The company will also reaffirm its previously issued guidance for fiscal 2026.
CEO Greg Foran said Kroger sees an opportunity to unlock additional growth by simplifying operations, increasing investments in areas that resonate with shoppers and directing resources closer to the customer.
"Our customers remain at the center of everything we do," Foran said. "By making value more visible and modernizing how we operate, we believe we can deliver a better shopping experience while creating long-term value for shareholders."
Three Strategic Priorities
Kroger's updated strategy is built around three core pillars:
Win With the Customer: The retailer plans to invest in fresh foods, prepared meals, private-label products and its Boost membership program. Kroger also intends to expand in markets where it believes it can generate attractive returns.
Drive Profitable Digital Growth: The company expects continued growth in e-commerce sales and retail media revenue, including further expansion of Kroger Precision Marketing.
Modernize Operations: Kroger aims to generate savings through initiatives such as direct sourcing, streamlined purchasing processes and a more scalable operating model. The company said technology and artificial intelligence will play an increasing role in improving execution and efficiency.
According to Kroger, savings generated through these efforts will be reinvested in customer value and future growth initiatives.
New Long-Term Financial Framework
As part of the update, Kroger introduced new financial targets that exclude the pending acquisition of Giant Eagle. The company is aiming for:
- Approximately 3% comparable sales growth excluding fuel and pharmacy by 2029.
- Adjusted EBITDA compound annual growth of 3% to 6% from fiscal 2027 through fiscal 2029.
- Adjusted net earnings per share compound annual growth of 7% to 11% over the same period.
The EPS target replaces the company's previous 8% to 11% total shareholder return goal, which included dividend yield. Kroger said the new metric is intended to provide a more direct measure of earnings growth.
Chief Financial Officer David Kennerley said the framework reflects a sharper focus on the company's core grocery operations and provides investors with a clearer link between operating performance and shareholder value.
"We are targeting higher sales by 2029, along with stronger adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS growth," Kennerley said. "Our approach remains self-funded, balancing investments in growth with disciplined cost management and margin expansion."
Investor Event Highlights
Kroger's investor event features presentations from company leaders covering customer value, e-commerce, retail media, store operations and the retailer's long-term financial strategy.
The live webcast of the event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. ET and is expected to conclude at approximately 12:00 p.m. ET. All interested parties are invited to access the webcast at ir.kroger.com under Events & Presentations.
The company said presentation materials and a replay of the webcast will be available on its investor relations website following the event.
Kroger reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance during the update, signaling confidence in its near-term performance as it pursues its longer-term growth objectives.
