This article focuses on the Q1 2026 earnings reports for U.S. stocks.

Key Highlights

Kroger has reported increases in both revenue and profit for the first quarter of its fiscal year, with net profit reaching $903 million and sales rising 2% to $46.12 billion.

Driven by higher fuel revenue and strong performance in its e-commerce business, the supermarket chain's quarterly revenue and profit grew year-over-year.

The company's net profit for the quarter was $903 million, equivalent to $1.46 per share. This compares to a net profit of $866 million, or $1.30 per share, in the same period last year.

Excluding one-time items, adjusted earnings per share were $1.58, missing analyst expectations by just one cent.

According to data from market data service provider FactSet, the company's total quarterly sales increased by approximately 2% year-over-year to $46.12 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $45.59 billion.

Excluding fuel sales, comparable store sales for locations open at least five full fiscal quarters rose by 1%.

Kroger noted that its gross margin experienced a slight decline due to higher fuel volumes, increased transportation costs, and deflation in egg prices. Benefits from an optimized sales mix in the pharmacy category, improved profitability of its digital retail strategy, and supply chain procurement optimizations only partially offset these pressures.

Despite the pressure on gross margins, operating profit still grew, driven by lower depreciation and amortization expenses, even as the company's administrative costs increased.

CEO Greg Foran, who took office earlier this year, stated, "We are pleased with our first-quarter operating results, but we know there is still significant work ahead."

The company's U.S. stock price fell 6.49% in early trading to $59.97.