Kroger Q2 profit rises 13% to $971M; $1.65B Giant Eagle deal and $1.3B buyback reshape capital use

Filed September 18, 2026 · Period ending August 15, 2026 · Compared to 10-Q Sep 19, 2025 · ~1 min read

Key Changes

• high

  Operating profit rose 13% to $971 million in Q2 2026, with operating margin up 26 basis points to 2.80% of sales.

  MD&A: Operating profit verify on EDGAR →
• high

  Kroger agreed to acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion — $1.25 billion cash plus $400 million assumed debt — expected to close in fiscal 2027.

  MD&A: Giant Eagle acquisition verify on EDGAR →
• high

  Share repurchases surged to $1.3 billion in the first half of 2026, up from $203 million a year earlier, under a new $2.0 billion program.

  MD&A: Share repurchases verify on EDGAR →