Kroger storefront, with a cart of groceries in the foreground. Key Points Kroger is resetting the story around shareholder returns, using a larger buyback to support the stock and lift per-share earnings. The 2026 consumer backdrop favors grocery demand as at-home eating stays cheaper than dining out. A major non-cash fulfillment impairment cleared an overhang, while digital sales growth remains a core bright spot. Interested in The Kroger Co.? Here are five stocks we like better. As the calendar ...