Shares of the retailer, which had consistently raised its outlook over the past two years, fell 4.5% to $45.07 after the dull forecast.
Last month, rival Walmart raised its annual forecasts as more Americans shopped for its lower-priced groceries and other essentials.
However, Kroger's gross margins rose 21 basis points, compared to a fall a year earlier, benefiting from lower supply chain costs as well as its efforts to source some products closer to its distribution centers.
It also profited from shoppers - including higher-income consumers looking for more economical options amid persistent inflation - preferring its store-label brands to pricier national brands.
Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini GanguliOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Joseph Feldman, Kroger, Rodney McMullen, Kroger's McMullen, Arun Sundaram, Granth, Shinjini
Organizations:
Kroger, Investors, Walmart, Albertsons, CFRA, Thomson
Locations:
Bengaluru