Kroger reported second-quarter sales rose to $34.62 billion from $33.94 billion a year earlier, with operating profit increasing to $971 million from $863 million. Net earnings attributable to Kroger grew to $641 million from $609 million, and adjusted EPS was $1.09, up from $1.04. The company attributed the sales outlook reduction to factors including higher fuel sales, increased shrink, and higher transportation costs, partially offset by stronger e-commerce profitability and media performance. Kroger maintained its other full-year financial targets, including operating profit of $5 billion to $5.2 billion and EPS of $5.1 to $5.3.