Kroger’s CEO says the company is still committed to closing its merger with Albertsons, despite regulatory pushback.

Kroger stock was rising after the grocery chain beat second-quarter earnings expectations as customer visits increased. Kroger reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of 93 cents a share on revenue of $33.

Kroger shares surged Thursday after posting better-than-expected adjusted second-quarter profit, as the retailer's CFO said it is seeing "positive customer trends" that should positively impact sales into the second half of the year.

On the buy write, if KR closes above $55 on October 18, your calls would be assigned and the stock automatically sold at $55. You would earn $1.85 per share on $53.15 per share at risk, or 3.48%. Over 36 days,

Kroger raised the lower end of its annual sales forecast after topping Wall Street expectations for quarterly results on Thursday, as its efforts to offer freshly sourced groceries at lower prices helped pull in customers looking to save money.

Kroger (KR) is proving that even in uncertain times, the grocery chain is thriving. Shares of Kroger increased after the grocery giant reported strong second quarter earnings that revealed, despite shaky economic conditions and ongoing regulatory battles,