SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                        Washington, D.C. 20549

                              FORM 10-K/A

                             ANNUAL REPORT

                Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
                    Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Fiscal Year Ended                 Commission File No. 1-303
      January 1,December 31, 1994

                            THE KROGER CO.

An Ohio Corporation                     I.R.S. Employer
Identification
                                             No. 31-0345740

Address                                            Telephone Number
- - ---------------------                                     ----------------
1014 Vine St.                                       (513) 762-4000
Cincinnati, Ohio   45202

Securities registered pursuant to section 12 (b) of the Act:
                                                        
                                       Name of Exchange on
Title of Class                         which Registered     
- - --------------                         ----------------------------------------------
Common $1 par value                    New York Stock Exchange
108,129,456111,043,613 shares outstanding on 
 February 11, 1994

6-3/8%10, 1995

6 % Convertible Junior Subordinated     New York Stock Exchange
 Notes due 1999, face $1000
 200,000 notes outstanding

9% Senior Subordinated Notes       New York Stock Exchange
 due 1999, face $1000
 125,000 notes outstanding

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.  

Yes      X       No         .
    --------        -------------------    ---------
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part
III of this Form 10-K10K or any amendment to this Form 10-K10K [ ].

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of The Kroger Co.
held by nonaffiliatesnonafflilates as of February 11, 1994:   $2,521,592,30910, 1995:   $2,841,589,473

Documents Incorporated by Reference:
     Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the
     Exchange Act on or before April 6, 1994May 1, 1995, incorporated by
     reference into Parts II and III of Form 10-K.
  

                                   






PART II


ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL        
           CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES
Sales
- ------ 

Total sales for the fourth quarter of 1994 were $5.6 billion
compared to $5.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 1993, which included 12 weeks, decreased 5.2% below
the same quarter in 1992, which included 13 weeks. Adjusting 1992's sales for
the extra week and excluding sales from the Company's San Antonio, Texas stores
which were sold in August 1993, sales in the 1993 fourth quarter increased
3.8%.a 3.4%
increase. Sales for the full year including the extra week in 1992 and the San
Antonio sales, increased 1.1% over those for 1992. Excluding the extra week and
the San Antonio stores, full year 1993 sales increased 3.6% over 1992.2.6%. A review of sales
by lines of business for the three years ended January 1,December 31, 1994,
is as follows:follows

1994 1993 1992 1991 % OF 1993 -------------- --------------1994 ------------- ------------- -------------- SALES AMOUNT CHANGE AMOUNT CHANGE AMOUNT CHANGE ------------------------------------------------------------ (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)-------------------------------------------------------- (millions of dollars) Food Stores.............. 91.3%Stores 93.4% $21,442 +4.9% $20,443 +1.1% $20,199 +3.4% $19,533 +5.7% Convenience Stores....... 4.3%Stores 3.9% 898 -5.6% 951 +3.9% 916 +6.0% 864 +0.2% Other sales.............. 4.4%sales 2.7% 619 -37.5% 990 -3.9% 1,030 +8.0% 954 +4.4% ------ ------- ------------- ------- Total sales..............sales 100.0% $22,959 +2.6% $22,384 +1.1% $22,145 +3.7% $21,351 +5.4%
Food stores sales for the fourth quarter 1994 were 5.9% ahead of the fourth quarter 1993. Food stores sales for the full year were 5.4% ahead of 1993 after adjusting for the San Antonio stores sold during the third quarter of 1993. Sales in identical food stores, stores that have been in operation and have not been expanded or relocated for theone full year, 1993 (those operating a full year and not expanded) increased 1.6% from the prior year. Excluding Michigan, which had a sixty-seven day strike during the second and third quarters of 1992, identical food stores sales increased 1.2% for all of 1993 and 1.1%2.5% in the fourth quarter and 2.2% for the full year. Management estimates that inflation accounted for approximately 1% of the 1994 identical store sales increase. The increase in food stores sales can be attributed primarily to a 4.7% increase in square footage, price inflation in pharmaceuticals and certain commodities such as coffee, and the continuing maturation of the Company's ''combination'' format stores. The Company's storing program is focused on the combination food and drug store. These stores combine a food store with a pharmacy and numerous specialty departments such as floral, video rental, book stores, etc. The emphasis and on-going development of this store format have become the primary vehicle by which the Company expects to increase sales. Convenience stores sales decreased 5.6% for the year and 4.0% during the fourth quarter as a result of excluding certain franchised store sales that were included in reported sales in prior years. Adjusting 1993 versus the same periods in 1992. These increases were achieved despite low overall food inflation and deflation in some commodities in both 1993 and 1992, intense new supermarket competition in markets like Houston, Texas and Toledo, Ohio, and expanding supercenter competition in many other markets. 1993sales to exclude franchise sales from convenience stores sales changes as compared towould result in an 8.4% increase for the same periods in 1992 were as follows:
4TH QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE -------------------------- Total Sales............................................ -3.8% 3.9% Identical.............................................. 1.7% 3.6% In-Store Sales: Total................................................ -4.1% 2.7% Identical............................................ 3.9% 4.5% Gasoline Sales: Total................................................ -3.5% 5.2% Identical............................................ -.6% 2.6% Gasoline Gallons: Total................................................ .1% 7.7% Identical............................................ 3.4% 5.3%
quarter and a 6.0% increase year-to-date. The fourth quarter and full year 19931994 sales for the seven-company convenience store group were enhancedstrengthened by strong identical in-store sales and increases in gasoline gallons sold but were depressed by decreasesan increase in gasoline retail prices. In-store sales in identical convenience stores increased 5.3% in the fourth quarter 1994 and 4.0% for the full year. Gasoline sales at identical convenience stores increased 3.9% in the fourth quarter 1994 on a .5% decrease in gallons sold and increased 2.9% for the year on a 1.6% increase in gallons sold. Other sales include outside sales by the Company's manufacturing divisions and sales of general merchandise to a drug store companyHook-SupeRx, Inc. (''HSI'') (See Other Charges and Credits in which the Company maintains an equity interest. The drug store company is expectedNotes to completeFinancial Statements). HSI completed an expansion of its warehouse in early 1994 and to discontinuediscontinued its purchases from the Company. The Company expects that this will resultIn 1993, annual sales to HSI were $472 million. Adjusting other sales to eliminate sales to HSI would produce increases of 7.4% for the fourth quarter and 10.2% for the full year. Total sales for the fourth quarter and year-to-date increased 6.0% and 5.6%, respectively, after adjusting for the other sales to HSI, the change in a declinefranchise sales accounting, and the exclusion of approximately 45% to 50%sales from the Company's San Antonio stores which were sold in other sales.August 1993. Total food store square footage excluding the San Antonio stores disposition, increased 3.2%4.7%, 3.2% and 2.5% in 1994, 1993, and 2.2% in 1993, 1992, and 1991, respectively. The Company expects to increase retail food store square footage by 4 1/2 to 5% each year from 1994 throughapproximately 5.5% during 1995 and 1996. Convenience store square footage increased .4% in 1994, declined .7% and 2.1% in 1993, and 1991 respectively, and increased .2% in 1992. In early 1995, the Company sold its Time Savers convenience store operations which will result in a convenience store square footage decline of 12%. Sales per average square foot for the last three years were:
TOTAL SALES PER AVERAGE SQUARE FOOT -------------- 1993 1992 1991 ------------------------- Food Stores...................................................... $398 $402 $398 Convenience Stores............................................... $405 $389 $364
Total Sales Per Average Square Foot ------------------- 1994 1993 1992 ----- ---- ---- Food Stores $402 $398 $402 Convenience Stores $412 $405 $389 1992's food stores sales per average square foot for 1992 includes an extra week which occurs due to the extra week.Company's 52/53 week fiscal year. Without the extra week the amount would have been $394. The Company was ablecontinued to maintainbuild its sales growthvolume in 1993 in the face1994 during a period of new and intense competition for a numberformidable competition. The Company achieved this through new square footage and through the increased productivity of reasons. Fierce price competitionexisting stores. Markets that were especially competitive in markets,the recent past, such as Toledo and Dayton, Ohio and Houston and Dallas, Texas, has abated somewhat. The Company's Michigan operations have begun to recover from a prolonged strikeproduce favorable comparable results. The Atlanta, Georgia market experienced an influx of major new competition during 1994 yet the operating division was still able to produce improved results. All of these markets helped to offset the challenge that the Company faced in 1992.Indiana with the opening of supercenters in the marketplace. The Company's effortsCompany has been able to reduceoffset the effect of highly competitive areas such as Indiana in 1994, because of its multi-regional operations. The Company reduced the cost of products during 1994 through its investment in technology aimed toward improved store operation, procurement and distribution practices havepractices. This has allowed the Company to pass on some of these lower costs to the consumer and made the Company more price competitive and attractive to consumers without sacrificing gross profit. Finally,customers. It is anticipated that 1995 will be another year of improved performance from the shift in customer interest to private label products has enhanced sales. The Company's line of private label products, many of which are manufactured by the Company, have met with increasing acceptance by consumers. While these factors likely will continue to benefit the Company in 1994, the ability to generate sales growth may be limited by significant competitive entries into markets such as Atlanta and Indiana,existing store base as well as continued supercenter growth.realized contributions from the capital spending program which will substantially increase the Company's food store square footage during 1995. Additional investments in technology should continue to increase operating efficiencies, which can be reinvested into sales growth through improved service to the customer and more competitive pricing. Factors that affected 1994 sales had already begun to impact sales in 1993. 1993's sales showed an improvement over 1992 from the rebounding of the Michigan market that sustained a prolonged labor strike in 1992, increased price competitiveness of the Company, and private label popularity. Sales in 1992 showed an improvement overwere improved from 1991 primarily due to the extra week in the fiscal year. Sales in 1991 benefited from the purchase of the former Great Scott! Stores in Michigan in late 1990, the continued maturation of the Company's combination food store format, and significant growth in private label products. EBITD - ------ The Company's Senior Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the ''Credit Agreement''), dated January 21, 1992,as of July 19, 1994, and the indentures underlying approximately $1.7$1.5 billion of publicly issued debt contain various restrictive covenants, many of which are based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, LIFO charge, unusual and extraordinary items ("EBITD"(''EBITD''). These covenants are based, among other things, upon generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"(''GAAP'') as applied on a date prior to January 3, 1993. The ability to generate EBITD at levels sufficient to satisfy the requirements of these agreements is a key measure of the Company's financial strength. The presentation of EBITD is not intended to be an alternative to any GAAP measure of performance but rather to facilitate an understanding of the Company's performance compared to its debt covenants. At January 1,December 31, 1994 the Company was in compliance with all covenants of its Credit Agreement and publicly issued debt. The Company believes it has adequate coverage of its debt covenants to continue to respond effectively to competitive conditions. During 1993,1994, EBITD, which does not include the effect of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"(''SFAS'') No. 106, "Employers'''Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"Pensions'', the Company's special contribution to The Kroger Co. Foundation, or the charges1993 charge related to the disposition of the San Antonio stores, increased 7.5%9.0% to $976.8 million$1.065 billion compared to $908.2$977 million in 19921993 and $968.0$908 million in 1991.1992. 1994's EBITD increase was primarily the result of increased sales, positive effects from the Company's accelerated store construction, cost reductions in procurement and distribution which improved gross margins, and the return on investments in new technology. 1993's EBITD increase was due in large part to increased sales combined with an improved gross profit rate. 1992's EBITD was negatively affected by a Michigan strike which reduced EBITD by approximately $69 million and was increased by the extra week in the fiscal year. 1993's EBITD increase was primarily the result of increased sales combined with an improved gross profit rate. MERCHANDISE COSTSMerchandise Costs - ------------------- Merchandise costs include warehousing and transportation expenses and LIFO charges or credits. The following table shows the relative effect that LIFO charges have had on merchandising costs as a percent of sales: 1994 1993 1992 ------ ------ ----- Merchandise costs as reported 75.81% 76.43% 77.12% LIFO charge (credit) .07% (.02%) .03% ------ ------ ------ Merchandise costs as adjusted 75.74% 76.45% 77.09% The Company's FIFO merchandise costs decreased for the second consecutive year. 1992's rate was up from 1991 due to a costly labor strike in Michigan. 1994's gross profit rate was favorably influenced by the Company's advances in consolidated distribution and coordinated purchasing, reduced transportation costs as a percent of sales, and the relative effect of LIFO charges:
1993 1992 1991 --------------------- Merchandise costs as reported............................. 76.43% 77.12% 77.19% LIFO charge (credit)...................................... (.02%) .03% .12% ------ ------ ------ Merchandise costs as adjusted............................. 76.45% 77.09% 77.07%
The Company's gross profit rate in 1993 improved over previous years in all categories with the exceptions of pharmacy and deli. The improvement was due in large measure to improved results in Michigan which wasstrong private label sales. Merchandise costs were unfavorably affected by a strike in 1992, anthe increase in private labelthe LIFO reserve charge. Merchandise costs also were favorably affected by the discontinuance of low-margin sales to HSI. Merchandise costs as a reductionpercent of sales adjusted for these sales declined to 75.76% in coupon costs, and cost reduction programs1994 from 75.97% in procurement and warehousing.1993. The Company expects gross profit as a percent of salesrates to improve in the future as benefits are derivedcost savings continue to be realized from coupon scanning and a declineincreased efficiencies in multiple couponing. Coupon scanning allows the Company to readily determine the validity of coupons presented. The effect of reduced multiple couponing is enhanced by a reduction in the face value and quantity of vendor coupons. The Company also expects to show gross profit improvement from coordinatedlogistics, procurement and the continued expansion of private label sales. The Company produces many of its own private label productstechnology. Operating, General and therefore, has lower product costs for such items than could be obtained through procurement. Some of the gross profit benefit will be reflected in lower prices to protect or enhance the Company's competitive position. OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSESAdministrative Expenses - ----------------------------------------------- Operating, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales in 1994, 1993 and 1992 were 18.42%, 17.98% and 1991 were 17.98%, 17.51% and 17.15%, respectively. Excluding the effect of SFAS No. 106 and sales to HSI from 1994, operating, general and administrative expenses were 18.37%. Excluding the effect of SFAS No. 106, sales to HSI, and the convenience store franchise sales from 1993, operating, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 17.89%18.27%. The increase in operating,Operating, general and administrative expenses over last year was due in part to the increase inwere adversely affected by higher incentive paybonuses for both management and store employees reflecting 1993'sbased on improved performanceresults as compared to 1992. The Company also has experienced increases in collectively bargained wages, health insurance, general liability claims, and other store expenses. Controlling1993. Additionally, the up-front costs associated with the opening of new stores increased operating, general and administrative expenses is a significant challenge to the Company. Beginning in 1992 and continuing through 1995, the Company expects to spend approximately $125 million of capital to increase technological capabilities with the goal of reducing operating costs.expenses. The Company has dedicated management resourcesopened, acquired, or expanded 82 food stores in 1994 as compared to a total of 46 in 1993. The Company continues to invest in new technologies to improve its procurement, logistics, administrative,efficiencies, lower costs, and accounting functions, both to realize the benefitsincrease customer service. Automated labor scheduling and faster front-end point of improved technological capabilitysale systems including coupon validation technology and otherwise to control costs. The Company also has begun the redesignfront-end scaling are examples of some specialty departments within the food stores to realize cost savings. The Company currently is absorbing the expense of converting some full service departments to self service. This effort will continuenew systems being implemented. Labor negotiations during 1994 produced peaceful and 1995,generally favorable settlements that will help to improve operating flexibility and contain costs in the Company expects to realize some benefit from these efforts beginning in late 1994. INCOME TAXESfuture. Income Taxes - ------------ The effective income tax rates were 39.8%36.2%, 39.8% and 41.7% for 1994, 1993 and 40.3% for 1993, 1992, and 1991, respectively. 1994's income tax expense includes a $5.9 million benefit from the donation to The Kroger Co. Foundation of an asset that had a market value above the book value. 1993's income tax expense includes a $4.2 million charge to increase deferred taxes for the change in the federal income tax rate. NET EARNINGS (LOSS)Net Earnings (Loss) - ------------------- Net earnings (loss) totaled $242.2 million in 1994 compared to $(12.2) million in 1993 compared toand $(5.9) million in 1992 and $79.9 million in 1991.1992. Earnings in 19931994 compared to 19921993 and 19911992 was affected by: (i) a 1994 pre-tax charge of $4.4 million offset by a $5.9 million tax credit in connection with the Company's contribution to The Kroger Co. Foundation, (ii) a $25.1 million pre-tax charge in 1994 to recognize future lease commitments and losses on equipment related to certain San Antonio stores sold to Megafoods, Inc. which declared bankruptcy during 1994, (iii) a $25.1 million 1994 pre-tax gain on the disposition of the Company's investment in HSI after providing for certain tax indemnities related to HSI, (iv) a 1993 charge against earnings of $248.7 million before taxes, $159.2 million after taxestax, for the cumulative effect, along with an additional $17.7 million and $19.5 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively, for the current year's effect of a change in accounting for retiree health benefits, (ii)(v) an after tax extraordinary loss from the early retirement of debt in 19931994 of $26.7 million compared to $23.8 million compared toin 1993 and $107.1 million in 1992, and $20.8 million in 1991, (iii)(vi) a sixty-seven day strike in Michigan duringwhich reduced pre-tax income by approximately $69 million in 1992, (iv)(vii) a pre- tax LIFO creditcharge in 19931994 of $16.1 million versus a credit of $3.2 million versusin 1993 and a charge of $8.1 million in 1992, and $26.2 million in 1991, and (v) net interest expense in 1993 of $390.0 million versus $474.8 million in 1992 and $531.1 million in 1991. 1993's net earnings also include(viii) a $4.4 million pre-tax ($2.7 million after tax) one-time charge in 1993 related to a change in the estimated useful life of certain computer equipment, and(ix) a $22.7 million charge ($15 million after tax) during 1993 in connection with the disposition of the San Antonio stores. Severance pay, unemployment benefits costsstores, and loss on sale of assets are included in this charge. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES DEBT MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST EXPENSE The Company continued to reduce(x) net interest expense during 1993.in 1994 of $327.6 million versus $390.0 million in 1993 and $474.8 million in 1992. Liquidity and Capital Resources Debt Management and Interest Expense - ------------------------------------ Net interest expense declined to $327.6 million in 1994 as compared to $390.0 million in 1993 and $474.8 million in 1992. The reduction in interest expense is primarily due to the Company's progress in refinancing its high-cost, long-term debt and debt reduction. The Company was successful in placing $1.6$1.7 billion of senior subordinated or senior secured debt during 1992, 1993, and 19931994 with an average rate of 9.39%9.23% and $200 million of convertible junior subordinated notes with a rate of 6.375%. The Company also borrowed $100 million at a rate equal to LIBOR + 1.25% or, at the Company's election, such lenders' base rate + .25%, pursuant to a term facility under the Credit Agreement. The proceeds from these offerings, and from the issuance of 13,275,000 shares of common stock with proceeds ofwhich netted $203.5 million in 1993, were used to redeem or repurchase, on the open market, $3.3 billion of high yield subordinated debt with an average rate of 14.2% (see "Repurchase13.3% (See ''Repurchase and Redemption of Subordinated Debt"Debt''). The Company entered into a new Credit Agreement on July 19, 1994 which reduced the Company's interest rate spread over LIBOR on its bank borrowings. The Company's Credit Agreement is a seven year, $1.75 billion revolving loan which increases the amount the Company is permitted to expend on capital expenditures compared to the prior agreement. The Company's initial borrowing under the new agreement, totaling $745 million, was used to pay the remaining balance on the old agreement. The average interest rate on the Company's bank debt, which totaled $979.3 million at year-end 1994 versus $847.0 million at year-end 1993, was 5.57% compared to 4.57% at the end of 1993 and 5.42% at the end of 1992. The increase is due to higher market interest rates that were not entirely offset by the lower interest rate spreads on the Company's new Credit Agreement. The Company's rate on the bank debt is variable. The Company currently expects 1995 net interest expense, based on year-end 1994 rates, to total approximately $330 million. A 1% change upward in market rates would increase this estimated expense by approximately $4.8 million. A 1% decrease in market rates would reduce the estimated expense by approximately $5.9 million. As a result of these public and bank debt transactions as well as the 1993 stock issuance, the Company has reduced the weighted average cost of its long-term debt, including capital leases, to 8.2% at year-end 19938.5% versus 11.6% at the beginning of 1990. Long-term debt, including capital leases and current portionsportion thereof, decreased $348$300 million to $3.906 billion at year-end 1994 from $4.206 billion at year end 1993 from $4.554 billion at year end 1992.year-end 1993. The Company has purchased a portion of the debt issued by the lenders of certain of its structured financings, which cannot be retired early, in an effort to effectively further reduce the Company's interest expense. Excluding the debt incurred to make these purchases, which are classified as investments, the Company's long-term debt would be $68.8 million less or $3.837 billion. Required principal repayments over the next five years increaseddecreased to $1.048 billion at year end 1993 versus $534.5 million and $541.3$670.7 million at year-end 19921994 versus $1.048 billion and 1991,$534.5 million at year-end 1993 and 1992, respectively. Scheduled debt maturities for the five years subsequent to 1994, 1993 and 1992 were: 1994 1993 1992 -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Year 1 $ 7,926 $ 63,053 $ 73,248 Year 2 14,341 111,010 115,017 Year 3 12,875 117,434 111,549 Year 4 15,507 146,784 118,032 Year 5 620,012 609,769 116,669 1994's Year 5 maturities include $125 million of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes, $200 million of 6 3/8% Convertible Junior Subordinated Notes, and 1991 were:
1993 1992 1991 -------- -------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) Year 1....................................... $ 63,053 $ 73,248 $ 73,580 Year 2....................................... 111,010 115,017 123,368 Year 3....................................... 117,434 111,549 114,927 Year 4....................................... 146,784 118,032 111,451 Year 5....................................... 609,769 116,669 117,926
the remaining $222.6 million of 10% Senior Subordinated Notes. The Company currently expects to issue a redemption notice on the 6 3/8% Convertible Junior Subordinated Notes by December 1995, which, based solely on the current market price of the Company's common stock, should result in conversion by virtually all of the holders. 1993's Year 5 maturities include the entire $362.0 million outstanding under the Company's Working Capital Facility under itsthe predecessor to the Company's current Credit Agreement, $68.0 million of Facility D under its predecessor Credit Agreement, and the remaining 11 1/8% Senior Notes outstanding at January 1, 1994 of $138.4 million. The Company has notified the trustee for the Senior Notes that it will redeem these notesmillion which were redeemed on March 15, 1994. Maturities shown for 19911992 reflect the restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 1992. The Company's interest rate on Credit Agreement borrowings is variable. The average interest rate, including the effect of interest rate swaps, on the Company's bank debt, which totaled $847.0 million at year-end 1993, including Facility D, versus $851.0 million at year-end 1992, was 4.57% compared to 5.42% at the end of 1992 and 6.13% at the end of 1991. The decline is due to generally lower market interest rates and achieving a .25% interest rate step down in January, 1993. The Company currently has in place various interest rate hedging agreements aggregating $1.4$2.65 billion. The Company enters into interest rate hedging agreements to lower funding cost, to diversify sources of funding and to alter interest rate exposures arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. The effect of these agreements is to: (i) fix the rate on $100$550 million floating rate debt, untilwith $200 million of swaps expiring in May 1996, and the remaining $350 million of swaps expiring in July 19942001, (ii) swap the contractual interest rate on $350 million of seven and ten year debt instruments to the rates available on three to five year fixed rate instruments (upon expiration of the three to five year swap agreements the fixed contractual rate will become floating for the remainder of the seven and ten year term of debt), (iii) swap the contractual interest rate on $600$825 million of four, seven and ten year fixed-rate instruments into floating-rate instruments, and (iv) cap six month LIBOR on $350$575 million for one to five years at rates of 3.70%4.20% to 5.50%.6.00%, with $50 million of the caps expireexpiring in each of July 1994, July 1995, July 1997 and July 1998. The remaining1998, $150 million cap expiresof the caps expiring in November 1995. The Company currently expects 1994 net interest expense, based on year-end 1993 rates, to total $330-$3401995, and the remaining $275 million compared to $390.0 million, $474.8 million and $531.1 millionexpiring in 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.the first quarter of 1996. To meet any short-term liquidity needs, the Company has available an $850 million Working Capital FacilityCompany's Credit Agreement provides for borrowings of up to $1.75 billion. The Company's borrowings under itsthe Credit Agreement. A portion of the Company's short-term borrowingsAgreement are permitted to be in the form of commercial paper. At January 1,December 31, 1994, the Company had outstanding $98.0$227.9 million of commercial paper and $264.0outstanding of the $979.3 million under the Working Capital Facility.in total bank borrowings. At year-end 1993,1994, after deducting amounts set aside as backup for the Company's unrated commercial paper program, and stand-by letters of credit, $317.8$585.0 million was available under the Working Capital Facility.Company's Credit Agreement to meet short-term liquidity needs. There are no annual principal payments required under the Working Capital Facility, which expiresCredit Agreement until its expiration on January 3, 1998. COMMON STOCKJuly 19, 2001. Common Stock - ------------ On March 4, 1993 the Company issued 12,500,000 shares of its common stock through a public offering. On April 1, 1993, the Company issued an additional 775,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in connection with the offering. The Company realized net proceeds of $203.5 million on these issues which werewas used initially to repay, amounts outstanding under the Working Capital Facility, and thereafter the Company used amounts available under the Working Capital Facility to purchase, or redeem outstanding indebtedness of the Company. REPURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBTRepurchase and Redemption of Subordinated Debt - ---------------------------------------------- During 1994 the Company redeemed the remaining outstanding amounts of its 11 1/8% Senior Notes, its 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Reset Notes and its 8 1/4% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Company also repurchased $144.8 million of its various senior subordinated debt issues and $39.9 million of its 9 1/4% Senior Secured Debentures. The redemptions and repurchases were effected using funds from asset sales, the sale of treasury stock to employee benefit plans, proceeds from new financings, and excess cash from operations. The outstanding balances of these debt issues at December 31, 1994 were $1.105 billion for the Senior Subordinated Debt issues, and $160.2 million for the 9 1/4% Senior Secured Debentures. During 1993 the Company repurchased $300.6 million face amount of Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $285.1 million, $71.2 million Senior Subordinated Debentures, $111.6 million Senior Notes, and $33.5 million Senior Subordinated Reset Notes. Additionally, the Company redeemed the remaining $498.2 million Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures. The redemptions were effected using funds from asset sales, the sale of treasury stock to employee benefit plans, proceeds from the sale of common stock and new financings, and excess cash from operations. The outstanding balances of these debt issues at January 1, 1994 were $0 for the Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures, $0 for the Senior Subordinated Debentures, $138.4 million for the Senior Notes, and $66.5 million for the Senior Subordinated Reset Notes. The Company issued a redemption notice for the remaining Senior Notes on February 13, 1994. The redemption will be effected on March 15, 1994. During 1992 the Company repurchased $269.9 million face amount of Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $231.1 million, $343.9 million Senior Subordinated Debentures and $256.2 million Subordinated Debentures. Additionally, the Company redeemed $120.5 million Senior Subordinated Debentures and $304.6 million Subordinated Debentures. During 1991 the Company repurchased $303.8 million face amount of Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $217.9 million, $59.3 million Senior Subordinated Debentures and $64.2 million Subordinated Debentures. CAPITAL EXPENDITURESCapital Expenditures - -------------------- Capital expenditures totaled $376.1$534.0 million for 1993,1994, a 42% increase over 1993's total of $376.1 million. 1992's capital outlays were $241.2 million for 1992 and $208.1 million in 1991.million. During 19931994 the Company opened, acquired or expanded 82 food stores and 17 convenience stores compared to 46 food stores and 10 convenience stores compared toin 1993 and 42 food stores and 19 convenience stores in 1992 and 42 food stores and 4 convenience stores in 1991.1992. The Company also completed 7066 food store and 21 convenience store remodels during 1993.1994. During 1993, 321994, 41 food stores were closed or sold including the 15 San Antoniosale of seven stores soldin Alabama and Mississippi to Megafood Stores, Inc. in August 1993. 17Delchamps. The Company closed 16 convenience stores also were closed.during 1994 and, in early 1995, completed the sale of its 116 store Time Savers convenience store division. The Company expects capital expenditures to approximate $1.5 billion over the next three years. In 1994 the Company plans to increase$600 million in 1995 which will allow for food store square footage by 4 1/2%-5%growth of approximately 5.5% by opening, expanding or acquiring approximately 7090 food stores and completingstores. The Company also expects to complete within-the-wall remodels of 60-70 food stores, including the recently completed purchase of 10 stores in Houston, Texas from AppleTree Markets, Inc.stores. The increased square footage is planned for existing Company markets where the Company has an established market position and an existing administrative and logistical network. The Company's ability to realize its capital expenditureexpenditures plan will depend, in part, on its ability to generate sufficient free cash flow. The Company expects to dedicate one halfcontinued EBITD growth. Consolidated Statement of its free cash flow in excess of planned expenditures to its capital program and the remainder to debt reduction. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSCash Flows - ------------------------------------- During 19931994 the Company generated $617.3$750.3 million in cash from operating activities compared to $617.3 million in 1993 and $532.8 million in 1992 and $448.41992. The increase from 1993 is primarily due to an increase in operating net income of $98.1 million. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase in cash from changes in operating working capital of $195.9 million as compared to $105.5 million in 1991.1993. This reduction in working capital was due in large part to increases in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The increase in 1993 from 1992 is due to an increase in operating net income of $69.6 million. Additionally, the Company experiencedmillion and an increase in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $105.5 million. The increase is duemillion as compared to an increase in accounts payable over and above the increase in inventory values of $47.7 million, an increase in income taxes payable of $17.5 million, and an increase in self-insured workers compensation and general liability accruals of $34.4 million. The increase in 1992 from 1991 is due to an increase in cash of $45.1 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities and a $56.3 million reduction in interest expense.1992. Investing activities used $368.3$546.5 million compared to $368.3 million of cash used in 1993 and $264.3 million of cash used in 1992 and $187.9 million of cash used in 1991.1992. The increase in the use of cash in 19931994 is due to an increase in the level of capital expenditures over 19921993 of $134.9$157.8 million, and an increasedincrease in the use of cash of $18.2$43.5 million for investments.investments and $8.8 million for 1994 additions to property held for sale, combined with a decline of $18.5 million in the source of cash from sales of property, plant and equipment. The increase in investments was primarily due to the purchase of debt issued by a lender of certain of the Company's structured financings. (See Liquidity and Capital Resources) This increase in the use of cash was offset by an increase in cash proceeds from the sale of investments of $50.5 million over 1993. The increase in 1993 from 1992 fromis due to an increase in cash used for capital expenditures and the purchase of investments offset by reduced current year expenditures for additions to property held for sale and increased proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. The increase in 1992 from 1991 is due to an increase in cash used for capital expenditures and additions to property held for sale. Cash used by financing activities totaled $231.7$297.8 million compared to $231.7 million and $168.4 million in 1993 and $311.1 million in 1992, and 1991, respectively. The increase in the use of cash during 19931994 is due to a debtnet reduction excluding capital leasesin proceeds from the sale of common stock and the interest accretion on the Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures,treasury stock of $423.0$192.9 million versus 1992'soffset by a 1994 debt reduction of $38.8$304.1 million versus 1993's debt reduction of $423.0 million. The increase in 1993 from 1992 is due to a larger level of debt reduction was offset by proceeds from the sale of stock and lower debt prepayment and financing costs incurred. OTHER ISSUESOther Issues - ------------- The Company is party to more than 200 collective bargaining agreements with local unions representing approximately 110,000150,000 of the Company's employees. AmongDuring 1994 the Company negotiated a total of 63 labor contracts, that have expired or will expire in the remainderall of 1994 are those covering store employees in Charleston (WV), Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Phoenix and Tucson as well as warehouse and distribution employees in a number of the Company's operating divisions.which were settled with no work stoppages. Typical agreements are 3 to 45 years in duration, and as such agreements expire, the Company expects to negotiate with the unions and to enter into new collective bargaining agreements. There can be no assurance, however, that such agreements will be reached without work stoppage. A prolonged work stoppage affecting a substantial number of stores could have a material adverse effect on the results of the Company's operations. As ofMajor union contracts that will be negotiated in 1995 include the Memphis, Houston, Indianapolis, and Columbus, Ohio food clerks. Subsequent Events - ----------------- On January 3, 199317, 1995 the Company implemented SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accountingsold its Time Saver Stores, Inc. subsidiary to E-Z Serve Convenience Stores, Inc. Time Saver Stores, Inc. had 1994 sales of $116.7 million and operated 116 convenience stores, either directly or through franchise agreements, in the state of Louisiana. Subsequent to December 31, 1994 and through March 2, 1995 the Company purchased an additional $95.6 million of its various senior subordinated debt issues. As adjusted for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" usingthese open market purchases, the immediate recognition approach. This new standard requires that the expected costcarrying amount of retiree health benefits be charged to expense during the years that the employees render service rather than the Company's past practice of recognizing these costs on a cash basis. As part of adopting the new standard, the Company recorded in 1993 a non-cash charge against earnings of $248.7 million before taxes ($159.2 million after taxes). This cumulative adjustment as of January 3, 1993 represents the discounted present value of expected future retiree health benefits attributed to employees' service rendered prior to that date. In addition, the new standard results in additional annual expense, which for the year ended January 1, 1994 totaled $19.5 million before taxes. The increase in the annual postretirement benefit expense does not affect the Company's EBITD. Effective December 29, 1991, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". The adoption of SFAS No. 109 had a material effect on the Company's financial statements in the first quarter of 1993 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."senior subordinated debt was $1.0 billion at March 2, 1995. The Company recognized a deferred tax benefitexpects to incur an after-tax extraordinary loss of $89.5approximately $3.2 million in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 106. A portion of this tax benefit would not have been recognized under the Company's previous method of accounting for income taxes. related to these purchases. SIGNATURES ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. THE KROGER CO. Dated: May 2, 1994 ByApril 28, 1995 By: (Paul W. Heldman) ----------------------- Paul W. Heldman Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel INDEX OF EXHIBITS ----------------- Exhibit - ------- 23.2 Consent of Independent AccountantsAccountants. 23.3 Consent of Independent AccountantsAccountants. 99.2 Financial Statements for The Kroger Co. Savings Plan for the Year Ended December 31, 19931994 99.3 Financial Statements for the Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership and Savings Plan for the Year Ended December 31, 1994 Exhibit 23.2 ------------ Consent of Independent Accountants We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of The Kroger Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-29640) of our report dated April 21, 1995, on our audits of the financial statements and financial statement schedules of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (COOPERS & LYBRAND L. L. P.) COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Cincinnati, Ohio April 27, 1995 Exhibit 23.3 ------------ Consent of Independent Accountants We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of The Kroger Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-29405) of our report dated March 31, 1995, on our audits of the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership and Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.) COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Cincinnati, Ohio April 27, 1995 Exhibit 99.2 The Kroger Co. Savings Plan Index To Financial Statements December 31, 1994 Independent Auditors' Report Statement of Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits at December 31, 1994 Statement of Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits at December 31, 1993 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits for the year ended December 31, 1994 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits for the year ended December 31, 1993 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits for the year ended December 31, 1992 Notes to Financial Statements Item 27a - Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Item 27d - Schedule of Reportable Transactions Independent Auditors' Report ----------------------------- To the Administrative Committee of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for plan benefits of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts of disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for plan benefits of the The Kroger Co. Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedules of assets held for investment and reportable transactions are presented for the purpose of additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements but are supplementary information required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The fund information in the statement of net assets available for plan benefits and the statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits is presented for purposes of additional analysis rather than to present the net assets available for plan benefits and changes in net assets available for plan benefits of each fund. The supplemental schedules and fund information have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, are fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. (COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.) COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Cincinnati, Ohio April 21, 1995 THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS December 31, 1994 (In thousands of dollars) -------------- 1994 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH MERRILL MERRILL AMERICAN EMPLOYER EQUITY LYNCH LYNCH CAPITAL TEMPORARY STOCK INDEX BASIC GLOBAL EMERGING TEMPLETON FIXED PARTICIPANT INVESTMENT ASSETS FUND TRUST VALUE ALLOCATION GROWTH FOREIGN INCOME LOANS FUND TOTAL --------- ------- ------- ---------- ------- --------- ------ ----------- ---------- ----- Investments: The Kroger Co. common shares (Cost - $186,931) $360,232 $360,232 Contracts with insurance companies (stated at cost) $80,290 80,290 Mutual funds (cost - $11,109) $2,075 $2,469 $2,343 $3,569 10,456 Collective investment trust (cost - $32,708) $33,045 33,045 Temporary cash investments and loans to participants $9,124 $178 9,302 -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- Total investments 360,232 33,045 2,075 2,469 2,343 3,569 80,290 9,124 178 493,325 Receivables: Employee contributions 246 58 4 5 5 7 122 447 Employer contributions 5,865 5,865 Interest and dividends 33 33 -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ----- ------- -------- Total assets 366,343 33,103 2,079 2,474 2,348 3,576 80,412 9,124 211 499,670 -------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- LIABILITIES Payable for administrative fees 298 298 -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- ------- Total liabilities 298 298 -------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------- ------- Net assets available for plan benefits $366,343 $33,103 $2,079 $2,474 $2,348 $3,576 $80,412 $9,124 $(87) $499,372 ======== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ====== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS December 31, 1993 (In thousands of dollars) ----------------------
1993 ------------------------------------------------------- EMPLOYER MELLON TEMPORARY STOCK EQUITY FIXED INVESTMENT ASSETS FUND FUND INCOME FUND TOTAL --------- ------ ------ ---------- ------- Investments: The Kroger Co. common shares (cost - $156,929) $297,549 $297,549 Contracts with insurance companies (stated at cost) $62,804 62,804 Collective investment funds (cost - $29,528) $32,199 32,199 U.S. Government Securities 17 67 3,626 3,710 Temporary cash investments and loans to participants $8,107 8,107 --------- ------- ------- ------ -------- Total investments 297,566 32,266 66,430 8,107 404,369 Receivables: Employee contributions 400 400 Employer contributions 3,116 3,116 Interest and dividends 2 6 4 12 --------- ------- -------- ------ -------- Total assets 300,684 32,266 66,436 8,511 407,897 --------- ------- -------- ------ -------- LIABILITIES Payable for administrative fees 24 58 82 -------- ------- -------- ------ -------- Total liabilities 24 58 82 -------- ------- -------- ------ -------- Net assets available for plan benefits $300,684 $32,266 $66,412 $8,453 $407,815 ======== ======= ======= ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS for the year ended December 31, 1994 (In thousands of dollars) ---------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH MERRILL MERRILL AMERICAN EMPLOYER EQUITY LYNCH LYNCH CAPITAL TEMPORARY STOCK INDEX BASIC GLOBAL EMERGING TEMPLETON FIXED MELLON PARTICIPANT INVESTMENT ASSETS FUND TRUST VALUE ALLOCATION GROWTH FOREIGN INCOME EQUITY LOANS FUND TOTAL -------- ------- ------- ---------- -------- --------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- ------ Employee contributions $ 21,972 $ 5,846 $ 271 $ 314 $ 355 $ 373 $ 9,807 $ (532) $ 38,406 Employer contributions 6,684 6,684 Transfer from (to) other funds (11,554) 28,186 1,795 2,238 2,013 3,283 3,014 $(32,266) $9,905 (6,614) -------- ------- ------ ---------- -------- --------- ------ --------- -------- --------- ------- Total contributions and transfers 17,102 34,032 2,066 2,552 2,368 3,656 12,821 (32,266) 9,905 (7,146) 45,090 Investment income (loss): Dividends 108 133 60 223 524 Interest 381 65 2 3 3 4 4,885 31 5,374 Net appreciation(depreciation)59,151 224 (88) (208) (72) (303) 58,704 -------- ------- ------ ---------- -------- -------- ------ --------- -------- -------- ------- Total additions(deductions) 76,634 34,321 2,088 2,480 2,359 3,580 17,706 (32,266) 9,905 (7,115) 109,692 -------- ------- ------ ---------- -------- -------- ------ --------- -------- -------- ------- Distributions to participants 10,897 1,185 9 6 11 4 3,565 781 1,127 17,585 Administrative expenses 78 33 141 298 550 -------- ------- ------ ---------- -------- -------- ------ --------- -------- -------- ------- Total deductions 10,975 1,218 9 6 11 4 3,706 781 1,425 18,135 -------- ------- ------ --------- -------- -------- ------ --------- ------- -------- ------- Net increase(decrease) 65,659 33,103 2,079 2,474 2,348 3,576 14,000 (32,266) 9,124 (8,540) 91,557 Net asset available for plan benefits: Beginning of year 300,684 66,412 32,266 8,453 407,815 -------- ------- ------ -------- -------- -------- ------ --------- ------- -------- -------- End of year $366,343 $33,103 $2,079 $2,474 $2,348 $3,576 $80,412 $0 $9,124 $(87) $499,372 ======== ======= ====== ======== ======== ======== ======= ======== ======= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS for the year ended December 31, 1993 (In thousands of dollars) ------------------- 1993 -------------------------------------------------------------------
EMPLOYER FIDELITY MELLON TEMPORARY STOCK EQUITY EQUITY FIXED INVESTMENT FUND FUND FUND INCOME FUND TOTAL --------- -------- ------- ------ ----------- --------- Employee contributions $ 34,909 $ 34,909 Employer contributions $ 3,125 3,125 Transfer from (to) other funds 7,751 $(12,170) $ 17,286 $ 9,686 (22,553) --------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------- Total contributions and transfers 10,876 (12,170) 17,286 9,686 12,356 38,034 Investment income(loss): Dividends 7 773 780 Interest 90 4,106 529 4,725 Net appreciation (depreciation) 79,119 1,947 (14) 81,052 Other 362 362 -------- --------- -------- -------- --------- -------- Total additions (deductions) 90,085 (12,163) 20,006 13,778 13,247 124,953 ======== ========= ======== ======== ========= ======== Distributions to participants 3,961 12,053 16,014 Administrative expenses 1 15 123 388 527 -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total deductions 3,962 15 123 12,441 16,541 -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) 86,123 (12,163) 19,991 13,655 806 108,412 Net assets available for plan benefits: Beginning of year 214,561 12,163 12,275 52,757 7,647 299,403 -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ------- End of year $300,684 $ 0 $32,266 $ 66,412 $ 8,453 $407,815 ======== ======== ======= ======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS for the year ended December 31, 1992 (In thousands of dollars) ------------------- 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------ EMPLOYER FIDELITY MELLON TEMPORARY STOCK EQUITY EQUITY FIXED INVESTMENT FUND FUND FUND INCOME FUND TOTAL ---------- -------- ------ ------- ---------- ------- Employee contributions $ 18,373 $ 18,373 Employer contributions $ 1,036 1,036 Merger from other trust 72,439 $ 2,608 $ 3,294 $ 11,068 623 90,032 Transfer from (to) other funds 7,200 (1,939) 4,361 2,386 (12,008) ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- -------- Total contributions and transfers 80,675 669 7,655 13,454 6,988 109,441 Investment income(loss): Dividends 370 187 557 Interest 27 3,045 796 3,868 Net appreciation(depreciation) (48,348) 925 416 (47,007) Other 178 (180) (2) ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- --------- Total additions 32,532 1,964 8,258 16,499 7,604 66,857 ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- --------- Distributions to participants 1,568 100 5,237 6,905 Administrative expenses 5 404 409 ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- --------- Total deductions 1,568 100 5 5,641 7,314 ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- --------- Net increase 30,964 1,864 8,253 16,499 1,963 59,543 Net assets available for plan benefits: Beginning of year 183,597 10,299 4,022 36,258 5,684 239,860 ---------- --------- ------- -------- --------- --------- End of year $214,561 $12,163 $12,275 $ 52,757 $ 7,647 $299,403 ========== ========= ======= ======== ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------ 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ------------------------------------------ The following describes the significant policies followed in the preparation of these financial statements. INVESTMENTS VALUATION --------------------- Investments in securities (common and preferred stock) traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year; listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the last reported bid price. Guaranteed Investment Contracts are valued at cost. OTHER ----- Purchases and sales of securities are reflected on a trade date basis. Gain or loss on sales of securities are based on average cost. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income from other investments is recorded as earned on an accrual basis. The plan presents in the statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits the net appreciation or depreciation in the fair value of its investments which consists of the realized gains or losses and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on those investments. 2. PLAN DESCRIPTION ---------------- The Plan provides for eligible employees of The Kroger Co. and subsidiaries (the "Company") to redirect a portion of their salary, up to limits defined in the Plan, to the investment funds of the Plan. Employee contributions to the Plan are limited to the lower of $9,240 or 8% (6% if the participant is a highly compensated employee as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) of the employee's annual compensation during the period in which they are a participant in the Plan, subject to Internal Revenue Service Code limitations. At the end of each year, the Company may make a matching contribution of either or both of the following: A ten percent (10%) basic matching contribution which is allocated in proportion to the salary directed by participants to the Employer Stock Fund during the year, or a supplemental matching contribution which is allocated in proportion to salary directed to all investment funds. The supplemental contribution is based on the annual financial results of the Company and determined annually by the Board of Directors. The supplemental contribution ranges from none to twenty percent (20%) of participant contributors. In 1994 and 1993 the Company made both a basic matching contribution and a supplemental matching contribution. In 1992 the Company made a basic matching contribution. Each participant's account is credited with the participant's contribution and an allocation of the Company's matching contribution, Plan earnings, and other adjustments as defined in the Plan. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances as defined. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant's account. Further information about the Plan, including vesting, allocation and benefit provisions, and employer and employee contributions is contained in the Plan, and Plan amendments. Copies of these documents are available from the Company's Personnel Department. 3. TAX STATUS ---------- The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on October 7, 1986, in which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Plan, as then designed, was in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. However, the Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter. The Plan administrator and the Plan's tax counsel believe that the Plan is currently designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plan's financial statements. Participant contributions and earnings of the Plan are not subject to federal income tax until distribution, at which time they are taxable to the recipient. 4. MERGER OF PLANS --------------- Effective December 31, 1992, The Kroger Co. Savings Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees was merged with the Plan. Such assets transferred to the Plan, $90,032,000, are reflected in the statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the year ended December 31, 1992. 5. RECONCILIATION TO FORM 5500 --------------------------- Department of Labor regulations require that differences between the amounts included in the financial statements of the Plan and reported on Form 5500 be disclosed. Differences in amounts shown in the financial statements of the Plan and those reported on Form 5500, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 1993 are as follows:
Amounts per Amounts per Financial Statements Form 5500 Difference -------------------- ----------- ---------- The Kroger Co. Savings Plan --------------------------- For the year ended December 31, 1993 Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits: Employer contributions receivable $3,115,652 $3,851,048 $(735,396) Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits: Employer contributions $3,115,652 $3,851,048 $(735,396)
These differences result from the valuation of the employer stock contribution receivable at December 31, 1993. The financial statements reflect the value of the shares to be contributed to the Plan at the date the matching contribution was granted. Form 5500 reflects the value of the shares contributed to the Plan on the date the shares were transferred to the Trustee. Since the employer matching contribution to the Plan for 1994 and 1992 was made in cash, the employer contribution receivable in the statement of net assets available for plan benefits, and employer contributions and change in unrealized appreciation in the statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the years ended December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1992 do not differ from those reported on Form 5500.
THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN ITEM 27a - SCHEDULE OF ASSETS HELD FOR INVESTMENT December 31, 1994 (In thousands of dollars) ----------------------------- NUMBER OF SHARES OR PRINCIPAL 1994 ------ NAME OF ISSUER AND TITLE OF ISSUE AMOUNT COST VALUE - --------------------------------- ---------- ------- ----- EMPLOYER STOCK FUND ------------------- The Kroger Co. common shares 14,931,881 shs. $186,931 $360,232 MERRILL LYNCH EQUITY INDEX TRUST -------------------------------- Collective Investment Trust 1,131,091 shs. 32,708 33,045 MERRILL LYNCH BASIC VALUE ------------------------- Mutual Funds 92,852 shs. 2,158 2,075 MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL ALLOCATION ------------------------------- Mutual Funds 201,846 shs. 2,669 2,469 AMERICAN CAPITAL EMERGING GROWTH -------------------------------- Mutual Funds 100,274 shs. 2,417 2,343 TEMPLETON FOREIGN ----------------- Mutual Funds 404,670 shs. 3,867 3,569 FIXED INCOME ------------ Contracts with Insurance Companies 80,289,847 shs. 80,290 80,290 PARTICIPANT LOANS ----------------- Loans to Participants $9,124 9,124 9,124 TEMPORARY INVESTMENT FUND ------------------------- Temporary Cash Investments $178 178 178 ------- ------ Total $320,342 $493,325 ======== ========
THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN ITEM 27d - SCHEDULE OF REPORTABLE TRANSACTIONS December 31, 1994 (In thousands of dollars) Transaction # of # of Realized Type Security Description Trans Shares Cost Proceeds Gain(Loss) - ----------- ----------------------- ------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- COMMON COLLECTIVE TRUST BUY Merrill Lynch Index Trust 472 1,363,186.66 $71,708,649 SELL Merrill Lynch Index Trust 756 232,095.97 6,711,465 $6,598,944 ($112,521) KROGER COMMON STOCK BUY Kroger Co. Common Stock 601 733,644.11 17,998,576 SELL Kroger Co. Common Stock 1,025 1,298,514.74 17,597,356 31,150,672 13,553,316 FIXED INCOME FUND BUY Kroger Co. Income Fund 785 26,728,037.21 26,728,037 SELL Kroger Co. Income Fund 845 12,814,402.44 12,814,402 12,814,402 0
Exhibit 99.3 DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1994 Report of Independent Accountants Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits December 31, 1994 Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits December 31, 1993 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1994 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1993 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1992 Notes to Financial Statements Schedule of Investments REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS --------------------------------- The Administration Committee of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees Stock Ownership and Savings Plan We have audited the financial statements and the financial statement schedule of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees Stock Ownership and Savings Plan as listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Administration Committee of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employee s Stock Ownership and Savings Plan. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for plan benefits of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employee s Stock Ownership and Savings Plan as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the changes in its net assets available for plan benefits for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be included therein. (COOPERS & LYBRAND L. L. P.) COOPERS & LYBRAND L. L. P. Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 1995 DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits December 31, 1994 (In Thousands)
401(k) ESOP ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Balanced Index Fixed Stock Balanced Index Fixed Stock Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Total ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ----- ASSETS Investments: State Street Research and Management $9,838 $180 $10,018 Mellon Capital Opening Stock Index Fund $6,389 $152 6,541 Fixed Income Securities $63,519 $2,125 65,644 The Kroger Co. Common Stock 401(k) Cost - $40,507 ESOP Cost - $22,573 $78,956 $48,786 127,742 ------- ------- ------- ------- ----- ----- ------ ------- -------- Total Investments 9,838 6,389 63,519 78,956 180 152 2,125 48,786 209,945 Contributions Receivable and Other 98 217 4,324 4,573 2 5 145 9,364 ------- ------ ------- ------- ----- ----- ------ ------- -------- NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS $9,936 $6,606 $67,843 $83,529 $182 $157 $2,270 $48,786 $219,309 ======= ====== ======== ======== ===== ===== ====== ======= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits December 31, 1993 (In Thousands)
401(k) ESOP -------------------------------- --------------------------------- Balanced Index Fixed Stock Balanced Index Fixed Stock Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Total -------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------ ASSETS Investments: State Street Research and Management $10,167 $266 $10,433 Mellon Capital Opening Stock Index Fund $5,588 $161 5,749 Fixed Income Securities $52,565 $1,814 54,379 The Kroger Co. Common Stock 401(k) Cost - $39,113 ESOP Cost - $23,530 $64,845 $42,569 107,414 ------- ------ ------- ------- ----- ----- ------ ------- -------- Total Investments 10,167 5,588 52,565 64,845 266 161 1,814 42,569 177,975 Contributions Receivable and Other 1,015 207 1,121 27 6 38 2,414 ------- ------ -------- ------ ----- ----- ------ ------- -------- NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS $11,182 $5,795 $53,686 $64,845 $293 $167 $1,852 $42,569 $180,389 ======= ====== ======== ======= ==== ==== ====== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1994 (In Thousands)
401(k) ESOP -------------------------------- --------------------------------- Balanced Index Fixed Stock Balanced Index Fixed Stock Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Total -------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------ Employee Contributions $ 1,803 $1,188 $ 7,867 $ 8,964 $ 19,822 Employer Contributions 2,787 2,787 Transfers from (to) Other Funds (1,989) (192) 4,084 (1,903) $ (85) $ 5 $ 434 $ (354) 0 Investment Income (Loss): State Street Research and Management (461) (11) (472) Mellon Capital Opening Stock Index Fund 53 53 Interest 4,710 141 4,851 Net Appreciation 12,776 7,496 20,272 -------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------- -------- Total Additions (Deductions) (647) 1,049 16,661 22,624 (96) 5 575 7,142 47,313 Expenses 7 4 59 1 71 Distributions to Participants 592 234 2,445 3,940 15 15 156 925 8,322 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------- Net Increase (Decrease) (1,246) 811 14,157 18,684 (111) (10) 418 6,217 38,920 Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits: Beginning of Year 11,182 5,795 53,686 64,845 293 167 1,852 42,569 180,389 ------- ------ ------- ------- --- ------ ------ ------- -------- End of Year $ 9,936 $6,606 $67,843 $83,529 $182 $157 $2,270 $48,786 $219,309 ======= ====== ======= ======= ===== ====== ====== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1993 (In Thousands)
401(k) ESOP --------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Balanced Index Fixed Stock Balanced Index Fixed Stock Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Total --------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----- Employee Contributions $ 1,393 $1,022 $ 7,423 $ 8,484 $ 18,322 Employer Contributions 1,713 1,713 Transfers from (to) Other Funds 2,619 (134) 3,036 (5,521) $ 155 $ 24 $ 729 $ (908) 0 Investment Income: State Street Research and Management 945 20 965 Mellon Capital Opening Stock Index Fund 480 12 492 Interest 3,956 131 4,087 Net Appreciation 17,472 11,692 29,164 ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- Total Additions 4,957 1,368 14,415 22,148 175 36 860 10,784 54,743 Expenses 5 4 31 1 41 Distributions to Participants 288 324 2,214 2,643 14 5 93 947 6,528 ------ ----- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- Net Increase 4,664 1,040 12,170 19,505 161 31 766 9,837 48,174 Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits: Beginning of Year 6,518 4,755 41,516 45,340 132 136 1,086 32,732 132,215 ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------- -------- End of Year $11,182 $5,795 $53,686 $64,845 $293 $167 $1,852 $42,569 $180,389 ======= ====== ======= ======= ===== ===== ====== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits For the Year Ended December 31, 1992 (In Thousands)
401(k) ESOP --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Balanced Index Fixed Stock Balanced Index Fixed Stock Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Total --------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------- Employee Contributions $ 1,094 $ 856 $ 6,764 $ 7,975 $ 16,689 Employer Contributions 782 782 Transfers from (to) Other Funds 304 33 (2,361) 2,024 $ 64 $ 47 $ 112 $ (223) 0 Investment Income: State Street Research and Management 525 10 535 Mellon Capital Opening Stock Index Fund 319 10 329 Interest 3,404 96 3,500 Net Depreciation (12,597) (11,897) (24,494) ------ ------- ------- -------- ------ ------ ------ --------- -------- Total Additions (Deductions) 1,923 1,208 7,807 (1,816) 74 57 208 (12,120) (2,659) Distributions to Participants 232 194 1,952 1,779 8 8 60 640 4,873 ------ ------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ --------- -------- Net Increase (Decrease) 1,691 1,014 5,855 (3,595) 66 49 148 (12,760) (7,532) Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits: Beginning of Year 4,827 3,741 35,661 48,935 66 87 938 45,492 139,747 ------ ------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ------ ------- -------- End of Year $6,518 $4,755 $41,516 $45,340 $132 $136 $1,086 $32,732 $132,215 ====== ======= ======= ======= ===== ====== ====== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN Notes to Financial Statements 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ------------------------------------------ The following describes the significant policies followed in the preparation of these financial statements. INVESTMENTS VALUATION - --------------------- Investments in securities (common and preferred stock) traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year. Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs) with Insurance Companies are valued at contract value. Benefit Accessible Securities Investment Contracts (BASICs) are carried in the financial statements at amortized cost. Investments in the Index and Balanced Funds are valued at their fair value on the last business day of the year. Investments in Pacific Investment Management Company and Providian Capital Management Company are actively managed synthetic GICs, which are valued at amortized cost. OTHER - ----- Purchases and sales of securities are reflected on a trade date basis. In accordance with the policy of stating investments at fair value, the Plan presents in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets the net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of its investments which consists of the realized gains or losses and the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on those investments. 2. PARTICIPANT DATA ---------------- At December 31, 1994, the approximate number of employees, including former employees with remaining balances, participating by investment direction was: 401(k) ESOP ------ ---- Stock Fund 3,135 11,719 Fixed Fund 171 306 Balanced Fund 10 17 Index Fund 2 8 Stock Fund and Fixed Fund 7,436 393 Stock Fund and Balanced Fund 435 6 Stock Fund and Index Fund 303 6 Fixed Fund and Balanced Fund 15 19 Fixed Fund and Index Fund 4 9 Balanced Fund and Index Fund 2 3 Participation in three or more funds 3,437 27 ------ ------ Total participants 14,950 12,513 ====== ====== 3. PLAN DESCRIPTION ---------------- Employees of Dillon Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Company) with one year of service and who have attained age 21 are eligible to become a participant as of the earliest January 1 or July 1 following completion of said eligibility requirements. The interest of all participants in the Plan are fully vested at all times and are not subject to forfeiture or cancellation under any circumstances. Plan assets are for participants only and may never revert to the employer. Plan income and expenses for each period are allocated to the participants accounts in the ratio that the balance in the account of each participant bears to the balance of all the participants accounts immediately before the allocation. ESOP employer contributions are allocated based on participants salaries as stated in the Plan. All distributions to participants are in cash or in whole shares of The Kroger Co. common stock (cash is paid for fractional shares). Participants and beneficiaries individually exercise voting rights on the shares of The Kroger Co. common stock allocated to their account. Under the 401(k) salary reduction provision, each participant may make an election to have the Company contribute to the Plan on their behalf from two percent (2%) to twenty percent (20%) of the qualifying compensation that would otherwise be payable to them for the Plan year. A basic matching employer contribution is allocated to participants of the Stock Fund equal to ten percent (10%) of salaries directed by participants. A supplemental employer contribution is allocated in proportion to all participants salaries directed to all investments. The supplemental contribution is based on the annual financial results of The Kroger Co. and determined annually by the Board of Directors. The supplemental contribution ranges from none to twenty percent (20%) of participant contributions. For 1994 and 1993, the Company made both a basic matching contribution and a supplemental contribution; for 1992, the Company made only the basic matching contribution. The Company currently has discontinued contributions to the ESOP portion of the Plan and has no present intentions to resume such contributions. Further information about the Plan, including vesting, allocation and benefit provisions, and employer and employee contributions is contained in the Plan, and Plan amendments. Copies of these documents are available from the Company s Human Resources Department. 4. INVESTMENTS ----------- The Plan s investments are held by the Dillon Companies, Inc. Employee Master Trust (the Trust) and are administered by the Dillon Companies, Inc. Trust Committee. The Trust Committee has selected investment managers, State Street Research and Management Company and the Mellon Capital Management Corp., to manage certain fund assets. The State Street Research and Management Company is granted discretionary authority concerning investment of assets they manage. The Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund is directed by the Trust Committee to maintain a portfolio which performs comparable to the Standard & Poor s 500 Index. The net change in funds managed by investment managers includes revenue earned, unrealized and realized gains and losses on investments, and fiduciary expenses. The Plan transfers shares of The Kroger Co. common stock (at fair market value) to and from the other employee benefit plans of the Company participating in the Trust. The cost of the shares recorded by the Plan is the original cost of the shares of the transferring employee benefit plan. The resulting difference between the cost recorded and amount paid for the purchased shares, which is included in the determination of the net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of the Plan s investments, was $381 in 1994, $1,474 in 1993, and $631 in 1992. The Plan s investments (including investments purchased, sold and held during the period), appreciated (depreciated) in value as follows: Kroger Stock 401(k) ESOP Total ------------ ------ ---- ----- 1992 $(12,597) $(11,897) $(24,494) 1993 17,472 11,692 29,164 1994 12,776 7,496 20,272 5. TAX STATUS ---------- The Fund constitutes a qualified trust under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code and is therefore exempt from federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(a). Participant contributions and earnings of the Plan are not subject to federal income tax until distribution, at which time they are taxable to the recipient. DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 1994 (In Thousands)
1994 --------------------------------- Number of Shares or Principal Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Amount Cost Value - --------------------------------- ---------- -------- ------- BALANCED FUND State Street Research and Management 401(k) $ 9,613 $ 9,613 $ 9,838 ESOP 176 176 180 INDEX FUND Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund 401(k) 56 5,737 6,389 ESOP 1 136 152 FIXED FUND Contracts with Insurance Companies, Benefit Accessible Securities Investment Contracts, Pacific Investment Management Company, and Providian Capital Management 401(k) $63,519 63,519 63,519 ESOP $ 2,125 2,125 2,125 STOCK FUND The Kroger Co. Common Shares 401(k) 3,273 40,507 78,956 ESOP 2,022 22,573 48,786 -------- -------- $144,386 $209,945 ======== ========