The Kroger Co. (KR) 10-Q 2020 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 7, 2020

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from           to         

Commission file number 1-303

The Kroger Co.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio	31-0345740
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(513) 762-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Unchanged

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common, $1.00 Par Value	KR	New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No  ☒.

There were 761,347,060 shares of Common Stock ($1 par value) outstanding as of December 8, 2020.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

	Third Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Sales	$	29,723	$	27,974	$	101,761	$	93,393
Operating expenses
Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below		22,901		21,798		77,906		72,787
Operating, general and administrative		5,194		5,097		18,162		16,223
Rent		205		201		682		675
Depreciation and amortization		631		624		2,073		1,994
Operating profit		792		254		2,938		1,714
Other income (expense)
Interest expense		(129)		(137)		(438)		(463)
Non-service component of company-sponsored pension plan costs		9		(1)		28		(2)
Gain on investments		162		106		952		166
Gain on sale of businesses		—		—		—		176
Net earnings before income tax expense		834		222		3,480		1,591
Income tax expense		202		79		816		398
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests		632		143		2,664		1,193
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		1		(120)		2		(139)
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$	631	$	263	$	2,662	$	1,332
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	0.81	$	0.32	$	3.39	$	1.65
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation		772		802		777		800
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	0.80	$	0.32	$	3.35	$	1.64
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation		780		807		785		805

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

	Third Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
(In millions)	2020		2019		2020		2019
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$	632	$	143	$	2,664	$	1,193
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, net of income tax(1)		22		7		28		23
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax(2)		7		34		(12)		(29)
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax(3)		1		1		3		3
Cumulative effect of accounting change(4)		—		—		—		(146)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		30		42		19		(149)
Comprehensive income		662		185		2,683		1,044
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		1		(120)		2		(139)
Comprehensive income attributable to The Kroger Co.	$	661	$	305	$	2,681	$	1,183

(1) Amount is net of tax of $2 for the third quarter of 2020 and $3 for the third quarter of 2019. Amount is net of tax of $5 for the first three quarters of 2020 and $8 for the first three quarters of 2019.

(2) Amount is net of tax of $1 for the third quarter of 2020 and $10 for the third quarter of 2019. Amount is net of tax of ($9) for the first three quarters of 2020 and ($16) for the first three quarters of 2019.

(3) Amount is net of tax of $1 for the third quarter of 2019. Amount is net of tax of $1 for the first three quarters of 2020 and $3 for the first three quarters of 2019.

(4) Related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

	November 7,		February 1,
(In millions, except par amounts)	2020		2020
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and temporary cash investments	$	2,180	$	399
Store deposits in-transit		1,102		1,179
Receivables		1,610		1,706
FIFO inventory		8,935		8,464
LIFO reserve		(1,457)		(1,380)
Prepaid and other current assets		576		522
Total current assets		12,946		10,890
Property, plant and equipment, net		21,902		21,871
Operating lease assets		6,843		6,814
Intangibles, net		1,012		1,066
Goodwill		3,076		3,076
Other assets		2,686		1,539
Total Assets	$	48,465	$	45,256
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt including obligations under finance leases	$	1,595	$	1,965
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		669		597
Trade accounts payable		7,355		6,349
Accrued salaries and wages		1,236		1,168
Other current liabilities		4,662		4,164
Total current liabilities		15,517		14,243
Long-term debt including obligations under finance leases		11,925		12,111
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities		6,482		6,505
Deferred income taxes		1,682		1,466
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations		543		608
Other long-term liabilities		2,272		1,750
Total Liabilities		38,421		36,683
Commitments and contingencies see Note 7
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred shares, $100 par per share, 5 shares authorized and unissued		—		—
Common shares, $1 par per share, 2,000 shares authorized; 1,918 shares issued in 2020 and 2019		1,918		1,918
Additional paid-in capital		3,420		3,337
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(621)		(640)
Accumulated earnings		23,234		20,978
Common shares in treasury, at cost, 1,152 shares in 2020 and 1,130 shares in 2019		(17,881)		(16,991)
Total Shareholders’ Equity - The Kroger Co.		10,070		8,602
Noncontrolling interests		(26)		(29)
Total Equity		10,044		8,573
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	48,465	$	45,256

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

	Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,
(In millions)	2020		2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$	2,664	$	1,193
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		2,073		1,994
Operating lease asset amortization		481		494
LIFO charge		77		69
Stock-based employee compensation		147		117
Company-sponsored pension plan costs		(12)		32
Deferred income taxes		219		(46)
Gain on sale of businesses		—		(176)
Gain on the sale of assets		(24)		(150)
Gain on investments		(952)		(166)
Impairment of Lucky's Market		—		238
Other		119		(1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from mergers and disposals of businesses:
Store deposits in-transit		77		148
Receivables		42		93
Inventories		(471)		(636)
Prepaid and other current assets		(56)		66
Trade accounts payable		1,006		808
Accrued expenses		469		299
Income taxes receivable and payable		89		(145)
Operating lease liabilities		(464)		(477)
Proceeds from contract associated with sale of business		—		295
Other		413		(1)
Net cash provided by operating activities		5,897		4,048
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts		(2,062)		(2,363)
Proceeds from sale of assets		99		257
Net proceeds from sale of businesses		—		327
Other		(85)		(45)
Net cash used by investing activities		(2,048)		(1,824)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		537		61
Payments on long-term debt including obligations under finance leases		(41)		(1,540)
Net payments on commercial paper		(1,150)		(235)
Dividends paid		(395)		(356)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock		98		32
Treasury stock purchases		(989)		(34)
Other		(128)		(36)
Net cash used by financing activities		(2,068)		(2,108)
Net increase in cash and temporary cash investments		1,781		116
Cash and temporary cash investments:
Beginning of year		399		429
End of period	$	2,180	$	545
Reconciliation of capital investments:
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts	$	(2,062)	$	(2,363)
Payments for lease buyouts		42		24
Changes in construction-in-progress payables		(44)		96
Total capital investments, excluding lease buyouts	$	(2,064)	$	(2,243)
Disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for interest	$	474	$	407
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$	495	$	633

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

									Accumulated
				Additional					Other
	Common Stock			Paid-In		Treasury Stock			Comprehensive		Accumulated		Noncontrolling
(In millions, except per share amounts)	Shares	Amount		Capital		Shares	Amount		Loss		Earnings		Interest		Total
Balances at February 2, 2019	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,245	1,120	$	(16,612)	$	(346)	$	19,681	$	(51)	$	7,835
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(1)		12		—		—		—		12
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(14)	—		10		—		—		—		(4)
Treasury stock activity:
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	—		(15)		—		—		—		(15)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		48	—		—		—		—		—		48
Other comprehensive loss net of income tax of ($5)	—		—		—	—		—		(146)		—		—		(146)
Cumulative effect of accounting change	—		—		—	—		—		—		146		—		146
Other	—		—		8	—		(8)		—		(5)		11		6
Cash dividends declared ($0.14 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(113)		—		(113)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		772		(9)		763
Balances at May 25, 2019	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,287	1,119	$	(16,613)	$	(492)	$	20,481	$	(49)	$	8,532
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(1)		6		—		—		—		6
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(109)	(2)		79		—		—		—		(30)
Treasury stock activity:
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	—		(8)		—		—		—		(8)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		41	—		—		—		—		—		41
Other comprehensive loss net of income tax of ($14)	—		—		—	—		—		(45)		—		—		(45)
Other	—		—		51	—		(51)		—		—		1		1
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(131)		—		(131)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		297		(10)		287
Balances at August 17, 2019	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,270	1,116	$	(16,587)	$	(537)	$	20,647	$	(58)	$	8,653
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	—		14		—		—		—		14
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(3)	(1)		1		—		—		—		(2)
Treasury stock activity:
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	1		(11)		—		—		—		(11)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		28	—		—		—		—		—		28
Other comprehensive income net of income tax of $14	—		—		—	—		—		42		—		—		42
Other	—		—		1	—		(2)		—		—		(9)		(10)
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(129)		—		(129)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		263		(120)		143
Balances at November 9, 2019	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,296	1,116	$	(16,585)	$	(495)	$	20,781	$	(187)	$	8,728
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(1)		23		—		—		—		23
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(2)	—		2		—		—		—		—
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	—		—		—	14		(400)		—		—		—		(400)
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	1		(31)		—		—		—		(31)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		38	—		—		—		—		—		38
Other comprehensive income net of income tax of ($42)	—		—		—	—		—		(145)		—		—		(145)
Other	—		—		5	—		—		—		—		(2)		3
Deconsolidation of Lucky's Market	—		—		—	—		—		—		—		168		168
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(130)		—		(130)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		327		(8)		319
Balances at February 1, 2020	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,337	1,130	$	(16,991)	$	(640)	$	20,978	$	(29)	$	8,573

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

									Accumulated
				Additional					Other
	Common Stock			Paid-In		Treasury Stock			Comprehensive		Accumulated		Noncontrolling
(In millions, except per share amounts)	Shares	Amount		Capital		Shares	Amount		Loss		Earnings		Interest		Total
Balances at February 1, 2020	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,337	1,130	$	(16,991)	$	(640)	$	20,978	$	(29)	$	8,573
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(4)		57		—		—		—		57
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(20)	—		10		—		—		—		(10)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	—		—		—	12		(355)		—		—		—		(355)
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	2		(67)		—		—		—		(67)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		63	—		—		—		—		—		63
Other comprehensive loss net of income tax of ($8)	—		—		—	—		—		(18)		—		—		(18)
Other	—		—		17	—		(17)		—		—		1		1
Cash dividends declared ($0.16 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(128)		—		(128)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		1,212		—		1,212
Balances at May 23, 2020	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,397	1,140	$	(17,363)	$	(658)	$	22,062	$	(28)	$	9,328
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(1)		30		—		—		—		30
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(109)	(3)		57		—		—		—		(52)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	—		—		—	6		(212)		—		—		—		(212)
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	1		(35)		—		—		—		(35)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		44	—		—		—		—		—		44
Other comprehensive income net of income tax of $2	—		—		—	—		—		7		—		—		7
Other	—		—		47	—		(47)		—		—		—		—
Cash dividends declared ($0.18 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(137)		—		(137)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		819		1		820
Balances at August 15, 2020	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,379	1,143	$	(17,570)	$	(651)	$	22,744	$	(27)	$	9,793
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised	—		—		—	(1)		11		—		—		—		11
Restricted stock issued	—		—		(2)	—		1		—		—		—		(1)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost	—		—		—	9		(304)		—		—		—		(304)
Stock options exchanged	—		—		—	1		(16)		—		—		—		(16)
Share-based employee compensation	—		—		40	—		—		—		—		—		40
Other comprehensive income net of income tax of $3	—		—		—	—		—		30		—		—		30
Other	—		—		3	—		(3)		—		—		—		—
Cash dividends declared ($0.18 per common share)	—		—		—	—		—		—		(141)		—		(141)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	—		—		—	—		—		—		631		1		632
Balances at November 7, 2020	1,918	$	1,918	$	3,420	1,152	$	(17,881)	$	(621)	$	23,234	$	(26)	$	10,044

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All amounts in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements are in millions except per share amounts.

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Kroger Co., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and other consolidated entities. The February 1, 2020 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements and, due to its summary nature, does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. References to the “Company” in these Consolidated Financial Statements mean the consolidated company.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include adjustments, all of which are of a normal, recurring nature that are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations for such periods but should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. The financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted, pursuant to SEC regulations. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020.

The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the third quarters and three quarters ended November 7, 2020 and November 9, 2019, includes the results of operations of the Company for the 12 and 40-week periods then ended.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable;

Level 3 – Unobservable pricing inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The Company records cash and temporary cash investments, store deposits in-transit, receivables, prepaid and other current assets, trade accounts payable, accrued salaries and wages and other current liabilities at approximated fair value. Certain other investments and derivatives are recorded as Level 1, 2 or 3 instruments. The equity investment in Ocado is measured at fair value through net earnings. The fair value of all shares owned, which is measured using Level 1 inputs, was $1,655 and $776 as of November 7, 2020 and February 1, 2020, respectively, and is included in “Other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unrealized gain for this level 1 investment was approximately $879 and $166 for the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in “Gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The unrealized gain for this level 1 investment was approximately $162 and $106 for the third quarter ended 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in “Gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company held other equity investments without a readily determinable fair value. These investments are measured initially at cost and remeasured for observable price changes to fair value through net earnings. The value of these investments, which were measured using Level 3 inputs, was $145 and $41 at November 7, 2020 and February 1, 2020, respectively, and is included in “Other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unrealized gain for these level 3 investments was approximately $73 for the first three quarters of 2020, and is included in “Gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 2 for the disclosure of debt instrument fair values.

8

2. DEBT OBLIGATIONS

Long-term debt consists of:

	November 7,		February 1,
	2020		2020
2.20% to 8.00% Senior Notes due through 2049	$	12,102	$	11,598
1.77% Commercial paper borrowings		—		1,150
Other		527		508
Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases		12,629		13,256
Less current portion		(1,545)		(1,926)
Total long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases	$	11,084	$	11,330

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues adjusted for illiquidity based on available market evidence. If quoted market prices were not available, the fair value was based upon the net present value of the future cash flow using the forward interest rate yield curve in effect at November 7, 2020 and February 1, 2020. At November 7, 2020, the fair value of total debt was $14,942 compared to a carrying value of $12,629. At February 1, 2020, the fair value of total debt was $14,649 compared to a carrying value of $13,256.

On March 18, 2020, the Company proactively borrowed $1,000 under the revolving credit facility. This was a precautionary measure in order to preserve financial flexibility, reduce reliance on the commercial paper market and maintain liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company fully repaid the $1,000 borrowed under the revolving credit facility and the entire $1,150 in outstanding commercial paper obligations, using cash generated by operations.

In anticipation of future debt refinancing, the Company, in the first three quarters of 2020, entered into 3 forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with a maturity date of January 2021 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $150. As of the end of the third quarter of 2020, the Company had a total of $500 notional amount of forward-starting interest rate swaps outstanding. The forward-starting interest rate swaps entered into in the first three quarters of 2020 were designated as cash-flow hedges.

Additionally, in the first quarter of 2020, the Company issued $500 of senior notes due in fiscal year 2030 bearing an interest rate of 2.20%. The net proceeds of the issuance were used for general corporate purposes.

3. BENEFIT PLANS

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019.

	Third Quarter Ended
	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	3	$	6	$	3	$	2
Interest cost		26		32		1		2
Expected return on plan assets		(39)		(43)		—		—
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		—		—		(3)		(3)
Actuarial loss (gain)		8		16		(2)		(3)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(2)	$	11	$	(1)	$	(2)

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The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019.

	Three Quarters Ended
	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	10	$	24	$	6	$	6
Interest cost		86		105		4		6
Expected return on plan assets		(130)		(140)		—		—
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		—		—		(9)		(8)
Actuarial loss (gain)		27		47		(6)		(8)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(7)	$	36	$	(5)	$	(4)

The Company is not required to make any contributions to its company-sponsored pension plans in 2020, but may make contributions to the extent such contributions are beneficial to the Company. The Company did not make any contributions to its company-sponsored pension plans in the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019.

The Company contributed $227 and $209 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts in the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company also contributes to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising from most of its collective bargaining agreements. These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The Company recognizes expense in connection with these plans as contributions are funded. In addition to the recurring multi-employer pension contributions the Company makes in the normal course of business, in the first quarter of 2020, the Company contributed an incremental $236, $180 net of tax, to multi-employer pension plans, helping stabilize future associate benefits.

During the first three quarters of 2019, the Company incurred charges totaling $131, $101 net of tax, due to obligations related to withdrawal liabilities for certain multi-employer pension funds. This included charges in the third quarter of 2019, totaling $45, $35 net of tax, due to obligations related to withdrawal liabilities for certain multi-employer pension funds. The charges were recorded in the OG&A caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Additionally, during the first three quarters of 2019, the Company sold an unused warehouse. The gain on the sale was used to contribute a similar amount into the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.

During the third quarter of 2019, the Company approved and implemented a plan to reorganize certain portions of its division management structure. This reorganization has increased operational effectiveness and reduced overhead costs while maintaining a high quality customer experience. The Company recorded a charge for severance and related benefits of $80, $61 net of tax, in the third quarter of 2019, which is included in the OG&A caption within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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4. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share equal net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. less income allocated to participating securities divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share equal net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. less income allocated to participating securities divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to dilutive stock options. The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. and shares used in calculating net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share to those used in calculating net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share:

	Third Quarter Ended					Third Quarter Ended
	November 7, 2020					November 9, 2019
				Per					Per
	Earnings		Shares	Share		Earnings		Shares	Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	625	772	$	0.81	$	260	802	$	0.32
Dilutive effect of stock options			8					5
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	625	780	$	0.80	$	260	807	$	0.32

	Three Quarters Ended					Three Quarters Ended
	November 7, 2020					November 9, 2019
				Per					Per
	Earnings		Shares	Share		Earnings		Shares	Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount		(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$	2,631	777	$	3.39	$	1,317	800	$	1.65
Dilutive effect of stock options			8					5
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	2,631	785	$	3.35	$	1,317	805	$	1.64

The Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities totaling $6 and $3 in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, the Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities of $31 and $15, respectively.

The Company had options outstanding for approximately 8 million and 18 million shares during the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, that were excluded from the computations of net earnings per diluted common share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on net earnings per share. The Company had options outstanding for approximately 9 million and 24 million shares during the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, that were excluded from the computations of net earnings per diluted common share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on net earnings per share.

5. RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.”  Under the new standard, implementation costs related to a cloud computing arrangement will be deferred or expensed as incurred, in accordance with the existing internal-use software guidance for similar costs.  The new standard also prescribes the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow classification of the capitalized implementation costs and related amortization expense.  The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis in the first quarter of 2020.  The implementation costs the Company capitalized during the first three quarters of 2020 are included in “Other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The corresponding cash flows related to these arrangements are included in “Net cash provided by operating activities” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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6. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to certain contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective upon issuance and can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications by Topic or Industry Subtopic as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company continuously evaluates contingencies based upon the best available evidence.

The Company believes that allowances for loss have been provided to the extent necessary and that its assessment of contingencies is reasonable.  To the extent that resolution of contingencies results in amounts that vary from the Company’s estimates, future earnings will be charged or credited.

Litigation — Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, including suits charging violations of certain antitrust, wage and hour, or civil rights laws, as well as product liability cases, are pending against the Company. Some of these suits purport or have been determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. Any damages that may be awarded in antitrust cases will be automatically trebled. Although it is not possible at this time to evaluate the merits of all of these claims and lawsuits, nor their likelihood of success, the Company is of the belief that any resulting liability will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company continually evaluates its exposure to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation and believes it has made provisions where it is reasonably possible to estimate and where an adverse outcome is probable. Nonetheless, assessing and predicting the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties. Management currently believes that the aggregate range of loss for the Company’s exposure is not material to the Company. It remains possible that despite management’s current belief, material differences in actual outcomes or changes in management’s evaluation or predictions could arise that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table represents the changes in AOCI by component for the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019:

			Pension and
	Cash Flow		Postretirement
	Hedging		Defined Benefit
	Activities(1)		Plans(1)		Total(1)
Balance at February 2, 2019	$	6	$	(352)	$	(346)
Cumulative effect of accounting change(2)		(5)		(141)		(146)
OCI before reclassifications(3)		(29)		—		(29)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI(4)		3		23		26
Net current-period OCI		(31)		(118)		(149)
Balance at November 9, 2019	$	(25)	$	(470)	$	(495)
Balance at February 1, 2020	$	(42)	$	(598)	$	(640)
OCI before reclassifications(3)		(12)		21		9
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI(4)		3		7		10
Net current-period OCI		(9)		28		19
Balance at November 7, 2020	$	(51)	$	(570)	$	(621)

(1) All amounts are net of tax.

(2) Related to the adoption of ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

(3) Net of tax of ($16) for cash flow hedging activities for the first three quarters of 2019. Net of tax of ($9) for cash flow hedging activities for the first three quarters of 2020.

(4) Net of tax of $3 for cash flow hedging activities and $8 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2019. Net of tax of $1 for cash flow hedging activities and $5 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2020.

The following table represents the items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects for the third quarters and first three quarters of 2020 and 2019:

	Third Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cash flow hedging activity items
Amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities(1)	$	1	$	2	$	4	$	6
Tax expense		—		(1)		(1)		(3)
Net of tax		1		1		3		3
Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension cost(2)		3		10		12		31
Tax expense		(2)		(3)		(5)		(8)
Net of tax		1		7		7		23
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$	2	$	8	$	10	$	26

(1) Reclassified from AOCI into interest expense.

(2) Reclassified from AOCI into non-service component of company-sponsored pension plan costs. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 3 for additional details).

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9. INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate was 24.2% in the third quarter of 2020, compared to 35.6% in the third quarter of 2019.  The effective income tax rate was 23.4% for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to 25.0% for the first three quarters of 2019. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2020 differed from the federal statutory rate due to the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the utilization of tax credits and deductions and the benefit from share-based payments. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2019 differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the portion of the impairment of Lucky’s Market attributable to the minority interest, which reduces pre-tax income, but does not impact tax expense. The impact of this item on the effective income tax rate is approximately 12% for the third quarter and 2% for the first three quarters of 2019. The difference from the statutory rate is also impacted by the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the utilization of tax credits and deductions. 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020, includes measures to assist companies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include a provision that allows employers to defer the remittance of the employer portion of the social security tax. The deferred employment tax must be paid over two years, with half of the amount required to be paid by December 31, 2021 and the other half by December 31, 2022. During the first three quarters of 2020, the Company deferred the employer portion of social security tax of $505 which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $505 deferral is included in “Other” within “Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from mergers and disposals of businesses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company’s associates ratified an agreement with certain UFCW local unions to withdraw from the UFCW International Union-Industry Pension Fund (“National Fund”).  Due to the ratification of the agreement, the Company expects to incur in the fourth quarter of 2020 a withdrawal liability charge of $962, on a pre-tax basis, to fulfill obligations for past service for associates and retirees in the National Fund. The Company also expects to make a $27 contribution to a transition reserve in the new variable annuity pension plan. On an after-tax basis, the withdrawal liability and contribution to the transition reserve total approximately $760. This withdrawal liability will be satisfied by payments to the National Fund over the next three years.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related notes, are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We provide non-GAAP measures, including First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) gross margin, FIFO operating profit, adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share because management believes these metrics are useful to investors and analysts. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to gross margin, operating profit, net earnings and net earnings per diluted share or any other GAAP measure of performance. These measures should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.

We calculate FIFO gross margin as FIFO gross profit divided by sales. FIFO gross profit is calculated as sales less merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation expenses, but excluding the Last-In, First-Out (“LIFO”) charge. Merchandise costs exclude depreciation and rent expenses. FIFO gross margin is an important measure used by management as management believes FIFO gross margin is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it measures our day-to-day merchandising and operational effectiveness.

We calculate FIFO operating profit as operating profit excluding the LIFO charge. FIFO operating profit is an important measure used by management as management believes FIFO operating profit is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it measures our day-to-day operational effectiveness. 

The adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share metrics are important measures used by management to compare the performance of core operating results between periods. We believe adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share are useful metrics to investors and analysts because they present more accurate year-over-year comparisons of our net earnings and net earnings per diluted share because adjusted items are not the result of our normal operations. Net earnings for the first three quarters of 2020 include the following, which we define as the “2020 Adjusted Items”:

● Charges to operating, general and administrative expenses (“OG&A”) of $109 million, $80 million net of tax, for the revaluation of Home Chef contingent consideration and $100 million, $73 million net of tax, for transformation costs (the “2020 OG&A Adjusted Items”).

● Gains in other income (expense) of $952 million, $705 million net of tax, for the gain on investments (the “2020 Other Income (Expense) Adjusted Item”).

Net earnings for the third quarter of 2020 include the following, which we define as the “2020 Third Quarter Adjusted Items”:

● Charges to OG&A of $24 million, $17 million net of tax, for the revaluation of Home Chef contingent consideration and $33 million, $24 million net of tax, for transformation costs (the “2020 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items”).

● Gains in other income (expense) of $162 million, $115 million net of tax, for the gain on investments (the “2020 Third Quarter Other Income (Expense) Adjusted Item”).

Net earnings for the first three quarters of 2019 include the following, which we define as the “2019 Adjusted Items”:

● Charges to OG&A of $131 million, $101 million net of tax, for obligations related to withdrawal liabilities for certain multi-employer pension funds; $80 million, $61 million net of tax, for a severance charge and related benefits; $238 million including $131 million attributable to The Kroger Co., $100 million net of tax, for impairment of Lucky’s Market; and a reduction to OG&A of $18 million, $13 million net of tax, for the revaluation of Home Chef contingent consideration (the “2019 OG&A Adjusted Items”).

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● Gains in other income (expense) of $106 million, $80 million net of tax, related to the sale of Turkey Hill Dairy; $70 million, $52 million net of tax, related to the sale of You Technology; and $166 million, $125 million net of tax, for the gain on investments (the “2019 Other Income (Expense) Adjusted Items”).

Net earnings for the third quarter of 2019 include the following, which we define as the “2019 Third Quarter Adjusted Items”:

● Charges to OG&A of $45 million, $35 million net of tax, for obligations related to withdrawal liabilities for a certain multi-employer pension fund; $80 million, $61 million net of tax, for a severance charge and related benefits; $238 million including $131 million attributable to The Kroger Co., $100 million net of tax, for impairment of Lucky’s Market; and $4 million, $3 million net of tax, for the revaluation of Home Chef contingent consideration (the “2019 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items”).

● A gain in other income (expense) of $106 million, $81 million net of tax, for the gain on investments (the “2019 Third Quarter Other Income (Expense) Adjusted Item”).

Please refer to the “Net Earnings per Diluted Share excluding the Adjusted Items” table below for reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the most comparable GAAP financial measure and related disclosure.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking statements about our future performance. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words such as “achieve,” “affect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “committed,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “maintain,” “may,” “strategy,” “trend,” “will,” and “would,” and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include the specific risk factors identified in “Risk Factors” and “Outlook” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as those identified in this Form 10-Q.

Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include:

● The extent to which our sources of liquidity are sufficient to meet our requirements may be affected by the state of the financial markets and the effect that such condition has on our ability to issue commercial paper at acceptable rates. Our ability to borrow under our committed lines of credit, including our bank credit facilities, could be impaired if one or more of our lenders under those lines is unwilling or unable to honor its contractual obligation to lend to us, or in the event that global pandemics, including the novel coronavirus, natural disasters or weather conditions interfere with the ability of our lenders to lend to us. Our ability to refinance maturing debt may be affected by the state of the financial markets.

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● Our ability to achieve sales, earnings and incremental FIFO operating profit goals may be affected by: COVID-19 related factors, risks and challenges, including among others, the length of time that the pandemic continues, the temporary inability of customers to shop due to illness, quarantine, or other travel restrictions or financial hardship, shifts in demand away from discretionary or higher priced products to lower priced products, or stockpiling or similar pantry-filling activities, product shortages due to potential constraints in plants and distribution facilities, increases in the costs to operate our business, reduced workforces which may be caused by, but not limited to, the temporary inability of the workforce to work due to illness, quarantine, or government mandates, temporary store closures due to reduced workforces or government mandates, or the availability and efficacy of a vaccine; labor negotiations or disputes; changes in the types and numbers of businesses that compete with us; pricing and promotional activities of existing and new competitors, including non-traditional competitors, and the aggressiveness of that competition; our response to these actions; the state of the economy, including interest rates, the inflationary and deflationary trends in certain commodities, changes in tariffs, and the unemployment rate; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; changes in government-funded benefit programs and the extent and effectiveness of any COVID-19 stimulus packages; manufacturing commodity costs; diesel fuel costs related to our logistics operations; trends in consumer spending; the extent to which our customers exercise caution in their purchasing in response to economic conditions; the uncertainty of economic growth or recession; changes in inflation or deflation in product and operating costs; stock repurchases; our ability to retain pharmacy sales from third party payors; consolidation in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers; our ability to negotiate modifications to multi-employer pension plans; natural disasters or adverse weather conditions; the effect of public health crises or other significant catastrophic events, including the coronavirus; the potential costs and risks associated with potential or actual cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of our future growth plans; the ability to execute on Restock Kroger; and the successful integration of merged companies and new partnerships.

● Our ability to achieve these goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow.

● Our effective tax rate may differ from the expected rate due to changes in laws, the status of pending items with various taxing authorities, and the deductibility of certain expenses.

Statements elsewhere in this report and below regarding our expectations, projections, beliefs, intentions or strategies are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. While we believe that the statements are accurate, uncertainties about the general economy, our labor relations, our ability to execute our plans on a timely basis and other uncertainties described in this report and other reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results to differ materially.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – OUR PATH TO DELIVERING CONSISTENT AND ATTRACTIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

We delivered strong results in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020. Customers are at the center of everything we do and sales remain elevated as a result of higher food at home consumption because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we continue to enhance our competitive moats – Fresh, Our Brands, Data & Personalization and Seamless. We are executing against our strategy through the pandemic and continue to grow market share. Our results continue to show that Kroger is a trusted brand and our customers choose to shop with us because they value the product quality and freshness, convenience, and digital offerings that we provide, even more during these unprecedented times. The underlying momentum in our core supermarket business and acceleration in the growth of our alternative profit business demonstrates we are successfully transforming our business model to deliver consistently strong and attractive total shareholder return in 2020 and beyond. As a result of our continued strong performance, market share growth and the expectation of sustained trends in food at home consumption for the remainder of our fiscal year, we raised our full year 2020 guidance. We believe our 2021 business results will be stronger than we would have expected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic when viewed as a two-year stacked result for identical sales without fuel growth and as a compounded growth rate over 2020 and 2021 for adjusted net earnings per diluted share growth.

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Our financial model is driven by our retail supermarket, fuel, and health and wellness businesses, in addition to our growing alternative profit businesses. Our financial strategy is to continue to use the strong free cash flow generated by the business and deploy it in the business in a disciplined way to drive long-term sustainable growth through the identification of high-return projects that support our strategy. We will allocate capital toward driving profitable sales growth in stores and digital, improve productivity, and build a seamless digital ecosystem and supply chain. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining our net debt to adjusted EBITDA range of 2.30 to 2.50 in order to keep our current investment-grade debt rating. We also expect to continue to grow our dividend over time, reflecting the confidence we have in our free cash flow, and expect to continue to return excess cash to investors via share repurchases. Our financial model has proven to be resilient throughout the economic cycle. We expect our model to deliver improved operating results over time and continued strong free cash flow, which will translate into a consistently strong and attractive total shareholder return over the long-term of 8% to 11%.

The following table provides highlights of our financial performance:

Financial Performance Data

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

	Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,			Percentage		November 9,			November 7,			Percentage		November 9,
	2020			Change		2019			2020			Change		2019
Sales	$	29,723		6.3	%	$	27,974		$	101,761		9.0	%	$	93,393
Sales without fuel		27,414		10.8	%		24,732			94,479		14.7	%		82,350
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.		631		139.9	%		263			2,662		99.8	%		1,332
Adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.		557		46.2	%		381			2,110		59.4	%		1,324
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share		0.80		150.0	%		0.32			3.35		104.3	%		1.64
Adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share		0.71		51.1	%		0.47			2.66		64.2	%		1.62
Operating profit		792		211.8	%		254			2,938		71.4	%		1,714
Adjusted FIFO operating profit		871		33.4	%		653			3,218		43.9	%		2,237
Dividends paid		141		8.5	%		130			395		11.0	%		356
Dividends paid per common share		0.18		12.5	%		0.16			0.50		13.6	%		0.44
Identical sales excluding fuel		10.9	%	N/A			2.5	%		15.3	%	N/A			2.0	%
FIFO gross margin rate, excluding fuel, bps increase (decrease)		(0.02)		N/A			(0.24)			0.20		N/A			(0.32)
OG&A rate, excluding fuel and Adjusted Items, bps decrease		(0.30)		N/A			(0.15)			(0.06)		N/A			(0.14)
Reduction in total debt, including obligations under finance leases compared to prior fiscal year end		556		N/A			1,585			556		N/A			1,585
Share repurchases		321		N/A			11			989		N/A			34

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OVERVIEW

Notable items for the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020 are:

Shareholder Return

● Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share of $0.80 for the third quarter and $3.35 for the first three quarters.

● Adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share of $0.71 for the third quarter and $2.66 for the first three quarters.

● Achieved operating profit of $792 million for the third quarter and $2.9 billion for the first three quarters.

● Achieved adjusted FIFO operating profit of $871 million for the third quarter and $3.2 billion for the first three quarters.

● During the first three quarters of 2020, we generated cash from operations of $5.9 billion.

● During the first three quarters of 2020, we increased cash and temporary cash investments by $1.8 billion, reflecting improved operating performance, significant improvements in working capital and deferred tax payments as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) which was enacted in the first quarter of 2020.

● During the first three quarters of 2020, we returned $1.4 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments.

● During the first three quarters of 2020, we decreased total debt, including obligations under finance leases, by $556 million.

Other Financial Results

● Identical sales, excluding fuel, increased 10.9% for the third quarter and 15.3% for the first three quarters of 2020.

● Digital revenue grew 108% in the third quarter and 115% in the first three quarters of 2020. Digital revenue primarily includes Pickup, Delivery, Ship and pharmacy e-commerce sales.

● Alternative profit streams grew in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020 fueled by our digital media business – Kroger Precision Marketing (“KPM”). KPM revenue increased 192% in the third quarter and 135% in the first three quarters of 2020.

Significant Events

● During the first three quarters of 2020, we invested nearly $1.3 billion to support and safeguard associates, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments primarily relate to items within OG&A such as associate appreciation awards, expanded sick and emergency leave pay and investments in associate and customer safety during the pandemic (collectively, the “COVID-19 Investments”).

● During the first quarter of 2020, in addition to the recurring multi-employer pension contributions we make in the normal course of business, we contributed an incremental $236 million, $180 million net of tax, to multi-employer pension plans, helping stabilize future associate benefits (the “2020 Multi-Employer Pension Contribution”).

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The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. to adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. and a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share to adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share, excluding the 2020 and 2019 Adjusted Items.

Net Earnings per Diluted Share excluding the Adjusted Items

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

	Third Quarter Ended						Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		Percentage		November 7,		November 9,		Percentage
	2020		2019		Change		2020		2019		Change
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$	631	$	263			$	2,662	$	1,332
(Income) expense adjustments
Adjustment for pension plan withdrawal liabilities(1)(2)		—		35				—		101
Adjustment for gain on sale of Turkey Hill Dairy(1)(3)		—		—				—		(80)
Adjustment for gain on sale of You Technology(1)(4)		—		—				—		(52)
Adjustment for gain on investments(1)(5)		(115)		(81)				(705)		(125)
Adjustment for severance charge and related benefits(1)(6)		—		61				—		61
Adjustment for impairment of Lucky's Market attributable to The Kroger Co.(1)(7)		—		100				—		100
Adjustment for Home Chef contingent consideration(1)(8)		17		3				80		(13)
Adjustment for transformation costs(1)(9)		24		—				73		—
2020 and 2019 Adjusted Items		(74)		118				(552)		(8)
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. excluding the Adjusted Items	$	557	$	381	46.2	%	$	2,110	$	1,324	59.4	%
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	0.80	$	0.32			$	3.35	$	1.64
(Income) expense adjustments
Adjustment for pension plan withdrawal liabilities(10)		—		0.04				—		0.12
Adjustment for gain on sale of Turkey Hill Dairy(10)		—		—				—		(0.10)
Adjustment for gain on sale of You Technology(10)		—		—				—		(0.06)
Adjustment for gain on investments(10)		(0.15)		(0.10)				(0.90)		(0.16)
Adjustment for severance charge and related benefits(10)		—		0.08				—		0.08
Adjustment for impairment of Lucky's Market attributable to The Kroger Co.(10)		—		0.12				—		0.12
Adjustment for Home Chef contingent consideration(10)		0.02		0.01				0.10		(0.02)
Adjustment for transformation costs(10)		0.04		—				0.11		—
2020 and 2019 Adjusted Items		(0.09)		0.15				(0.69)		(0.02)
Adjusted net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$	0.71	$	0.47	51.1	%	$	2.66	$	1.62	64.2	%
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation		780		807				785		805

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(1) The amounts presented represent the after-tax effect of each adjustment, which was calculated using discrete tax rates.

(2) The pre-tax adjustment for pension plan withdrawal liabilities was $45 in the third quarter of 2019 and $131 in the first three quarters of 2019.

(3) The pre-tax adjustment for gain on sale of Turkey Hill Dairy was ($106).

(4) The pre-tax adjustment for gain on sale of You Technology was ($70).

(5) The pre-tax adjustment for gain on investments was ($162) and ($106) in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. The pre-tax adjustment was ($952) and ($166) in the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(6) The pre-tax adjustment for severance charge and related benefits was $80.

(7) The pre-tax adjustment for impairment of Lucky’s Market was $238 including $131 attributable to The Kroger Co.

(8) The pre-tax adjustment for Home Chef contingent consideration was $24 and $4 in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. The pre-tax adjustment was $109 and ($18) in the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(9) The pre-tax adjustment for transformation costs was $33 in the third quarter of 2020 and $100 in the first three quarters of 2020. Transformation costs primarily include costs related to store and business closure costs and third party professional consulting fees associated with business transformation and cost saving initiatives.

(10) The amount presented represents the net earnings per diluted common share effect of each adjustment.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Sales

Total Sales

($ in millions)

	Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		Percentage		November 9,		Percentage		November 7,		Percentage		November 9,		Percentage
	2020		Change(1)		2019		Change(2)		2020		Change(3)		2019		Change(4)
Total sales to retail customers without fuel (5)	$	27,179	10.6	%	$	24,575	2.6	%	$	93,830	14.8	%	$	81,766	2.3	%
Supermarket fuel sales		2,309	(28.8)	%		3,242	(11.3)	%		7,282	(34.1)	%		11,043	(8.0)	%
Other sales(6)		235	49.7	%		157	(27.3)	%		649	11.1	%		584	(14.7)	%
Total sales	$	29,723	6.3	%	$	27,974	0.5	%	$	101,761	9.0	%	$	93,393	(0.2)	%

(1) This column represents the percentage change in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019.

(2) This column represents the percentage change in the third quarter of 2019, compared to the third quarter of 2018.

(3) This column represents the percentage change in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019.

(4) This column represents the percentage change in the first three quarters of 2019, compared to the first three quarters of 2018.

(5) Digital sales, primarily including Pickup, Delivery, Ship and pharmacy e-commerce sales, grew approximately 108% and 21% in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Digital sales grew approximately 115% and 31% in the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively. These sales are included in the “total sales to retail customers without fuel” line above.

(6) Other sales primarily relate to external sales at food production plants, data analytic services and third party media revenue.

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Total sales were $29.7 billion in the third quarter of 2020, compared to $28.0 billion in the third quarter of 2019. This increase was due to an increase in total sales to retail customers without fuel, partially offset by a reduction in supermarket fuel sales. Total sales to retail customers without fuel increased 10.6% in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019. This increase was primarily due to our identical sales increase, excluding fuel, of 10.9%, partially offset by decreased sales due to the deconsolidation of Lucky’s Market in the fourth quarter of 2019. Total sales excluding fuel and the disposition increased 11.3% in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019. The significant increase in identical sales, excluding fuel, was caused by unprecedented demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growth in market share. Market share growth contributed to our identical sales increase, excluding fuel, as our sales outpaced the general growth in the food retail industry during the third quarter of 2020. The increase in identical sales, excluding fuel, was broad based across all retail divisions and all product categories. Meat and produce departments led the way, continuing to underscore the importance of Fresh and how we differentiate in quality and assortment for our customers. During the pandemic, customers reduced trips while significantly increasing basket value.

Total supermarket fuel sales decreased 28.8% in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019, primarily due to a decrease in fuel gallons sold of 13.3% and a decrease in the average retail fuel price of 17.8%. The decrease in fuel gallons sold was slightly better than the national trend, which decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in the average retail fuel price was caused by a decrease in the product cost of fuel.

Total sales were $101.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to $93.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2019. This increase was due to an increase in total sales to retail customers without fuel, partially offset by a reduction in supermarket fuel sales and decreased sales due to the disposal of Turkey Hill Dairy and You Technology in the first quarter of 2019. Total sales to retail customers without fuel increased 14.8% in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019. This increase was primarily due to our identical sales increase, excluding fuel, of 15.3%, partially offset by decreased sales due to the deconsolidation of Lucky’s Market in the fourth quarter of 2019. The significant increase in identical sales, excluding fuel, was caused by unprecedented demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growth in market share. Market share growth contributed to our identical sales increase, excluding fuel, as our sales outpaced the general growth in the food retail industry during the first three quarters of 2020. The increase in identical sales, excluding fuel, was broad based across all retail divisions and remained heightened throughout the first three quarters of 2020. During the pandemic, customers reduced trips while significantly increasing basket value.

Total supermarket fuel sales decreased 34.1% in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, primarily due to a decrease in fuel gallons sold of 18.4% and a decrease in the average retail fuel price of 19.2%. The decrease in fuel gallons sold was reflective of the national trend, which decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in the average retail fuel price was caused by a decrease in the product cost of fuel.

We calculate identical sales, excluding fuel, as sales to retail customers, including sales from all departments at identical supermarket locations, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy businesses and ship-to-home solutions. We define a supermarket as identical when it has been in operation without expansion or relocation for five full quarters. Although identical sales is a relatively standard term, numerous methods exist for calculating identical sales growth. As a result, the method used by our management to calculate identical sales may differ from methods other companies use to calculate identical sales. We urge you to understand the methods used by other companies to calculate identical sales before comparing our identical sales to those of other such companies. Our identical sales, excluding fuel, results are summarized in the following table. We used the identical sales, excluding fuel, dollar figures presented below to calculate percentage changes for the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020.

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Identical Sales

($ in millions)

	Third Quarter Ended
	November 7,		Percentage		November 9,		Percentage
	2020		Change(1)		2019		Change(2)
Excluding fuel centers	$	26,860	10.9	%	$	24,212	2.5	%

(1) This column represents the percentage change in identical sales in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019.

(2) This column represents the percentage change in identical sales in the third quarter of 2019, compared to the third quarter of 2018.

	Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		Percentage		November 9,		Percentage
	2020		Change(1)		2019		Change(2)
Excluding fuel centers	$	92,759	15.3	%	$	80,485	2.0	%

(1) This column represents the percentage change in identical sales in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019.

(2) This column represents the percentage change in identical sales in the first three quarters of 2019, compared to the first three quarters of 2018.

Gross Margin, LIFO and FIFO Gross Margin

We define gross margin as sales minus merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation. Rent expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and interest expense are not included in gross margin.

Our gross margin rate, as a percentage of sales, was 22.95% for the third quarter of 2020, compared to 22.08% for the third quarter of 2019. The increase in rate in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019, resulted primarily from decreased fuel sales, which have a lower gross margin rate, an increase in our fuel gross margin, growth in our alternative profit stream portfolio, effective negotiations to achieve savings on the cost of products sold and decreased shrink and transportation costs, as a percentage of sales, reflecting the significant increase in sales volumes, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and a change in our product sales mix, including lower relative sales in higher gross margin categories such as deli/bakery.

Our gross margin rate, as a percentage of sales, was 23.44% for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to 22.06% for the first three quarters of 2019. The increase in rate in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, resulted primarily from decreased fuel sales, which have a lower gross margin rate, an increase in our fuel gross margin, growth in our alternative profit stream portfolio, effective negotiations to achieve savings on the cost of products sold and decreased shrink, transportation and advertising costs, as a percentage of sales, reflecting the significant increase in sales volumes, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and a change in our product sales mix, including lower relative sales in higher gross margin categories such as deli/bakery.

Our LIFO charge was $23 million for both the third quarters of 2020 and 2019. Our LIFO charge was $77 million for the first three quarters of 2020 compared to $69 million for the first three quarters of 2019. Our LIFO charge reflects an increase in our expected annualized product cost inflation for 2020, primarily driven by grocery, meat and pharmacy.

Our FIFO gross margin rate, which excludes the third quarter LIFO charge, was 23.03% for the third quarter of 2020, compared to 22.16% for the third quarter of 2019. Our fuel sales lower our FIFO gross margin rate due to the very low FIFO gross margin rate, as a percentage of sales, of fuel sales compared to non-fuel sales. Excluding the effect of fuel, our FIFO gross margin rate decreased 2 basis points in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from continued investments in lower prices for our customers and a change in our product sales mix, including lower relative sales in higher gross margin categories such as deli/bakery, partially offset by growth in our alternative profit stream portfolio, effective negotiations to achieve savings on the cost of products sold and decreased shrink and transportation costs, as a percentage of sales, reflecting the significant increase in sales volumes.

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Our FIFO gross margin rate, which excludes the first three quarters LIFO charge, was 23.52% for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to 22.14% for the first three quarters of 2019. Excluding the effect of fuel, our FIFO gross margin rate increased 20 basis points in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019. This increase resulted primarily from growth in our alternative profit stream portfolio, effective negotiations to achieve savings on the cost of products sold and decreased shrink, transportation and advertising costs, as a percentage of sales, reflecting the significant increase in sales volumes, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and a change in our product sales mix, including lower relative sales in higher gross margin categories such as deli/bakery.

Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

OG&A expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs such as wages, healthcare benefit costs, retirement plan costs, utilities, and credit card fees. Rent expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and interest expense are not included in OG&A.

OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 17.48% for the third quarter of 2020, compared to 18.23% for the third quarter of 2019. The decrease in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019 resulted primarily from the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, the 2019 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items and broad based improvement of Restock Kroger cost savings initiatives that drive administrative efficiencies, store productivity and sourcing cost reductions, partially offset by the 2020 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items, the COVID-19 Investments, growth in our digital channel as a result of heightened demand during the pandemic, increased incentive plan costs and the effect of decreased fuel sales, which increases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales.

Our fuel sales lower our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, due to the very low OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, of fuel sales compared to non-fuel sales. Excluding the effect of fuel, the 2020 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items and the 2019 Third Quarter OG&A Adjusted Items, our OG&A rate decreased 30 basis points in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, and broad based improvement of Restock Kroger cost savings initiatives that drive administrative efficiencies, store productivity and sourcing cost reductions, partially offset by the COVID-19 Investments, growth in our digital channel as a result of heightened demand during the pandemic and increased incentive plan costs.

OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 17.85% for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to 17.37% for the first three quarters of 2019. The increase in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019 resulted primarily from the 2020 Multi-Employer Pension Contribution, the 2020 OG&A Adjusted Items, the COVID-19 Investments, growth in our digital channel as a result of heightened demand during the pandemic, increased incentive plan costs and the effect of decreased fuel sales, which increases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, the 2019 OG&A Adjusted Items and broad based improvement of Restock Kroger cost savings initiatives that drive administrative efficiencies, store productivity and sourcing cost reductions.

Excluding the effect of fuel, the 2020 OG&A Adjusted Items and the 2019 OG&A Adjusted Items, our OG&A rate decreased 6 basis points in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales and broad based improvement of Restock Kroger cost savings initiatives that drive administrative efficiencies, store productivity and sourcing cost reductions, partially offset by the 2020 Multi-Employer Pension Contribution, the COVID-19 Investments, growth in our digital channel as a result of heightened demand during the pandemic and increased incentive plan costs. Excluding the effect of fuel, the 2020 OG&A Adjusted Items, the 2019 OG&A Adjusted Items and the 2020 Multi-Employer Pension Contribution, our OG&A rate improved 31 basis points.

Rent Expense

Rent expense decreased, as a percentage of sales, in both the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our rent expense, as a percentage of sales.

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased, as a percentage of sales, in both the third quarter and first three quarters of 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the effect of increased sales due to the pandemic which decreases our depreciation expense, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by decreased fuel sales, which increases our depreciation expense, as a percentage of sales, additional depreciation on capital investments, excluding mergers and lease buyouts during the rolling four quarter period ending with the third quarter of 2020 of $2.9 billion and a decrease in the average useful life on these capital investments. Our strategy under Restock Kroger includes initiatives to enhance the customer experience in stores, improve our process efficiency and integrate our digital shopping experience through technology developments. As such, the percentage of capital investments related to digital and technology has grown compared to the prior year, which has caused a decrease in the average depreciable life of our capital portfolio.

Operating Profit and FIFO Operating Profit

Operating profit was $792 million, or 2.67% of sales, for the third quarter of 2020, compared to $254 million, or 0.91% of sales, for the third quarter of 2019. Operating profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 176 basis points in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019, due to improved sales to retail customers without fuel, a higher gross margin rate, decreased OG&A, rent and depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of sales, and increased fuel earnings.

Operating profit was $2.9 billion, or 2.89% of sales, for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to $1.7 billion, or 1.83% of sales, for the first three quarters of 2019. Operating profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 106 basis points in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, due to improved sales to retail customers without fuel, a higher gross margin rate, decreased rent and depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of sales, and increased fuel earnings, partially offset by increased OG&A expense, as a percentage of sales.

FIFO operating profit was $815 million, or 2.74% of sales, for the third quarter of 2020, compared to $277 million, or 0.99% of sales, for the third quarter of 2019. FIFO operating profit, excluding the 2020 and 2019 Third Quarter Adjusted Items, increased 64 basis points in the third quarter of 2020, compared to the third quarter of 2019, due to improved sales to retail customers without fuel, a higher gross margin rate, decreased rent and depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of sales, and increased fuel earnings, partially offset by increased OG&A expense, as a percentage of sales.

FIFO operating profit was $3.0 billion, or 2.96% of sales, for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to $1.8 billion, or 1.91% of sales, for the first three quarters of 2019. FIFO operating profit, excluding the 2020 and 2019 Adjusted Items, increased 80 basis points in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, due to improved sales to retail customers without fuel, a higher gross margin rate, decreased rent and depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of sales, and increased fuel earnings, partially offset by increased OG&A expense, as a percentage of sales.

Specific factors contributing to the operating trends for operating profit and FIFO operating profit above are discussed earlier in this section.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of operating profit to FIFO operating profit, and to Adjusted FIFO operating profit, excluding the 2020 and 2019 Adjusted Items.

Operating Profit excluding the Adjusted Items

($ in millions)

	Third Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Operating profit	$	792	$	254	$	2,938	$	1,714
LIFO charge		23		23		77		69
FIFO Operating profit		815		277		3,015		1,783
Adjustment for pension plan withdrawal liabilities		—		45		—		131
Adjustment for Home Chef contingent consideration		24		4		109		(18)
Adjustment for severance charge and related benefits		—		80		—		80
Adjustment for transformation costs		33		—		100		—
Adjustment for impairment of Lucky's Market(1)		—		238		—		238
Other		(1)		9		(6)		23
2020 and 2019 Adjusted items		56		376		203		454
Adjusted FIFO operating profit excluding the adjusted items above	$	871	$	653	$	3,218	$	2,237

(1) The adjustment for impairment of Lucky’s Market includes a $107 net loss attributable to the minority interest of Lucky’s Market.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 24.2% in the third quarter of 2020, compared to 35.6% in the third quarter of 2019. The effective income tax rate was 23.4% for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to 25.0% for the first three quarters of 2019. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2020 differed from the federal statutory rate due to the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the utilization of tax credits and deductions and the benefit from share-based payments. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2019 differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the portion of the impairment of Lucky’s Market attributable to the minority interest, which reduces pre-tax income, but does not impact tax expense. The impact of this item on the effective income tax rate is approximately 12% for the third quarter and 2% for the first three quarters of 2019. The difference from the statutory rate is also impacted by the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the utilization of tax credits and deductions.

Net Earnings and Net Earnings Per Diluted Share

Our net earnings are based on the factors discussed in the Results of Operations section.

Net earnings were $0.80 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2020 compared to net earnings of $0.32 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2019.  Adjusted net earnings of $0.71 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2020 represented an increase of 51.1% compared to adjusted net earnings of $0.47 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2019. The increase in adjusted net earnings per diluted share resulted primarily from increased FIFO operating profit without fuel, increased fuel earnings and lower weighted average common shares outstanding due to common share repurchases, partially offset by a higher income tax expense.

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Net earnings were $3.35 per diluted share for the first three quarters of 2020 compared to net earnings of $1.64 per diluted share for the first three quarters of 2019.  Adjusted net earnings of $2.66 per diluted share for the first three quarters of 2020 represented an increase of 64.2% compared to adjusted net earnings of $1.62 per diluted share for the first three quarters of 2019. The increase in adjusted net earnings per diluted share resulted primarily from increased FIFO operating profit without fuel, increased fuel earnings and lower weighted average common shares outstanding due to common share repurchases, partially offset by a higher income tax expense.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flow Information

Net cash provided by operating activities

We generated $5.9 billion of cash from operations in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to $4.0 billion in the first three quarters of 2019. Net earnings including noncontrolling interests, adjusted for non-cash items and other impacts, generated approximately $5.2 billion of operating cash flow in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to $3.6 billion in the first three quarters of 2019. Cash provided by operating activities for changes in working capital was $692 million in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to $451 million in the first three quarters of 2019. The increase in cash provided by operating activities for changes in working capital in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, was primarily due to the following:

● Increased trade accounts payable at the end of the third quarter of 2020, primarily related to inventory purchases to meet elevated demand during the pandemic and improved vendor terms;

● An increase in accrued salaries and wages at the end of the third quarter of 2020, primarily related to an increase in employee headcount in response to the pandemic; and

● Cash flows from income taxes were favorable in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the first three quarters of 2019, primarily due to favorable changes in the timing of certain deductions including changes enacted under the CARES Act;

● Partially offset by proceeds from a contract associated with the sale of a business that benefited the first three quarters of 2019.

Cash paid for interest increased in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, primarily due to the timing of certain semi-annual senior notes interest payments that were paid during the first quarter of 2020 which were accrued as of the end of fiscal year 2019.

Net cash used by investing activities

Investing activities used cash of $2.0 billion in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to $1.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2019. The amount of cash used by investing activities increased in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the first three quarters of 2019, primarily due to the following:

● Decreased proceeds from the sale of assets in the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the first three quarters of 2019; and

● Proceeds from the sale of businesses that benefited the first three quarters of 2019, partially offset by

● Payments for property and equipment continued at a slower pace in the first three quarters of 2020 due to disruptions from the pandemic.

Net cash used by financing activities

We used $2.1 billion of cash for financing activities in both the first three quarters of 2020 and 2019. The amount of cash used for financing activities for the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the first three quarters of 2019, remained consistent due to increased proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and decreased payments on long-term debt being offset by increased payments on commercial paper and share repurchases.

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Debt Management

As of November 7, 2020, we maintained a $2.75 billion (with the ability to increase by $1 billion), unsecured revolving credit facility that, unless extended, terminates on August 29, 2022. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, commercial paper borrowings, and some outstanding letters of credit reduce funds available under the credit facility. As of November 7, 2020, we had no outstanding commercial paper and no borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The outstanding letters of credit that reduce funds available under our credit facility totaled $1 million as of November 7, 2020.

Our bank credit facility and the indentures underlying our publicly issued debt contain various financial covenants. As of November 7, 2020, we were in compliance with the financial covenants. Furthermore, management believes it is not reasonably likely that we will fail to comply with these financial covenants in the foreseeable future.

Total debt, including both the current and long-term portions of obligations under finance leases, decreased $556 million as of November 7, 2020 compared to our fiscal year end 2019 debt of $14.1 billion. This decrease resulted primarily from net payments on commercial paper borrowings of $1.2 billion partially offset by the issuance of $500 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.20% and a net increase in obligations under finance leases of $72 million.

Common Share Repurchase Program

During the third quarter of 2020, we invested $321 million to repurchase 9.6 million Kroger common shares at an average price of $33.53 per share. For the first three quarters of 2020, we invested $989 million to repurchase 31.1 million Kroger common shares at an average price of $31.77 per share. The shares repurchased in the first three quarters of 2020 were reacquired under the following share repurchase programs:

● On November 5, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a $1.0 billion share repurchase program to reacquire shares via open market purchase or privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “November 2019 Repurchase Program”);

● On September 11, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a $1.0 billion share repurchase program to reacquire shares via open market purchase or privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “September 2020 Repurchase Program”); and

● A program that uses the cash proceeds from the exercises of stock options by participants in Kroger’s stock option, long-term incentive plans and the associated tax benefits.

The September 2020 Repurchase Program authorization replaced the existing November 2019 Repurchase Program. As of November 7, 2020, there was $725 million remaining under the September 2020 Repurchase Program.

Dividends

The following table provides dividend information ($ in millions, except per share amounts):

	Third Quarter Ended				Three Quarters Ended
	November 7,		November 9,		November 7,		November 9,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Cash dividends paid	$	141	$	130	$	395	$	356
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.18	$	0.16	$	0.50	$	0.44

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Liquidity Needs

Based on current operating trends, we believe that cash flows from operating activities and other sources of liquidity, including borrowings under our commercial paper program and bank credit facility, will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future beyond the next twelve months. Our liquidity needs include anticipated requirements for working capital, capital investments, pension plan withdrawal liabilities, interest payments and scheduled principal payments of debt and commercial paper, offset by cash and temporary cash investments on hand at the end of the third quarter of 2020. We generally operate with a working capital deficit due to our efficient use of cash in funding operations and because we have consistent access to the capital markets. We have approximately $1.5 billion of senior notes maturing in the next twelve months and expect to pay approximately $220 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $280 million in the first half of 2021 to satisfy a portion of the UFCW National Fund withdrawal liability. We expect to satisfy these obligations using cash generated from operations, temporary cash investments on hand, or through the issuance of additional senior notes or commercial paper. We believe we have adequate coverage of our debt covenants to continue to maintain our current investment grade debt ratings and to respond effectively to competitive conditions.

We held cash and temporary cash investments of $2.2 billion as of the end of the third quarter of 2020 which reflects our elevated operating performance and significant improvements in working capital. This improvement in working capital includes the impact of a temporary increase in warehousing and build-up of inventory during the third quarter of 2020, which we implemented to minimize supply disruptions as a result of higher forecasted COVID-19 cases over the winter months. We expect working capital to improve for the 2020 fiscal year. We remain committed to our dividend and share repurchase program and we will evaluate the optimal use of any excess free cash flow, consistent with our previously stated capital allocation strategy.

The CARES Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, includes measures to assist companies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include deferring the due dates of tax payments and other changes to income and non-income-based tax laws. As permitted under the CARES Act, we are deferring the remittance of the employer portion of the social security tax. The social security tax provision requires that the deferred employment tax be paid over two years, with half of the amount required to be paid by December 31, 2021 and the other half by December 31, 2022. During the first three quarters of 2020, we deferred the employer portion of social security tax of $505 million which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect to defer a total of approximately $600 to $650 million of payments related to the employer’s portion of social security tax in 2020.

For additional information about our debt activity in the first three quarters of 2020, including the drawdown and repayments under our revolving credit facility, forward-starting interest rate swap agreements and our senior notes issuance, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS

Capital investments, excluding mergers, acquisitions and the purchase of leased facilities, totaled $624 million for the third quarter of 2020 compared to $691 million for the third quarter of 2019. Capital investments, excluding mergers, acquisitions and the purchase of leased facilities, totaled $2.1 billion in the first three quarters of 2020 and $2.2 billion in the first three quarters of 2019. During the rolling four quarter period ended with the third quarter of 2020, we opened, expanded, relocated or acquired 21 supermarkets and also completed 97 major within-the-wall remodels. Total supermarket square footage at the end of the third quarter of 2020 increased 0.1% from the end of the third quarter of 2019. Excluding mergers, acquisitions and operational closings, total supermarket square footage at the end of the third quarter of 2020 increased 0.6% over the end of the third quarter of 2019.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We have chosen accounting policies that we believe are appropriate to report accurately and fairly our operating results and financial position, and we apply those accounting policies in a consistent manner. Our critical accounting policies are summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020.

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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could vary from those estimates.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Refer to Note 5 and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted as of November 7, 2020.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, together with a disclosure review committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer, evaluated Kroger’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the quarter ended November 7, 2020, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, Kroger’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Kroger’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act) were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with the evaluation described above, there was no change in Kroger’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended November 7, 2020, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Kroger’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Incorporated by reference herein is information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved as set forth under “Litigation” contained in Note 7 – “Commitments and Contingencies” in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c)

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

					Approximate
					Dollar Value of
					Shares that May
				Total Number of	Yet Be
				Shares Purchased	Purchased
	Total Number	Average		as Part of Publicly	Under the Plans
	of Shares	Price Paid Per		Announced Plans	or Programs(4)
Period(1)	Purchased(2)	Share(2)		or Programs(3)	(in millions)
First four weeks
August 16, 2020 to September 12, 2020	610,658	$	35.07	610,658	$	18	(5)​
Second four weeks
September 13, 2020 to October 10, 2020	4,566,462	$	33.59	4,538,035	$	869	(6)​
Third four weeks
October 11, 2020 to November 7, 2020	4,418,083	$	33.25	4,418,083	$	725
Total	9,595,203	$	33.53	9,566,776	$	725

(1) The reported periods conform to our fiscal calendar composed of thirteen 28-day periods. The third quarter of 2020 contained three 28-day periods.

(2) Includes (i) shares repurchased under the November 2019 Repurchase Program and the September 2020 Repurchase Program described below in (4), (ii) shares repurchased under a program announced on December 6, 1999 to repurchase common shares to reduce dilution resulting from our employee stock option and long-term incentive plans, under which repurchases are limited to proceeds received from exercises of stock options and the tax benefits associated therewith (“1999 Repurchase Program”) and (iii) 28,427 shares that were surrendered to the Company by participants under our long term incentive plans to pay for taxes on restricted stock awards.

(3) Represents shares repurchased under the November 2019 Repurchase Program, the September 2020 Repurchase Program and the 1999 Repurchase Program.

(4) On November 5, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a $1.0 billion share repurchase program to reacquire shares via open market purchase or privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “November 2019 Repurchase Program”). On September 11, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a $1.0 billion share repurchase program to reacquire shares via open market purchase or privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “September 2020 Repurchase Program”). The September 2020 Repurchase Program authorization replaced the existing November 2019 Repurchase Program. The amounts shown in this column reflect the amount remaining under the November 2019 Repurchase Program or the September 2020 Repurchase Program as of the specified period end dates. Amounts available under the 1999 Repurchase Program are dependent upon option exercise activity. The September 2020 Repurchase Program and the 1999 Repurchase Program do not have an expiration date but may be suspended or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time.

(5) This amount does not include the September 2020 Repurchase Program.

(6) This amount includes the September 2020 Repurchase Program.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

EXHIBIT 3.1	-	Amended Articles of Incorporation are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 22, 2010, as amended by the Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.
EXHIBIT 3.2	-	The Company’s regulations are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 27, 2019.
EXHIBIT 4.1	-	Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as Exhibits because the amount of debt under each instrument is less than 10% of the consolidated assets of the Company. The Company undertakes to file these instruments with the SEC upon request.
EXHIBIT 31.1	-	Rule 13a—14(a) / 15d—14(a) Certifications — Chief Executive Officer.
EXHIBIT 31.2	-	Rule 13a—14(a) / 15d—14(a) Certifications — Chief Financial Officer.
EXHIBIT 32.1	-	Section 1350 Certifications.
EXHIBIT 101.INS	-	XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
EXHIBIT 101.SCH	-	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
EXHIBIT 101.CAL	-	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
EXHIBIT 101.DEF	-	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
EXHIBIT 101.LAB	-	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
EXHIBIT 101.PRE	-	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
EXHIBIT 104	-	Cover Page Interactive Data File - The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	THE KROGER CO.
Dated:  December 15, 2020	By:	/s/ W. Rodney McMullen
		W. Rodney McMullen
		Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:  December 15, 2020	By:	/s/ Gary Millerchip
		Gary Millerchip
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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