The Kroger Co. (KR) 10-Q10 Dec 212021 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	Nov. 06, 2021	Dec. 07, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Nov. 6, 2021
Entity File Number	1-303
Entity Registrant Name	The Kroger Co.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-0345740
Entity Address, Address Line One	1014 Vine Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	762-4000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common, $1.00 Par Value
Trading Symbol	KR
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		735,255,564
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share	$ 1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-29
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0000056873
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales	$ 31,860	$ 29,723	$ 104,840	$ 101,761
Operating expenses
Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below	24,959	22,901	81,820	77,906
Operating, general and administrative	5,177	5,194	17,692	18,162
Rent	197	205	648	682
Depreciation and amortization	659	631	2,168	2,073
Operating profit	868	792	2,512	2,938
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(135)	(129)	(438)	(438)
Non-service component of company-sponsored pension plan costs	(77)	9	(44)	28
(Loss) gain on investments	(94)	162	(694)	952
Net earnings before income tax expense	562	834	1,336	3,480
Income tax expense	77	202	239	816
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	485	632	1,097	2,664
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	1	7	2
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.	$ 483	$ 631	$ 1,090	$ 2,662
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.81	$ 1.44	$ 3.39
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	742	772	747	777
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.80	$ 1.43	$ 3.35
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	752	780	757	785

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests		$ 485	$ 632	$ 1,097	$ 2,664
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, net of income tax	[1]	132	22	134	28
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax	[2]		7		(12)
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax	[3]	2	1	5	3
Total other comprehensive income		134	30	139	19
Comprehensive income		619	662	1,236	2,683
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		2	1	7	2
Comprehensive income attributable to The Kroger Co.		$ 617	$ 661	$ 1,229	$ 2,681

[1]	Amount is net of tax of $37 for the third quarter of 2021 and $2 for the third quarter of 2020. Amount is net of tax of $39 for the first three quarters of 2021 and $5 for the first three quarters of 2020.
[2]	Amount is net of tax of $1 for the third quarter of 2020. Amount is net of tax of ($9) for the first three quarters of 2020.
[3]	Amount is net of tax of $4 for the first three quarters of 2021 and $1 for the first three quarters of 2020.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Change in pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, income tax	$ 37	$ 2	$ 39	$ 5
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, income tax		$ 1		(9)
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, income tax			$ 4	$ 1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 06, 2021	Jan. 30, 2021
Current assets
Cash and temporary cash investments	$ 2,288	$ 1,687
Store deposits in-transit	1,140	1,096
Receivables	1,914	1,781
FIFO inventory	9,070	8,436
LIFO reserve	(1,550)	(1,373)
Prepaid and other current assets	518	876
Total current assets	13,380	12,503
Property, plant and equipment, net	23,316	22,386
Operating lease assets	6,655	6,796
Intangibles, net	954	997
Goodwill	3,076	3,076
Other assets	2,448	2,904
Total Assets	49,829	48,662
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt including obligations under finance leases	1,048	911
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	642	667
Trade accounts payable	7,879	6,679
Accrued salaries and wages	1,458	1,413
Other current liabilities	5,771	5,696
Total current liabilities	16,798	15,366
Long-term debt including obligations under finance leases	12,673	12,502
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	6,343	6,507
Deferred income taxes	1,619	1,542
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	490	535
Other long-term liabilities	2,415	2,660
Total Liabilities	40,338	39,112
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 2021 and 2020	1,918	1,918
Additional paid-in capital	3,590	3,461
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(491)	(630)
Accumulated earnings	23,658	23,018
Common shares in treasury, at cost, 1,180 shares in 2021 and 1,160 shares in 2020	(19,156)	(18,191)
Total Shareholders' Equity - The Kroger Co.	9,519	9,576
Noncontrolling interests	(28)	(26)
Total Equity	9,491	9,550
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 49,829	$ 48,662

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Nov. 06, 2021	Jan. 30, 2021
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Preferred shares, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred shares, shares authorized	5	5
Preferred shares, shares unissued	5	5
Common shares, par per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common shares, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Common shares, shares issued	1,918	1,918
Common shares in treasury, shares	1,180	1,160

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 1,097	$ 2,664
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,168	2,073
Operating lease asset amortization	468	481
LIFO charge	177	77
Share-based employee compensation	159	147
Company-sponsored pension plans	56	(12)
Deferred income taxes	34	219
Gain on the sale of assets	(34)	(24)
Loss (gain) on investments	694	(952)
Other	106	119
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Store deposits in-transit	(44)	77
Receivables	(80)	42
Inventories	(673)	(471)
Prepaid and other current assets	371	(56)
Trade accounts payable	1,200	1,006
Accrued expenses	(40)	469
Income taxes receivable and payable	(54)	89
Operating lease liabilities	(532)	(464)
Other	(282)	413
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,791	5,897
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts	(2,008)	(2,062)
Proceeds from sale of assets	139	99
Other	(90)	(85)
Net cash used by investing activities	(1,959)	(2,048)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	43	537
Payments on long-term debt including obligations under finance leases	(915)	(41)
Net payments on commercial paper		(1,150)
Dividends paid	(433)	(395)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock	118	98
Treasury stock purchases	(1,049)	(989)
Proceeds from financing arrangement	166
Other	(161)	(128)
Net cash used by financing activities	(2,231)	(2,068)
Net increase in cash and temporary cash investments	601	1,781
Cash and temporary cash investments:
Beginning of year	1,687	399
End of period	2,288	2,180
Reconciliation of capital investments:
Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts	(2,008)	(2,062)
Payments for lease buyouts		42
Changes in construction-in-progress payables	(144)	(44)
Total capital investments, excluding lease buyouts	(2,152)	(2,064)
Disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for interest	493	474
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$ 364	$ 495

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANG

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)	Accumulated Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
Balances at Feb. 01, 2020	$ 1,918	$ 3,337	$ (16,991)	$ (640)	$ 20,978	$ (29)	$ 8,573
Balances (in shares) at Feb. 01, 2020	1,918		1,130
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 57				57
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(4)
Restricted stock issued		(20)	$ 10				(10)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (355)				(355)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			12
Stock options exchanged			$ (67)				(67)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			2
Share-based employee compensation		63					63
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				(18)			(18)
Other		17	$ (17)			1	1
Cash dividends declared per common share					(128)		(128)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					1,212		1,212
Balances at May. 23, 2020	$ 1,918	3,397	$ (17,363)	(658)	22,062	(28)	9,328
Balances (in shares) at May. 23, 2020	1,918		1,140
Balances at Feb. 01, 2020	$ 1,918	3,337	$ (16,991)	(640)	20,978	(29)	8,573
Balances (in shares) at Feb. 01, 2020	1,918		1,130
Treasury stock activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				19			19
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests							2,664
Balances at Nov. 07, 2020	$ 1,918	3,420	$ (17,881)	(621)	23,234	(26)	10,044
Balances (in shares) at Nov. 07, 2020	1,918		1,152
Balances at May. 23, 2020	$ 1,918	3,397	$ (17,363)	(658)	22,062	(28)	9,328
Balances (in shares) at May. 23, 2020	1,918		1,140
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 30				30
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(1)
Restricted stock issued		(109)	$ 57				(52)
Restricted stock issued (in shares)			(3)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (212)				(212)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			6
Stock options exchanged			$ (35)				(35)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			1
Share-based employee compensation		44					44
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				7			7
Other		47	$ (47)
Cash dividends declared per common share					(137)		(137)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					819	1	820
Balances at Aug. 15, 2020	$ 1,918	3,379	$ (17,570)	(651)	22,744	(27)	9,793
Balances (in shares) at Aug. 15, 2020	1,918		1,143
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 11				11
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(1)
Restricted stock issued		(2)	$ 1				(1)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (304)				(304)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			9
Stock options exchanged			$ (16)				(16)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			1
Share-based employee compensation		40					40
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				30			30
Other		3	$ (3)
Cash dividends declared per common share					(141)		(141)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					631	1	632
Balances at Nov. 07, 2020	$ 1,918	3,420	$ (17,881)	(621)	23,234	(26)	10,044
Balances (in shares) at Nov. 07, 2020	1,918		1,152
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 29				29
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(1)
Restricted stock issued		(3)	$ 3
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (325)				(325)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			9
Stock options exchanged			$ (10)				(10)
Share-based employee compensation		38					38
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				(9)			(9)
Other		6	(7)			(1)	(2)
Cash dividends declared per common share					(139)		(139)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					(77)	1	(76)
Balances at Jan. 30, 2021	$ 1,918	3,461	$ (18,191)	(630)	23,018	(26)	9,550
Balances (in shares) at Jan. 30, 2021	1,918		1,160
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 31				31
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(2)
Restricted stock issued		(35)	$ 17				(18)
Restricted stock issued (in shares)			(1)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (338)				(338)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			10
Stock options exchanged			$ (64)				(64)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			2
Share-based employee compensation		56					56
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				3			3
Other		23	$ (23)		1	3	4
Cash dividends declared per common share					(138)		(138)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					140	3	143
Balances at May. 22, 2021	$ 1,918	3,505	$ (18,568)	(627)	23,021	(20)	9,229
Balances (in shares) at May. 22, 2021	1,918		1,169
Balances at Jan. 30, 2021	$ 1,918	3,461	$ (18,191)	(630)	23,018	(26)	9,550
Balances (in shares) at Jan. 30, 2021	1,918		1,160
Treasury stock activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				139			139
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests							1,097
Balances at Nov. 06, 2021	$ 1,918	3,590	$ (19,156)	(491)	23,658	(28)	9,491
Balances (in shares) at Nov. 06, 2021	1,918		1,180
Balances at May. 22, 2021	$ 1,918	3,505	$ (18,568)	(627)	23,021	(20)	9,229
Balances (in shares) at May. 22, 2021	1,918		1,169
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 54				54
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(2)
Restricted stock issued		(99)	$ 56				(43)
Restricted stock issued (in shares)			(2)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (299)				(299)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			8
Stock options exchanged			$ (50)				(50)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			1
Share-based employee compensation		52					52
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				2			2
Other		69	$ (69)			(2)	(2)
Cash dividends declared per common share					(154)		(154)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					467	2	469
Balances at Aug. 14, 2021	$ 1,918	3,527	$ (18,876)	(625)	23,334	(20)	9,258
Balances (in shares) at Aug. 14, 2021	1,918		1,174
Issuance of common stock:
Stock options exercised			$ 33				33
Stock options exercised (in shares)			(1)
Restricted stock issued		(3)					(3)
Treasury stock activity:
Treasury stock purchases, at cost			$ (251)				(251)
Treasury stock purchases, at cost (in shares)			6
Stock options exchanged			$ (47)				(47)
Stock options exchanged (in shares)			1
Share-based employee compensation		51					51
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax				134			134
Other		15	$ (15)		(1)	(10)	(11)
Cash dividends declared per common share					(158)		(158)
Net earnings (loss) including non-controlling interests					483	2	485
Balances at Nov. 06, 2021	$ 1,918	$ 3,590	$ (19,156)	$ (491)	$ 23,658	$ (28)	$ 9,491
Balances (in shares) at Nov. 06, 2021	1,918		1,180

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended					4 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Aug. 14, 2021	Jan. 30, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Aug. 15, 2020	May 22, 2021	May 23, 2020
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
Other comprehensive income net of income tax	$ 37	$ 4	$ 4	$ 3	$ 2	$ 2	$ (8)
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.16

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Nov. 06, 2021
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	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 January 30, 2021 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 January 30, 2021. The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the third quarters and three quarters ended November 6, 2021 and November 7, 2020, 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 as of November 6, 2021 and January 30, 2021, respectively, and is included in “Other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. for the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, are included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. for this Level 1 investment were recorded for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. for the first three quarters of 2020 and is included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

DEBT OBLIGATIONS	9 Months Ended
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	Nov. 06, 2021
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	2. DEBT OBLIGATIONS Long-term debt consists of: November 6, January 30, 2021 2021 1.70% to 8.00% Senior Notes due through 2049 $ 11,104 $ 11,899 Other 1,134 511 Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases 12,238 12,410 Less current portion (946) (844) Total long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases $ 11,292 $ 11,566 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 6, 2021 and January 30, 2021. At November 6, 2021, the fair value of total debt was $13,976 compared to a carrying value of $12,238 . At January 30, 2021, the fair value of total debt was $14,680 compared to a carrying value of $12,410 . In the third quarter of 2021, the Company repaid $500 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.95 % using cash on hand. Additionally, in the first three quarters of 2021, the Company repaid $300 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.60% using cash on hand. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company acquired 28, previously leased, properties for a purchase price of $455 . Separately, the Company also entered into a transaction to sell those properties to a third party for total proceeds of $621 . Total cash proceeds received as a result of the transactions was $166 . The sale transaction did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment. As a result, the Company recorded property, plant and equipment for the $455 price paid and recorded a $621 financing obligation. The leases have a base term of 25 years and twelve option periods of five years each. The Company has the option to purchase the individual properties for fair market value at the end of the base term or at the end of any option period. The Company is obligated to repurchase the properties at the end of the base term for $300 if the lessor exercises its put option. In the second quarter of 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated $2,750 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), with a termination date of July 6, 2026, unless extended as permitted under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. This Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended the Company’s $2,750 credit facility that would otherwise have terminated on August 29, 2022. The notable changes from the previous agreement include: (1) The removal of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio financial covenant (2) the ability to increase the credit facility by $1,250 compared to $1,000 in the prior Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Leverage Ratio is the only financial covenant remaining.

BENEFIT PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
BENEFIT PLANS	Nov. 06, 2021
BENEFIT PLANS
BENEFIT PLANS	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 2021 and 2020: Third Quarter Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 3 Interest cost 24 26 1 1 Expected return on plan assets (36) (39) — — Amortization of: Prior service cost — — (3) (3) Actuarial loss (gain) 8 8 (4) (2) Settlement loss recognized 87 — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 85 $ (2) $ (5) $ (1) 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 2021 and 2020: Three Quarters Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 9 $ 10 $ 3 $ 6 Interest cost 78 86 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (129) (130) — — Amortization of: Prior service cost — — (10) (9) Actuarial loss (gain) 29 27 (14) (6) Settlement loss recognized 87 — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 74 $ (7) $ (18) $ (5) The Company is not required to make any contributions to its company-sponsored pension plans in 2021, 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 2021 and 2020. The Company contributed $221 and $227 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts in the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, 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 three quarters of 2021, the Company contributed an incremental $106, $81 net of tax, to multi-employer pension plans, helping stabilize future associate benefits. In the first three quarters of 2020, the Company contributed an incremental $236, $180 net of tax, to multi-employer pension plans. During the first quarter of 2021, associates within the Fred Meyer and QFC divisions ratified an agreement for the transfer of liabilities from the Sound Retirement Trust to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan. The Company transferred $449, $344 net of tax, in net accrued pension liabilities and prepaid escrow funds to fulfill obligations for past service for associates and retirees. The agreement will be satisfied by cash installment payments to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan and will be paid evenly over seven years . During the third quarter of 2021, the Company settled certain company-sponsored pension plan obligations using existing assets of the plans. The Company recognized a non-cash settlement charge of $87, $68 net of tax, associated with the settlement of its obligations for the eligible participants’ pension balances that were distributed out of the plans via a lump sum distribution or the purchase of an annuity contract, based on each participant’s election. The settlement charge is included in “Non-service component of company-sponsored pension plan costs” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations .

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	9 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	Nov. 06, 2021
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	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 6, 2021 November 7, 2020 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 $ 478 742 $ 0.64 $ 625 772 $ 0.81 Dilutive effect of stock options 10 8 Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share $ 478 752 $ 0.64 $ 625 780 $ 0.80 Three Quarters Ended Three Quarters Ended November 6, 2021 November 7, 2020 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 $ 1,079 747 $ 1.44 $ 2,631 777 $ 3.39 Dilutive effect of stock options 10 8 Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share $ 1,079 757 $ 1.43 $ 2,631 785 $ 3.35 The Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities totaling $5 and $6 in the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, the Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities of $11 and $31, respectively. The Company had options outstanding for approximately 1 million and 8 million shares during the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, 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 3 million and 9 million shares during the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, 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.

LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANS

LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS	Nov. 06, 2021
LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS
LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS	5. LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS On May 17, 2018, the Company entered into a Partnership Framework Agreement with Ocado International Holdings Limited and Ocado Group plc (“Ocado”), which has since been amended. Under this agreement, Ocado will partner exclusively with the Company in the U.S., enhancing the Company’s digital and robotics capabilities in its distribution networks. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company opened its first two Kroger Delivery customer fulfillment centers in Monroe, Ohio and Groveland, Florida. The Company determined the arrangement with Ocado contains a lease of the robotic equipment used to fulfill customer orders. As a result, the Company established a finance lease when each facility began fulfilling orders to customers and used its 10 year incremental borrowing rate of 1.66% to calculate the lease liability. The base term of each lease is 10 years with options to renew at the Company’s sole discretion. The Company elected to combine the lease and non-lease elements in the contract. As a result, it will account for all payments to Ocado as lease payments. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded finance lease assets of $267 and finance lease liabilities of $249 related to these two location openings.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STAN

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	Nov. 06, 2021
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	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 adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Nov. 06, 2021
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	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. The principal contingencies are described below: Insurance Litigation — Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, including personal injury, contract disputes, employment discrimination, wage and hour and other regulatory claims are pending against the Company. Some of these suits purport or have been determined to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. 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 when an adverse outcome is probable. Nonetheless, assessing and predicting the outcomes of these matters involves 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. Assignments —

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	Nov. 06, 2021
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS).
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following table represents the changes in AOCI by component for the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020: Pension and Cash Flow Postretirement Hedging Defined Benefit Activities (1) Plans (1) Total (1) Balance at February 1, 2020 $ (42) $ (598) $ (640) OCI before reclassifications (2) (12) 21 9 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI (3) 3 7 10 Net current-period OCI (9) 28 19 Balance at November 7, 2020 $ (51) $ (570) $ (621) Balance at January 30, 2021 $ (54) $ (576) $ (630) OCI before reclassifications (2) — 131 131 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI (3) 5 3 8 Net current-period OCI 5 134 139 Balance at November 6, 2021 $ (49) $ (442) $ (491) (1) All amounts are net of tax. (2) Net of tax of ($9) for cash flow hedging activities for the first three quarters of 2020. Net of tax of $37 for pension and post retirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2021. (3) 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. Net of tax of $4 for cash flow hedging activities and $2 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2021. The following table represents the items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects for the third quarters and first three quarters of 2021 and 2020: Third Quarter Ended Three Quarters Ended November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash flow hedging activity items Amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities (1) $ 2 $ 1 $ 9 $ 4 Tax expense — — (4) (1) Net of tax 2 1 5 3 Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension cost (2) 1 3 5 12 Tax expense — (2) (2) (5) Net of tax 1 1 3 7 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 3 $ 2 $ 8 $ 10 (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).

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Nov. 06, 2021
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	9. INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate was 13.8% and 24.2% for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 17.9% and 23.4% for the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2021 differed from the federal statutory rate due to a discrete benefit of $47 which was primarily from the favorable outcome of income tax audit examinations covering multiple years, the benefit from share-based payments and the utilization of tax credits, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes. 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 deferring the due dates of tax payments and other changes to income and non-income-based tax laws. As permitted under the CARES Act, the Company deferred 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 2020, the Company deferred the employer portion of social security tax of $622. Of the total, $311 is included in “Other current liabilities” and $311 is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Nov. 06, 2021
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	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 January 30, 2021 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 January 30, 2021. The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the third quarters and three quarters ended November 6, 2021 and November 7, 2020, includes the results of operations of the Company for the 12 and 40-week periods then ended.
Fair Value Measurements	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 as of November 6, 2021 and January 30, 2021, respectively, and is included in “Other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. for the first three quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, are included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. for this Level 1 investment were recorded for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. for the first three quarters of 2020 and is included in “(Loss) gain on investments” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	Nov. 06, 2021
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Schedule of long-term debt	November 6, January 30, 2021 2021 1.70% to 8.00% Senior Notes due through 2049 $ 11,104 $ 11,899 Other 1,134 511 Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases 12,238 12,410 Less current portion (946) (844) Total long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases $ 11,292 $ 11,566

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	Nov. 06, 2021
BENEFIT PLANS
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost	Third Quarter Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 3 Interest cost 24 26 1 1 Expected return on plan assets (36) (39) — — Amortization of: Prior service cost — — (3) (3) Actuarial loss (gain) 8 8 (4) (2) Settlement loss recognized 87 — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 85 $ (2) $ (5) $ (1) Three Quarters Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 9 $ 10 $ 3 $ 6 Interest cost 78 86 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (129) (130) — — Amortization of: Prior service cost — — (10) (9) Actuarial loss (gain) 29 27 (14) (6) Settlement loss recognized 87 — — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 74 $ (7) $ (18) $ (5)

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	Nov. 06, 2021
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Schedule of earnings per common and diluted shares	Third Quarter Ended Third Quarter Ended November 6, 2021 November 7, 2020 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 $ 478 742 $ 0.64 $ 625 772 $ 0.81 Dilutive effect of stock options 10 8 Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share $ 478 752 $ 0.64 $ 625 780 $ 0.80 Three Quarters Ended Three Quarters Ended November 6, 2021 November 7, 2020 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 $ 1,079 747 $ 1.44 $ 2,631 777 $ 3.39 Dilutive effect of stock options 10 8 Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share $ 1,079 757 $ 1.43 $ 2,631 785 $ 3.35

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	Nov. 06, 2021
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS).
Schedule of changes in AOCI by component	Pension and Cash Flow Postretirement Hedging Defined Benefit Activities (1) Plans (1) Total (1) Balance at February 1, 2020 $ (42) $ (598) $ (640) OCI before reclassifications (2) (12) 21 9 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI (3) 3 7 10 Net current-period OCI (9) 28 19 Balance at November 7, 2020 $ (51) $ (570) $ (621) Balance at January 30, 2021 $ (54) $ (576) $ (630) OCI before reclassifications (2) — 131 131 Amounts reclassified out of AOCI (3) 5 3 8 Net current-period OCI 5 134 139 Balance at November 6, 2021 $ (49) $ (442) $ (491) (1) All amounts are net of tax. (2) Net of tax of ($9) for cash flow hedging activities for the first three quarters of 2020. Net of tax of $37 for pension and post retirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2021. (3) 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. Net of tax of $4 for cash flow hedging activities and $2 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2021.
Schedule of items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects	Third Quarter Ended Three Quarters Ended November 6, November 7, November 6, November 7, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash flow hedging activity items Amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities (1) $ 2 $ 1 $ 9 $ 4 Tax expense — — (4) (1) Net of tax 2 1 5 3 Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension cost (2) 1 3 5 12 Tax expense — (2) (2) (5) Net of tax 1 1 3 7 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 3 $ 2 $ 8 $ 10 (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).

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - DESCRIPTI

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Jan. 30, 2021
Fiscal Year
Length of fiscal period	84 days	84 days	280 days	280 days
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(Loss) gain on investments	$ (94)	$ 162	$ (694)	$ 952
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(Loss) gain on investments	(94)	$ 162	(694)	879
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(Loss) gain on investments				$ 73
Other Assets \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value of equity securities	1,114		1,114		$ 1,808
Other Assets \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value of equity securities	$ 212		$ 212		$ 156

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	Nov. 06, 2021USD ($)	May 22, 2021USD ($)propertyOption	Nov. 06, 2021USD ($)	Aug. 14, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2021USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2017USD ($)
Debt
Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases	$ 12,238		$ 12,238		$ 12,410
Less current portion	(946)		(946)		(844)
Total long-term debt, excluding obligations under finance leases	11,292		11,292		11,566
Fair value of total debt	13,976		13,976		14,680
Number of leased propertied acquired \| property		28
Purchase price		$ 455
Proceeds from sale of lease assets		621
Proceeds from lease transactions		166
Finance lease assets		455
Lease financing obligation		$ 621
Leases base term		25 years
Number of options \| Option		12
Renewal Term		5 years
Obligation to repurchase the property		$ 300
Senior notes due through 2049
Debt
Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases	$ 11,104		$ 11,104		11,899
Senior notes due through 2049 \| Minimum
Debt
Interest rate (as a percent)	1.70%		1.70%
Senior notes due through 2049 \| Maximum
Debt
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%		8.00%
Senior notes 2.60% due 2021
Debt
Repayment of debt			$ 300
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.60%		2.60%
Senior notes 2.95% due 2021
Debt
Repayment of debt	$ 500
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.95%		2.95%
Other
Debt
Total debt, excluding obligations under finance leases	$ 1,134		$ 1,134		$ 511
Unsecured revolving credit facility \| Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 2,750
Additional borrowing capacity				$ 1,250		$ 1,000

BENEFIT PLANS - COMPONENTS OF N

BENEFIT PLANS - COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
Pension Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 2	$ 3	$ 9	$ 10
Interest cost	24	26	78	86
Expected return on plan assets	(36)	(39)	(129)	(130)
Amortization of:
Actuarial loss (gain)	8	8	29	27
Settlement loss recognized	87		87
Net periodic benefit cost	85	(2)	74	(7)
Contributions into Fund			0	0
Other Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	1	3	3	6
Interest cost	1	1	3	4
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	(3)	(3)	(10)	(9)
Actuarial loss (gain)	(4)	(2)	(14)	(6)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (5)	$ (1)	$ (18)	$ (5)

BENEFIT PLANS - DEFINED CONTRIB

BENEFIT PLANS - DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
BENEFIT PLANS
Contribution to 401(k) retirement savings accounts	$ 221	$ 227

BENEFIT PLANS - MULTI EMPLOYER

BENEFIT PLANS - MULTI EMPLOYER PLAN (Details) - Pension Benefits - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	May 22, 2021	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
Multiemployer Plans
Net accrued pension liabilities and prepaid escrow funds - before tax		$ 449
Net accrued pension liabilities and prepaid escrow funds - after tax		$ 344
Repayment period of commitments to transition reserve liability		7 years
Incremental contributions (before-tax)			$ 106	$ 236
Incremental contributions (after-tax)			81	$ 180
Settlement loss recognized	$ 87		$ 87
Settlement charge, net of tax	$ 68

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Deta

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Net earnings numerator (basic)	$ 478	$ 625	$ 1,079	$ 2,631
Net earnings numerator (diluted)	$ 478	$ 625	$ 1,079	$ 2,631
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation	742	772	747	777
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.81	$ 1.44	$ 3.39
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	10	8	10	8
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation	752	780	757	785
Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.80	$ 1.43	$ 3.35
Undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities	$ 5	$ 6	$ 11	$ 31
Shares excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share	1	8	3	9

LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRA_2

LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS (Details) $ in Millions	4 Months Ended
	May 22, 2021USD ($)facilitylocation
LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS
Term - Finance	25 years
Finance lease assets	$ 455
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 621
Digital and Robotic Facilities
LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS
Number of delivery facilities \| facility	2
Percentage of increase in borrowing	1.66%
Term - Finance	10 years
Option to renew - Finance	true
Finance lease assets	$ 267
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 249
Number of locations \| location	2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - CHANGES IN AOCI BY COMPONENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended					4 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Aug. 14, 2021	Jan. 30, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Aug. 15, 2020	May 22, 2021	May 23, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period						$ 9,576		$ 9,576
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	$ 3			$ 2				8	$ 10
Total other comprehensive income	134	$ 2	$ (9)	30	$ 7	3	$ (18)	139	19
Balance at the end of the period	9,519		9,576					9,519
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period			(621)			(630)	(640)	(630)	(640)
OCI before reclassifications								131	9
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI								8	10
Total other comprehensive income	134	$ 2	(9)	30	$ 7	3	(18)	139	19
Balance at the end of the period	(491)		(630)	(621)				(491)	(621)
Cash Flow Hedging Activities
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period			(51)			(54)	(42)	(54)	(42)
OCI before reclassifications									(12)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI								5	3
Total other comprehensive income								5	(9)
Balance at the end of the period	(49)		(54)	(51)				(49)	(51)
OCI before reclassifications, tax									(9)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, tax								4	1
Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period			(570)			$ (576)	$ (598)	(576)	(598)
OCI before reclassifications								131	21
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI	1			1				3	7
Total other comprehensive income								134	28
Balance at the end of the period	$ (442)		$ (576)	(570)				(442)	(570)
OCI before reclassifications, tax								(37)
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, tax				$ 2				$ 2	$ 5

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - ITEMS RECLASSIFIED OUT OF AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects
Amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities	$ 135	$ 129	$ 438	$ 438
Income tax expense	77	202	239	816
Net of tax	(483)	(631)	(1,090)	(2,662)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	3	2	8	10
Cash Flow Hedging Activities
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects
Tax expense			(4)	(1)
Total reclassifications, net of tax			5	3
Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension cost	1	3	5	12
Tax expense		(2)	(2)	(5)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	1	1	3	7
Reclassification out of AOCI \| Cash Flow Hedging Activities
Reclassification out of AOCI and the related tax effects
Amortization of gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities	2	1	9	4
Income tax expense			(4)	(1)
Net of tax	$ 2	$ 1	$ 5	$ 3

INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME

INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Nov. 06, 2021	Nov. 07, 2020	Jan. 30, 2021
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	13.80%	24.20%	17.90%	23.40%
Non-recurring income tax benefit			$ 47
CARES Act- Deferred social security tax payment period			2 years
CARES Act - Deferred payment of social security taxes					$ 622
Other current liabilities
CARES Act - Deferred payment of social security taxes					311
Other long-term liabilities
CARES Act - Deferred payment of social security taxes					$ 311