<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-15-072959.txt : 20151027
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-15-072959.hdr.sgml : 20151027
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20151027090526
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-15-072959
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20151027
ITEM INFORMATION:		Regulation FD Disclosure
FILED AS OF DATE:		20151027
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20151027

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			KROGER CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000056873
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411]
		IRS NUMBER:				310345740
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			OH
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0203

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-00303
		FILM NUMBER:		151176335

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1014 VINE ST
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45201
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5137624000
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a15-21711_18k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>


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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="4" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:20.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d)&nbsp;of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Date of Report:&#160; <b>October&nbsp;27, 2015</b></font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(Date of earliest event reported)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THE KROGER CO.</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">No.&nbsp;1-303</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">31-0345740</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(State   or other jurisdiction<br>   of incorporation)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(Commission   File Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(IRS   Employer<br>   Identification No.)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1014 Vine Street</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Cincinnati, OH&nbsp;45202</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code:&#160; <b>(513) 762-4000</b></font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.2in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:11.0pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#160; Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.2in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:11.0pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#160; Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.2in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:11.0pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#160; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.2in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:11.0pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#160; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 7.01</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Regulation FD Disclosure.</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">In connection with its Investor Conference held on October&nbsp;27, 2015, The Kroger Co. confirms its fiscal 2015 annual guidance. The labor guidance has been updated.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Fiscal 2015 Annual Guidance</font></i></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Identical supermarket sales growth (excluding fuel sales)</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">4.0% to 5.0%</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Net   earnings per diluted share</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect net earnings to   be $1.92 to $1.98 per diluted share, which exceeds our long-term net earnings   per diluted share growth rate guidance of 8-11%. We expect the third quarter   to be at the high end of the 8-11% range and the fourth quarter to be below   the range.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Non-fuel   FIFO operating margin</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect full-year   non-fuel FIFO operating margin to exceed our goal to slightly expand on a rolling   four quarters basis.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Capital   investments</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect capital   investments, excluding mergers, acquisitions and purchases of leased   facilities, to be at the high end of the $3.0 to $3.3 billion   range.&nbsp;These capital investments include approximately 75 to 85 major   projects covering new stores, expansions and relocations, 180 to 200 major   remodels, and other investments including minor remodels and technology and   infrastructure to support our Customer 1<font style="position:relative;top:-3.0pt;">st</font>&nbsp;business strategy.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Supermarket   square footage growth</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Approximately 2.0% to 2.5%   before mergers, acquisitions and operational closings</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Return   on invested capital</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect our 2015   year-end ROIC to increase slightly compared to the fiscal 2014 result.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Expected   tax rate</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect the 2015 tax   rate to be approximately 35%, excluding the resolution of certain tax items   and potential changes to tax legislation.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="60%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:60.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Product   Cost Inflation/LIFO</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">In 2015, we anticipate   product cost inflation of 1.0% to 2.0%, excluding fuel, and an annualized   LIFO charge of approximately $90 million.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Pension   Contributions/Expenses</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Company-sponsored pension   plans</font></u></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">We expect 2015 expense to   be approximately $105 million.&nbsp; In 2015, we expect to make cash   contributions of approximately $5 million.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="60%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:60.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Multi-employer plans</font></u></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="60%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:60.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">In 2015, we expect to   contribute approximately $315 million to multi-employer pension funds, $60   million of which was accrued for at the end of 2014.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="2%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:2.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
<td width="60%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:60.0%;">
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .15in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Labor</font></u></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">In 2015, we will negotiate   agreements with UFCW for store associates in Denver and Portland.   Negotiations this year will be challenging as we must have competitive cost   structures in each market while meeting our associates&#146; needs for solid wages   and good quality, affordable health care and retirement benefits. Also,   continued long-term financial viability of our current Taft-Hartley pension   plan participation is important to address.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Long-Term Guidance</font></i></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Our long-term net earnings per diluted share growth rate guidance is 8-11%, plus a dividend that we expect to increase over time.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Forward Looking Statements</font></i></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">This Current Report contains certain statements that constitute &#147;forward-looking statements&#148; about the future performance of The Kroger Co. These statements are based on management&#146;s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words such as &#147;guidance,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; &#147;will&#148; and &#147;continue.&#148; Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in &#147;Risk Factors&#148; and &#147;Outlook&#148; in our annual report on Form&nbsp;10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following:</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">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.&nbsp; 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 natural disasters or weather conditions interfere with the ability of our lenders to lend to us.&nbsp; Our ability to refinance maturing debt may be affected by the state of the financial markets.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Our ability to use cash flow to continue to repurchase shares, fund dividends, increase capital investments and maintain our investment grade debt rating, could be affected by unanticipated increases in net total debt, our inability to generate cash flow at the levels anticipated, and our failure to generate expected earnings.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Our ability to achieve sales, earnings and cash flow goals may be affected by: 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, and the unemployment rate; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; changes in government-funded benefit programs; 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 inconsistent pace of the economic recovery; 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 potential costs and risks associated with potential cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of our future growth plans; and the successful integration of Harris Teeter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our ability to achieve sales and earnings goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">During the first three quarters of each fiscal year, our LIFO charge and the recognition of LIFO expense is affected primarily by estimated year-end changes in product costs.&nbsp; Our fiscal year LIFO charge is affected primarily by changes in product costs at year-end.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">If actual results differ significantly from anticipated future results for certain reporting units including variable interest entities, an impairment loss for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting units&#146; goodwill over the implied fair value would have to be recognized.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">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.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:6.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&#183;</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Changes in our product mix may negatively affect certain financial indicators. For example, we continue to add supermarket fuel centers to our store base. Since gasoline generates low profit margins, we expect to see our FIFO gross margins decline as gasoline sales increase.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURE</font></b></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">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 hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">THE   KROGER CO.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">October&nbsp;27,   2015</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">By:</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><i><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-style:italic;">/s/   J. Michael Schlotman</font></i></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">J.   Michael Schlotman</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:11.0pt;">Executive   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
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