Question

Management Discussion and Analysis is required in annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It includes management's analysis of current operations and its plans for the future. Typical items included in the MD&A are as follows: Management's analysis and explanations of any significant changes between the current and prior years' financial statements. Important accounting principles or policies that could affect interpretation of the financial statements, including the effect of changes in accounting principles or the adoption of new accounting principles. Management's assessment of the company's liquidity and the availability of capital to the company. Significant risk exposures that might affect the company. Any “off-balance-sheet” arrangements such as leases not included directly in the financial statements. Such arrangements are discussed in advanced accounting courses and textbooks. Using Google, enter Kroger Annual Report in the search field. Access the Kroger Annual Report and go to the MD&A section. Comment on findings similar to the notes listed above.

Answer 1

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of The Kroger Co. should be read in conjunction with the “Forward-looking Statements” section set forth in Part I, the “Risk Factors” section set forth in Item 1A of Part I and the “Outlook” section below.

OUR BUSINESS

The Kroger Co. was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1902. Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retailers, as measured by revenue, operating 2,778 supermarket and multi-department stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Of these stores, 1,387 have fuel centers. We also operate 784 convenience stores, either directly or through franchisees, 323 fine jewelry stores and an online retailer.

We operate 38 food production plants, primarily bakeries and dairies, which supply approximately 40% of the corporate brand units sold in our supermarkets.

Our revenues are earned and cash is generated as consumer products are sold to customers in our stores. We earn income predominately by selling products at price levels that produce revenues in excess of the costs we incur to make these products available to our customers. Such costs include procurement and distribution costs, facility occupancy and operational costs, and overhead expenses.  Our retail operations, which represent over 99% of our consolidated sales and EBITDA, is our only reportable segment.

On December 18, 2015, we closed our merger with Roundy’s by purchasing 100% of the Roundy’s outstanding common stock for $3.60 per share and assuming Roundy’s outstanding debt, for a purchase price of $866 million. Roundy’s is included in our ending Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2015 and in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the last six weeks of 2015. Certain year-over-year comparisons will be affected as a result. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our merger with Roundy’s.

On August 18, 2014, we closed our merger with Vitacost.com by purchasing 100% of the Vitacost.com outstanding common stock for $8.00 per share or $287 million. Vitacost.com is included in our ending Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2014 and 2015. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our merger with Vitacost.com.

On January 28, 2014, we closed our merger with Harris Teeter by purchasing 100% of the Harris Teeter outstanding common stock for approximately $2.4 billion. Harris Teeter is included in our ending Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2014 and 2015 and in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2014 and 2015. Due to the timing of the merger closing late in fiscal year 2013, its results of operations were not material to our consolidated results of operations for 2013. Certain year-over-year comparisons will be affected as a result. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to our merger with Harris Teeter