UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from           to          

 

Commission file number 1-303

 

THE KROGER CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio

 

31-0345740

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH

 

45202

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (513) 762-4000

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

 

 

 

Common Stock $1 par value

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

NONE

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  x      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes  o       No  x

 

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

Yes  x      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  x      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  

x

Accelerated filer  

o

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

o

Smaller reporting company  

o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o       No  x

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of The Kroger Co. held by non-affiliates as of August 14, 2015:  $37.1 billion.  There were 962,480,228 shares of Common Stock ($1 par value) outstanding as of March 23, 2016.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

 

Portions of the proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act on or before May 27, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 



 

PART I

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements about our future performance.  These statements are based on our assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us.  These statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, including the risks and other factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Outlook” below, that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.  Such statements are indicated by words such as “comfortable,” “committed,” “will,” “expect,” “goal,” “should,” “intend,” “target,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” and similar words or phrases.  Moreover, statements in the sections entitled Risk Factors, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) and Outlook, and elsewhere in this report regarding our expectations, projections, beliefs, intentions or strategies are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

ITEM 1.                        BUSINESS.

 

The Kroger Co. (the “Company” or “Kroger”) was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1902.  As of January 30, 2016, we are one of the largest retailers in the world based on annual sales.  We also manufacture and process some of the food for sale in our supermarkets.  Our principal executive offices are located at 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (513) 762-4000.  We maintain a web site (www.thekrogerco.com) that includes additional information about the Company.  We make available through our web site, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and our interactive data files, including amendments.  These forms are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we have filed them with, or furnished them electronically to, the SEC.

 

Our revenues are predominately earned and cash is generated as consumer products are sold to customers in our stores and fuel centers. We earn income predominantly by selling products at price levels that produce revenues in excess of the costs to make these products available to our customers.  Such costs include procurement and distribution costs, facility occupancy and operational costs, and overhead expenses.  Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31.  All references to 2015, 2014 and 2013 are to the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of January 30, 2016, Kroger employed approximately 431,000 full- and part-time employees. A majority of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements negotiated with local unions affiliated with one of several different international unions. There are approximately 350 such agreements, usually with terms of three to five years.

 

STORES

 

As of January 30, 2016, Kroger operated, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names, 1,387 of which had fuel centers.  Approximately 42% of these supermarkets were operated in Company-owned facilities, including some Company-owned buildings on leased land.  Our current strategy emphasizes self-development and ownership of store real estate.  Our stores operate under a variety of banners that have strong local ties and brand recognition.  Supermarkets are generally operated under one of the following formats: combination food and drug stores (“combo stores”); multi-department stores; marketplace stores; or price impact warehouses.

 

The combo store is the primary food store format.  They typically draw customers from a 2 — 2½ mile radius.  We believe this format is successful because the stores are large enough to offer the specialty departments that customers’ desire for one-stop shopping, including natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers and high-quality perishables such as fresh seafood and organic produce.

 

Multi-department stores are significantly larger in size than combo stores.  In addition to the departments offered at a typical combo store, multi-department stores sell a wide selection of general merchandise items such as apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products, toys and fine jewelry.

 

Marketplace stores are smaller in size than multi-department stores.  They offer full-service grocery, pharmacy and health and beauty care departments as well as an expanded perishable offering and general merchandise area that includes apparel, home goods and toys.

 

2



 

Price impact warehouse stores offer a “no-frills, low cost” warehouse format and feature everyday low prices plus promotions for a wide selection of grocery and health and beauty care items. Quality meat, dairy, baked goods and fresh produce items provide a competitive advantage. The average size of a price impact warehouse store is similar to that of a combo store.

 

In addition to the supermarkets, as of January 30, 2016, we operated, through subsidiaries, 784 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores and an online retailer.  All 121 of our fine jewelry stores located in malls are operated in leased locations.  In addition, 78 convenience stores were operated by franchisees through franchise agreements.  Approximately 54% of the convenience stores operated by subsidiaries were operated in Company-owned facilities. The convenience stores offer a limited assortment of staple food items and general merchandise and, in most cases, sell gasoline.

 

SEGMENTS

 

We operate retail food and drug stores, multi-department stores, jewelry stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States.  Our retail operations, which represent over 99% of our consolidated sales and earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), is our only reportable segment.  Our retail operating divisions have been aggregated into one reportable segment due to the operating divisions having similar economic characteristics with similar long-term financial performance.  In addition, our operating divisions offer customers similar products, have similar distribution methods, operate in similar regulatory environments, purchase the majority of the merchandise for retail sale from similar (and in many cases identical) vendors on a coordinated basis from a centralized location, serve similar types of customers, and are allocated capital from a centralized location.  Our operating divisions reflect the manner in which the business is managed and how our Chief Executive Officer, who acts as our chief operating decision maker, assesses performance internally.  All of our operations are domestic.  Revenues, profits and losses and total assets are shown in our Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 below.

 

MERCHANDISING AND MANUFACTURING

 

Corporate brand products play an important role in our merchandising strategy.  Our supermarkets, on average, stock over 14,000 private label items.  Our corporate brand products are primarily produced and sold in three “tiers.”  Private Selection® is the premium quality brand designed to be a unique item in a category or to meet or beat the “gourmet” or “upscale” brands.  The “banner brand” (Kroger®, Ralphs®, Fred Meyer®, King Soopers®, etc.), which represents the majority of our private label items, is designed to satisfy customers with quality products.  Before we will carry a “banner brand” product we must be satisfied that the product quality meets our customers’ expectations in taste and efficacy, and we guarantee it.  P$$T…®, Check This Out… and Heritage Farm™ are the three value brands, designed to deliver good quality at a very affordable price.   In addition, we continue to grow our other brands, including Simple Truth® and Simple Truth Organic®.  Both Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic are Free From 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients that customers have told us they do not want in their food, and the Simple Truth Organic products are USDA certified organic.

 

Approximately 40% of the corporate brand units sold in our supermarkets are produced in our food production plants; the remaining corporate brand items are produced to our strict specifications by outside manufacturers. We perform a “make or buy” analysis on corporate brand products and decisions are based upon a comparison of market-based transfer prices versus open market purchases.  As of January 30, 2016, we operated 38 food production plants. These plants consisted of 17 dairies, ten deli or bakery plants, five grocery product plants, two beverage plants, two meat plants and two cheese plants.

 

SEASONALITY

 

The majority of our revenues are generally not seasonal in nature.  However, revenues tend to be higher during the major holidays throughout the year.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The disclosure regarding executive officers is set forth in Item 10 of Part III of this Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

 

For the disclosure related to our competitive environment, see Item 1A under the heading “Competitive Environment.”

 

3



 

ITEM 1A.                                       RISK FACTORS.

 

There are risks and uncertainties that can affect our business.  The significant risk factors are discussed below.  The following information should be read together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the “Outlook” section in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, which include forward-looking statements and factors that could cause us not to realize our goals or meet our expectations.

 

COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

 

The operating environment for the food retailing industry continues to be characterized by intense price competition, aggressive expansion, increasing fragmentation of retail and online formats, entry of non-traditional competitors and market consolidation.  We have developed a strategic plan that we believe provides a balanced approach that will enable us to meet the wide-ranging needs and expectations of our customers in this challenging economic environment.  However, the nature and extent to which our competitors implement various pricing and promotional activities in response to increasing competition, including our execution of our strategic plan, and our response to these competitive actions, can adversely affect our profitability.  Our profitability and growth have been, and could continue to be, adversely affected by changes in the overall economic environment that affect consumer spending, including discretionary spending.

 

PRODUCT SAFETY

 

Customers count on Kroger to provide them with safe food and drugs and other merchandise.  Concerns regarding the safety of the products that we sell could cause shoppers to avoid purchasing certain products from us, or to seek alternative sources of supply even if the basis for the concern is outside of our control.  Any lost confidence on the part of our customers would be difficult and costly to reestablish.  Any issue regarding the safety of items we sell, regardless of the cause, could have a substantial and adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

LABOR RELATIONS

 

A majority of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with unions, and our relationship with those unions, including a prolonged work stoppage affecting a substantial number of locations, could have a material adverse effect on our results.

 

We are a party to approximately 350 collective bargaining agreements.  Upon the expiration of our collective bargaining agreements, work stoppages by the affected workers could occur if we are unable to negotiate new contracts with labor unions.  A prolonged work stoppage affecting a substantial number of locations could have a material adverse effect on our results.  Further, if we are unable to control health care, pension and wage costs, or if we have insufficient operational flexibility under our collective bargaining agreements, we may experience increased operating costs and an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

DATA AND TECHNOLOGY

 

Our business is increasingly dependent on information technology systems that are complex and vital to continuing operations. If we were to experience difficulties maintaining or operating existing systems or implementing new systems, we could incur significant losses due to disruptions in our operations.

 

Through our sales and marketing activities, we collect and store some personal information that our customers provide to us. We also gather and retain information about our associates in the normal course of business. Under certain circumstances, we may share information with vendors that assist us in conducting our business, as required by law, or otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy. Although we have implemented procedures to protect our information, we cannot be certain that all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate our or our vendors’ network security and, if successful, misappropriate confidential customer or business information. In addition, a Kroger associate, a contractor or other third party with whom we do business may attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to obtain information or may inadvertently cause a breach involving information. Loss of customer or business information could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and expose us to claims from customers, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, payment card associations, associates, and other persons, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, compliance with tougher privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes.

 

4



 

Additionally, on October 1, 2015, the payment card industry shifted liability for certain transactions to retailers who are not able to accept Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) transactions. As a result, before the implementation of the EMV technology is complete, we may be liable for costs incurred by payment card issuing banks and other third parties or subject to fines and higher transaction fees, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or cash flows.

 

INDEBTEDNESS

 

Our indebtedness could reduce our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, mergers and acquisitions or other purposes and could make us vulnerable to future economic downturns as well as competitive pressures.  If debt markets do not permit us to refinance certain maturing debt, we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness.  Changes in our credit ratings, or in the interest rate environment, could have an adverse effect on our financing costs and structure.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND INSURANCE

 

From time to time, we are a party to legal proceedings, including matters involving personnel and employment issues, personal injury, antitrust claims and other proceedings.  Other legal proceedings purport to be brought as class actions on behalf of similarly situated parties.  Some of these proceedings could result in a substantial loss to Kroger.  We estimate our exposure to these legal proceedings and establish accruals for the estimated liabilities, where it is reasonably possible to estimate and where an adverse outcome is probable.  Assessing and predicting the outcome of these matters involves substantial uncertainties.  Adverse outcomes in these legal proceedings, or changes in our evaluations or predictions about the proceedings, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.  Please also refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section in Item 3 and the “Litigation” section in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance to provide for potential liability for workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability, property, director and officers’ liability, and employee health care benefits.  Any actuarial projection of losses is subject to a high degree of variability.   Changes in legal claims, trends and interpretations, variability in inflation rates, changes in the nature and method of claims settlement, benefit level changes due to changes in applicable laws, insolvency of insurance carriers, and changes in discount rates could all affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION OBLIGATIONS

 

As discussed in more detail below in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies-Multi-Employer Pension Plans,” Kroger contributes to several multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements with unions representing employees covered by those agreements.  We believe that the present value of actuarially accrued liabilities in most of these multi-employer plans substantially exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits, and we expect that Kroger’s contributions to those funds will increase over the next few years.  A significant increase to those funding requirements could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  Despite the fact that the pension obligations of these funds are not the liability or responsibility of the Company, except as noted below, there is a risk that the agencies that rate our outstanding debt instruments could view the underfunded nature of these plans unfavorably when determining their ratings on our debt securities.  Any downgrading of our debt ratings likely would adversely affect our cost of borrowing and access to capital.

 

We also currently bear the investment risk of one of the larger multi-employer pension plans in which we participate.  In addition, we have been designated as the named fiduciary of this fund with sole investment authority of the assets of the fund.  If investment results fail to meet our expectations, we could be  required to make additional contributions to fund a portion of or the entire shortfall, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

5



 

INTEGRATION OF NEW BUSINESS

 

We enter into mergers and acquisitions with expected benefits including, among other things, operating efficiencies, procurement savings, innovation, sharing of best practices and increased market share that may allow for future growth.  Achieving the anticipated benefits may be subject to a number of significant challenges and uncertainties, including, without limitation, whether unique corporate cultures will work collaboratively in an efficient and effective manner, the coordination of geographically separate organizations, the possibility of imprecise assumptions underlying expectations regarding potential synergies and the integration process, unforeseen expenses and delays, and competitive factors in the marketplace.  We could also encounter unforeseen transaction and integration-related costs or other circumstances such as unforeseen liabilities or other issues.  Many of these potential circumstances are outside of our control and any of them could result in increased costs, decreased revenue, decreased synergies and the diversion of management time and attention.  If we are unable to achieve our objectives within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the expected benefits may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, or cash flows.

 

FUEL

 

We sell a significant amount of fuel, which could face increased regulation and demand could be affected by concerns about the effect of emissions on the environment as well as retail price increases.  We are unable to predict future regulations, environmental effects, political unrest, acts of terrorism and other matters that may affect the cost and availability of fuel, and how our customers will react, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

 

Our operating results could be materially impacted by changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer confidence and spending, including discretionary spending.  Future economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment levels, business conditions, changes in housing market conditions, the availability of credit, interest rates, tax rates, the impact of natural disasters or acts of terrorism, and other matters could reduce consumer spending.  Increased fuel prices could also have an effect on consumer spending and on our costs of producing and procuring products that we sell.  We are unable to predict how the global economy and financial markets will perform.  If the global economy and financial markets do not perform as we expect, it could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS

 

A large number of our stores and distribution facilities are geographically located in areas that are susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts and earthquakes.  Weather conditions and natural disasters could disrupt our operations at one or more of our facilities, interrupt the delivery of products to our stores, substantially increase the cost of products, including supplies and materials and substantially increase the cost of energy needed to operate our facilities or deliver products to our facilities.  Adverse weather and natural disasters could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

 

Our stores are subject to various laws, regulations, and administrative practices that affect our business. We must comply with numerous provisions regulating, among other things, health and sanitation standards, food labeling and safety, equal employment opportunity, minimum wages, and licensing for the sale of food, drugs, and alcoholic beverages. We cannot predict future laws, regulations, interpretations, administrative orders, or applications, or the effect they will have on our operations. They could, however, significantly increase the cost of doing business.  They also could require the reformulation of some of the products that we sell (or manufacture for sale to third parties) to meet new standards.  We also could be required to recall or discontinue the sale of products that cannot be reformulated.  These changes could result in additional record keeping, expanded documentation of the properties of certain products, expanded or different labeling, or scientific substantiation.  Any or all of these requirements could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

6



 

ITEM 1B.               UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.                        PROPERTIES.

 

As of January 30, 2016, we operated approximately 4,000 owned or leased supermarkets, convenience stores, fine jewelry stores, distribution warehouses and food production plants through divisions, subsidiaries or affiliates. These facilities are located throughout the United States. While our current strategy emphasizes ownership of store real estate, a majority of the properties used to conduct our business are leased.

 

We generally own store equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements, as well as processing and food production equipment. The total cost of our owned assets and capitalized leases at January 30, 2016, was $37.7 billion while the accumulated depreciation was $18.1 billion.

 

Leased premises generally have base terms ranging from ten-to-twenty years with renewal options for additional periods. Some options provide the right to purchase the property after the conclusion of the lease term. Store rentals are normally payable monthly at a stated amount or at a guaranteed minimum amount plus a percentage of sales over a stated dollar volume. Rentals for the distribution, food production and miscellaneous facilities generally are payable monthly at stated amounts.  For additional information on lease obligations, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 3.                        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

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

 

We continually evaluate our exposure to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation and believe we have made provisions where it is reasonably possible to estimate and where an adverse outcome is probable.  Nonetheless, assessing and predicting the outcomes of these matters involves substantial uncertainties.  We currently believe that the aggregate range of loss for our exposures is not material.  It remains possible that despite our current belief, material differences in actual outcomes or changes in our evaluation or predictions could arise that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 4.                        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

7



 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.                        MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

(a)

 

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange for each full quarterly period of the two most recently completed fiscal years.  All share and per share amounts presented are reflective of the two-for-one stock split that began trading at the split adjusted price on July 14, 2015.

 

COMMON SHARE PRICE RANGE

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Quarter

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

1st

 

$

38.87

 

$

34.05

 

$

23.95

 

$

17.57

 

2nd

 

$

38.65

 

$

37.09

 

$

25.75

 

$

23.25

 

3rd

 

$

38.73

 

$

27.32

 

$

29.08

 

$

24.99

 

4th

 

$

42.75

 

$

36.00

 

$

35.03

 

$

28.64

 

 

Main trading market: New York Stock Exchange (Symbol KR)

 

Number of shareholders of record at fiscal year-end 2015:                      29,102

 

Number of shareholders of record at March 23, 2016:          28,959

 

During 2015, we paid two quarterly cash dividends of $0.0925 per share and two quarterly cash dividends of $0.105 per share.  During 2014, we paid three quarterly cash dividends of $0.0825 per share and one quarterly cash dividend of $0.0925 per share.  On March 1, 2016, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.105 per share.  On March 10, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors have declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on June 1, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 13, 2016.  We currently expect to continue to pay comparable cash dividends on a quarterly basis depending on our earnings and other factors.

 

For information on securities authorized for issuance under our existing equity compensation plans, see Item 12 under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

 

8



 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the five-year cumulative total shareholder return on our common shares, based on the market price of the common shares and assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the cumulative total return of companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and a peer group composed of food and drug companies.

 

 

 

 

Base
Period

 

INDEXED RETURNS
Years Ending

 

Company Name/Index

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

The Kroger Co.

 

100

 

116.26

 

136.28

 

179.49

 

348.32

 

395.78

 

S&P 500 Index

 

100

 

105.33

 

123.87

 

149.02

 

170.22

 

169.08

 

Peer Group

 

100

 

105.11

 

126.94

 

143.63

 

173.96

 

161.13

 

 

Kroger’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31.

 


*                 Total assumes $100 invested on January 30, 2011, in The Kroger Co., S&P 500 Index, and the Peer Group, with reinvestment of dividends.

 

**          The Peer Group consists of Costco Wholesale Corp., CVS Caremark Corp, Etablissements Delhaize Freres Et Cie Le Lion (Groupe Delhaize), Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (included through March 13, 2012 when it became private after emerging from bankruptcy), Koninklijke Ahold NV, Safeway, Inc. (included through January 29, 2015 when it was acquired by AB Acquisition LLC), Supervalu Inc., Target Corp., Tesco plc, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (formerly, Walgreen Co.), Whole Foods Market Inc. and Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (included through March 9, 2012 when it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bi-Lo Holdings).

 

Data supplied by Standard & Poor’s.

 

The foregoing Performance Graph will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing, absent an express reference thereto.

 

9



 

(c)

 

The following table presents information on our purchases of our common shares during the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period (1)

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (2)

 

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (3)

 

Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (4)
(in millions)

 

First period - four weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 8, 2015 to December 5, 2015

 

94,717

 

$

37.89

 

74,819

 

$

500

 

Second period - four weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 6, 2015 to January 2, 2016

 

906,648

 

$

41.47

 

831,783

 

$

500

 

Third period — four weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 3, 2016 to January 30, 2016

 

213,721

 

$

39.73

 

169,598

 

$

500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,215,086

 

$

40.88

 

1,076,200

 

$

500

 

 


(1)

The reported periods conform to our fiscal calendar composed of thirteen 28-day periods. The fourth quarter of 2015 contained three 28-day periods.

 

 

(2)

Includes (i) shares repurchased under a program announced on December 6, 1999 to repurchase common shares to reduce dilution resulting from our employee stock option and long-term incentive plans, under which repurchases are limited to proceeds received from exercises of stock options and the tax benefits associated therewith (the “1999 Repurchase Program”), and (ii) 138,886 shares that were surrendered to the Company by participants under our long-term incentive plans to pay for taxes on restricted stock awards.

 

 

(3)

Represents shares repurchased under the 1999 Repurchase Program.

 

 

(4)

The amounts shown in this column reflect the amount remaining under the $500 million share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors and announced on June 25, 2015 (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). Amounts available under the 1999 Repurchase Program are dependent upon option exercise activity. The 2015 Repurchase Program and the 1999 Repurchase Program do not have an expiration date but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. On March 10, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program to supplement the 2015 Repurchase Program, which is expected to be exhausted by the end of the second quarter of 2016.

 

10



 

ITEM 6.                        SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

 

The following table presents our selected consolidated financial data for each of the last five fiscal years.  Refer to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure of business combinations and their effect on each of the last three fiscal years’ Consolidated Statements of Operations and the last two fiscal years’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.  All share and per share amounts presented are reflective of the two-for-one stock split that began trading at the split adjusted price on July 14, 2015.

 

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

January 30,
2016
(52 weeks) (1)

 

January 31,
2015
(52 weeks) (1)

 

February 1,
2014
(52 weeks) (1)

 

February 2,
2013
(53 weeks)

 

January 28,
2012
(52 weeks)

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

Sales

 

$

109,830

 

$

108,465

 

$

98,375

 

$

96,619

 

$

90,269

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

2,049

 

1,747

 

1,531

 

1,508

 

596

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

2,039

 

1,728

 

1,519

 

1,497

 

602

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

2.06

 

1.72

 

1.45

 

1.39

 

0.51

 

Total assets

 

33,897

 

30,497

 

29,281

 

24,634

 

23,454

 

Long-term liabilities, including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

14,123

 

13,663

 

13,181

 

9,359

 

10,405

 

Total shareholders’ equity — The Kroger Co.

 

6,811

 

5,412

 

5,384

 

4,207

 

3,981

 

Cash dividends per common share

 

0.395

 

0.340

 

0.308

 

0.248

 

0.215

 

 


(1)                                 Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (“Harris Teeter”) is included in our ending Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2015, 2014 and 2013 and in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2015 and 2014.  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.

 

11



 

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

 

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.

 

OUR 2015 PERFORMANCE

 

We achieved outstanding results in 2015.  Our business strategy continues to resonate with a full range of customers and our results reflect the balance we seek to achieve across our business including positive identical supermarket sales growth, increases in loyal household count, and good cost control, as well as growth in net earnings and net earnings per diluted share.  Our 2015 net earnings were $2.0 billion or $2.06 per diluted share, compared to $1.7 billion, or $1.72 per diluted share for 2014.  All share and per share amounts presented are reflective of the two-for-one stock split that began trading at the split adjusted price on July 14, 2015.

 

Our net earnings for 2015 include a $110 million expense to operating, general, and administrative (“OG&A”) for certain contributions to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (“UFCW”) Consolidated Pension Plan (“2015 UFCW Contributions”) made during the third and fourth quarters of 2015.  In addition, our net earnings for 2015 include a lower last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) charge compared to 2014.  Net earnings for 2014 include a net $39 million after-tax charge for an $87 million ($56 million after-tax) charge to OG&A due to the commitments and withdrawal liabilities arising from restructuring of certain multi-employer obligations (“2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation”) to help stabilize associates’ future pension benefits, offset partially by the benefits from certain tax items of $17 million (“2014 Adjusted Items”).  In addition, our net earnings for 2014 include unusually high fuel margins, partially offset by a LIFO charge that was significantly higher than 2013 and $140 million in

 

12



 

contributions charged to OG&A expenses for the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan ($55 million) and The Kroger Co. Foundation ($85 million) (“2014 Contributions”).  The 2015 and 2014 contributions to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan was to further fund the plan.  The $85 million contribution, in 2014, to The Kroger Co. Foundation will enable it to continue to support causes such as hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families and local community organizations.  Fuel margin per gallon was $0.19 in 2014, compared to $0.14 in 2013.  Our net earnings for 2013 include a net benefit of $23 million, which includes benefits from certain tax items of $40 million, offset partially by costs of $11 million in interest and $16 million in OG&A expenses ($17 million after-tax) related to our merger with Harris Teeter (“2013 Adjusted Items”).

 

Our 2015 net earnings were $2.0 billion or $2.06 per diluted share, compared to $1.7 billion, or $1.72 per diluted share for 2014.  Net earnings for 2015 totaled $2.0 billion, or $2.06 per diluted share, compared to net earnings in 2014 of $1.8 billion, or $1.76 per diluted share, excluding the 2014 Adjusted Items.  We believe adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share present a more accurate year-over-year comparison of our financial results because the 2014 Adjusted Items were not the result of our normal operations.  Our net earnings per diluted share for 2015 represent a 17% increase, compared to 2014 adjusted net earnings per diluted share.  Please refer to the “Net Earnings” section of MD&A for more information.

 

Our identical supermarket sales increased 5.0%, excluding fuel, in 2015, compared to 2014.  We have achieved 49 consecutive quarters of positive identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel.  As we continue to outpace many of our competitors on identical supermarket sales growth, we continue to gain market share.  We focus on identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel, as it is a key performance target for our long-term growth strategy.

 

Increasing market share is an important part of our long-term strategy as it best reflects how our products and services resonate with customers.  Market share growth allows us to spread the fixed costs in our business over a wider revenue base.  Our fundamental operating philosophy is to maintain and increase market share by offering customers good prices and superior products and service.  Based on Nielsen POS+ data, our overall market share of the products we sell in markets in which we operate increased by approximately 40 basis points in 2015.  This data also indicates that our market share increased in 17 markets and declined in one.  These market share results reflect our long-term strategy of market share growth.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion summarizes our operating results for 2015 compared to 2014 and for 2014 compared to 2013.  Comparability is affected by income and expense items that fluctuated significantly between and among the periods, our merger with Roundy’s in late 2015 and our merger with Harris Teeter in late 2013.  All share and per share amounts presented below are reflective of the two-for-one stock split that began trading at the split adjusted price on July 14, 2015.

 

Management believes adjusted net earnings (and adjusted net earnings per diluted share) are useful metrics to investors and analysts because they more accurately reflect our day-to-day business operations than do the generally accepted accounting principle (“GAAP”) measures of net earnings and net earnings per diluted share.  Adjusted net earnings (and adjusted net earnings per diluted share) are non-generally accepted accounting principle (“non-GAAP”) financial measures and should not be considered alternatives to net earnings (and net earnings per diluted share) or any other GAAP measure of performance.  Adjusted net earnings (and adjusted net earnings per diluted share) should not be viewed in isolation or considered substitutes for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.  Management uses adjusted net earnings (and adjusted net earnings per diluted share) in evaluating our results of operations as it believes these measures are more meaningful indicators of operating performance since, as adjusted, those earnings relate more directly to our day-to-day operations.  Management also uses adjusted net earnings (and adjusted net earnings per diluted share) as a performance metric for management incentive programs, and to measure our progress against internal budgets and targets.

 

Net Earnings

 

Net earnings totaled $2.0 billion in 2015, $1.7 billion in 2014 and $1.5 billion in 2013.  Net earnings improved in 2015, compared to net earnings in 2014, due to an increase in operating profit, partially offset by an increase in income tax expense.  Operating profit increased in 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to an increase in first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) non-fuel operating profit, lower charges for total contributions to The Kroger Co. Foundation, UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan, the charge related to the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation and a lower LIFO charge which was $28 million (pre-tax), compared to a LIFO charge of $147 million (pre-tax) in 2014, partially offset by a decrease in fuel operating profit and continued investments in lower prices for our customers.  The decrease in fuel operating profit was primarily due to a decrease in fuel margin per gallon to $0.17 in 2015, compared to $0.19 in 2014, partially offset by an increase in fuel gallons sold.  Continued investments in lower prices for our customers includes our pharmacy department, which experienced high levels of inflation that were not fully passed on to the customer in 2015

 

13



 

Net earnings improved in 2014, compared to net earnings in 2013, due to an increase in operating profit, partially offset by increases in interest and income tax expense.  Operating profit increased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in FIFO non-fuel operating profit, excluding Harris Teeter, the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and an increase in fuel operating profit, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers, the 2014 Contributions, the charge related to the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation and a higher LIFO charge which was $147 million (pre-tax), compared to a LIFO charge of $52 million (pre-tax) in 2013.

 

The net earnings for 2015 do not include any non-GAAP adjustments.  The net earnings for 2014 include a net charge of $39 million, after tax, related to the 2014 Adjusted Items.  The net earnings for 2013 include a net benefit of $23 million, after tax, related to the 2013 Adjusted Items.  Excluding these benefits and charges for Adjusted Items for 2014 and 2013, adjusted net earnings were $2.0 billion in 2015, $1.8 billion in 2014 and $1.5 billion in 2013.  2015 net earnings improved, compared to adjusted net earnings in 2014, due to an increase in FIFO non-fuel operating profit, lower charges for total contributions to The Kroger Co. Foundation and UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan and a lower LIFO charge which was $28 million (pre-tax), compared to a LIFO charge of $147 million (pre-tax) in 2014, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers, a decrease in fuel operating profit and an increase in income tax expense.  Continued investments in lower prices for our customers includes our pharmacy department, which experienced high levels of inflation that were not fully passed on to the customer in 2015.  2014 adjusted net earnings improved, compared to adjusted net earnings in 2013, due to an increase in FIFO non-fuel operating profit, excluding Harris Teeter, the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and an increase in fuel operating profit, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers, the 2014 Contributions, increases in interest and income tax expense and a higher LIFO charge which was $147 million (pre-tax), compared to a LIFO charge of $52 million (pre-tax) in 2013.

 

Net earnings per diluted share totaled $2.06 in 2015, $1.72 in 2014 and $1.45 in 2013.  Net earnings per diluted share in 2015, compared to 2014, increased primarily due to fewer shares outstanding as a result of the repurchase of Kroger common shares and an increase in net earnings.  Net earnings per diluted share in 2014, compared to 2013, increased primarily due to fewer shares outstanding as a result of the repurchase of Kroger common shares and an increase in net earnings.

 

There were no adjustment items in 2015, but excluding the 2014 and 2013 Adjusted Items, adjusted net earnings per diluted share totaled $1.76 in 2014 and $1.43 in 2013.  Net earnings per diluted share in 2015, compared to adjusted net earnings per diluted share in 2014, increased primarily due to fewer shares outstanding as a result of the repurchase of Kroger common shares and an increase in adjusted net earnings.  Adjusted net earnings per diluted share in 2014, compared to adjusted net earnings per diluted share in 2013, increased primarily due to fewer shares outstanding as a result of the repurchase of Kroger common shares and an increase in adjusted net earnings.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. to net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. excluding Adjusted Items for 2014 and 2013 and a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share to the net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share excluding Adjusted Items for 2014 and 2013.  In 2015, we did not have any adjustment items that affect net earnings or net earnings per diluted share.

 

Net Earnings per Diluted Share excluding the Adjusted Items

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

2,039

 

$

1,728

 

$

1,519

 

2014 Adjusted Items

 

 

39

 

 

2013 Adjusted Items

 

 

 

(23

)

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. excluding the adjustment items above

 

$

2,039

 

$

1,767

 

$

1,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

$

2.06

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.45

 

2014 Adjusted Items(1)

 

 

0.04

 

 

2013 Adjusted Items(1)

 

 

 

(0.02

)

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share excluding the adjustment items above

 

$

2.06

 

$

1.76

 

$

1.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average numbers of common shares used in diluted calculation

 

980

 

993

 

1,040

 

 


(1)         The amounts presented represent the net earnings per diluted common share effect of each adjusted item.

 

14



 

Sales

 

Total Sales

(in millions)

 

 

 

2015

 

Percentage
Increase(2)

 

2014

 

Percentage
Increase(3)

 

2013

 

Total supermarket sales without fuel

 

$

91,310

 

5.8

%

$

 86,281

 

12.5

%

$

 76,666

 

Fuel sales

 

14,804

 

(21.5

)%

18,850

 

(0.6

)%

18,962

 

Other sales(1)

 

3,716

 

11.5

%

3,334

 

21.4

%

2,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

109,830

 

1.3

%

$

 108,465

 

10.3

%

$

98,375

 

 


(1)         Other sales primarily relate to sales at convenience stores, excluding fuel; jewelry stores; food production plants to outside customers; variable interest entities; a specialty pharmacy; in-store health clinics; sales on digital coupon services; and online sales by Vitacost.com.

(2)         This column represents the sales percentage increases in 2015, compared to 2014.

(3)         This column represents the sales percentage increases in 2014, compared to 2013.

 

Total sales increased in 2015, compared to 2014, by 1.3%.  This increase in 2015 total sales, compared to 2014, was primarily due to an increase in identical supermarket sales, excluding fuel, of 5.0%.  Total sales also increased due to the inclusion of Roundy’s sales, due to our merger, for the period of December 18, 2015 to January 30, 2016.  Identical supermarket sales, excluding fuel, for 2015, compared to 2014, increased primarily due to an increase in the number of households shopping with us, an increase in visits per household, changes in product mix and product cost inflation.  Total fuel sales decreased in 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to a 26.7% decrease in the average retail fuel price, partially offset by an increase in fuel gallons sold of 7.1%.

 

Total sales increased in 2014, compared to 2013, by 10.3%.  This increase in 2014 total sales, compared to 2013, was primarily due to our merger with Harris Teeter, which closed on January 28, 2014, and an increase in identical supermarket sales, excluding fuel, of 5.2%.  Identical supermarket sales, excluding fuel for 2014, compared to 2013, increased primarily due to an increase in the number of households shopping with us, an increase in visits per household and product cost inflation.  Total fuel sales decreased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to a 6.8% decrease in the average retail fuel price, partially offset by an increase in fuel gallons sold of 6.6%.

 

We define a supermarket as identical when it has been in operation without expansion or relocation for five full quarters.  Although identical supermarket sales is a relatively standard term, numerous methods exist for calculating identical supermarket sales growth.  As a result, the method used by our management to calculate identical supermarket sales may differ from methods other companies use to calculate identical supermarket sales.  We urge you to understand the methods used by other companies to calculate identical supermarket sales before comparing our identical supermarket sales to those of other such companies.  Fuel discounts received at our fuel centers and earned based on in-store purchases are included in all of the supermarket identical sales results calculations illustrated below and reduce our identical supermarket sales results.  Differences between total supermarket sales and identical supermarket sales primarily relate to changes in supermarket square footage.  Identical supermarket sales include sales from all departments at identical Fred Meyer multi-department stores and include Roundy’s sales for the last six weeks of fiscal 2015 for stores that are identical as if they were part of the Company in the prior year.  We calculate annualized identical supermarket sales by adding together four quarters of identical supermarket sales.  Our identical supermarket sales results are summarized in the table below.

 

Identical Supermarket Sales

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Including supermarket fuel centers

 

$

98,916

 

$

97,813

 

Excluding supermarket fuel centers

 

$

87,553

 

$

83,349

 

Including supermarket fuel centers

 

1.1

%

4.2

%

Excluding supermarket fuel centers

 

5.0

%

5.2

%

 

15



 

Gross Margin and FIFO Gross Margin

 

We calculate gross margin as sales less merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation expenses.  Merchandise costs exclude depreciation and rent expenses.  Our gross margin rates, as a percentage of sales, were 22.16% in 2015, 21.16% in 2014 and 20.57% in 2013.  The increase in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from a decrease in retail fuel sales and reductions in transportation costs and a decrease in our LIFO charge, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and increased shrink costs, as a percentage of sales.  The increase in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter, an increase in fuel gross margin rate and a reduction in warehouse and transportation costs, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and an increase in our LIFO charge, as a percentage of sales.  The merger with Harris Teeter, which closed late in fiscal year 2013, had a positive effect on our gross margin rate in 2014 since Harris Teeter has a higher gross margin rate as compared to total Company without Harris Teeter.  The increase in fuel gross margin rate for 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from an increase in fuel margin per gallon sold of $0.19 in 2014, compared to $0.14 in 2013.  Our retail fuel operations lower our gross margin rate, as a percentage of sales, due to the very low gross margin on retail fuel sales as compared to non-fuel sales.  A lower growth rate in retail fuel sales, as compared to the growth rate for the total Company, increases the gross margin rates, as a percentage of sales, when compared to the prior year.

 

We calculate FIFO gross margin as sales less merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation expenses, but excluding the LIFO charge.  Merchandise costs exclude depreciation and rent expenses.  Our LIFO charge was $28 million in 2015, $147 million in 2014 and $52 million in 2013.  FIFO gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to gross margin or any other GAAP measure of performance.  FIFO gross margin should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.  FIFO gross margin is an important measure used by management to evaluate merchandising and operational effectiveness.  Management believes FIFO gross margin is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it measures our day-to-day merchandising and operational effectiveness.

 

Our FIFO gross margin rates, as a percentage of sales, were 22.18% in 2015, 21.30% in 2014 and 20.62% in 2013.  Our retail fuel operations lower our FIFO gross margin rate, as a percentage of sales, due to the very low FIFO gross margin rate on retail fuel as compared to non-fuel sales.  Excluding the effect of retail fuel operations, our FIFO gross margin rate decreased four basis points in 2015, as a percentage of sales, compared to 2014.  The decrease in FIFO gross margin rates, excluding retail fuel, in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from continued investments in lower prices for our customers and increased shrink costs, partially offset by a reduction in transportation costs, as a percentage of sales.  Excluding the effect of retail fuel, our FIFO gross margin rate decreased three basis points in 2014, as a percentage of sales, compared to 2013.  The decrease in FIFO gross margin rates, excluding retail fuel, in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from continued investments in lower prices for our customers, offset partially by the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and a reduction of warehouse and transportation costs, as a percentage of sales.

 

LIFO Charge

 

The LIFO charge was $28 million in 2015, $147 million in 2014 and $52 million in 2013.  In 2015, we experienced lower product cost inflation, compared to 2014, which resulted in a lower LIFO charge.  In 2015, our LIFO charge primarily resulted from annualized product cost inflation related to pharmacy, and was partially offset by annualized product cost deflation related to meat and dairy.  In 2014, we experienced higher product cost inflation, compared to 2013, which resulted in a higher LIFO charge.  In 2014, our LIFO charge primarily resulted from annualized product cost inflation related to pharmacy, grocery, deli, meat and seafood.  In 2013, our LIFO charge resulted primarily from an annualized product cost inflation related to meat, seafood and pharmacy.

 

Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

 

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

 

OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 16.34% in 2015, 15.82% in 2014 and 15.45% in 2013.  The increase in OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from a decrease in retail fuel sales, increases in EMV chargebacks, company sponsored pension, healthcare and incentive plan costs, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by increased supermarket sales, the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, lower charges for total contributions to The Kroger Foundation

 

16



 

and UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan, productivity improvements and effective cost controls at the store level.  The increase in OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from the 2014 Contributions, the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, the effect of fuel, the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and increases in credit card fees and incentive plan costs, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by increased supermarket sales growth, productivity improvements and effective cost controls at the store level.  Retail fuel sales lower our OG&A rate due to the very low OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, of retail fuel sales compared to non-fuel sales.  The merger with Harris Teeter, which closed late in fiscal year 2013, increased our OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, since Harris Teeter has a higher OG&A rate as compared to the total Company without Harris Teeter.

 

Our retail fuel operations reduce our overall OG&A rate, as a percentage of sales, due to the very low OG&A rate on retail fuel sales as compared to non-fuel sales.  OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales excluding fuel, the 2015 UFCW Contributions, the 2014 Contributions and the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, decreased 9 basis points, compared to 2014.  The decrease in our adjusted OG&A rate in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from increased supermarket sales, productivity improvements and effective cost controls at the store level, partially offset by increases in EMV chargebacks , company sponsored pension, healthcare and incentive plan costs, as a percentage of sales.  OG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales excluding fuel, the 2014 Contributions and the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, decreased 19 basis points in 2014, compared to 2013, adjusted for the 2013 Adjusted Items.  The decrease in our adjusted OG&A rate in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from increased supermarket sales growth, productivity improvements and effective cost controls at the store level, offset partially by the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and increases in credit card fees and incentive plan costs, as a percentage of sales.

 

Rent Expense

 

Rent expense was $723 million in 2015, compared to $707 million in 2014 and $613 million in 2013.  Rent expense, as a percentage of sales, was 0.66% in 2015, compared to 0.65% in 2014 and 0.62% in 2013.  Rent expense increased in 2015, compared to 2014, due to the effect of our merger with Roundy’s, partially offset by our continued emphasis on owning rather than leasing, whenever possible.  Rent expense, as a percentage of sales, in 2015 was consistent with 2014 due to the effect of our merger with Roundy’s, partially offset by our continued emphasis to own rather than lease, whenever possible, and the benefit of increased sales.  The increase in rent expense, as a percentage of sales, in 2014, compared to 2013, is due to the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter, partially offset by our continued emphasis to own rather than lease, whenever possible, and the benefit of increased sales.  The merger with Harris Teeter, which closed late in fiscal year 2013, increased rent expense, as a percentage of sales, since Harris Teeter has a higher rent expense rate compared to the total Company without Harris Teeter.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.1 billion, compared to $1.9 billion in 2014 and $1.7 billion in 2013.  Depreciation and amortization expense, as a percentage of sales, was 1.90% in 2015, 1.80% in 2014 and 1.73% in 2013.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense for 2015, compared to 2014, was the result of additional depreciation due to our merger with Roundy’s and on capital investments, including mergers and lease buyouts, of $3.4 billion, excluding Roundy’s.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense, as a percentage of sales, from 2015, compared to 2014, is primarily due to the additional depreciation resulting from our increased capital investments, including mergers and lease buyouts in 2015, compared to 2014.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense for 2014, compared to 2013, in total dollars, was due to the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and our increased spending in capital investments, including mergers and lease buyouts, of $3.1 billion in 2014.   The increase in depreciation and amortization expense, as a percentage of sales, from 2014, compared to 2013, is primarily due to the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and our increased spending in capital investments, partially offset by increased supermarket sales.  The merger with Harris Teeter, which closed late in fiscal year 2013, increased our depreciation and amortization expense, as a percentage of sales, since Harris Teeter has a higher depreciation expense rate as compared to the total Company without Harris Teeter.

 

Operating Profit and Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit

 

Operating profit was $3.6 billion in 2015, $3.1 billion in 2014 and $2.7 billion in 2013.  Operating profit, as a percentage of sales, was 3.26% in 2015, 2.89% in 2014 and 2.77% in 2013.  Operating profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 37 basis points in 2015, compared to 2014, primarily from increased supermarket sales, a LIFO charge that was significantly lower in 2015, lower charges for total contributions to The Kroger Co. Foundation and UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan, the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Obligation, productivity improvements, effective cost controls at the store level, and reductions in transportation costs, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by the effect of our merger with Roundy’s, continued investments in lower prices for our customers, a decrease in operating profit from our fuel operations, an increase in depreciation and amortization expense and increases in EMV

 

17



 

chargebacks, company sponsored pension, healthcare, incentive plan and shrink costs, as a percentage of sales.  The decrease in operating profit from our fuel operations for 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from a decrease in the average margin per gallon of fuel sold, partially offset by an increase in fuel gallons sold.  Operating profit, as a percentage of sales, increased 12 basis points in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily from the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter, an increase in fuel gross margin rate and a reduction in warehouse and transportation costs, rent and depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers and an increase in the LIFO charge, as a percentage of sales.

 

We calculate FIFO operating profit as operating profit excluding the LIFO charge.  FIFO operating profit is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to operating profit or any other GAAP measure of performance.  FIFO operating profit should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.  FIFO operating profit is an important measure used by management to evaluate operational effectiveness.  Management believes FIFO operating profit is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it measures our day-to-day merchandising and operational effectiveness.  Since fuel discounts are earned based on in-store purchases, fuel operating profit does not include fuel discounts, which are allocated to our in-store supermarket location departments.  We also derive OG&A, rent and depreciation and amortization expenses through the use of estimated allocations in the calculation of fuel operating profit.

 

FIFO operating profit was $3.6 billion in 2015, $3.3 billion in 2014 and $2.8 billion in 2013.  FIFO operating profit, as a percentage of sales, was 3.28% in 2015, 3.03% in 2014 and 2.82% in 2013.  FIFO operating profit, excluding the 2015 UFCW Contributions, the 2014 Contributions, the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation and 2013 Adjusted Items, was $3.7 billion in 2015, $3.5 billion in 2014 and $2.8 billion in 2013.  FIFO operating profit, as a percentage of sales excluding the 2015 UFCW Contributions, the 2014 Contributions, the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation and 2013 Adjusted Items, was 3.38% in 2015, 3.24% in 2014 and 2.84% in 2013.

 

Retail fuel sales lower our overall FIFO operating profit rate due to the very low FIFO operating profit rate, as a percentage of sales, of retail fuel sales compared to non-fuel sales.  FIFO operating profit, as a percentage of sales excluding fuel, the 2015 UFCW Contributions, the 2014 Contributions and the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, increased 5 basis points in 2015, compared to 2014.  The increase in our adjusted FIFO operating profit rate in 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily due to increased supermarket sales, productivity improvements, effective cost controls at the store level and reductions in transportation costs, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers, the effect of our merger with Roundy’s, an increase in depreciation and amortization expense and increases in EMV chargebacks, company sponsored pension, healthcare, incentive plan and shrink costs, as a percentage of sales.  Excluding the effects of our merger with Roundy’s, FIFO operating profit increased 8 basis points in 2015, compared to 2014.  FIFO operating profit, as a percentage of sales, excluding fuel, the 2014 Contributions and the 2014 Multi-Employer Pension Plan Obligation, increased 10 basis points in 2014, compared to 2013, adjusted for the 2013 Adjusted Items.  The increase in our adjusted FIFO operating profit rate in 2014, compared to 2013, was primarily due to the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter and a reduction in warehouse and transportation costs, improvements in OG&A, rent and depreciation and amortization expense, as a percentage of sales, partially offset by continued investments in lower prices for our customers.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense totaled $482 million in 2015, $488 million in 2014 and $443 million in 2013.  The decrease in interest expense in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily due to the timing of debt principal payments and debt issuances, partially offset by an increase in interest expense associated with our commercial paper program.  The increase in interest expense in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from an increase in net total debt, primarily due to financing the merger with Harris Teeter and repurchases of our outstanding common shares.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 33.8% in 2015, 34.1% in 2014 and 32.9% in 2013.  The 2015, 2014 and 2013 tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of the utilization of tax credits, the Domestic Manufacturing Deduction and other changes, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes.

 

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMS

 

We maintain share repurchase programs that comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and allow for the orderly repurchase of our common shares, from time to time.  We made open market purchases of our common shares totaling $500 million in 2015, $1.1 billion in 2014 and $338 million in 2013 under these repurchase programs.  In addition to these repurchase

 

18



 

programs, we also repurchase common shares to reduce dilution resulting from our employee stock option plans.  This program is solely funded by proceeds from stock option exercises, and the tax benefit from these exercises.  We repurchased approximately $203 million in 2015, $155 million in 2014 and $271 million in 2013 of our common shares under the stock option program.

 

The shares repurchased in 2015 were acquired under two separate share repurchase programs.  The first is a $500 million repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors on June 26, 2014.  The second is a program that uses the cash proceeds from the exercises of stock options by participants in our stock option and long-term incentive plans as well as the associated tax benefits.  On June 25, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program to replace our prior authorization, which had been exhausted.  As of January 30, 2016, we have not repurchased any shares utilizing the June 25, 2015 repurchase program.  On March 10, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program to supplement the 2015 Repurchase Program, which is expected to be exhausted by the end of the second quarter of 2016.

 

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS

 

Capital investments, including changes in construction-in-progress payables and excluding mergers and the purchase of leased facilities, totaled $3.3 billion in 2015, $2.8 billion in 2014 and $2.3 billion in 2013.  Capital investments for mergers totaled $168 million in 2015, $252 million in 2014 and $2.3 billion in 2013.  Payments for mergers of $168 million in 2015, $252 million in 2014 and $2.3 billion in 2013 relate to our mergers with Roundy’s, Vitacost.com and Harris Teeter, respectively.  Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the mergers with Roundy’s, Vitacost.com and Harris Teeter.  Capital investments for the purchase of leased facilities totaled $35 million in 2015, $135 million in 2014 and $108 million in 2013.  The table below shows our supermarket storing activity and our total food store square footage:

 

Supermarket Storing Activity

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Beginning of year

 

2,625

 

2,640

 

2,424

 

Opened

 

31

 

33

 

17

 

Opened (relocation)

 

12

 

13

 

7

 

Acquired

 

159

 

 

227

 

Closed (operational)

 

(37

)

(48

)

(28

)

Closed (relocation)

 

(12

)

(13

)

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

2,778

 

2,625

 

2,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total food store square footage (in millions)

 

173

 

162

 

161

 

 

RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL

 

We calculate return on invested capital (“ROIC”) by dividing adjusted operating profit for the prior four quarters by the average invested capital.  Adjusted operating profit is calculated by excluding certain items included in operating profit, and adding back our LIFO charge, depreciation and amortization and rent to our U.S. GAAP operating profit of the prior four quarters.  Average invested capital is calculated as the sum of (i) the average of our total assets, (ii) the average LIFO reserve, (iii) the average accumulated depreciation and amortization and (iv) a rent factor equal to total rent for the last four quarters multiplied by a factor of eight; minus (i) the average taxes receivable, (ii) the average trade accounts payable, (iii) the average accrued salaries and wages and (iv) the average other current liabilities, excluding accrued income taxes.  Averages are calculated for ROIC by adding the beginning balance of the first quarter and the ending balance of the fourth quarter, of the last four quarters, and dividing by two.  We use a factor of eight for our total rent as we believe this is a common factor used by our investors, analysts and rating agencies.  ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance.  ROIC should not be reviewed in isolation or considered as a substitute for our financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP.  ROIC is an important measure used by management to evaluate our investment returns on capital.  Management believes ROIC is a useful metric to investors and analysts because it measures how effectively we are deploying our assets.

 

Although ROIC is a relatively standard financial term, numerous methods exist for calculating a company’s ROIC.  As a result, the method used by our management to calculate ROIC may differ from methods other companies use to calculate their ROIC.  We urge you to understand the methods used by other companies to calculate their ROIC before comparing our ROIC to that of such other companies.

 

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The following table provides a calculation of ROIC for 2015 and 2014.  The 2015 calculation of ROIC excludes the financial position, results and merger costs for the Roundy’s transaction:

 

 

 

January 30,
2016

 

January 31,
2015

 

Return on Invested Capital

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

$

3,576

 

$

3,137

 

LIFO charge

 

28

 

147

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,089

 

1,948

 

Rent

 

723

 

707

 

Adjustments for pension plan agreements

 

 

87

 

Other

 

(13

)

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

$

6,403

 

$

6,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

Average total assets

 

$

32,197

 

$

29,860

 

Average taxes receivable(1)

 

(206

)

(19

)

Average LIFO reserve

 

1,259

 

1,197

 

Average accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

17,441

 

16,057

 

Average trade accounts payable

 

(5,390

)

(4,967

)

Average accrued salaries and wages

 

(1,359

)

(1,221

)

Average other current liabilities(2)

 

(3,054

)

(2,780

)

Adjustment for Roundy’s merger

 

(714

)

 

Rent x 8

 

5,784

 

5,656

 

Average invested capital

 

$

45,958

 

$

43,783

 

Return on Invested Capital

 

13.93

%

13.76

%

 


(1)

Taxes receivable were $392 as of January 30, 2016, $20 as of January 31, 2015 and $18 as of February 1, 2014. The increase in taxes receivable as of January 30, 2016, compared to as of January 31, 2015, is due to recently issued tangible property regulations. Refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

(2)

Other current liabilities included accrued income taxes of $5 as of January 31, 2015 and $92 as of February 1, 2014. We did not have any accrued income taxes as of January 30, 2016. Accrued income taxes are removed from other current liabilities in the calculation of average invested capital.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

We have chosen accounting policies that we believe are appropriate to report accurately and fairly our operating results and financial position, and we apply those accounting policies in a consistent manner.  Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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

 

We believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical in the preparation of our financial statements because they involve the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

Self-Insurance Costs

 

We primarily are self-insured for costs related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims.  The liabilities represent our best estimate, using generally accepted actuarial reserving methods, of the ultimate obligations for reported claims plus those incurred but not reported for all claims incurred through January 30, 2016.  We establish case reserves for reported claims using case-basis evaluation of the underlying claim data and we update as information becomes known.

 

For both workers’ compensation and general liability claims, we have purchased stop-loss coverage to limit our exposure to any significant exposure on a per claim basis.  We are insured for covered costs in excess of these per claim limits.  We account for the liabilities for workers’ compensation claims on a present value basis utilizing a risk-adjusted discount rate.  A 25 basis point decrease in our discount rate would increase our liability by approximately $2 million.  General liability claims are not discounted.

 

The assumptions underlying the ultimate costs of existing claim losses are subject to a high degree of unpredictability, which can affect the liability recorded for such claims.  For example, variability in inflation rates of health care costs inherent in these claims can affect the amounts realized.  Similarly, changes in legal trends and interpretations, as well as a change in the nature and method of how claims are settled can affect ultimate costs.  Our estimates of liabilities incurred do not anticipate significant changes in historical trends for these variables, and any changes could have a considerable effect on future claim costs and currently recorded liabilities.

 

Impairments of Long-Lived Assets

 

We monitor the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment each quarter based on whether certain triggering events have occurred.  These events include current period losses combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses or a significant decrease in the market value of an asset.  When a triggering event occurs, we perform an impairment calculation, comparing projected undiscounted cash flows, utilizing current cash flow information and expected growth rates related to specific stores, to the carrying value for those stores.  If we identify impairment for long-lived assets to be held and used, we compare the assets’ current carrying value to the assets’ fair value.  Fair value is determined based on market values or discounted future cash flows.  We record impairment when the carrying value exceeds fair market value.  With respect to owned property and equipment held for disposal, we adjust the value of the property and equipment to reflect recoverable values based on our previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and current economic conditions.  We recognize impairment for the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair market value, reduced by estimated direct costs of disposal.  We recorded asset impairments in the normal course of business totaling $46 million in 2015, $37 million in 2014 and $39 million in 2013.  We record costs to reduce the carrying value of long-lived assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Operating, general and administrative” expense.

 

The factors that most significantly affect the impairment calculation are our estimates of future cash flows.  Our cash flow projections look several years into the future and include assumptions on variables such as inflation, the economy and market competition.  Application of alternative assumptions and definitions, such as reviewing long-lived assets for impairment at a different level, could produce significantly different results.

 

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Goodwill

 

Our goodwill totaled $2.7 billion as of January 30, 2016.  We review goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, and also upon the occurrence of triggering events.  We perform reviews of each of our operating divisions and variable interest entities (collectively, “reporting units”) that have goodwill balances.  Fair value is determined using a multiple of earnings, or discounted projected future cash flows, and we compare fair value to the carrying value of a reporting unit for purposes of identifying potential impairment.  We base projected future cash flows on management’s knowledge of the current operating environment and expectations for the future.  If we identify potential for impairment, we measure the fair value of a reporting unit against the fair value of its underlying assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill, to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill.  We recognize goodwill impairment for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value.

 

In 2015, goodwill increased $420 million primarily due to our merger with Roundy’s.  In 2014, goodwill increased $169 million primarily due to our merger with Vitacost.com.  For additional information related to the allocation of the purchase price for Roundy’s and Vitacost.com, refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The annual evaluation of goodwill performed for our other reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2015, 2014 and 2013 did not result in impairment.  Based on current and future expected cash flows, we believe goodwill impairments are not reasonably likely.  A 10% reduction in fair value of our reporting units would not indicate a potential for impairment of our goodwill balance.

 

For additional information relating to our results of the goodwill impairment reviews performed during 2015, 2014 and 2013 see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The impairment review requires the extensive use of management judgment and financial estimates.  Application of alternative estimates and assumptions, such as reviewing goodwill for impairment at a different level, could produce significantly different results.  The cash flow projections embedded in our goodwill impairment reviews can be affected by several factors such as inflation, business valuations in the market, the economy and market competition.

 

Store Closing Costs

 

We provide for closed store liabilities on the basis of the present value of the estimated remaining non-cancellable lease payments after the closing date, net of estimated subtenant income.  We estimate the net lease liabilities using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining net rent payments on closed stores.  We usually pay closed store lease liabilities over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, which generally have remaining terms ranging from one to 20 years.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities primarily relate to changes in subtenant income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  We make adjustments for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known.  We review store closing liabilities quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs is adjusted to earnings in the proper period.

 

We estimate subtenant income, future cash flows and asset recovery values based on our experience and knowledge of the market in which the closed store is located, our previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and current economic conditions.  The ultimate cost of the disposition of the leases and the related assets is affected by current real estate markets, inflation rates and general economic conditions.

 

We reduce owned stores held for disposal to their estimated net realizable value.  We account for costs to reduce the carrying values of property, equipment and leasehold improvements in accordance with our policy on impairment of long-lived assets.  We classify inventory write-downs in connection with store closings, if any, in “Merchandise costs.”  We expense costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores as they are incurred.

 

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans

 

We account for our defined benefit pension plans using the recognition and disclosure provisions of GAAP, which require the recognition of the funded status of retirement plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  We record, as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition obligations that have not yet been recognized.

 

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The determination of our obligation and expense for Company-sponsored pension plans and other post-retirement benefits is dependent upon our selection of assumptions used by actuaries in calculating those amounts.  Those assumptions are described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and include, among others, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality and the rate of increases in compensation and health care costs.  Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense and recorded obligation in future periods.  While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions, including the discount rate used and the expected return on plan assets, may materially affect our pension and other post-retirement obligations and our future expense.  Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements discusses the effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate on other post-retirement benefit costs and the related liability.

 

The objective of our discount rate assumptions was intended to reflect the rates at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled.  In making this determination, we take into account the timing and amount of benefits that would be available under the plans.  Our methodology for selecting the discount rates was to match the plan’s cash flows to that of a hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the plan’s projected benefit cash flows.  The discount rates are the single rates that produce the same present value of cash flows.  The selection of the 4.62% and 4.44% discount rates as of year-end 2015 for pension and other benefits, respectively, represents the hypothetical bond portfolio using bonds with an AA or better rating constructed with the assistance of an outside consultant.  We utilized a discount rate of 3.87% and 3.74% as of year-end 2014 for pension and other benefits, respectively.  A 100 basis point increase in the discount rate would decrease the projected pension benefit obligation as of January 30, 2016, by approximately $438 million.

 

To determine the expected rate of return on pension plan assets held by Kroger for 2015, we considered current and forecasted plan asset allocations as well as historical and forecasted rates of return on various asset categories.  In 2015, our assumed pension plan investment return rate was 7.44%, compared to 7.44% in 2014 and 8.50 in 2013.  Our pension plans’ average rate of return was 6.47% for the 10 calendar years ended December 31, 2015, net of all investment management fees and expenses.  The value of all investments in our Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans during the calendar year ending December 31, 2015, net of investment management fees and expenses, decreased 0.80%.  For the past 20 years, our average annual rate of return has been 7.99%.  Based on the above information and forward looking assumptions for investments made in a manner consistent with our target allocations, we believe a 7.44% rate of return assumption is reasonable for 2015.  See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the asset allocations of pension plan assets.

 

On January 31, 2015, we adopted new mortality tables, including industry-based tables for annuitants, reflecting more current mortality experience and assumptions for future generational mortality improvement in calculating our projected benefit obligations as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 and our 2015 pension expense.  The tables assume an improvement in life expectancy and increased our benefit obligation and future expenses.  We used the RP-2000 projected to 2021 mortality table in calculating our 2013 year end pension obligation and 2014 and 2013 pension expense.

 

Sensitivity to changes in the major assumptions used in the calculation of Kroger’s pension plan liabilities is illustrated below (in millions).

 

 

 

Percentage
Point Change

 

Projected Benefit
Obligation
Decrease/(Increase)

 

Expense
Decrease/(Increase)

 

Discount Rate

 

+/- 1.0%

 

$

438/(530)

 

$

36/$(42)

 

Expected Return on Assets

 

+/- 1.0%

 

 

$

38/$(38)

 

 

In 2015, we contributed $5 million to our Company-sponsored defined benefit plans and do not expect to make any contributions to these plans in 2016.  In 2014, we did not contribute to our Company-sponsored defined benefit plans and do not expect to make any contributions to this plan in 2015.  We did not make a contribution in 2014 and contributed $100 million in 2013 to our Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans.  Among other things, investment performance of plan assets, the interest rates required to be used to calculate the pension obligations, and future changes in legislation, will determine the amounts of contributions.

 

We contributed and expensed $196 million in 2015, $177 million in 2014 and $148 million in 2013 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts.  The increase in 2015, compared to 2014, is due to a higher employee savings rate.  The increase in 2014, compared to 2013, is due to the effect of our merger with Harris Teeter.  The 401(k) retirement savings account plans provide to eligible employees both matching contributions and automatic contributions from the Company based on participant contributions, plan compensation, and length of service.

 

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Multi-Employer Pension Plans

 

We contribute to various multi-employer pension plans, including the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan, based on obligations arising from collective bargaining agreements.  We are designated as the named fiduciary of the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan and have sole investment authority over these assets.  These multi-employer pension plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.  The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose.  Trustees are appointed in equal number by employers and unions.  The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plans.

 

In 2015, we contributed $190 million to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.  We had previously accrued $60 million of the total contributions at January 31, 2015 and recorded expense for the remaining $130 million at the time of payment in 2015.  In 2014, we incurred a charge of $56 million (after-tax) related to commitments and withdrawal liabilities associated with the restructuring of pension plan agreements, of which $15 million was contributed to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan in 2014.  As of January 30, 2016, we are not required to contribute to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan in 2016.

 

We recognize expense in connection with these plans as contributions are funded or when commitments are made, in accordance with GAAP.  We made cash contributions to these plans of $426 million in 2015, $297 million in 2014 and $228 million in 2013.

 

Based on the most recent information available to us, we believe that the present value of actuarially accrued liabilities in most of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute substantially exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits.  We have attempted to estimate the amount by which these liabilities exceed the assets, (i.e., the amount of underfunding), as of December 31, 2015.  Because we are only one of a number of employers contributing to these plans, we also have attempted to estimate the ratio of our contributions to the total of all contributions to these plans in a year as a way of assessing our “share” of the underfunding.  Nonetheless, the underfunding is not a direct obligation or liability of ours or of any employer.  As of December 31, 2015, we estimate that our share of the underfunding of multi-employer plans to which we contribute was approximately $2.9 billion, pre-tax, or $1.8 billion, after-tax, which includes Roundy’s share of underfunding of its multi-employer plans.  This represents an increase in the estimated amount of underfunding of approximately $1.1 billion, pre-tax, or approximately $680 million, after-tax, as of December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014.  The increase in the amount of underfunding is attributable to lower than expected returns on the assets held in the multi-employer plans during 2015, changes in mortality rate assumptions and the merger of Roundy’s.  Our estimate is based on the most current information available to us including actuarial evaluations and other data (that include the estimates of others), and such information may be outdated or otherwise unreliable.

 

We have made and disclosed this estimate not because, except as noted above, this underfunding is a direct liability of ours.  Rather, we believe the underfunding is likely to have important consequences.  In 2016, we expect to contribute approximately $260 million to multi-employer pension plans, subject to collective bargaining and capital market conditions.  We expect increases in expense as a result of increases in multi-employer pension plan contributions over the next few years.  Finally, underfunding means that, in the event we were to exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to these funds, we could trigger a substantial withdrawal liability. Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably estimated, in accordance with GAAP.

 

The amount of underfunding described above is an estimate and could change based on contract negotiations, returns on the assets held in the multi-employer plans and benefit payments.  The amount could decline, and our future expense would be favorably affected, if the values of the assets held in the trust significantly increase or if further changes occur through collective bargaining, trustee action or favorable legislation.  On the other hand, our share of the underfunding could increase and our future expense could be adversely affected if the asset values decline, if employers currently contributing to these funds cease participation or if changes occur through collective bargaining, trustee action or adverse legislation.  We continue to evaluate our potential exposure to under-funded multi-employer pension plans.  Although these liabilities are not a direct obligation or liability of ours, any commitments to fund certain multi-employer plans will be expensed when our commitment is probable and an estimate can be made.

 

See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information relating to our participation in these multi-employer pension plans.

 

Uncertain Tax Positions

 

We review the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other disclosures related to uncertain tax positions.

 

24



 

Various taxing authorities periodically audit our income tax returns.  These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income to various tax jurisdictions.  In evaluating the exposures connected with these various tax filing positions, including state and local taxes, we record allowances for probable exposures.  A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which an allowance has been established, is audited and fully resolved.  As of January 30, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service had concluded its examination of our 2010 and 2011 federal tax returns.  Tax years 2012 and 2013 remain under examination.

 

The assessment of our tax position relies on the judgment of management to estimate the exposures associated with our various filing positions.

 

Share-Based Compensation Expense

 

We account for stock options under the fair value recognition provisions of GAAP.  Under this method, we recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted.  We recognize share-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award.  In addition, we record expense for restricted stock awards in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date of the award, over the period the award restrictions lapse.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally on a LIFO basis) or market.  In total, approximately 95% of inventories in 2015 and 2014 were valued using the LIFO method.  Cost for the balance of the inventories, including substantially all fuel inventories, was determined using the FIFO method.  Replacement cost was higher than the carrying amount by $1.3 billion at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.  We follow the Link-Chain, Dollar-Value LIFO method for purposes of calculating our LIFO charge or credit.

 

We follow the item-cost method of accounting to determine inventory cost before the LIFO adjustment for substantially all store inventories at our supermarket divisions.  This method involves counting each item in inventory, assigning costs to each of these items based on the actual purchase costs (net of vendor allowances and cash discounts) of each item and recording the cost of items sold.  The item-cost method of accounting allows for more accurate reporting of periodic inventory balances and enables management to more precisely manage inventory.  In addition, substantially all of our inventory consists of finished goods and is recorded at actual purchase costs (net of vendor allowances and cash discounts).

 

We evaluate inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in our facilities.  We record allowances for inventory shortages based on the results of recent physical counts to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.

 

Vendor Allowances

 

We recognize all vendor allowances as a reduction in merchandise costs when the related product is sold.  In most cases, vendor allowances are applied to the related product cost by item, and therefore reduce the carrying value of inventory by item.  When it is not practicable to allocate vendor allowances to the product by item, we recognize vendor allowances as a reduction in merchandise costs based on inventory turns and as the product is sold.  We recognized approximately $7.3 billion in 2015, $6.9 billion in 2014 and $6.2 billion in 2013 of vendor allowances as a reduction in merchandise costs.  We recognized approximately 91% of all vendor allowances in the item cost with the remainder being based on inventory turns.

 

25



 

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended Accounting Standards Codification 835, “Interest-Imputation of Interest.” The amendment simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability by requiring it be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This amendment became effective beginning February 1, 2015, and was adopted retrospectively in accordance with the standard.  The adoption of this amendment resulted in amounts previously reported in other assets to now be reported within long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts were not material to the prior year.  The adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  Per ASU 2015-14, “Deferral of Effective Date,” this guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending February 2, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted as of the first quarter of our fiscal year ending February 3, 2018.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption of this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, “Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets.” This amendment permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year end for all plans. This guidance will be effective for us in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017.  The implementation of this amendment will not have an effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and will not have a significant effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent).” This amendment removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share. This guidance will be effective for us in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017.  The implementation of this amendment will have an effect on our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and will not have an effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This amendment eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. This guidance will be effective for us in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017. The implementation of this amendment is not expected to have a significant effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This amendment requires deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance will be effective for our fiscal year ending January 28, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this amendment will not have an effect on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and will not have a significant effect on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which provides guidance for the recognition of lease agreements.  The standard’s core principle is that a company will now recognize most leases on its balance sheet as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets.  This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal year ending February 1, 2020.  Early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this ASU will result in a significant increase to our Consolidated Balance Sheets for lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, and we are currently evaluating the other effects of adoption of this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  We believe our current off-balance sheet leasing commitments are reflected in our investment grade debt rating.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Cash Flow Information

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

We generated $4.8 billion of cash from operations in 2015, compared to $4.2 billion in 2014 and $3.6 billion in 2013.  The cash provided by operating activities came from net earnings including non-controlling interests adjusted primarily for non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization, stock compensation, expense for Company-sponsored pension plans, the LIFO charge and changes in working capital.

 

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily due to an increase in net earnings including non-controlling interests, an increase in non-cash items and changes in working capital.  The increase in non-cash items in 2015, as compared to 2014, was primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization expense and expense for Company-sponsored pension plans, partially offset by a lower LIFO charge.

 

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily due to an increase in net earnings including non-controlling interests, which include the results of Harris Teeter, an increase in non-cash items, a reduction in contributions to Company-sponsored pension plans and changes in working capital.  The increase in non-cash items in 2014, as compared to 2013, was primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization expense and the LIFO charge.  The amount of cash paid for income taxes increased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to an increase in net earnings including non-controlling interests.

 

Cash provided (used) by operating activities for changes in working capital was $96 million in 2015, compared to ($49) million in 2014 and $63 million in 2013.  The increase in cash provided by operating activities for changes in working capital in 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily due to an increase in cash provided by trade accounts payables and store deposits in transit, partially offset by a decrease in cash provided by income taxes receivable and payable.  The increase in cash used by operating activities for changes in working capital in 2014, compared to 2013, was primarily due to an increase in cash used for receivables and a decrease in cash provided by trade accounts payables, partially offset by an increase in cash provided by accrued expenses.

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

Cash used by investing activities was $3.6 billion in 2015, compared to $3.1 billion in 2014 and $4.8 billion in 2013.  The amount of cash used by investing activities increased in 2015, compared to 2014, due to increased payments for capital investments, partially offset by lower payments for mergers.  The amount of cash used by investing activities decreased in 2014, compared to 2013, due to decreased payments for mergers, offset primarily by increased payments for capital investments.  Capital investments, including payments for lease buyouts, but excluding mergers, were $3.3 billion in 2015, $2.8 billion in 2014 and $2.3 billion in 2013.  Merger payments were $168 million in 2015, $252 million in 2014 and $2.3 billion in 2013.  Merger payments decreased in 2014, compared to 2013, primarily due to our merger with Harris Teeter in 2013.  Refer to the “Capital Investments” section for an overview of our supermarket storing activity during the last three years.

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

Financing activities (used) provided cash of ($1.3) billion in 2015, ($1.2) billion in 2014 and $1.4 billion in 2013.  The increase in the amount of cash used for financing activities in 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily related to increased payments on long-term debt and commercial paper, partially offset by higher proceeds from issuances of long-term debt and decreased treasury stock purchases.  The increase in the amount of cash used for financing activities in 2014, compared to 2013, was primarily related to decreased proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and increased treasury stock purchases, offset partially by decreased payments on long-term debt.  Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt were $1.2 billion in 2015, $576 million in 2014 and $3.5 billion in 2013.  Net (payments) borrowings provided from our commercial paper program were ($285) million in 2015, $25 million in 2014 and ($395) million in 2013.  Please refer to the “Debt Management” section of MD&A for additional information.  We repurchased $703 million of Kroger common shares in 2015, compared to $1.3 billion in 2014 and $609 million in 2013.  We paid dividends totaling $385 million in 2015, $338 million in 2014 and $319 million in 2013.

 

27



 

Debt Management

 

Total debt, including both the current and long-term portions of capital lease and lease-financing obligations, increased $481 million to $12.1 billion as of year-end 2015, compared to 2014.  The increase in 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from the issuance of (i) $300 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.00%, (ii) $300 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.60%, (iii) $500 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 3.50% and (iv) an increase in capital lease obligations due to our merger with Roundy’s and various leased locations, partially offset by payments of $678 million on long-term debt obligations assumed as part of our merger with Roundy’s and $500 million of payments at maturity of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 3.90%.  The increase in financing obligations was due to partially funding our merger with Roundy’s.

 

Total debt, including both the current and long-term portions of capital lease and lease-financing obligations increased $346 million to $11.7 billion as of year-end 2014, compared to 2013.  The increase in 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from (i) the issuance of $500 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 2.95% and (ii) an increase in commercial paper of $25 million, partially offset by payments at maturity of $300 million of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 4.95%.  The increase in financing obligations was due to partially funding our outstanding common share repurchases.

 

Liquidity Needs

 

We estimate our liquidity needs over the next twelve-month period to range from $6.6 to $6.9 billion, which includes anticipated requirements for working capital, capital investments, interest payments and scheduled principal payments of debt and commercial paper, offset by cash and temporary cash investments on hand at the end of 2015.  We generally operate with a working capital deficit due to our efficient use of cash in funding operations and because we have consistent access to the capital markets.  Based on current operating trends, we believe that cash flows from operating activities and other sources of liquidity, including borrowings under our commercial paper program and bank credit facility, will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future beyond the next twelve months.  We have approximately $990 million of commercial paper and $1.3 billion of senior notes maturing in the next twelve months, which is included in the range of $6.6 to $6.9 billion in estimated liquidity needs.  We expect to refinance this debt, in 2016, by issuing additional senior notes or commercial paper on favorable terms based on our past experience.  We also currently plan to continue repurchases of common shares under the Company’s share repurchase programs.  We believe we have adequate coverage of our debt covenants to continue to maintain our current debt ratings and to respond effectively to competitive conditions.

 

Factors Affecting Liquidity

 

We can currently borrow on a daily basis approximately $2.75 billion under our commercial paper (“CP”) program.  At January 30, 2016, we had $990 million of CP borrowings outstanding.  CP borrowings are backed by our credit facility, and reduce the amount we can borrow under the credit facility.  If our short-term credit ratings fall, the ability to borrow under our current CP program could be adversely affected for a period of time and increase our interest cost on daily borrowings under our CP program.  This could require us to borrow additional funds under the credit facility, under which we believe we have sufficient capacity.  However, in the event of a ratings decline, we do not anticipate that our borrowing capacity under our CP program would be any lower than $500 million on a daily basis.  Although our ability to borrow under the credit facility is not affected by our credit rating, the interest cost on borrowings under the credit facility could be affected by an increase in our Leverage Ratio.  As of March 23, 2016, we had $1.1 billion of CP borrowings outstanding.  The increase as of March 23, 2016, compared to year-end 2015, was due to partially funding our outstanding common share repurchases.

 

Our credit facility requires the maintenance of a Leverage Ratio and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (our “financial covenants”).  A failure to maintain our financial covenants would impair our ability to borrow under the credit facility. These financial covenants and ratios are described below:

 

·                                Our Leverage Ratio (the ratio of Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the credit facility) was 1.97 to 1 as of January 30, 2016.  If this ratio were to exceed 3.50 to 1, we would be in default of our credit facility and our ability to borrow under the facility would be impaired.  In addition, our Applicable Margin on borrowings is determined by our Leverage Ratio.

 

·                                Our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA plus Consolidated Rental Expense to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense plus Consolidated Rental Expense, as defined in the credit facility) was 5.30 to 1 as of January 30, 2016.  If this ratio fell below 1.70 to 1, we would be in default of our credit facility and our ability to borrow under the facility would be impaired.

 

Our credit agreement is more fully described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  We were in compliance with our financial covenants at year-end 2015.

 

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The tables below illustrate our significant contractual obligations and other commercial commitments, based on year of maturity or settlement, as of January 30, 2016 (in millions of dollars):

 

 

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Contractual Obligations (1) (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt(3)

 

$

2,318

 

$

735

 

$

1,307

 

$

774

 

$

724

 

$

5,538

 

$

11,396

 

Interest on long-term debt (4)

 

476

 

410

 

375

 

315

 

279

 

2,550

 

4,405

 

Capital lease obligations

 

103

 

72

 

62

 

57

 

52

 

527

 

873

 

Operating lease obligations

 

967

 

922

 

853

 

774

 

674

 

4,199

 

8,389

 

Financed lease obligations

 

13

 

13

 

13

 

13

 

13

 

74

 

139

 

Self-insurance liability (5)

 

223

 

138

 

98

 

63

 

38

 

79

 

639

 

Construction commitments(6)

 

418

 

 

 

 

 

 

418

 

Purchase obligations(7)

 

532

 

161

 

77

 

58

 

42

 

106

 

976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

5,050

 

$

2,451

 

$

2,786

 

$

2,054

 

$

1,822

 

$

13,072

 

$

27,235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Commercial Commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standby letters of credit

 

$

 244

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

244

 

Surety bonds

 

332

 

 

 

 

 

 

332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

576

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

576

 

 


(1)

The contractual obligations table excludes funding of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, which totaled approximately $30 million in 2015. This table also excludes contributions under various multi-employer pension plans, which totaled $426 million in 2015.

(2)

The liability related to unrecognized tax benefits has been excluded from the contractual obligations table because a reasonable estimate of the timing of future tax settlements cannot be determined.

(3)

As of January 30, 2016, we had $990 million of borrowings of commercial paper and no borrowings under our credit agreement.

(4)

Amounts include contractual interest payments using the interest rate as of January 30, 2016, and stated fixed and swapped interest rates, if applicable, for all other debt instruments.

(5)

The amounts included in the contractual obligations table for self-insurance liability related to workers’ compensation claims have been stated on a present value basis.

(6)

Amounts include funds owed to third parties for projects currently under construction. These amounts are reflected in other current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(7)

Amounts include commitments, many of which are short-term in nature, to be utilized in the normal course of business, such as several contracts to purchase raw materials utilized in our food production plants and several contracts to purchase energy to be used in our stores and food production plants.  Our obligations also include management fees for facilities operated by third parties and outside service contracts.  Any upfront vendor allowances or incentives associated with outstanding purchase commitments are recorded as either current or long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

As of January 30, 2016, we maintained a $2.75 billion (with the ability to increase by $750 million), unsecured revolving credit facility that, unless extended, terminates on June 30, 2019.  Outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement and commercial paper borrowings, and some outstanding letters of credit, reduce funds available under the credit agreement.  As of January 30, 2016, we had $990 million of borrowings of commercial paper and no borrowings under our credit agreement.  The outstanding letters of credit that reduce funds available under our credit agreement totaled $13 million as of January 30, 2016.

 

In addition to the available credit mentioned above, as of January 30, 2016, we had authorized for issuance $900 million of securities under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC and effective on December 13, 2013.

 

We also maintain surety bonds related primarily to our self-insured workers’ compensation claims.  These bonds are required by most states in which we are self-insured for workers’ compensation and are placed with predominately third-party insurance providers to insure payment of our obligations in the event we are unable to meet our claim payment obligations up to our self-insured retention levels.   These bonds do not represent liabilities of ours, as we already have reserves on our books for the claims costs.  Market changes may make the surety bonds more costly and, in some instances, availability of these bonds may become more limited, which

 

29



 

could affect our costs of, or access to, such bonds.  Although we do not believe increased costs or decreased availability would significantly affect our ability to access these surety bonds, if this does become an issue, we would issue letters of credit, in states where allowed, against our credit facility to meet the state bonding requirements.  This could increase our cost and decrease the funds available under our credit facility.

 

We also are contingently liable for leases that have been assigned to various third parties in connection with facility closings and dispositions.  We could be required to satisfy obligations under the leases if any of the assignees are unable to fulfill their lease obligations.  Due to the wide distribution of our assignments among third parties, and various other remedies available to us, we believe the likelihood that we will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote.  We have agreed to indemnify certain third-party logistics operators for certain expenses, including pension trust fund contribution obligations and withdrawal liabilities.

 

In addition to the above, we enter into various indemnification agreements and take on indemnification obligations in the ordinary course of business.  Such arrangements include indemnities against third party claims arising out of agreements to provide services to us; indemnities related to the sale of our securities; indemnities of directors, officers and employees in connection with the performance of their work; and indemnities of individuals serving as fiduciaries on benefit plans.  While our aggregate indemnification obligation could result in a material liability, we are not aware of any current matter that could result in a material liability.

 

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OUTLOOK

 

This discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking statements about our future performance.  These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it.  Such statements are indicated by words such as “comfortable,” “committed,” “will,” “expect,” “goal,” “should,” “intend,” “target,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially.

 

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

 

·                            We expect net earnings to be $2.19 to $2.28 per diluted share, which is essentially in line with our long-term net earnings per diluted share growth rate of 8% - 11%. Where we fall within the range will be primarily driven by actual fuel margins, which we expect to be at or slightly below the five-year average, with continued volatility. We expect our core business in 2016 to grow in line with our long-term net earnings per diluted share growth rate of 8% – 11%.

 

·                            We expect identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel sales, of 2.5%-3.5% in 2016, reflecting the lower inflationary environment.

 

·                            We expect full-year FIFO operating margin in 2016, excluding fuel, to expand slightly compared to 2015 results.

 

·                            We expect capital investments, excluding mergers, acquisitions and purchases of leased facilities, to be $4.1 to $4.4 billion.  These capital investments include approximately 100 major projects covering new stores, expansions and relocations, including 10 Ruler locations; 200 to 220 major remodels; and other investments including minor remodels and technology and infrastructure to support our Customer 1st business strategy.

 

·                            We expect total supermarket square footage for 2016 to grow approximately 3.0% - 3.5% before mergers, acquisitions and operational closings.

 

·                            We expect 2016 year-end ROIC to increase slightly compared to the 2015 result.

 

·                            We expect the 2016 effective tax rate to be approximately 35%, excluding the resolution of certain tax items.

 

·                            In 2016, we anticipate annualized product cost inflation of 1.0% to 2.0%, excluding fuel, and an annualized LIFO charge of approximately $50 million.  We expect inflation to be lower during the earlier portion of 2016 and to gradually rise during the later portion of 2016.

 

·                            We expect 2016 Company-sponsored pension plans expense to be approximately $80 million.  We do not expect to make a cash contribution in 2016.

 

·                            In 2016, we expect to contribute approximately $260 million to multi-employer pension funds.  We continue to evaluate and address our potential exposure to under-funded multi-employer pension plans.  Although these liabilities are not a direct obligation or liability of Kroger, any new agreements that would commit us to fund certain multi-employer plans will be expensed when our commitment is probable and an estimate can be made.

 

·                            In 2016, we will negotiate agreements with UFCW for store associates in Houston, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Nashville, Portland, Southern California and Fry’s in Arizona. Negotiations this year will be challenging as we must have competitive cost structures in each market while meeting our associates’ needs for solid wages and good quality, affordable health care and retirement benefits.

 

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

 

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

 

·                            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 and Roundy’s.   Our ability to achieve sales and earnings goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow.

 

·                            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.  Our fiscal year LIFO charge is affected primarily by changes in product costs at year-end.

 

·                            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’ goodwill over the implied fair value would have to be recognized.

 

·                            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.

 

·                            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 fuel generates lower profit margins than our supermarket sales, we expect to see our FIFO gross margins decline as fuel sales increase.

 

We cannot fully foresee the effects of changes in economic conditions on Kroger’s business. We have assumed economic and competitive situations will not change significantly in 2016.

 

Other factors and assumptions not identified above could also cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in, contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements made by us or our representatives.  We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this filing.

 

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ITEM 7A.               QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Financial Risk Management

 

We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and, to a lesser extent, adverse fluctuations in commodity prices and other market risks.  We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.  As a matter of policy, all of our derivative positions are intended to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure.  Because of the high correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure, fluctuations in the value of the instruments generally are offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying exposure.  The interest rate derivatives we use are straightforward instruments with liquid markets.

 

We manage our exposure to interest rates and changes in the fair value of our debt instruments primarily through the strategic use of our commercial paper program, variable and fixed rate debt, and interest rate swaps.  Our current program relative to interest rate protection contemplates hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt attributable to changes in interest rates.  To do this, we use the following guidelines: (i) use average daily outstanding borrowings to determine annual debt amounts subject to interest rate exposure, (ii) limit the average annual amount of debt subject to interest rate reset and the amount of floating rate debt to a combined total of $2.5 billion or less, (iii) include no leveraged products, and (iv) hedge without regard to profit motive or sensitivity to current mark-to-market status.

 

As of January 30, 2016, we maintained two interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional amount totaling $100 million, to manage our exposure to changes in the fair value of our fixed rate debt resulting from interest rate movements by effectively converting a portion of our debt from fixed to variable rates.  These agreements mature in December 2018, and coincide with our scheduled debt maturities.  The differential between fixed and variable rates to be paid or received is accrued as interest rates change in accordance with the agreements as an adjustment to interest expense.  These interest rate swap agreements are being accounted for as fair value hedges.

 

As of January 30, 2016, we maintained 7 forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with maturity dates of August 15, 2027 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $400 million.  A forward-starting interest rate swap is an agreement that effectively hedges the variability in future benchmark interest payments attributable to changes in interest rates on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt.  We entered into these forward-starting interest rate swaps in order to lock in fixed interest rates on our forecasted issuances of debt in fiscal year 2017.  The fixed interest rates for these forward-starting interest rate swaps range from 2.54% to 3.00%.  The variable rate component on the forward-starting interest rate swaps is 3 month LIBOR.  Accordingly, the forward-starting interest rate swaps were designated as cash-flow hedges as defined by GAAP.  As of January 30, 2016, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was recorded in other long-term liabilities for $29 million and accumulated other comprehensive income for $17 million net of tax.

 

Annually, we review with the Financial Policy Committee of our Board of Directors compliance with the guidelines described above.  The guidelines may change as our business needs dictate.

 

The tables below provide information about our interest rate derivatives classified as fair value hedges and underlying debt portfolio as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.  The amounts shown for each year represent the contractual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital leases, and the average outstanding notional amounts of interest rate derivatives classified as fair value hedges as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.  Interest rates reflect the weighted average rate for the outstanding instruments.  The variable component of each interest rate derivative and the variable rate debt is based on U.S. dollar LIBOR using the forward yield curve as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.  The Fair Value column includes the fair value of our debt instruments and interest rate derivatives classified as fair value hedges as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.  See Notes 6, 7 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

33



 

 

 

January 30, 2016
Expected Year of Maturity

 

 

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

(768

)

$

(713

)

$

(1,300

)

$

(747

)

$

(699

)

$

(5,456

)

$

(9,683

)

$

(10,597

)

Average interest rate

 

4.74

%

4.78

%

4.95

%

4.80

%

4.80

%

4.68

%

 

 

 

 

Variable rate

 

$

(1,550

)

$

(22

)

$

(7

)

$

(27

)

$

(25

)

$

(82

)

$

(1,713

)

$

(1,747

)

Average interest rate

 

3.71

%

1.21

%

1.26

%

1.06

%

0.46

%

0.03

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 30, 2016

 

January 30,

 

January 30,

 

 

 

Average Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

2016

 

2016

 

 

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Interest Rate Derivatives Classified as Fair Value Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed to variable

 

$

100

 

$

100

 

$

88

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

100

 

$

1

 

Average pay rate

 

6.30

%

6.64

%

6.95

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average receive rate

 

6.80

%

6.80

%

6.80

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2015
Expected Year of Maturity

 

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

(516

)

$

(776

)

$

(718

)

$

(1,008

)

$

(753

)

$

(5,260

)

$

(9,031

)

$

(10,383

)

Average interest rate

 

4.80

%

4.89

%

4.97

%

5.08

%

5.24

%

4.91

%

 

 

 

 

Variable rate

 

$

(1,328

)

$

(523

)

$

(18

)

$

 

$

(20

)

$

(106

)

$

(1,995

)

$

(1,995

)

Average interest rate

 

1.05

%

1.53

%

1.51

%

 

0.96

%

1.27

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2015

 

January 31,

 

January 31,

 

 

 

Average Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

2015

 

2015 Fair

 

 

 

2015

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Interest Rate Derivatives Classified as Fair Value Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed to variable

 

$

100

 

$

100

 

$

100

 

$

88

 

$

 

$

 

$

100

 

$

 

Average pay rate

 

6.18

%

6.81

%

7.22

%

7.39

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average receive rate

 

6.80

%

6.80

%

6.80

%

6.80

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on our year-end 2015 variable rate debt levels, a 10 percent change in interest rates would be immaterial.  See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of derivatives and hedging policies.

 

Commodity Price Protection

 

We enter into purchase commitments for various resources, including raw materials utilized in our food production plants and energy to be used in our stores, warehouses, food production plants and administrative offices. We enter into commitments expecting to take delivery of and to utilize those resources in the conduct of normal business. Those commitments for which we expect to utilize or take delivery in a reasonable amount of time in the normal course of business qualify as normal purchases.

 

34



 

ITEM 8.                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

The Kroger Co.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Kroger Co. and its subsidiaries at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Roundy’s, Inc. from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination on December 18, 2015.  We have also excluded Roundy’s, Inc. from our audit of internal control over financial reporting.  Roundy’s, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues represent 2% and less than 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended January 30, 2016.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio

March 29, 2016

 

35



 

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

January 30,

 

January 31,

 

(In millions, except par values)

 

2016

 

2015

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and temporary cash investments

 

$

277

 

$

268

 

Store deposits in-transit

 

923

 

988

 

Receivables

 

1,734

 

1,266

 

FIFO inventory

 

7,440

 

6,933

 

LIFO reserve

 

(1,272

)

(1,245

)

Prepaid and other current assets

 

790

 

701

 

Total current assets

 

9,892

 

8,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

19,619

 

17,912

 

Intangibles, net

 

1,053

 

757

 

Goodwill

 

2,724

 

2,304

 

Other assets

 

609

 

613

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

33,897

 

$

30,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

$

2,370

 

$

1,874

 

Trade accounts payable

 

5,728

 

5,052

 

Accrued salaries and wages

 

1,426

 

1,291

 

Deferred income taxes

 

221

 

287

 

Other current liabilities

 

3,226

 

2,888

 

Total current liabilities

 

12,971

 

11,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

 

 

 

 

Face-value of long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

9,708

 

9,723

 

Adjustment to reflect fair-value interest rate hedges

 

1

 

¾

 

Long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

9,709

 

9,723

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,752

 

1,209

 

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations

 

1,380

 

1,463

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,287

 

1,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

27,099

 

25,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred shares, $100 par per share, 5 shares authorized and unissued

 

¾

 

¾

 

Common shares, $1 par per share, 2,000 shares authorized; 1,918 shares issued in 2015 and 2014

 

1,918

 

1,918

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,980

 

2,748

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(680

)

(812

)

Accumulated earnings

 

14,011

 

12,367

 

Common stock in treasury, at cost, 951 shares in 2015 and 944 shares in 2014

 

(11,409

)

(10,809

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity - The Kroger Co.

 

6,820

 

5,412

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

(22

)

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Equity

 

6,798

 

5,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

33,897

 

$

30,497

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

36



 

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Years Ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

2015
(52 weeks)

 

2014
(52 weeks)

 

2013
(52 weeks)

 

Sales

 

$

109,830

 

$

108,465

 

$

98,375

 

Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below

 

85,496

 

85,512

 

78,138

 

Operating, general and administrative

 

17,946

 

17,161

 

15,196

 

Rent

 

723

 

707

 

613

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,089

 

1,948

 

1,703

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Profit

 

3,576

 

3,137

 

2,725

 

Interest expense

 

482

 

488

 

443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense

 

3,094

 

2,649

 

2,282

 

Income tax expense

 

1,045

 

902

 

751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

2,049

 

1,747

 

1,531

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

10

 

19

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

2,039

 

$

1,728

 

$

1,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share

 

$

2.09

 

$

1.74

 

$

1.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of common shares used in basic calculation

 

966

 

981

 

1,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

$

2.06

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation

 

980

 

993

 

1,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.408

 

$

0.350

 

$

0.315

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

37



 

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Years Ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

(In millions)

 

2015
(52 weeks)

 

2014
(52 weeks)

 

2013
(52 weeks)

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

$

2,049

 

$

1,747

 

$

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of income tax(1)  

 

3

 

5

 

5

 

Change in pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans, net of income tax(2)

 

131

 

(329

)

295

 

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax(3)

 

(3

)

(25

)

(12

)

Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities, net of income tax(4)

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

132

 

(348

)

289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

2,181

 

1,399

 

1,820

 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

10

 

19

 

12

 

Comprehensive income attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

2,171

 

$

1,380

 

$

1,808

 

 


(1)         Amount is net of tax of $2 in 2015 and $3 in 2014 and 2013.

(2)         Amount is net of tax of $77 in 2015, $(193) in 2014 and $173 in 2013.

(3)         Amount is net of tax of $(2) in 2015, $(14) in 2014 and $(8) in 2013.

(4)         Amount is net of tax of $1 in 2013.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

38



 

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Years Ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

(In millions)

 

2015
(52 weeks)

 

2014
(52 weeks)

 

2013
(52 weeks)

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

$

2,049

 

$

1,747

 

$

1,531

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,089

 

1,948

 

1,703

 

Asset impairment charge

 

46

 

37

 

39

 

LIFO charge

 

28

 

147

 

52

 

Stock-based employee compensation

 

165

 

155

 

107

 

Expense for Company-sponsored pension plans

 

103

 

55

 

74

 

Deferred income taxes

 

317

 

73

 

72

 

Other

 

54

 

72

 

47

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from mergers of businesses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store deposits in-transit

 

95

 

(27

)

25

 

Receivables

 

(59

)

(141

)

(8

)

Inventories

 

(184

)

(147

)

(131

)

Prepaid and other current assets

 

(28

)

2

 

(49

)

Trade accounts payable

 

440

 

135

 

196

 

Accrued expenses

 

191

 

197

 

77

 

Income taxes receivable and payable

 

(359

)

(68

)

(47

)

Contribution to Company-sponsored pension plans

 

(5

)

¾

 

(100

)

Other

 

(109

)

(22

)

(15

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,833

 

4,163

 

3,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts

 

(3,349

)

(2,831

)

(2,330

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

45

 

37

 

24

 

Payments for mergers

 

(168

)

(252

)

(2,344

)

Other

 

(98

)

(14

)

(121

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(3,570

)

(3,060

)

(4,771

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

1,181

 

576

 

3,548

 

Payments on long-term debt

 

(1,245

)

(375

)

(1,060

)

Net (payments) borrowings on commercial paper

 

(285

)

25

 

(395

)

Dividends paid

 

(385

)

(338

)

(319

)

Excess tax benefits on stock based awards

 

97

 

52

 

32

 

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock

 

120

 

110

 

196

 

Treasury stock purchases

 

(703

)

(1,283

)

(609

)

Investment in the remaining equity of a noncontrolling interest

 

(26

)

¾

 

¾

 

Other

 

(8

)

(3

)

(32

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

(1,254

)

(1,236

)

1,361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary cash investments

 

9

 

(133

)

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and temporary cash investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

268

 

401

 

238

 

End of year

 

$

277

 

$

268

 

$

401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of capital investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for property and equipment, including payments for lease buyouts

 

$

(3,349

)

$

(2,831

)

$

(2,330

)

Payments for lease buyouts

 

35

 

135

 

108

 

Changes in construction-in-progress payables

 

(35

)

(56

)

(83

)

Total capital investments, excluding lease buyouts

 

$

(3,349

)

$

(2,752

)

$

(2,305

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for interest

 

$

474

 

$

477

 

$

401

 

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

 

$

1,001

 

$

941

 

$

679

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

39



 

THE KROGER CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Years Ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Treasury Stock

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Gain (Loss)

 

Earnings

 

Interest

 

Total

 

Balances at February 2, 2013

 

1,918

 

$

1,918

 

$

2,492

 

890

 

$

(9,237

)

$

(753

)

$

9,787

 

$

7

 

$

4,214

 

Issuance of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

(18

)

196

 

 

 

 

196

 

Restricted stock issued

 

 

 

(60

)

(5

)

26

 

 

 

 

(34

)

Treasury stock activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock purchases, at cost

 

 

 

 

18

 

(338

)

 

 

 

(338

)

Stock options exchanged

 

 

 

 

17

 

(271

)

 

 

 

(271

)

Share-based employee compensation

 

 

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

107

 

Other comprehensive gain net of income tax of $168

 

 

 

 

 

 

289

 

 

 

289

 

Other

 

 

 

51

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(8

)

26

 

Cash dividends declared ($0.315 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(325

)

 

(325

)

Net earnings including non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,519

 

12

 

1,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at February 1, 2014

 

1,918

 

$

1,918

 

$

2,590

 

902

 

$

(9,641

)

$

(464

)

$

10,981

 

$

11

 

$

5,395

 

Issuance of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

(10

)

110

 

 

 

 

110

 

Restricted stock issued

 

 

 

(91

)

(5

)

40

 

 

 

 

(51

)

Treasury stock activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock purchases, at cost

 

 

 

 

51

 

(1,129

)

 

 

 

(1,129

)

Stock options exchanged

 

 

 

 

6

 

(154

)

 

 

 

(154

)

Share-based employee compensation

 

 

 

155

 

 

 

 

 

 

155

 

Other comprehensive loss net of income tax of ($204)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(348

)

 

 

(348

)

Other

 

 

 

94

 

 

(35

)

 

 

 

59

 

Cash dividends declared ($0.350 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(342

)

 

(342

)

Net earnings including non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,728

 

19

 

1,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 31, 2015

 

1,918

 

$

1,918

 

$

2,748

 

944

 

$

(10,809

)

$

(812

)

$

12,367

 

$

30

 

$

5,442

 

Issuance of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

(9

)

120

 

 

 

 

120

 

Restricted stock issued

 

 

 

(122

)

(5

)

37

 

 

 

 

(85

)

Treasury stock activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock purchases, at cost

 

 

 

 

14

 

(500

)

 

 

 

(500

)

Stock options exchanged

 

 

 

 

7

 

(203

)

 

 

 

(203

)

Share-based employee compensation

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

 

 

 

165

 

Other comprehensive gain net of income tax of $77

 

 

 

 

 

 

132

 

 

 

132

 

Investment in the remaining equity of a non-controlling interest

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

(57

)

(31

)

Other

 

 

 

163

 

 

(54

)

 

 

(5

)

104

 

Cash dividends declared ($0.408 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(395

)

 

(395

)

Net earnings including non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,039

 

10

 

2,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at January 30, 2016

 

1,918

 

$

1,918

 

$

2,980

 

951

 

$

(11,409

)

$

(680

)

$

14,011

 

$

(22

)

$

6,798

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

40



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

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

 

1.              ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed in preparing these financial statements.

 

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The Kroger Co. (the “Company”) was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1902.  As of January 30, 2016, the Company was one of the largest retailers in the nation based on annual sales.  The Company also manufactures and processes food for sale by its supermarkets.  The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary.  Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

On June 25, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of The Kroger Co.’s common shares in the form of a 100% stock dividend, which was effective July 13, 2015.  All share and per share amounts in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented.

 

Refer to Note 17 for an additional change to the Consolidated Balance Sheets for a recently adopted accounting standard regarding the presentation of debt issuance costs.

 

Fiscal Year

 

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31.  The last three fiscal years consist of the 52-week periods ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014.

 

Pervasiveness of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities.  Disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of consolidated revenues and expenses during the reporting period is also required.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash, Temporary Cash Investments and Book Overdrafts

 

Cash and temporary cash investments represent store cash and short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months.  Book overdrafts are included in “Trade accounts payable” and “Accrued salaries and wages” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Deposits In-Transit

 

Deposits in-transit generally represent funds deposited to the Company’s bank accounts at the end of the year related to sales, a majority of which were paid for with debit cards, credit cards and checks, to which the Company does not have immediate access but settle within a few days of the sales transaction.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally on a last-in, first-out “LIFO” basis) or market.  In total, approximately 95% of inventories in 2015 and 2014 were valued using the LIFO method.  Cost for the balance of the inventories, including substantially all fuel inventories, was determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  Replacement cost was higher than the carrying amount by $1,272 at January 30, 2016 and $1,245 at January 31, 2015.  The Company follows the Link-Chain, Dollar-Value LIFO method for purposes of calculating its LIFO charge or credit.

 

41



 

The item-cost method of accounting to determine inventory cost before the LIFO adjustment is followed for substantially all store inventories at the Company’s supermarket divisions.  This method involves counting each item in inventory, assigning costs to each of these items based on the actual purchase costs (net of vendor allowances and cash discounts) of each item and recording the cost of items sold. The item-cost method of accounting allows for more accurate reporting of periodic inventory balances and enables management to more precisely manage inventory.  In addition, substantially all of the Company’s inventory consists of finished goods and is recorded at actual purchase costs (net of vendor allowances and cash discounts).

 

The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities.  Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts to provide for estimated shortages as of the financial statement date.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost or, in the case of assets acquired in a business combination, at fair value.  Depreciation and amortization expense, which includes the depreciation of assets recorded under capital leases, is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of individual assets.  Buildings and land improvements are depreciated based on lives varying from 10 to 40 years.  All new purchases of store equipment are assigned lives varying from three to nine years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term to which they relate, which generally varies from four to 25 years, or the useful life of the asset.  Food production plant and distribution center equipment is depreciated over lives varying from three to 15 years.  Information technology assets are generally depreciated over five years.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $2,089 in 2015, $1,948 in 2014 and $1,703 in 2013.

 

Interest costs on significant projects constructed for the Company’s own use are capitalized as part of the costs of the newly constructed facilities.  Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the balance sheet and any gain or loss is reflected in net earnings.  Refer to Note 4 for further information regarding the Company’s property, plant and equipment.

 

Deferred Rent

 

The Company recognizes rent holidays, including the time period during which the Company has access to the property for construction of buildings or improvements and escalating rent provisions on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  The deferred amount is included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year, and also upon the occurrence of a triggering event.  The Company performs reviews of each of its operating divisions and variable interest entities (collectively, “reporting units”) that have goodwill balances.  Generally, fair value is determined using a multiple of earnings, or discounted projected future cash flows, and is compared to the carrying value of a reporting unit for purposes of identifying potential impairment.  Projected future cash flows are based on management’s knowledge of the current operating environment and expectations for the future.  If potential for impairment is identified, the fair value of a reporting unit is measured against the fair value of its underlying assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill, to estimate an implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill.  Goodwill impairment is recognized for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value.  Results of the goodwill impairment reviews performed during 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized in Note 3.

 

42



 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment each quarter based on whether certain triggering events have occurred.  These events include current period losses combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses or a significant decrease in the market value of an asset.  When a triggering event occurs, an impairment calculation is performed, comparing projected undiscounted future cash flows, utilizing current cash flow information and expected growth rates related to specific stores, to the carrying value for those stores.  If the Company identifies impairment for long-lived assets to be held and used, the Company compares the assets’ current carrying value to the assets’ fair value.  Fair value is based on current market values or discounted future cash flows.  The Company records impairment when the carrying value exceeds fair market value.  With respect to owned property and equipment held for disposal, the value of the property and equipment is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and current economic conditions.  Impairment is recognized for the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair market value, reduced by estimated direct costs of disposal.  The Company recorded asset impairments in the normal course of business totaling $46, $37 and $39 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Costs to reduce the carrying value of long-lived assets for each of the years presented have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Operating, general and administrative” expense.

 

Store Closing Costs

 

The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the present value of the estimated remaining non-cancellable lease payments after the closing date, net of estimated subtenant income.  The Company estimates the net lease liabilities using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining net rent payments on closed stores.  The closed store lease liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, which generally have remaining terms ranging from one to 20 years.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities primarily relate to changes in subtenant income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known.  Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs is adjusted to income in the proper period.

 

Owned stores held for disposal are reduced to their estimated net realizable value.  Costs to reduce the carrying values of property, equipment and leasehold improvements are accounted for in accordance with the Company’s policy on impairment of long-lived assets.  Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings, are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Merchandise costs.”  Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred.

 

The current portion of the future lease obligations of stores is included in “Other current liabilities,” and the long-term portion is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates.  The Company’s current program relative to interest rate protection and the methods by which the Company accounts for its derivative instruments are described in Note 7.

 

Commodity Price Protection

 

The Company enters into purchase commitments for various resources, including raw materials utilized in its food production plants and energy to be used in its stores, food production plants and administrative offices.  The Company enters into commitments expecting to take delivery of and to utilize those resources in the conduct of the normal course of business.  The Company’s current program relative to commodity price protection and the methods by which the Company accounts for its purchase commitments are described in Note 7.

 

Benefit Plans and Multi-Employer Pension Plans

 

The Company recognizes the funded status of its retirement plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition obligations that have not yet been recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost are required to be recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”).  All plans are measured as of the Company’s fiscal year end.

 

43



 

The determination of the obligation and expense for Company-sponsored pension plans and other post-retirement benefits is dependent on the selection of assumptions used by actuaries and the Company in calculating those amounts.  Those assumptions are described in Note 15 and include, among others, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality and the rates of increase in compensation and health care costs.  Actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in future periods.  While the Company believes that the assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the pension and other post-retirement obligations and future expense.

 

The Company also participates in various multi-employer plans for substantially all union employees.  Pension expense for these plans is recognized as contributions are funded.  Refer to Note 16 for additional information regarding the Company’s participation in these various multi-employer plans.

 

The Company administers and makes contributions to the employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts.  Contributions to the employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts are expensed when contributed.  Refer to Note 15 for additional information regarding the Company’s benefit plans.

 

Share Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock options under fair value recognition provisionsUnder this method, the Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments granted.  The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award.  In addition, the Company records expense for restricted stock awards in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date of the award, over the period the awards lapse.  Refer to Note 12 for additional information regarding the Company’s stock based compensation.

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting basis.  Refer to Note 5 for the types of differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.  Deferred income taxes are classified as a net current or noncurrent asset or liability based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting purposes.  A deferred tax asset or liability that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting is classified according to the expected reversal date.

 

Uncertain Tax Positions

 

The Company reviews the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in its consolidated financial statements.  Refer to Note 5 for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other related disclosures related to uncertain tax positions.

 

Various taxing authorities periodically audit the Company’s income tax returns.  These audits include questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income to various tax jurisdictions.  In evaluating the exposures connected with these various tax filing positions, including state and local taxes, the Company records allowances for probable exposures.  A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which an allowance has been established, is audited and fully resolved.  As of January 30, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service had concluded its examination of the Company’s 2010 and 2011 federal tax returns.  Tax years 2012 and 2013 remain under examination.

 

The assessment of the Company’s tax position relies on the judgment of management to estimate the exposures associated with the Company’s various filing positions.

 

Self-Insurance Costs

 

The Company is primarily self-insured for costs related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims.  Liabilities are actuarially determined and are recognized based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported.  The liabilities for workers’ compensation claims are accounted for on a present value basis.  The Company has purchased stop-loss coverage to limit its exposure to any significant exposure on a per claim basis.  The Company is insured for covered costs in excess of these per claim limits.

 

44



 

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s self-insurance liability through January 30, 2016.

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Beginning balance

 

$

599

 

$

569

 

$

537

 

Expense

 

234

 

246

 

220

 

Claim payments

 

(225

)

(216

)

(215

)

Assumed from Roundy’s or Harris Teeter

 

31

 

¾

 

27

 

Ending balance

 

639

 

599

 

569

 

Less: Current portion

 

(223

)

(213

)

(224

)

Long-term portion

 

$

416

 

$

386

 

$

345

 

 

The current portion of the self-insured liability is included in “Other current liabilities,” and the long-term portion is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The Company maintains surety bonds related to self-insured workers’ compensation claims.  These bonds are required by most states in which the Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation and are placed with third-party insurance providers to insure payment of the Company’s obligations in the event the Company is unable to meet its claim payment obligations up to its self-insured retention levels.  These bonds do not represent liabilities of the Company, as the Company has recorded reserves for the claim costs.

 

The Company is similarly self-insured for property-related losses.  The Company maintains stop loss coverage to limit its property loss exposures including coverage for earthquake, wind, flood and other catastrophic events.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from the sale of products are recognized at the point of sale.  Discounts provided to customers by the Company at the time of sale, including those provided in connection with loyalty cards, are recognized as a reduction in sales as the products are sold.  Discounts provided by vendors, usually in the form of paper coupons, are not recognized as a reduction in sales provided the coupons are redeemable at any retailer that accepts coupons.  The Company records a receivable from the vendor for the difference in sales price and cash received.  Pharmacy sales are recorded when product is provided to the customer.  Sales taxes are recorded as other accrued liabilities and not as a component of sales.  The Company does not recognize a sale when it sells its own gift cards and gift certificates.  Rather, it records a deferred liability equal to the amount received.  A sale is then recognized when the gift card or gift certificate is redeemed to purchase the Company’s products.  Gift card and certificate breakage is recognized when redemption is deemed remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift card.  The amount of breakage has not been material for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

Merchandise Costs

 

The “Merchandise costs” line item of the Consolidated Statements of Operations includes product costs, net of discounts and allowances; advertising costs (see separate discussion below); inbound freight charges; warehousing costs, including receiving and inspection costs; transportation costs; and food production and operational costs.  Warehousing, transportation and manufacturing management salaries are also included in the “Merchandise costs” line item; however, purchasing management salaries and administration costs are included in the “Operating, general and administrative” line item along with most of the Company’s other managerial and administrative costs.  Rent expense and depreciation and amortization expense are shown separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Warehousing and transportation costs include distribution center direct wages, transportation direct wages, repairs and maintenance, utilities, inbound freight and, where applicable, third party warehouse management fees.  These costs are recognized in the periods the related expenses are incurred.

 

The Company believes the classification of costs included in merchandise costs could vary widely throughout the industry.  The Company’s approach is to include in the “Merchandise costs” line item the direct, net costs of acquiring products and making them available to customers in its stores.  The Company believes this approach most accurately presents the actual costs of products sold.

 

45



 

The Company recognizes all vendor allowances as a reduction in merchandise costs when the related product is sold.  When possible, vendor allowances are applied to the related product cost by item and, therefore, reduce the carrying value of inventory by item.  When the items are sold, the vendor allowance is recognized.  When it is not possible, due to systems constraints, to allocate vendor allowances to the product by item, vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction in merchandise costs based on inventory turns and, therefore, recognized as the product is sold.

 

Advertising Costs

 

The Company’s advertising costs are recognized in the periods the related expenses are incurred and are included in the “Merchandise costs” line item of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company’s pre-tax advertising costs totaled $679 in 2015, $648 in 2014 and $587 in 2013.  The Company does not record vendor allowances for co-operative advertising as a reduction of advertising expense.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be temporary cash investments.

 

Segments

 

The Company operates retail food and drug stores, multi-department stores, jewelry stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States.  The Company’s retail operations, which represent over 99% of the Company’s consolidated sales and EBITDA, are its only reportable segment.  The Company’s retail operating divisions have been aggregated into one reportable segment due to the operating divisions having similar economic characteristics with similar long-term financial performance.  In addition, the Company’s operating divisions offer to its customers similar products, have similar distribution methods, operate in similar regulatory environments, purchase the majority of the Company’s merchandise for retail sale from similar (and in many cases identical) vendors on a coordinated basis from a centralized location, serve similar types of customers, and are allocated capital from a centralized location.  The Company’s operating divisions reflect the manner in which the business is managed and how the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who acts as the Company’s chief operating decision maker, assess performance internally.  All of the Company’s operations are domestic.

 

The following table presents sales revenue by type of product for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

Amount

 

% of total

 

Amount

 

% of total

 

Amount

 

% of total

 

Non Perishable(1)

 

$

57,187

 

52.1

%

$

54,392

 

50.1

%

$

49,229

 

50.0

%

Perishable(2)

 

25,726

 

23.4

%

24,178

 

22.3

%

20,625

 

21.0

%

Fuel

 

14,802

 

13.5

%

18,850

 

17.4

%

18,962

 

19.3

%

Pharmacy

 

9,778

 

8.9

%

9,032

 

8.3

%

8,073

 

8.2

%

Other(3)

 

2,337

 

2.1

%

2,013

 

1.9

%

1,486

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Sales and other revenue

 

$

109,830

 

100.0

%

$

108,465

 

100.0

%

$

98,375

 

100.0

%

 


(1)         Consists primarily of grocery, general merchandise, health and beauty care and natural foods.

(2)         Consists primarily of produce, floral, meat, seafood, deli, bakery and fresh prepared.

(3)         Consists primarily of sales related to jewelry stores, food production plants to outside customers, variable interest entities, a specialty pharmacy, in-store health clinics and online sales by Vitacost.com.

 

46



 

2.              MERGERS

 

On December 18, 2015, the Company closed its merger with Roundy’s by purchasing 100% of Roundy’s outstanding common stock for $3.60 per share and assuming Roundy’s outstanding debt, for a purchase price of $866.  The merger brings a complementary store base in communities throughout Wisconsin and a stronger presence in the greater Chicagoland area.  The merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and was financed through a combination of commercial paper and long-term debt (see Note 6).  In a business combination, the purchase price is allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values, with any excess of purchase price over fair value recognized as goodwill. In addition to recognizing the assets and liabilities on the acquired company’s balance sheet, the Company reviews supply contracts, leases, financial instruments, employment agreements and other significant agreements to identify potential assets or liabilities that require recognition in connection with the application of acquisition accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805. Intangible assets are recognized apart from goodwill when the asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or are separable from the acquired entity such that they may be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged either on a standalone basis or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability.

 

Pending finalization of the Company’s valuation and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the merger with Roundy’s:

 

 

 

December 18,

 

 

 

2015

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and temporary cash investments

 

$

20

 

Store deposits in-transit

 

30

 

Receivables

 

43

 

FIFO inventory

 

323

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

19

 

Total current assets

 

435

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

342

 

Intangibles

 

324

 

Other assets

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets, excluding Goodwill

 

1,105

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Current portion of obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

(9

)

Trade accounts payable

 

(236

)

Accrued salaries and wages

 

(40

)

Other current liabilities

 

(89

)

Total current liabilities

 

(374

)

 

 

 

 

Fair-value of long-term debt

 

(678

)

Fair-value of long-term obligations under capital leases and financing obligations

 

(20

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(112

)

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations

 

(36

)

Other long-term liabilities

 

(111

)

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

(1,331

)

 

 

 

 

Total Identifiable Net Liabilities

 

(226

)

Goodwill

 

414

 

Total Purchase Price

 

$

188

 

 

47



 

Of the $324 allocated to intangible assets, $211 relates to the Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market and Copps trade names, to which we assigned an indefinite life and, therefore, will not be amortized.  The Company also recorded $69, $38, and $6 related to favorable leasehold interests, pharmacy prescription files and customer lists, respectively.  The Company will amortize the favorable leasehold interests over a weighted average of twelve years.  The Company will amortize the pharmacy prescription files and customer lists over seven and two years, respectively.  The goodwill recorded as part of the merger was attributable to the assembled workforce of Roundy’s and operational synergies expected from the merger, as well as any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.  The transaction was treated as a stock purchase for income tax purposes.  The assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the merger did not result in a step up of the tax basis and goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  The above amounts represent the preliminary allocation of the purchase price, and are subject to revision when the resulting valuations of property and intangible assets are finalized, which will occur prior to December 18, 2016.  Due to the timing of the merger closing late in the year, the revenue and earnings of Roundy’s in 2015 were not material.

 

On August 18, 2014, the Company closed its merger with Vitacost.com, Inc. (“Vitacost.com”) by purchasing 100% of the Vitacost.com outstanding common stock for $8.00 per share or $287.  This merger affords the Company access to Vitacost.com’s extensive e-commerce platform, which can be combined with the Company’s customer insights and loyal customer base, to create new levels of personalization and convenience for customers.  The merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and was financed through the issuance of commercial paper (see Note 6).

 

The Company’s purchase price allocation was finalized in the second quarter of 2015. The changes in the fair values assumed from the preliminary amounts were not material.  The table below summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

 

 

August 18,

 

 

 

2014

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

$

80

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

28

 

Intangibles

 

81

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets, excluding Goodwill

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

(56

)

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

(62

)

 

 

 

 

Total Identifiable Net Assets

 

127

 

Goodwill

 

160

 

Total Purchase Price

 

$

287

 

 

Of the $81 allocated to intangible assets, the Company recorded $49, $26 and $6 related to customer relationships, technology and the trade name, respectively.  The Company will amortize the technology and the trade name, using the straight line method, over 10 and three years, respectively, while the customer relationships will be amortized over five years using the declining balance method.  The goodwill recorded as part of the merger was attributable to the assembled workforce of Vitacost.com and operational synergies expected from the merger, as well as any intangible assets that did not qualify for separate recognition.  The transaction was treated as a stock purchase for income tax purposes.  The assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the merger did not result in a step up of the tax basis and goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

Pro forma results of operations, assuming the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (“Harris Teeter”) merger had taken place at the beginning of 2012, the Vitacost.com merger had taken place at the beginning of 2013 and the Roundy’s transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2014, are included in the following table.  The pro forma information includes historical results of operations of Harris Teeter, Vitacost.com and Roundy’s, as well as adjustments for interest expense that would have been incurred due to financing the mergers, depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired and excludes the pre-merger transaction related expenses incurred by

 

48



 

Harris Teeter, Vitacost.com, Roundy’s and the Company.  The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions, synergies or investments in lower prices for our customers expected to result from the mergers.  The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the Harris Teeter merger been completed at the beginning of 2012, the Vitacost.com merger completed at the beginning of 2013 or the Roundy’s merger completed at the beginning of 2014.

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended
January 30, 2016

 

Fiscal year ended
January 31, 2015

 

Fiscal year ended
February 1, 2014

 

Sales

 

$

113,308

 

$

112,458

 

$

103,584

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

2,061

 

1,751

 

1,624

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

10

 

19

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

2,051

 

$

1,732

 

$

1,612

 

 

3.              GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s net goodwill balance through January 30, 2016.

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Balance beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

4,836

 

$

4,667

 

Accumulated impairment losses

 

(2,532

)

(2,532

)

 

 

2,304

 

2,135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity during the year

 

 

 

 

 

Mergers

 

420

 

169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance end of year

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

5,256

 

4,836

 

Accumulated impairment losses

 

(2,532

)

(2,532

)

 

 

$

2,724

 

$

2,304

 

 

In 2015, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Roundy’s, a supermarket retailer in the Wisconsin and Chicagoland markets, resulting in additional goodwill totaling $414.  Roundy’s is accounted for as a single reporting unit.

 

In 2014, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Vitacost.com, an online retailer, resulting in additional goodwill of $160.

 

See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Roundy’s and Vitacost.com mergers.

 

Testing for impairment must be performed annually, or on an interim basis upon the occurrence of a triggering event or a change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  The annual evaluations of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were performed during the fourth quarter of 2015, 2014 and 2013 did not result in impairment.

 

Based on current and future expected cash flows, the Company believes goodwill impairments are not reasonably likely.  A 10% reduction in fair value of the Company’s reporting units would not indicate a potential for impairment of the Company’s remaining goodwill balance.

 

In 2015, the Company acquired definite and indefinite lived intangible assets totaling approximately $324 as a result of the merger with Roundy’s.

 

In 2014, the Company acquired definite and indefinite lived intangible assets totaling approximately $81 as a result of the merger with Vitacost.com.

 

49



 

The following table summarizes the Company’s intangible assets balance through January 30, 2016.

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

Gross carrying
amount

 

Accumulated
amortization(1)

 

Gross carrying
amount

 

Accumulated
amortization(1)

 

Definite-lived favorable leasehold interests

 

$

169

 

$

(31

)

$

101

 

$

(26

)

Definite-lived pharmacy prescription files

 

127

 

(40

)

98

 

(41

)

Definite-lived customer relationships

 

93

 

(39

)

87

 

(17

)

Definite-lived other

 

78

 

(23

)

74

 

(13

)

Indefinite-lived trade name

 

641

 

 

430

 

 

Indefinite-lived liquor licenses

 

78

 

 

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,186

 

$

(133

)

$

854

 

$

(97

)

 


(1)         Favorable leasehold interests are amortized to rent expense, pharmacy prescription files are amortized to merchandise costs, customer relationships are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense and other intangibles are amortized to operating, general and administrative (“OG&A”) expense and depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets totaled approximately $51, $41 and $18, during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Future amortization expense associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets for the years subsequent to 2015 is estimated to be approximately:

 

2016

 

$

57

 

2017

 

48

 

2018

 

42

 

2019

 

40

 

2020

 

35

 

Thereafter

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

Total future estimated amortization associated with definite-lived intangible assets

 

$

334

 

 

4.              PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Land

 

$

2,997

 

$

2,819

 

Buildings and land improvements

 

10,524

 

9,639

 

Equipment

 

12,520

 

11,587

 

Leasehold improvements

 

8,710

 

8,068

 

Construction-in-progress

 

2,115

 

1,690

 

Leased property under capital leases and financing obligations

 

801

 

737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

37,667

 

34,540

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(18,048

)

(16,628

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

19,619

 

$

17,912

 

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization for leased property under capital leases was $293 at January 30, 2016 and $332 at January 31, 2015.

 

Approximately $264 and $260, net book value, of property, plant and equipment collateralized certain mortgages at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

 

50



 

5.              TAXES BASED ON INCOME

 

The provision for taxes based on income consists of:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Federal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

723

 

$

847

 

$

638

 

Deferred

 

266

 

(15

)

81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal federal

 

989

 

832

 

719

 

State and local

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

37

 

59

 

42

 

Deferred

 

19

 

11

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal state and local

 

56

 

70

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,045

 

$

902

 

$

751

 

 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal rate and the effective rate follows:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Statutory rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

1.2

%

1.7

%

0.9

%

Credits

 

(1.2

)%

(1.2

)%

(1.3

)%

Favorable resolution of issues

 

(0.2

)%

(0.4

)%

¾

%

Domestic manufacturing deduction

 

(0.7

)%

(0.7

)%

(1.1

)%

Other changes, net

 

(0.3

)%

(0.3

)%

(0.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33.8

%

34.1

%

32.9

%

 

The 2015 effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of the utilization of tax credits, the Domestic Manufacturing Deduction and other changes, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes. The 2015 rate for state income taxes is lower than 2014 due to the filing of amended returns to claim additional benefits in years still under review, the favorable resolution of state issues and an increase in state credits. The 2013 rate for state income taxes is lower than 2015 and 2014 due to an increase in state credits, including the benefit from filing amended returns to claim additional credits. The 2013 benefit from the Domestic Manufacturing Deduction is greater than 2015 and 2014 due to the amendment of prior years’ tax returns to claim the additional benefit available in years still under review by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

51



 

The tax effects of significant temporary differences that comprise tax balances were as follows:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Current deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss and credit carryforwards

 

$

10

 

$

5

 

Compensation related costs

 

83

 

88

 

Other

 

61

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

154

 

107

 

Valuation allowance

 

(9

)

(7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current deferred tax assets

 

145

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance related costs

 

(56

)

(99

)

Inventory related costs

 

(310

)

(288

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current deferred tax liabilities

 

(366

)

(387

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current deferred taxes

 

$

(221

)

$

(287

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation related costs

 

$

709

 

$

721

 

Lease accounting

 

106

 

129

 

Closed store reserves

 

57

 

50

 

Insurance related costs

 

29

 

77

 

Net operating loss and credit carryforwards

 

128

 

115

 

Other

 

17

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

1,046

 

1,094

 

Valuation allowance

 

(43

)

(42

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term deferred tax assets

 

1,003

 

1,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(2,755

)

(2,261

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term deferred tax liabilities

 

(2,755

)

(2,261

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term deferred taxes

 

$

(1,752

)

$

(1,209

)

 

On November 19, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service issued implementation guidance for retailers with respect to recently issued tangible property regulations.  The adoption of this guidance resulted in the immediate deduction of qualifying costs related to current and prior year store remodels, resulting in an increase in long-term deferred tax liability and current income tax receivable.  The adoption of this guidance, along with the impact of the Roundy’s merger, resulted in the increase in the deferred tax liability related to depreciation and amortization from January 31, 2015 to January 30, 2016.

 

At January 30, 2016, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $1,460.  These net operating loss carryforwards expire from 2016 through 2036.  The utilization of certain of the Company’s state net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in a given year.  Further, based on the analysis described below, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against some of the deferred tax assets resulting from its state net operating losses.

 

At January 30, 2016, the Company had state credit carryforwards of $65, most of which expire from 2016 through 2027.  The utilization of certain of the Company’s credits may be limited in a given year. Further, based on the analysis described below, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against some of the deferred tax assets resulting from its state credits.

 

52



 

At January 30, 2016, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $62. These net operating loss carryforwards expire from 2030 through 2034. The utilization of certain of the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in a given year. Further, based on the analysis described below, the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets resulting from its federal net operating losses.

 

The Company regularly reviews all deferred tax assets on a tax filer and jurisdictional basis to estimate whether these assets are more likely than not to be realized based on all available evidence.  This evidence includes historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversal of existing temporary differences and the implementation of tax planning strategies.  Projected future taxable income is based on expected results and assumptions as to the jurisdiction in which the income will be earned.  The expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences is based on current tax law and the Company’s tax methods of accounting.  Unless deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax asset until such time that realization becomes more likely than not.  Increases and decreases in these valuation allowances are included in “Income tax expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits, is as follows:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Beginning balance

 

$

246

 

$

325

 

$

299

 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

 

11

 

17

 

23

 

Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year

 

(11

)

(6

)

(10

)

Additions for tax positions of prior years

 

4

 

9

 

17

 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 

(27

)

(36

)

(4

)

Settlements

 

(17

)

(63

)

¾

 

Lapse of statute

 

(2

)

¾

 

¾

 

Ending balance

 

$

204

 

$

246

 

$

325

 

 

The Company does not anticipate that changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months will have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial position.

 

As of January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $83, $90 and $98, respectively.

 

To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts have been accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense.  During the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, the Company recognized approximately $(5), $3 and $10, respectively, in interest and penalties (recoveries).  The Company had accrued approximately $25, $30 and $41 for the payment of interest and penalties as of January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.

 

As of January 31, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service had concluded its examination of our 2010 and 2011 federal tax returns and is currently auditing tax years 2012 and 2013. The 2012 and 2013 audits are expected to be completed in 2016.

 

53



 

6.    DEBT OBLIGATIONS

 

Long-term debt consists of:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

0.76% to 8.00% Senior notes due through 2043

 

$

9,826

 

$

9,224

 

5.00% to 12.75% Mortgages due in varying amounts through 2027

 

58

 

73

 

0.27% to 0.66% Commercial paper due through February 2016

 

990

 

1,275

 

Other

 

522

 

454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

11,396

 

11,026

 

Less current portion

 

(2,318

)

(1,844

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

9,078

 

$

9,182

 

 

In 2015, the Company issued $500 of senior notes due in fiscal year 2026 bearing an interest rate of 3.50%, $300 of senior notes due in fiscal year 2021 bearing an interest rate of 2.60% and $300 of senior notes due in fiscal year 2019 bearing an interest rate of 2.00%, and repaid $500 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 3.90% upon maturity.  Due to the merger with Roundy’s, the Company assumed $678 of term loans, which were entirely paid off following the merger.

 

In 2014, the Company issued $500 of senior notes due in fiscal year 2021 bearing an interest rate of 2.95% and repaid $300 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 4.95% upon maturity.

 

On June 30, 2014, the Company amended, extended and restated its $2,000 unsecured revolving credit facility.  The Company entered into the amended credit facility to amend, extend and restate the Company’s existing credit facility that would have terminated on January 25, 2017.  The amended credit facility provides for a $2,750 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”), with a termination date of June 30, 2019, unless extended as permitted under the Credit Agreement.  The Company has the ability to increase the size of the Credit Agreement by up to an additional $750, subject to certain conditions.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the Company’s option, at either (i) LIBOR plus a market rate spread, based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio or (ii) the base rate, defined as the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate, and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus a market rate spread based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio.  The Company will also pay a Commitment Fee based on the Leverage Ratio and Letter of Credit fees equal to a market rate spread based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio.  The Credit Agreement contains covenants, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a Leverage Ratio of not greater than 3.50:1.00 and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.70:1.00.  The Company may repay the Credit Agreement in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty.  The Credit Agreement is not guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

As of January 30, 2016, the Company had $990 of borrowings of commercial paper, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.66%, and no borrowings under its Credit Agreement.  As of January 31, 2015, the Company had $1,275 of borrowings of commercial paper, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.37%, and no borrowings under its Credit Agreement.

 

As of January 30, 2016, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $244, of which $13 reduces funds available under the Company’s Credit Agreement.  The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support performance, payment, deposit or surety obligations of the Company.

 

Most of the Company’s outstanding public debt is subject to early redemption at varying times and premiums, at the option of the Company.  In addition, subject to certain conditions, some of the Company’s publicly issued debt will be subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder upon the occurrence of a redemption event, upon not less than five days’ notice prior to the date of redemption, at a redemption price equal to the default amount, plus a specified premium.  “Redemption Event” is defined in the indentures as the occurrence of (i) any person or group, together with any affiliate thereof, beneficially owning 50% or more of the voting power of the Company, (ii) any one person or group, or affiliate thereof, succeeding in having a majority of its nominees elected to the Company’s Board of Directors, in each case, without the consent of a majority of the continuing directors of the Company or (iii) both a change of control and a below investment grade rating.

 

54



 

The aggregate annual maturities and scheduled payments of long-term debt, as of year-end 2015, and for the years subsequent to 2015 are:

 

2016

 

$

2,318

 

2017

 

735

 

2018

 

1,307

 

2019

 

774

 

2020

 

724

 

Thereafter

 

5,538

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

$

11,396

 

 

7.              DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

GAAP defines derivatives, requires that derivatives be carried at fair value on the balance sheet, and provides for hedge accounting when certain conditions are met.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as “cash flow” hedges, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax effects.  Ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in current period earnings.  Other comprehensive income or loss is reclassified into current period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as “fair value” hedges, along with corresponding changes in the fair values of the hedged assets or liabilities, are recorded in current period earnings.  Ineffective portions of fair value hedges, if any, are recognized in current period earnings.

 

The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether derivatives used as hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flow of the hedged items.  If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or ceases to be highly effective, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in interest rates.  The Company manages its exposure to interest rate fluctuations through the use of a commercial paper program, interest rate swaps (fair value hedges) and forward-starting interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges).  The Company’s current program relative to interest rate protection contemplates hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt attributable to changes in interest rates.  To do this, the Company uses the following guidelines: (i) use average daily outstanding borrowings to determine annual debt amounts subject to interest rate exposure, (ii) limit the average annual amount subject to interest rate reset and the amount of floating rate debt to a combined total of $2,500 or less, (iii) include no leveraged products, and (iv) hedge without regard to profit motive or sensitivity to current mark-to-market status.

 

The Company reviews compliance with these guidelines annually with the Financial Policy Committee of the Board of Directors.  These guidelines may change as the Company’s needs dictate.

 

Fair Value Interest Rate Swaps

 

The table below summarizes the outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

Pay
Floating

 

Pay
Fixed

 

Pay
Floating

 

Pay
Fixed

 

Notional amount

 

$

100

 

$

 

$

100

 

$

 

Number of contracts

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

Duration in years

 

2.92

 

 

3.94

 

 

Average variable rate

 

6.00

%

 

5.83

%

 

Average fixed rate

 

6.80

%

 

6.80

%

 

Maturity

 

December 2018

 

December 2018

 

 

55



 

The gain or loss on these derivative instruments as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items attributable to the hedged risk is recognized in current earnings as “Interest expense.”  These gains and losses for 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

 

 

 

Year-To-Date

 

 

 

January 30, 2016

 

January 31, 2015

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Classification

 

Gain/(Loss) on
Swaps

 

Gain/(Loss) on
Borrowings

 

Gain/(Loss) on
Swaps

 

Gain/(Loss) on
Borrowings

 

Interest Expense

 

$

1

 

$

(1

)

$

2

 

$

(2

)

 

The following table summarizes the location and fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments

 

January 30,
2016

 

January 31,
2015

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

Interest Rate Hedges

 

$

1

 

$

 

(Other long-term liabilities)/Other assets

 

 

Cash Flow Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

 

As of January 30, 2016, the Company had seven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with maturity dates of August 2017 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $400.  A forward-starting interest rate swap is an agreement that effectively hedges the variability in future benchmark interest payments attributable to changes in interest rates on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt.  The Company entered into these forward-starting interest rate swaps in order to lock in fixed interest rates on its forecasted issuance of debt in August 2017.  Accordingly, the forward-starting interest rate swaps were designated as cash-flow hedges as defined by GAAP.  As of January 30, 2016, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was recorded in other long-term liabilities for $27 and accumulated other comprehensive loss for $17 net of tax.

 

As of January 31, 2015, the Company had four forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with maturity dates of October 2015 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $300 and seven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with maturity dates of August 2017 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $400.  The Company entered into these forward-starting interest rate swaps in order to lock in fixed interest rates on its forecasted issuances of debt in October 2015 and August 2017.  Accordingly, the forward-starting interest rate swaps were designated as cash-flow hedges as defined by GAAP.  As of January 31, 2015, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was recorded in other long-term liabilities for $39 and accumulated other comprehensive loss for $25 net of tax.

 

During 2015, the Company terminated eight forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with maturity dates of October 2015 and January 2016 with an aggregate notional amount totaling $600.  Four of these forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, with an aggregate notional amount totaling $300, were entered into and terminated in 2015.  These forward-starting interest rate swap agreements were hedging the variability in future benchmark interest payments attributable to changing interest rates on the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt issued in 2015.  As discussed in Note 6, the Company issued $1,100 of senior notes in 2015.  Since these forward-starting interest rate swap agreements were classified as cash flow hedges, the unamortized loss of $17, $11 net of tax, has been deferred in AOCI and will be amortized to earnings as the interest payments are made.

 

The following table summarizes the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

Year-To-Date

 

 

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging

 

Amount of Gain/(Loss) in
AOCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)

 

Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective Portion)

 

Location of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified into Income

 

Relationships

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

(Effective Portion)

 

Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps, net of tax*

 

$

(51

)

$

(49

)

$

(1

)

$

(1

)

Interest expense

 

 


*The amounts of Gain/(Loss) in AOCI on derivatives include unamortized proceeds and payments from forward-starting interest rate swaps once classified as cash flow hedges that were terminated prior to end of 2015.

 

56



 

For the above fair value and cash flow interest rate swaps, the Company has entered into International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under their respective derivative contracts.  Under these master netting agreements, net settlement generally permits the Company or the counterparty to determine the net amount payable for contracts due on the same date and in the same currency for similar types of derivative transactions.  These master netting agreements generally also provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event.

 

Collateral is generally not required of the counterparties or of the Company under these master netting agreements. As of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, no cash collateral was received or pledged under the master netting agreements.

 

The effect of the net settlement provisions of these master netting agreements on the Company’s derivative balances upon an event of default or termination event is as follows as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amount

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Balance Sheet

 

 

 

January 30, 2016

 

Gross Amount
Recognized

 

Gross Amounts Offset
in the Balance Sheet

 

Presented in the
Balance Sheet

 

Financial
Instruments

 

Cash Collateral

 

Net Amount

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Interest Rate Swaps

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

 

$

27

 

$

 

$

27

 

$

 

$

 

$

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Amount

 

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Balance Sheet

 

 

 

January 31, 2015

 

Gross Amount
Recognized

 

Gross Amounts Offset
in the Balance Sheet

 

Presented in the
Balance Sheet

 

Financial
Instruments

 

Cash Collateral

 

Net Amount

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Forward-Starting Interest Rate Swaps

 

$

39

 

$

 

$

39

 

$

 

$

 

$

39

 

 

Commodity Price Protection

 

The Company enters into purchase commitments for various resources, including raw materials utilized in its food production plants and energy to be used in its stores, warehouses, food production plants and administrative offices.  The Company enters into commitments expecting to take delivery of and to utilize those resources in the conduct of normal business.  Those commitments for which the Company expects to utilize or take delivery in a reasonable amount of time in the normal course of business qualify as normal purchases and normal sales.

 

8.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined in the standards are as follows:

 

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.

 

57



 

For items carried at (or adjusted to) fair value in the consolidated financial statements, the following tables summarize the fair value of these instruments at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:

 

January 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Trading Securities

 

$

48

 

$

 

$

 

$

48

 

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

41

 

 

 

41

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

 

 

7

 

7

 

Interest Rate Hedges

 

 

(26

)

 

(26

)

Total

 

$

89

 

$

(26

)

$

7

 

$

70

 

 

January 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurements Using

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Trading Securities

 

$

47

 

$

 

$

 

$

47

 

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

36

 

 

 

36

 

Warrants

 

 

26

 

 

26

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

 

 

22

 

22

 

Interest Rate Hedges

 

 

(39

)

 

(39

)

Total

 

$

83

 

$

(13

)

$

22

 

$

92

 

 

In 2015 and 2014, unrealized gains on the Level 1 available-for-sale securities totaled $5 and $8, respectively.

 

The Company values warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is classified as a Level 2 input.

 

The Company values interest rate hedges using observable forward yield curves.  These forward yield curves are classified as Level 2 inputs.

 

Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets and in the valuation of store lease exit costs.  The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, and as circumstances indicate the possibility of impairment.  See Note 3 for further discussion related to the Company’s carrying value of goodwill.  Long-lived assets and store lease exit costs were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.  See Note 1 for further discussion of the Company’s policies and recorded amounts for impairments of long-lived assets and valuation of store lease exit costs.  In 2015, long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $53 were written down to their fair value of $7, resulting in an impairment charge of $46.  In 2014, long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $59 were written down to their fair value of $22, resulting in an impairment charge of $37.

 

Mergers are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the purchase price paid for an acquisition be allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the effective date of the acquisition, with the excess of the purchase price over the net assets being recorded as goodwill.  See Note 2 for further discussion related to accounting for mergers.

 

58



 

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

 

Current and Long-term Debt

 

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 respective year-ends.  At January 30, 2016, the fair value of total debt was $12,344 compared to a carrying value of $11,396.  At January 31, 2015, the fair value of total debt was $12,378 compared to a carrying value of $11,026.

 

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

 

The carrying amounts of these items approximated fair value.

 

Other Assets

 

The fair values of these investments were estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments, or estimated cash flows, if appropriate.  At January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, the carrying and fair value of long-term investments for which fair value is determinable was $128 and $133, respectively.  At January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, the carrying value of notes receivable for which fair value is determinable was $145 and $98, respectively.

 

59



 

9.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table represents the changes in AOCI by component for the years ended January 31, 2015 and January 30, 2016:

 

 

 

Cash Flow
Hedging
Activities(1)

 

Available for sale
Securities(1)

 

Pension and
Postretirement
Defined Benefit
Plans(1)

 

Total(1)

 

Balance at February 1, 2014

 

$

(25

)

$

12

 

$

(451

)

$

(464

)

OCI before reclassifications(2)

 

(25

)

5

 

(351

)

(371

)

Amounts reclassified out of AOCI(3)

 

1

 

 

22

 

23

 

Net current-period OCI

 

(24

)

5

 

(329

)

(348

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2015

 

(49

)

17

 

(780

)

(812

)

OCI before reclassifications(2)

 

(3

)

3

 

78

 

78

 

Amounts reclassified out of AOCI(3)

 

1

 

 

53

 

54

 

Net current-period OCI

 

(2

)

3

 

131

 

132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 30, 2016

 

$

(51

)

$

20

 

$

(649

)

$

(680

)

 


(1)         All amounts are net of tax.

(2)         Net of tax of $(14), $3 and $(206) for cash flow hedging activities, available for sale securities and pension and postretirement defined benefit plans, respectively, as of January 31, 2015.  Net of tax of $(2), $2 and $45 for cash flow hedging activities, available for sale securities and pension and postretirement defined benefit plans, respectively, as of January 30, 2016.

(3)         Net of tax of $13 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans, as of January 31, 2015.  Net of tax of $32 for pension and postretirement defined benefit plans as of January 30, 2016.

 

The following table represents the items reclassified out of AOCI and the related tax effects for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:

 

 

 

For the year ended

 

For the year ended

 

For the year ended

 

 

 

January 30, 2016

 

January 31, 2015

 

February 1, 2014

 

Gains on cash flow hedging activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging activities(1)

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

$

2

 

Tax expense

 

 

 

(1

)

Net of tax

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and postretirement defined benefit plan items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of amounts included in net periodic pension expense(2)

 

85

 

35

 

98

 

Tax expense

 

(32

)

(13

)

(36

)

Net of tax

 

53

 

22

 

62

 

Total reclassifications, net of tax

 

$

54

 

$

23

 

$

63

 

 


(1)         Reclassified from AOCI into interest expense.

(2)         Reclassified from AOCI into merchandise costs and OG&A expense.  These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (see Note 15 for additional details).

 

60



 

10.       LEASES AND LEASE-FINANCED TRANSACTIONS

 

While the Company’s current strategy emphasizes ownership of store real estate, the Company operates primarily in leased facilities. Lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years with options to renew for varying terms. Terms of certain leases include escalation clauses, percentage rent based on sales or payment of executory costs such as property taxes, utilities or insurance and maintenance.  Rent expense for leases with escalation clauses or other lease concessions are accounted for on a straight-line basis beginning with the earlier of the lease commencement date or the date the Company takes possession.  Portions of certain properties are subleased to others for periods generally ranging from one to 20 years.

 

Rent expense (under operating leases) consists of:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Minimum rentals

 

$

807

 

$

795

 

$

706

 

Contingent payments

 

18

 

16

 

13

 

Tenant income

 

(102

)

(104

)

(106

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total rent expense

 

$

723

 

$

707

 

$

613

 

 

Minimum annual rentals and payments under capital leases and lease-financed transactions for the five years subsequent to 2015 and in the aggregate are:

 

 

 

Capital
Leases

 

Operating
Leases

 

Lease-
Financed
Transactions

 

2016

 

$

103

 

$

967

 

$

7

 

2017

 

72

 

922

 

7

 

2018

 

62

 

853

 

8

 

2019

 

57

 

774

 

8

 

2020

 

52

 

674

 

9

 

Thereafter

 

527

 

4,199

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

873

 

$

8,389

 

$

102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less estimated executory costs included in capital leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net minimum lease payments under capital leases

 

873

 

 

 

 

 

Less amount representing interest

 

293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present value of net minimum lease payments under capital leases

 

$

580

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total future minimum rentals under noncancellable subleases at January 30, 2016 were $261.

 

61



 

11.       EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share equals 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 equals 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:

 

 

 

For the year ended
January 30, 2016

 

For the year ended
January 31, 2015

 

For the year ended
February 1, 2014

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Earnings
(Numer-
ator)

 

Shares
(Denomi-
nator)

 

Per
Share
Amount

 

Earnings
(Numer-
ator)

 

Shares
(Denomi-
nator)

 

Per
Share
Amount

 

Earnings
(Numer-
ator)

 

Shares
(Denomi-
nator)

 

Per
Share
Amount

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share

 

$

2,021

 

966

 

$

2.09

 

$

1,711

 

981

 

$

1.74

 

$

1,507

 

1,028

 

$

1.47

 

Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

$

2,021

 

980

 

$

2.06

 

$

1,711

 

993

 

$

1.72

 

$

1,507

 

1,040

 

$

1.45

 

 

The Company had combined undistributed and distributed earnings to participating securities totaling $18, $17 and $12 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The Company had options outstanding for approximately 1.9 million, 4.6 million and 4.7 million, respectively, for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, which 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 diluted share.

 

62



 

12.       STOCK OPTION PLANS

 

The Company grants options for common shares (“stock options”) to employees under various plans at an option price equal to the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant.  The Company accounts for stock options under the fair value recognition provisionsUnder this method, the Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments granted.  The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award.  Equity awards may be made at one of four meetings of its Board of Directors occurring shortly after the Company’s release of quarterly earnings.  The 2015 primary grant was made in conjunction with the June meeting of the Company’s Board of Directors. Certain changes to the stock option compensation strategy were put into effect in 2015, which resulted in a reduction to the number of stock options granted in 2015, compared to 2014 and 2013.

 

Stock options typically expire 10 years from the date of grant.  Stock options vest between one and five years from the date of grant.  At January 30, 2016, approximately 37 million common shares were available for future option grants under these plans.

 

In addition to the stock options described above, the Company awards restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors under various plans.  The restrictions on these awards generally lapse between one and five years from the date of the awards.  The Company records expense for restricted stock awards in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on the grant date of the award, over the period the awards lapse.  As of January 30, 2016, approximately 21 million common shares were available under the 2008, 2011 and 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plans (the “Plans”) for future restricted stock awards or shares issued to the extent performance criteria are achieved.  The Company has the ability to convert shares available for stock options under the Plans to shares available for restricted stock awards.  Under the Plans, four shares available for option awards can be converted into one share available for restricted stock awards.

 

All awards become immediately exercisable upon certain changes of control of the Company.

 

Stock Options

 

Changes in options outstanding under the stock option plans are summarized below:

 

 

 

Shares
subject
to option
(in millions)

 

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

 

Outstanding, year-end 2012

 

53.0

 

$

11.30

 

Granted

 

8.4

 

$

18.84

 

Exercised

 

(17.7

)

$

11.11

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.4

)

$

12.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2013

 

43.3

 

$

12.83

 

Granted

 

8.4

 

$

24.71

 

Exercised

 

(10.3

)

$

11.56

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.6

)

$

15.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2014

 

40.8

 

$

15.56

 

Granted

 

3.4

 

$

38.40

 

Exercised

 

(8.9

)

$

13.54

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.4

)

$

19.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2015

 

34.9

 

$

18.26

 

 

63



 

A summary of options outstanding, exercisable and expected to vest at January 30, 2016 follows:

 

 

 

Number of
shares

 

Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual life

 

Weighted-
average
exercise price

 

Aggregate
intrinsic
value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in years)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Options Outstanding

 

34.9

 

6.20

 

$

18.26

 

719

 

Options Exercisable

 

21.4

 

5.05

 

$

14.24

 

526

 

Options Expected to Vest

 

13.2

 

8.02

 

$

24.53

 

189

 

 

Restricted stock

 

Changes in restricted stock outstanding under the restricted stock plans are summarized below:

 

 

 

Restricted
shares
outstanding
(in millions)

 

Weighted-average
grant-date
fair value

 

Outstanding, year-end 2012

 

8.6

 

$

11.34

 

Granted

 

6.3

 

$

18.84

 

Lapsed

 

(5.1

)

$

11.49

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.2

)

$

13.66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2013

 

9.6

 

$

16.16

 

Granted

 

6.1

 

$

24.76

 

Lapsed

 

(5.2

)

$

16.52

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.3

)

$

18.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2014

 

10.2

 

$

21.04

 

Granted

 

3.2

 

$

38.34

 

Lapsed

 

(5.4

)

$

21.49

 

Canceled or Expired

 

(0.4

)

$

22.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, year-end 2015

 

7.6

 

$

28.01

 

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $9.78, $5.98 and $4.49, respectively.  The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, based on the assumptions shown in the table below.  The Black-Scholes model utilizes accounting judgment and financial estimates, including the term option holders are expected to retain their stock options before exercising them, the volatility of the Company’s share price over that expected term, the dividend yield over the term and the number of awards expected to be forfeited before they vest.  Using alternative assumptions in the calculation of fair value would produce fair values for stock option grants that could be different than those used to record stock-based compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The increase in the fair value of the stock options granted during 2015, compared to 2014, resulted primarily from an increase in the Company’s share price, which decreased the expected dividend yield.  The increase in the fair value of the stock options granted during 2014, compared to 2013, resulted primarily from an increase in the Company’s share price, which decreased the expected dividend yield, and an increase in the weighted average risk-free interest rate.

 

The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions used for grants awarded to option holders:

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Weighted average expected volatility

 

24.07

%

25.29

%

26.34

%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

 

2.12

%

2.06

%

1.87

%

Expected dividend yield

 

1.20

%

1.51

%

1.82

%

Expected term (based on historical results)

 

7.2 years

 

6.6 years

 

6.8 years

 

 

64



 

The weighted-average risk-free interest rate was based on the yield of a treasury note as of the grant date, continuously compounded, which matures at a date that approximates the expected term of the options.  The dividend yield was based on our history and expectation of dividend payouts.  Expected volatility was determined based upon historical stock volatilities; however, implied volatility was also considered.  Expected term was determined based upon historical exercise and cancellation experience.

 

Total stock compensation recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $165, $155 and $107, respectively.  Stock option compensation recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $31, $32 and $24, respectively.  Restricted shares compensation recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $134, $123 and $83, respectively.

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $217, $142 and $115 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The total amount of cash received in 2015 by the Company from the exercise of options granted under share-based payment arrangements was $120.  As of January 30, 2016, there was $206 of total unrecognized compensation expense remaining related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s equity award plans.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.  The total fair value of options that vested was $33, $26 and $20 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Shares issued as a result of stock option exercises may be newly issued shares or reissued treasury shares.  Proceeds received from the exercise of options, and the related tax benefit, may be utilized to repurchase the Company’s common shares under a stock repurchase program adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors.  During 2015, the Company repurchased approximately five million common shares in such a manner.

 

13.       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 — The Company’s workers’ compensation risks are self-insured in most states. In addition, other workers’ compensation risks and certain levels of insured general liability risks are based on retrospective premium plans, deductible plans, and self-insured retention plans.  The liability for workers’ compensation risks is accounted for on a present value basis.  Actual claim settlements and expenses incident thereto may differ from the provisions for loss.  Property risks have been underwritten by a subsidiary and are all reinsured with unrelated insurance companies.  Operating divisions and subsidiaries have paid premiums, and the insurance subsidiary has provided loss allowances, based upon actuarially determined estimates.

 

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

 

The Company continually evaluates its exposure to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation and believes it has made provisions where it is reasonably possible to estimate and 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 — The Company is contingently liable for leases that have been assigned to various third parties in connection with facility closings and dispositions.  The Company could be required to satisfy the obligations under the leases if any of the assignees is unable to fulfill its lease obligations.  Due to the wide distribution of the Company’s assignments among third parties, and various other remedies available, the Company believes the likelihood that it will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote.

 

65



 

14.       STOCK

 

Preferred Shares

 

The Company has authorized five million shares of voting cumulative preferred shares; two million shares were available for issuance at January 30, 2016.  The shares have a par value of $100 per share and are issuable in series.

 

Common Shares

 

The Company has authorized two billion common shares, $1 par value per share.

 

On June 25, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of The Kroger Co.’s common shares in the form of a 100% stock dividend, which was effective July 13, 2015.  All share and per share amounts in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

The Company maintains stock repurchase programs that comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to allow for the orderly repurchase of The Kroger Co. common shares, from time to time.  The Company made open market purchases totaling $500, $1,129 and $338 under these repurchase programs in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In addition to these repurchase programs, in December 1999, the Company began a program to repurchase common shares to reduce dilution resulting from its employee stock option plans.  This program is solely funded by proceeds from stock option exercises and the related tax benefit.  The Company repurchased approximately $203, $154 and $271 under the stock option program during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

15.       COMPANY- SPONSORED BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company administers non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans for some non-union employees and union-represented employees as determined by the terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements.  These include several qualified pension plans (the “Qualified Plans”) and non-qualified pension plans (the “Non-Qualified Plans”).  The Non-Qualified Plans pay benefits to any employee that earns in excess of the maximum allowed for the Qualified Plans by Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company only funds obligations under the Qualified Plans.  Funding for the Company-sponsored pension plans is based on a review of the specific requirements and on evaluation of the assets and liabilities of each plan.

 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees.  The majority of the Company’s employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while employed by the Company.  Funding of retiree health care benefits occurs as claims or premiums are paid.

 

The Company recognizes the funded status of its retirement plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition obligations that have not yet been recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost are required to be recorded as a component of AOCI.  All plans are measured as of the Company’s fiscal year end.

 

66



 

Amounts recognized in AOCI as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 consists of the following (pre-tax):

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Total

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Net actuarial loss (gain)

 

$

1,213

 

$

1,398

 

$

(121

)

$

(89

)

$

1,092

 

$

1,309

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

1

 

1

 

(66

)

(75

)

(65

)

(74

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,214

 

$

1,399

 

$

(187

)

$

(164

)

$

1,027

 

$

1,235

 

 

Amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic pension or postretirement benefit costs in the next fiscal year are as follows (pre-tax):

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Total

 

 

 

2016

 

2016

 

2016

 

Net actuarial loss (gain)

 

$

62

 

$

(9

)

$

53

 

Prior service credit

 

 

(8

)

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

62

 

$

(17

)

$

45

 

 

Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (pre-tax):

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Total

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Incurred net actuarial loss (gain)

 

$

(83

)

$

590

 

$

(243

)

$

(39

)

$

14

 

$

(97

)

$

(122

)

$

604

 

$

(340

)

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

 

 

11

 

7

 

4

 

11

 

7

 

4

 

Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)

 

(102

)

(50

)

(102

)

7

 

8

 

 

(95

)

(42

)

(102

)

Other

 

 

 

 

(2

)

(47

)

(30

)

(2

)

(47

)

(30

)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(185

)

540

 

(345

)

(23

)

(18

)

(123

)

(208

)

522

 

(468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

 

$

(82

)

$

595

 

$

(271

)

$

(22

)

$

(9

)

$

(95

)

$

(104

)

$

586

 

$

(366

)

 

67



 

Information with respect to change in benefit obligation, change in plan assets, the funded status of the plans recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net amounts recognized at the end of fiscal years, weighted average assumptions and components of net periodic benefit cost follow:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualified Plans

 

Non-Qualified Plans

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of fiscal year

 

$

4,102

 

$

3,509

 

$

304

 

$

263

 

$

275

 

$

294

 

Service cost

 

62

 

48

 

3

 

3

 

10

 

11

 

Interest cost

 

154

 

169

 

12

 

13

 

9

 

13

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

11

 

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

(411

)

539

 

(17

)

40

 

(39

)

14

 

Benefits paid

 

(162

)

(163

)

(17

)

(15

)

(19

)

(21

)

Other

 

(17

)

 

3

 

 

(2

)

(47

)

Assumption of Roundy’s benefit obligation

 

194

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of fiscal year

 

$

3,922

 

$

4,102

 

$

290

 

$

304

 

$

244

 

$

275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of fiscal year

 

$

3,189

 

$

3,135

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

(124

)

217

 

 

 

 

 

Employer contributions

 

5

 

 

17

 

15

 

9

 

10

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

11

 

Benefits paid

 

(162

)

(163

)

(17

)

(15

)

(19

)

(21

)

Other

 

(18

)

 

 

 

 

 

Assumption of Roundy’s plan assets

 

155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of fiscal year

 

$

3,045

 

$

3,189

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Funded status at end of fiscal year

 

$

(877

)

$

(913

)

$

(290

)

$

(304

)

$

(244

)

$

(275

)

Net liability recognized at end of fiscal year

 

$

(877

)

$

(913

)

$

(290

)

$

(304

)

$

(244

)

$

(275

)

 

As of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, other current liabilities include $31 and $29, respectively, of net liability recognized for the above benefit plans.

 

As of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, pension plan assets do not include common shares of The Kroger Co.

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Weighted average assumptions

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Discount rate — Benefit obligation

 

4.62

%

3.87

%

4.99

%

4.44

%

3.74

%

4.68

%

Discount rate — Net periodic benefit cost

 

3.87

%

4.99

%

4.29

%

3.74

%

4.68

%

4.11

%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

7.44

%

7.44

%

8.50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase — Net periodic benefit cost

 

2.85

%

2.86

%

2.77

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase — Benefit obligation

 

2.71

%

2.85

%

2.86

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company’s discount rate assumptions were intended to reflect the rates at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled.  They take into account the timing and amount of benefits that would be available under the plans.  The Company’s policy is to match the plan’s cash flows to that of a hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the plan’s projected benefit cash flows.  The discount rates are the single rates that produce the same present value of cash flows.  The selection of the 4.62% and 4.44% discount rates as of year-end 2015 for pension and other benefits, respectively, represents the hypothetical bond portfolio using bonds with an AA or better rating constructed with the assistance of an outside consultant.  A 100 basis point increase in the discount rate would decrease the projected pension benefit obligation as of January 31, 2016, by approximately $438.

 

68



 

To determine the expected rate of return on pension plan assets held by the Company for 2015, the Company considered current and forecasted plan asset allocations as well as historical and forecasted rates of return on various asset categories.  In 2015 and 2014, the Company decreased the assumed pension plan investment return rate to 7.44% compared to 8.50% in 2013.  The Company pension plan’s average rate of return was 6.47% for the 10 calendar years ended December 31, 2015, net of all investment management fees and expenses.  The value of all investments in the Qualified Plans during the calendar year ending December 31, 2015 decreased 0.80%, net of investment management fees and expenses.  For the past 20 years, the Company’s average annual rate of return has been 7.99%.  Based on the above information and forward looking assumptions for investments made in a manner consistent with the Company’s target allocations, the Company believes a 7.44% rate of return assumption is reasonable.

 

The Company calculates its expected return on plan assets by using the market-related value of plan assets.  The market-related value of plan assets is determined by adjusting the actual fair value of plan assets for gains or losses on plan assets.  Gains or losses represent the difference between actual and expected returns on plan investments for each plan year.  Gains or losses on plan assets are recognized evenly over a five year period.  Using a different method to calculate the market-related value of plan assets would provide a different expected return on plan assets.

 

On January 31, 2015, the Company adopted new mortality tables based on mortality experience and assumptions for generational mortality improvement in calculating the Company’s 2015 and 2014 Company sponsored benefit plans obligations. The tables assume an improvement in life expectancy and increase our current year benefit obligation and future net periodic benefit cost.  The Company used the RP-2000 projected 2021 mortality table in calculating the Company’s 2013 Company sponsored benefit plans obligations and the 2014 and 2013 Company-sponsored net periodic benefit cost.

 

The funded status increased in 2015, compared to 2014, due primarily to an increase in the discount rate and a decrease in plan assets.

 

The following table provides the components of the Company’s net periodic benefit costs for 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualified Plans

 

Non-Qualified Plans

 

Other Benefits

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

62

 

$

48

 

$

40

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

10

 

$

11

 

$

17

 

Interest cost

 

154

 

169

 

144

 

12

 

13

 

9

 

9

 

13

 

15

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(230

)

(228

)

(224

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11

)

(7

)

(4

)

Actuarial (gain) loss

 

93

 

46

 

93

 

9

 

4

 

9

 

(7

)

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

79

 

$

35

 

$

53

 

$

24

 

$

20

 

$

21

 

$

1

 

$

9

 

$

28

 

 

The following table provides the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”), accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) and the fair value of plan assets for all Company-sponsored pension plans.

 

 

 

Qualified Plans

 

Non-Qualified Plans

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

PBO at end of fiscal year

 

$

3,922

 

$

4,102

 

$

290

 

$

304

 

ABO at end of fiscal year

 

$

3,786

 

$

3,947

 

$

280

 

$

297

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

3,045

 

$

3,189

 

$

 

$

 

 

The following table provides information about the Company’s estimated future benefit payments.

 

 

 

Pension
Benefits

 

Other
Benefits

 

2016

 

$

234

 

$

15

 

2017

 

$

221

 

$

16

 

2018

 

$

230

 

$

17

 

2019

 

$

238

 

$

18

 

2020

 

$

248

 

$

19

 

2021 – 2025

 

$

1,346

 

$

105

 

 

69



 

The following table provides information about the weighted average target and actual pension plan asset allocations.

 

 

 

Target allocations

 

Actual
Allocations

 

 

 

2015

 

2015

 

2014

 

Pension plan asset allocation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global equity securities

 

16.0

%

14.9

%

13.4

%

Emerging market equity securities

 

5.4

 

5.2

 

5.8

 

Investment grade debt securities

 

13.1

 

11.3

 

11.2

 

High yield debt securities

 

12.1

 

11.9

 

12.5

 

Private equity

 

5.2

 

7.4

 

6.6

 

Hedge funds

 

34.6

 

36.0

 

37.5

 

Real estate

 

3.4

 

3.9

 

3.5

 

Other

 

10.2

 

9.4

 

9.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

Investment objectives, policies and strategies are set by the Pension Investment Committees (the “Committees”) appointed by the CEO.  The primary objectives include holding and investing the assets and distributing benefits to participants and beneficiaries of the pension plans.  Investment objectives have been established based on a comprehensive review of the capital markets and each underlying plan’s current and projected financial requirements.  The time horizon of the investment objectives is long-term in nature and plan assets are managed on a going-concern basis.

 

Investment objectives and guidelines specifically applicable to each manager of assets are established and reviewed annually.  Derivative instruments may be used for specified purposes, including rebalancing exposures to certain asset classes.  Any use of derivative instruments for a purpose or in a manner not specifically authorized is prohibited, unless approved in advance by the Committees.

 

The current target allocations shown represent the 2015 targets that were established in 2014. The Company will rebalance by liquidating assets whose allocation materially exceeds target, if possible, and investing in assets whose allocation is materially below target.  If markets are illiquid, the Company may not be able to rebalance to target quickly.  To maintain actual asset allocations consistent with target allocations, assets are reallocated or rebalanced periodically.  In addition, cash flow from employer contributions and participant benefit payments can be used to fund underweight asset classes and divest overweight asset classes, as appropriate.  The Company expects that cash flow will be sufficient to meet most rebalancing needs.

 

The Company is not required and does not expect to make any contributions to the Qualified Plans in 2016.  If the Company does make any contributions in 2016, the Company expects these contributions will decrease its required contributions in future years.  Among other things, investment performance of plan assets, the interest rates required to be used to calculate the pension obligations, and future changes in legislation, will determine the amounts of any contributions.  The Company expects 2016 expense for Company-sponsored pension plans to be approximately $80.  In addition, the Company expects 401(k) retirement savings account plans cash contributions and expense from automatic and matching contributions to participants to be approximately $200 in 2016.

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.  The Company used a 6.90% initial health care cost trend rate, which is assumed to decrease on a linear basis to a 4.50% ultimate health care cost trend rate in 2028, to determine its expense.  A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 

 

 

1% Point
Increase

 

1% Point
Decrease

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

 

$

3

 

$

(2

)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

$

23

 

$

(20

)

 

70



 

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Qualified Plans’ assets at fair value as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:

 

Assets at Fair Value as of January 30, 2016

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

27

 

$

 

$

 

$

27

 

Corporate Stocks

 

231

 

 

 

231

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

76

 

 

76

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

 

75

 

 

75

 

Mutual Funds/Collective Trusts

 

89

 

861

 

40

 

990

 

Partnerships/Joint Ventures

 

 

118

 

 

118

 

Hedge Funds

 

 

 

1,104

 

1,104

 

Private Equity

 

 

 

225

 

225

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

103

 

103

 

Other

 

 

96

 

 

96

 

Total

 

$

347

 

$

1,226

 

$

1,472

 

$

3,045

 

 

Assets at Fair Value as of January 31, 2015

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

73

 

$

 

$

 

$

73

 

Corporate Stocks

 

294

 

 

 

294

 

Corporate Bonds

 

 

80

 

 

80

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

 

78

 

 

78

 

Mutual Funds/Collective Trusts

 

123

 

503

 

40

 

666

 

Partnerships/Joint Ventures

 

 

468

 

 

468

 

Hedge Funds

 

 

 

1,158

 

1,158

 

Private Equity

 

 

 

210

 

210

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

105

 

105

 

Other

 

 

57

 

 

57

 

Total

 

$

490

 

$

1,186

 

$

1,513

 

$

3,189

 

 

71



 

For measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2015 and 2014, a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances is as follows:

 

 

 

Hedge Funds

 

 Private Equity

 

Real Estate

 

Collective Trusts

 

Ending balance, February 1, 2014

 

$

1,073

 

$

243

 

$

96

 

$

39

 

Contributions into Fund

 

220

 

47

 

17

 

 

Realized gains

 

47

 

35

 

14

 

1

 

Unrealized gains (losses)

 

18

 

(1

)

4

 

 

Distributions

 

(257

)

(54

)

(25

)

 

Reclass(1)

 

58

 

(58

)

 

 

Other

 

(1

)

(2

)

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, January 31, 2015

 

1,158

 

210

 

105

 

40

 

Contributions into Fund

 

239

 

47

 

13

 

 

Realized gains

 

49

 

23

 

9

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains

 

(49

)

(3

)

3

 

 

Distributions

 

(294

)

(50

)

(26

)

 

Other

 

1

 

(2

)

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, January 30, 2016

 

$

1,104

 

$

225

 

$

103

 

$

40

 

 


(1)         In 2014, the Company reclassified $58 of Level 3 assets from Private Equity to Hedge Funds.

 

See Note 8 for a discussion of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.  The assets’ fair value measurement level above is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following is a description of the valuation methods used for the Qualified Plans’ assets measured at fair value in the above tables:

 

·                  Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying value approximates fair value.

 

·                  Corporate Stocks: The fair values of these securities are based on observable market quotations for identical assets and are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

 

·                  Corporate Bonds: The fair values of these securities are primarily based on observable market quotations for similar bonds, valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.  When such quoted prices are not available, the bonds are valued using a discounted cash flow approach using current yields on similar instruments of issuers with similar credit ratings, including adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable, such as credit and liquidity risks.

 

·                  U.S. Government Securities: Certain U.S. Government securities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the security is traded. Other U.S. government securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for similar securities, the security is valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable, such as credit and liquidity risks.

 

·                  Mutual Funds/Collective Trusts: The mutual funds/collective trust funds are public investment vehicles valued using a Net Asset Value (NAV) provided by the manager of each fund.  The NAV is based on the underlying net assets owned by the fund, divided by the number of shares outstanding.  The NAV’s unit price is quoted on a private market that is not active.  However, the NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the fund, which are traded on an active market, and valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which those individual securities are traded.

 

·                  Partnerships/Joint Ventures: These funds consist primarily of U.S. government securities, Corporate Bonds, Corporate Stocks, and derivatives, which are valued in a manner consistent with these types of investments, noted above.

 

72



 

·                  Hedge Funds: Hedge funds are private investment vehicles valued using a Net Asset Value (NAV) provided by the manager of each fund.  The NAV is based on the underlying net assets owned by the fund, divided by the number of shares outstanding.  The NAV’s unit price is quoted on a private market that is not active.  The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the funds, which may be traded on an active market, and valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which those individual securities are traded.  For investments not traded on an active market, or for which a quoted price is not publicly available, a variety of unobservable valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow, market multiple and cost valuation approaches, are employed by the fund manager to value investments.  Fair values of all investments are adjusted annually, if necessary, based on audits of the Hedge Fund financial statements; such adjustments are reflected in the fair value of the plan’s assets.

 

·                  Private Equity: Private Equity investments are valued based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the fund, which include investments both traded on an active market and not traded on an active market. For those investments that are traded on an active market, the values are based on the closing price reported on the active market on which those individual securities are traded.  For investments not traded on an active market, or for which a quoted price is not publicly available, a variety of unobservable valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow, market multiple and cost valuation approaches, are employed by the fund manager to value investments.  Fair values of all investments are adjusted annually, if necessary, based on audits of the private equity fund financial statements; such adjustments are reflected in the fair value of the plan’s assets.

 

·                  Real Estate: Real estate investments include investments in real estate funds managed by a fund manager.  These investments are valued using a variety of unobservable valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow, market multiple and cost valuation approaches.

 

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.  Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement.

 

The Company contributed and expensed $196, $177 and $148 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The 401(k) retirement savings account plans provide to eligible employees both matching contributions and automatic contributions from the Company based on participant contributions, compensation as defined by the plan, and length of service.

 

The Company also administers other defined contribution plans for eligible employees.  The cost of these plans was $5 for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

16.       MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION PLANS

 

The Company contributes to various multi-employer pension plans, including the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan, based on obligations arising from collective bargaining agreements.  The Company is designated as the named fiduciary of the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan and has sole investment authority over these assets.  These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.  The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose.  Trustees are appointed in equal number by employers and unions.  The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plans.

 

In 2015, the Company contributed $190 to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.  The Company had previously accrued $60 of the total contributions at January 31, 2015 and recorded expense for the remaining $130 at the time of payment in 2015.

 

In 2014, the Company incurred a charge of $56 (after-tax) related to commitments and withdrawal liabilities associated with the restructuring of pension plan agreements, of which $15 was contributed to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan in 2014.

 

Refer to Note 19 for additional details on the effect of certain contributions on quarterly results for 2015 and 2014.

 

The Company recognizes expense in connection with its multi-employer pension plans as contributions are funded, or when commitments are made.  The Company made contributions to multi-employer funds of $426 in 2015, $297 in 2014 and $228 in 2013.

 

73



 

The risks of participating in multi-employer pension plans are different from the risks of participating in single-employer pension plans in the following respects:

 

a.              Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.

 

b.              If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan allocable to such withdrawing employer may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

 

c.               If the Company stops participating in some of its multi-employer pension plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on its allocable share of the unfunded vested benefits of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

 

The Company’s participation in multi-employer plans is outlined in the following tables.  The EIN / Pension Plan Number column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit pension plan number.  The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available in 2015 and 2014 is for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Among other factors, generally, plans in the red zone are less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.  The FIP/RP Status Pending / Implemented Column indicates plans for which a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented.  Unless otherwise noted, the information for these tables was obtained from the Forms 5500 filed for each plan’s year-end at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The multi-employer contributions listed in the table below are the Company’s multi-employer contributions made in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

74



 

The following table contains information about the Company’s multi-employer pension plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIP/RP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Protection

 

Status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EIN / Pension

 

Act Zone Status

 

Pending/

 

Multi-Employer Contributions

 

Surcharge

 

Pension Fund

 

Plan Number

 

2015

 

2014

 

Implemented

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Imposed(6)

 

SO CA UFCW Unions & Food Employers Joint Pension Trust Fund(1) (2)

 

95-1939092 - 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

$

55

 

$

48

 

$

45

 

No

 

Desert States Employers & UFCW Unions Pension Plan(1)

 

84-6277982 - 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

18

 

21

 

23

 

No

 

Sound Retirement Trust (formerly Retail Clerks Pension Plan)(1) (3)

 

91-6069306 – 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

17

 

15

 

13

 

No

 

Rocky Mountain UFCW Unions and Employers Pension Plan(1)

 

84-6045986 - 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

17

 

17

 

17

 

No

 

Oregon Retail Employees Pension Plan(1)

 

93-6074377 - 001

 

Green

 

Red

 

No

 

9

 

7

 

7

 

No

 

Bakery and Confectionary Union & Industry International Pension Fund(1)

 

52-6118572 - 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

11

 

11

 

12

 

No

 

Washington Meat Industry Pension Trust(1) (4) (5)

 

91-6134141 - 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

 

1

 

3

 

No

 

Retail Food Employers & UFCW Local 711 Pension(1)

 

51-6031512 - 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

9

 

9

 

8

 

No

 

Denver Area Meat Cutters and Employers Pension Plan(1)

 

84-6097461 - 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

7

 

8

 

8

 

No

 

United Food & Commercial Workers Intl Union — Industry Pension Fund(1) (4)

 

51-6055922 - 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

35

 

33

 

33

 

No

 

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan

 

91-6145047 - 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

31

 

30

 

31

 

No

 

Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Plan

 

36-6044243 - 001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

 

16

 

15

 

15

 

No

 

UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan(1)

 

58-6101602 – 001

 

Green

 

Green

 

No

 

190

 

70

 

 

No

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

12

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

426

 

$

297

 

$

228

 

 

 

 


(1)

 

The Company’s multi-employer contributions to these respective funds represent more than 5% of the total contributions received by the pension funds.

(2)

 

The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.

(3)

 

The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.

(4)

 

The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

(5)

 

As of June 30, 2014, this pension fund was merged into the Sound Retirement Trust. After the completion of the merger, on July 1, 2014, certain assets and liabilities related to the Washington Meat Industry Pension Trust were transferred from the Sound Retirement Trust to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan. See the above information regarding the restructuring of certain pension plan agreements.

(6)

 

Under the Pension Protection Act, a surcharge may be imposed when employers make contributions under a collective bargaining agreement that is not in compliance with a rehabilitation plan. As of January 30, 2016, the collective bargaining agreements under which the Company was making contributions were in compliance with rehabilitation plans adopted by the applicable pension fund.

 

75



 

The following table describes (a) the expiration date of the Company’s collective bargaining agreements and (b) the expiration date of the Company’s most significant collective bargaining agreements for each of the material multi-employer funds in which the Company participates.

 

 

 

Expiration Date

 

Most Significant Collective

 

 

 

of Collective

 

Bargaining Agreements(1)

 

 

 

Bargaining

 

(not in millions)

 

Pension Fund

 

Agreements

 

Count

 

Expiration

 

SO CA UFCW Unions & Food Employers Joint Pension Trust Fund

 

March 2016 to June 2017

 

2

 

March 2016 to June 2017

 

UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan

 

March 2016 to August 2020

 

8

 

April 2016 to August 2020

 

Desert States Employers & UFCW Unions Pension Plan

 

October 2016 to June 2018

 

1

 

October 2016

 

Sound Retirement Trust (formerly Retail Clerks Pension Plan)

 

April 2016 to January 2018

 

2

 

May 2016 to August 2016

 

Rocky Mountain UFCW Unions and Employers Pension Plan

 

January 2019 to February 2019

 

1

 

January 2019

 

Oregon Retail Employees Pension Plan

 

August 2015(2) to April 2017

 

3

 

August 2015(2) to June 2016

 

Bakery and Confectionary Union & Industry International Pension Fund

 

June 2016 to July 2018

 

4

 

August 2016 to July 2018

 

Retail Food Employers & UFCW Local 711 Pension

 

April 2017 to November 2019

 

1

 

March 2019

 

Denver Area Meat Cutters and Employers Pension Plan

 

January 2019 to February 2019

 

1

 

January 2019

 

United Food & Commercial Workers Intl Union — Industry Pension Fund

 

March 2014(2) to April 2019

 

2

 

March 2017 to April 2019

 

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan

 

April 2017 to September 2020

 

5

 

July 2017 to September 2020

 

Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Plan

 

September 2017 to November 2018

 

3

 

September 2017 to November 2018

 

 


(1)

 

This column represents the number of significant collective bargaining agreements and their expiration date for each of the Company’s pension funds listed above. For purposes of this table, the “significant collective bargaining agreements” are the largest based on covered employees that, when aggregated, cover the majority of the employees for which we make multi-employer contributions for the referenced pension fund.

(2)

 

Certain collective bargaining agreements for each of these pension funds are operating under an extension.

 

Based on the most recent information available to it, the Company believes the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in most of these multi-employer plans substantially exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits.  Moreover, if the Company were to exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to these funds, the Company could trigger a substantial withdrawal liability.  Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably estimated.

 

The Company also contributes to various other multi-employer benefit plans that provide health and welfare benefits to active and retired participants. Total contributions made by the Company to these other multi-employer health and welfare plans were approximately $1,192 in 2015, $1,200 in 2014 and $1,100 in 2013.

 

76



 

17.       RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended Accounting Standards Codification 835, “Interest-Imputation of Interest.” The amendment simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability by requiring it be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.  This amendment became effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2015, and was adopted retrospectively in accordance with the standard. The adoption of this amendment resulted in amounts previously reported in other assets to now be reported within long-term debt including obligations under capital leases and financing obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These amounts were not material to the prior year.  The adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

18.       RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  Per ASU 2015-14, “Deferral of Effective Date,” this guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending February 2, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted as of the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending February 3, 2018.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the effect of adoption of this ASU on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, “Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets.” This amendment permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year end for all plans. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017.  The implementation of this amendment will not have an effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, and will not have a significant effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent).” This amendment removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017.  The implementation of this amendment will have an effect on the Company’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and will not have an effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations or Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This amendment eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. This guidance will be effective for the Company in its fiscal year ending January 28, 2017. The implementation of this amendment is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This amendment requires deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance will be effective for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this amendment will not have an effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and will not have a significant effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, which provides guidance for the recognition of lease agreements.  The standard’s core principle is that a company will now recognize most leases on its balance sheet as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets.  This guidance will be effective in the first quarter of fiscal year ending February 1, 2020.  Early adoption is permitted currently.  The adoption of this ASU will result in a significant increase to the Company’s balance sheet for lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, and the Company is currently evaluating the other effects of adoption of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

77



 

19.       QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

The two tables that follow reflect the unaudited results of operations for 2015 and 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

First
(16 Weeks)

 

Second
(12 Weeks)

 

Third
(12 Weeks)

 

Fourth
(12 Weeks)

 

Total Year
(52 Weeks)

 

Sales

 

$

33,051

 

$

25,539

 

$

25,075

 

$

26,165

 

$

109,830

 

Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below

 

25,760

 

20,065

 

19,478

 

20,193

 

85,496

 

Operating, general and administrative

 

5,354

 

4,068

 

4,169

 

4,355

 

17,946

 

Rent

 

215

 

155

 

172

 

181

 

723

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

620

 

477

 

484

 

508

 

2,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

1,102

 

774

 

772

 

928

 

3,576

 

Interest expense

 

148

 

114

 

107

 

113

 

482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense

 

954

 

660

 

665

 

815

 

3,094

 

Income tax expense

 

330

 

227

 

238

 

250

 

1,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

624

 

433

 

427

 

565

 

2,049

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

5

 

 

(1

)

6

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

619

 

$

433

 

$

428

 

$

559

 

$

2,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.57

 

$

2.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares used in basic calculation

 

969

 

963

 

965

 

966

 

966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.44

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.57

 

$

2.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares used in diluted calculation

 

983

 

977

 

979

 

980

 

980

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.093

 

$

0.105

 

$

0.105

 

$

0.105

 

$

0.408

 

 

Annual amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 

In the third quarter of 2015, the Company incurred a $80 charge to OG&A expenses for contributions to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company incurred a $30 charge to OG&A expenses for contributions to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.

 

78



 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

First
(16 Weeks)

 

Second
(12 Weeks)

 

Third
(12 Weeks)

 

Fourth
(12 Weeks)

 

Total Year
(52 Weeks)

 

Sales

 

$

32,961

 

$

25,310

 

$

24,987

 

$

25,207

 

$

108,465

 

Merchandise costs, including advertising, warehousing, and transportation, excluding items shown separately below

 

26,065

 

20,136

 

19,764

 

19,547

 

85,512

 

Operating, general and administrative

 

5,168

 

3,920

 

3,954

 

4,119

 

17,161

 

Rent

 

217

 

166

 

162

 

162

 

707

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

581

 

444

 

456

 

467

 

1,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

930

 

644

 

651

 

912

 

3,137

 

Interest expense

 

147

 

112

 

114

 

115

 

488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense

 

783

 

532

 

537

 

797

 

2,649

 

Income tax expense

 

274

 

182

 

172

 

274

 

902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

 

509

 

350

 

365

 

523

 

1,747

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

8

 

3

 

3

 

5

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co.

 

$

501

 

$

347

 

$

362

 

$

518

 

$

1,728

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per basic common share

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.37

 

$

0.53

 

$

1.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares used in basic calculation

 

1,002

 

970

 

972

 

972

 

981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Kroger Co. per diluted common share

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.36

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares used in diluted calculation

 

1,014

 

982

 

984

 

987

 

993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.083

 

$

0.083

 

$

0.093

 

$

0.093

 

$

0.350

 

 

Annual amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company incurred a $87 charge to OG&A expenses due to commitments and withdrawal liabilities arising from restructuring of certain pension plan agreements to help stabilize associates’ future benefits.

 

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company incurred a $25 charge to OG&A expenses due to contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation and a $17 benefit to income tax expense due to certain tax items.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company incurred a $60 charge to OG&A expenses due to contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation and a $55 charge to OG&A expenses for contributions to the UFCW Consolidated Pension Plan.

 

20.       SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

In anticipation of future debt refinancing in fiscal years 2017 and 2018, the Company, in the first quarter of 2016, entered into additional forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount totaling $1,300.  After entering into these additional forward-starting interest rate swaps, the Company has a total of $1,700 notional amount of forward-starting interest rate swaps outstanding.  The forward-starting interest rate swaps entered into in the first quarter of 2016 were designated as cash-flow hedges as defined by GAAP.

 

79



 

ITEM 9.                        CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.               CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

As of January 30, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, together with a disclosure review committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer, evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 30, 2016.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended January 30, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Our management excluded Roundy’s, Inc. from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting because it was acquired in a purchase business combination on December 18, 2015. Roundy’s, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and total revenues represent 2% and less than 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended January 30, 2016.  Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 30, 2016.

 

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which can be found in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 9B.               OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

80



 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.                 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

 

The information required by this Item not otherwise set forth below is set forth under the headings Election of Directors, Information Concerning the Board of Directors — Committees of the Board, Information Concerning the Board of Directors — Audit Committee, Information Concerning the Board of Directors — Code of Ethics and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in the definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission before May 27, 2016 (the “2016 proxy statement”) and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

The following is a list of the names and ages of the executive officers and the positions held by each such person or those chosen to become executive officers as of March 29, 2016.  Except as otherwise noted, each person has held office for at least five years.  Each officer will hold office at the discretion of the Board for the ensuing year until removed or replaced.

 

Name

 

Age

 

Recent Employment History

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica C. Adelman

 

40

 

Ms. Adelman joined Kroger on November 1, 2015 as Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs. Prior to joining Kroger, she served as senior vice president of corporate affairs for Syngenta North America, a leading agriculture company, since 2008. Prior to that, Ms. Adelman held several strategic leadership roles with other companies, including director of Cargill Government Solutions. Ms. Adelman has 20 years of experience as a public affairs executive in the food industry.

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart W. Aitken

 

44

 

Mr. Aitken was elected Group Vice President effective June 25, 2015 and is responsible for leading Kroger’s data analytics subsidiary, 84.51° LLC. Prior to joining Kroger, he served as the chief executive officer of dunnhumby USA, LLC from July 2010 to June 2015. Mr. Aitken has over 15 years of marketing, academic and technical experience across a variety of industries, and held various leadership roles with other companies, including Michaels Stores and Safeway, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Robert W. Clark

 

50

 

Mr. Clark was named Senior Vice President of Merchandising on March 8, 2016. Prior to this, he served as Group Vice President of Non-Perishables from March 2013 to March 2016. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Merchandising for Kroger’s Fred Meyer division from October 2011 to March 2013. From August 2010 to October 2011 he served as Vice President of Operations for Kroger’s Columbus division. Prior to that, from May 2002 to August 2010, he served as Vice President of Merchandising for Kroger’s Fry’s division. From 1985 to 2002, Mr. Clark held various leadership positions in store and district management, as well as grocery merchandising. Mr. Clark began his career with Kroger in 1985 as a courtesy clerk at Fry’s.

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Donnelly

 

57

 

Mr. Donnelly was elected Executive Vice President of Merchandising effective September 17, 2015. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising from July 2011 to September 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Donnelly held a variety of key management positions with Kroger, including President of Ralphs Grocery Company, President of Fry’s Food Stores, and Senior Vice President, Drug/GM Merchandising and Procurement. Mr. Donnelly joined Kroger in 1978 as a clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin M. Dougherty

 

63

 

Mr. Dougherty was elected Group Vice President effective May 6, 2004 and is responsible for leading Kroger’s Digital Strategy, focused on building Kroger’s presence in the marketplace in digital channels, personalization and e-commerce. Prior to this, he was responsible for the oversight of Kroger’s logistics and supply chain management. Mr. Dougherty joined Kroger as Vice President, Supply Chain Operations in 2001. Before joining Kroger, he maintained an independent consulting practice focusing on logistics and operational performance, and held leadership roles in the warehouse automation and healthcare industries.

 

81



 

Todd A. Foley

 

46

 

Mr. Foley has served as Vice President and Treasurer since June 27, 2013. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Corporate Controller from March 2006 to June 2013. Prior to that, he served as Controller of Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton division from October 2003 to March 2006. Mr. Foley began his career with Kroger in 2001 as an audit manager in the Internal Audit Department after working for PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1991 to 2001, where most recently he was a senior audit manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher T. Hjelm

 

54

 

Mr. Hjelm was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer effective September 17, 2015. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer from August 28, 2005 to September 2015. From February 2005 to July 2005, he was Chief Information Officer of Travel Distribution Services for Cendant Corporation. From July 2003 to November 2004, Mr. Hjelm served as Chief Technology Officer for Orbitz LLC, which was acquired by Cendant Corporation in November 2004. Mr. Hjelm served as Senior Vice President for Technology at eBay Inc. from March 2002 to June 2003, and served as Executive Vice President for Broadband Network Services for Excite@Home from June 2001 to February 2002. From January 2000 to June 2001, Mr. Hjelm served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZOHO Corporation. Prior to that, he held various key roles for 14 years with Federal Express Corporation, including that of Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

Sukanya R. Madlinger

 

52

 

Ms. Madlinger was elected Senior Vice President effective September 17, 2015, and is responsible for the oversight of several of Kroger’s retail divisions. Prior to this, she served as President of Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton division from 2010 to September 2015. Ms. Madlinger has held various leadership positions in operations and merchandising since joining Kroger in 1986.

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy A. Massa

 

49

 

Mr. Massa was elected Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations effective June 26, 2014. He joined Kroger in October 2010 as Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, Talent Development. Prior to joining Kroger, he served in various Human Resources leadership roles for 21 years at Procter & Gamble, most recently serving as Global Human Resources Director of Customer Business Development.

 

 

 

 

 

W. Rodney McMullen

 

55

 

Mr. McMullen was elected Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2015, and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2014. Prior to this, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from August 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Prior to that he was elected Vice Chairman effective June 26, 2003, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Planning and Finance effective January 26, 2000, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective May 20, 1999, Senior Vice President effective October 5, 1997, and Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 18, 1995. Before that he was appointed Vice President, Control and Financial Services on March 4, 1993, and Vice President, Planning and Capital Management effective December 31, 1989. Mr. McMullen joined Kroger in 1978 as a part-time stock clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

Frederick J. Morganthall II

 

64

 

Mr. Morganthall was elected Executive Vice President of Retail Operations effective September 17, 2015. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President, Retail Divisions, from June 2015 to September 2015. Mr. Morganthall joined Kroger in 2014 as part of the Kroger-Harris Teeter merger, serving as President of Harris Teeter until June 2015. He joined Harris Teeter in 1986 and served in several key leadership roles prior to becoming president, including vice president of merchandising, vice president of distribution, and vice president of operations. Mr. Morganthall began his career in grocery retail in 1978 with Spartan Stores in Michigan.

 

82



 

M. Marnette Perry

 

64

 

Ms. Perry has served as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations since October 24, 2012. Prior to this, she was elected Senior Vice President overseeing several of the Company’s retail divisions effective July 2003 to October 2012. Prior to that she was elected Group Vice President of Perishables Merchandising and Procurement on March 3, 2003. Prior to this she held a variety of significant positions with the Company, including President of the Company’s Michigan division, and President of the Company’s Columbus division. Ms. Perry joined the Company in 1972. Ms. Perry has announced her intention to retire during fiscal 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

J. Michael Schlotman

 

58

 

Mr. Schlotman was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective September 17, 2015. Prior to this, he was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 26, 2003, and Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 26, 2000. Prior to that he was elected Vice President and Corporate Controller in 1995, and served in various positions in corporate accounting since joining Kroger in 1985.

 

 

 

 

 

Erin S. Sharp

 

58

 

Ms. Sharp has served as Group Vice President of Manufacturing since June 27, 2013. She joined Kroger in 2011 as Vice President of Operations for Kroger’s Manufacturing division. Before joining Kroger, Ms. Sharp served as Vice President of Manufacturing for the Sara Lee Corporation. In that role, she led the manufacturing and logistics operations for the central region of their U.S. Fresh Bakery Division. Ms. Sharp has over 25 years of experience supporting food manufacturing operations.

 

 

 

 

 

Alessandro Tosolini

 

49

 

Mr. Tosolini was elected Senior Vice President of New Business Development on December 11, 2014. Before joining Kroger, he held numerous leadership positions with Procter & Gamble for 24 years, in the U.S. and internationally, most recently serving as senior vice president of Global e Business and vice president of Global eCommerce.

 

 

 

 

 

Mark C. Tuffin

 

56

 

Mr. Tuffin has served as Senior Vice President since January 17, 2014, and is responsible for the oversight of several of Kroger’s retail divisions. Prior to this, he served as President of Kroger’s Smith’s division from July 2011 to January 2014. From September 2009 to July 2011, Mr. Tuffin served as Vice President of Transition, where he was responsible for implementing an organizational restructuring initiative for Kroger’s retail divisions. He joined Kroger’s Smith’s division in 1996 and served in a series of leadership roles, including Vice President of Merchandising from September 1999 to September 2009. Mr. Tuffin held various positions with other supermarket retailers before joining Smith’s in 1996.

 

 

 

 

 

M. Elizabeth Van Oflen

 

58

 

Ms. Van Oflen was elected Vice President and Controller on April 11, 2003. Prior to her election, she held various positions in Kroger’s Finance and Tax Departments. Ms. Van Oflen joined Kroger in 1982.

 

 

 

 

 

Christine S. Wheatley

 

45

 

Ms. Wheatley was elected Group Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel effective May 23, 2014. She joined Kroger in February 2008 as Corporate Counsel, and became Senior Attorney in 2010, Senior Counsel in 2011, and Vice President in 2012. Before joining Kroger, Ms. Wheatley was engaged in the private practice of law for 11 years, most recently as a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur in Cincinnati.

 

83



 

ITEM 11.                 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 

The information required by this Item is set forth in the sections entitled Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Compensation Committee Report, Executive Compensation, and Compensation Policies as they Relate to Risk Management in the 2016 proxy statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 12.                 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

 

The following table provides information regarding shares outstanding and available for issuance under our existing equity compensation plans.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (1)

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (1)

 

Number of securities
remaining for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

36,906,602

 

$

18.26

 

57,992,548

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

$

 

 

Total

 

36,906,602

 

$

18.26

 

57,992,548

 

 


(1)

 

The total number of securities reported includes the maximum number of common shares, 1,955,376, that may be issued under performance units granted under one or more long-term incentive plans. The nature of the awards is more particularly described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Equity section of the definitive proxy statement to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. The weighted-average exercise price in column (b) does not take these performance unit awards into account. Based on historical data, or in the case of the award made in 2013 and earned in 2015 the actual payout percentage, our best estimate of the number of securities that will be issued under the performance unit agreements is approximately 1,068,776.

 

The remainder of the information required by this Item is set forth in the section entitled Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock in the 2016 proxy statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13.                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

 

This information required by this Item is set forth in the sections entitled Related Person Transactions and Information Concerning the Board of Directors-Independence in the 2016 proxy statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 14.                 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

 

The information required by this Item is set forth in the section entitled Selection of Auditors — Disclosure of Auditor Fees in the 2016 proxy statement and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

84



 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.                 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a)1.

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

(a)2.

 

Financial Statement Schedules:

 

 

There are no Financial Statement Schedules included with this filing for the reason that they are not applicable or are not required or the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

 

 

(a)3.(b)

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 8, 2013, among the Company, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and Hornet Acquisition, Inc., a North Carolina corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 9, 2013.

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended Articles of Incorporation are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 22, 2010, as amended by the Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

 

3.2

 

The Company’s regulations are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 26, 2007.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as Exhibits because the amount of debt under each instrument is less than 10% of the consolidated assets of the Company.  The Company undertakes to file these instruments with the SEC upon request.

 

 

 

10.1*

 

Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Appendix J to Exhibit 99.1 of Fred Meyer, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 12, 1997.

 

 

 

10.2*

 

The Kroger Co. Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

 

 

 

10.3*

 

The Kroger Co. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

 

 

10.4*

 

The Kroger Co. 401(k) Retirement Savings Account Restoration Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

 

10.5*

 

Dillon Companies, Inc. Excess Benefit Pension Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

 

10.6*

 

The Kroger Co. Supplemental Retirement Plans for Certain Retirement Benefit Plan Participants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

85



 

10.7*

 

The Kroger Co. Employee Protection Plan dated December 13, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2014, among The Kroger Co., the initial lenders named therein, Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank National Association as co-administrative agents, Citibank, N.A., as syndication agent, and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and U.S. Bank National Association, National Association, as co-documentation agents, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2014.

 

 

 

10.9*

 

The Kroger Co. 2008 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 26, 2008.

 

 

 

10.10*

 

The Kroger Co. 2011 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 23, 2011.

 

 

 

10.11*

 

The Kroger Co. 2014 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on July 29, 2014.

 

 

 

10.12*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

 

10.13*

 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 24, 2008.

 

 

 

10.14*

 

Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

 

 

10.15*

 

The Kroger Co. 2013 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

 

 

 

10.16*

 

The Kroger Co. 2014 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

 

 

 

10.17*

 

The Kroger Co. 2015 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

 

10.18*

 

The Kroger Co. 2016 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan.

 

 

 

10.19*

 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 12, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012 and Amendment No. 2, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012.

 

 

 

10.20*

 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Flexible Deferral Plan — Amendment and Restatement is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010; Amendment No. 2, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 2, 2011; Amendment No. 3, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012; Amendment No. 4, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012; Amendment No. 5, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012; and Amendment 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2013.

 

86



 

10.21*

 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Executive Bonus Insurance Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 2, 2011, as amended by: First Amendment, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012; Second Amendment, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2012; and the Summary of the plan, effective as of July 8, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2013.

 

 

 

10.22*

 

Harris Teeter Merger Cash Bonus Plan.

 

 

 

10.23*

 

 

Amendment to Restricted Stock Agreements entered into as of January 15, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and David Dillon, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

 

10.24*

 

Letter of Separation dated as of June 29, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and Michael Ellis, which is hereby incorporated by reference to  Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

 

 

10.25*

 

Amendment to Stock Option entered as of June 29, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and Michael Ellis, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

 

 

12.1

 

Schedule of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certifications.

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 


* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

87



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

THE KROGER CO.

 

 

Dated: March 29, 2016

/s/ W. Rodney McMullen

 

W. Rodney McMullen

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

(principal executive officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities indicated on the 29th of March 2016.

 

*

 

Director

Nora A. Aufreiter

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Robert D. Beyer

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Anne Gates

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Susan J. Kropf

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

David B. Lewis

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

W. Rodney McMullen

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Jorge P. Montoya

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Clyde R. Moore

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Susan M. Phillips

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

James A. Runde

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Ronald L. Sargent

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Chief Financial Officer

J. Michael Schlotman

 

(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

*

 

Director

Bobby S. Shackouls

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

Vice President & Controller

M. Elizabeth Van Oflen

 

(principal accounting officer)

 

 

 

* By:

/s/ Stacey M. Heiser

 

 

 

Stacey M. Heiser

 

 

 

Attorney-in-fact

 

 

 

88



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

 

 

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 8, 2013, among the Company, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and Hornet Acquisition, Inc., a North Carolina corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 9, 2013.

 

 

3.1

Amended Articles of Incorporation are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 22, 2010, as amended by the Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

3.2

The Company’s regulations are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 26, 2007.

 

 

4.1

Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as Exhibits because the amount of debt under each instrument is less than 10% of the consolidated assets of the Company.  The Company undertakes to file these instruments with the SEC upon request.

 

 

10.1*

Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Incorporated by reference to Appendix J to Exhibit 99.1 of Fred Meyer, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 12, 1997.

 

 

10.2*

The Kroger Co. Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

 

 

10.3*

The Kroger Co. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

 

 

10.4*

The Kroger Co. 401(k) Retirement Savings Account Restoration Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

10.5*

Dillon Companies, Inc. Excess Benefit Pension Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

10.6*

The Kroger Co. Supplemental Retirement Plans for Certain Retirement Benefit Plan Participants. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

10.7*

The Kroger Co. Employee Protection Plan dated December 13, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

 

 

10.8

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2014, among The Kroger Co., the initial lenders named therein, Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank National Association as co-administrative agents, Citibank, N.A., as syndication agent, and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and U.S. Bank National Association, National Association, as co-documentation agents, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2014.

 

 

10.9*

The Kroger Co. 2008 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 26, 2008.

 

 

10.10*

The Kroger Co. 2011 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 23, 2011.

 

 

10.11*

The Kroger Co. 2014 Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on July 29, 2014.

 

89



 

10.12*

Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.

 

 

10.13*

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 24, 2008.

 

 

10.14*

Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under Long-Term Incentive and Cash Bonus Plans. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

 

10.15*

The Kroger Co. 2013 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

 

 

10.16*

The Kroger Co. 2014 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

 

 

10.17*

The Kroger Co. 2015 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

10.18*

The Kroger Co. 2016 Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan.

 

 

10.19*

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 12, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012 and Amendment No. 2, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012.

 

 

10.20*

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Flexible Deferral Plan — Amendment and Restatement is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2010; Amendment No. 2, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 2, 2011; Amendment No. 3, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012; Amendment No. 4, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2012; Amendment No. 5, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012; and Amendment 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2013.

 

 

10.21*

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Executive Bonus Insurance Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 2, 2011, as amended by: First Amendment, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012; Second Amendment, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2012; and the Summary of the plan, effective as of July 8, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Harris Teeter’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2013.

 

 

10.22*

Harris Teeter Merger Cash Bonus Plan.

 

 

10.23*

 

Amendment to Restricted Stock Agreements entered into as of January 15, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and David Dillon, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 23, 2015.

 

 

10.24*

Letter of Separation dated as of June 29, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and Michael Ellis, which is hereby incorporated by reference to  Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

 

10.25*

Amendment to Stock Option entered as of June 29, 2015 between The Kroger Co. and Michael Ellis, which is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 15, 2015.

 

90



 

12.1

Schedule of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

 

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

24.1

Powers of Attorney.

 

 

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

 

 

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

 

 

32.1

Section 1350 Certifications.

 

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 


* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

91