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Kroger Company 10-Q 2008
UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
OR
Commission file number 1-303
THE KROGER CO. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(513) 762-4000 (Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Unchanged (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No 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. (Check one):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x .
There were 652,453,769 shares of Common Stock ($1 par value) outstanding as of December 12, 2008.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
THE KROGER CO. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE KROGER CO. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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THE KROGER CO. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in millions and unaudited)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All amounts in the notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are in millions except per share amounts.
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current-year presentation.
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Kroger Co., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The February 2, 2008 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements and, due to its summary nature, does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. References to the Company in these Consolidated Financial Statements mean the consolidated company.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal, recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for such periods but should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. The financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted, pursuant to SEC regulations. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Kroger Co. filed with the SEC on April 1, 2008.
The unaudited information in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the third quarter and three quarters ended November 8, 2008 and November 10, 2007 includes the results of operations of the Company for the 12-week and 40-week periods then ended.
Store Closing and Other Expense Allowances
All closed store liabilities related to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the present value of the estimated remaining noncancellable 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, or that no longer is needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period.
Owned stores held for disposal are adjusted 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 Companys policy on impairment of long-lived assets. Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings, are classified in Merchandise costs. Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred.
The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business and locations closed in California prior to the Fred Meyer merger in 1999.
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The Company recorded asset impairments in the normal course of business totaling $5 in the third quarter of 2008 and $4 in the third quarter of 2007. During the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded asset impairments in the normal course of business totaling $21 and $15, respectively.
2. GOODWILL AND BUSINESS ACQUISTIONS
The following table summarizes the changes in the Companys goodwill balance through November 8, 2008.
In the first quarter of 2008, the Company made an investment in The Little Clinic LLC (TLC). TLC operates walk-in medical clinics in seven states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. At the date of investment, TLC was determined to be a VIE under FASB Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46R), with the Company being the primary beneficiary. As a result, the Company consolidated TLC in accordance with FIN 46R. The minority interest was recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. The fair value of TLC was determined based on the amount of the investment made by the Company and the percentage acquired. The Companys assessment of goodwill represents the excess of this amount over the fair value of TLCs net assets as of the investment date.
The pro forma effect of this investment is not material to previously reported results.
3. STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company recognized total stock-based compensation of $21 and $20 in the third quarter ended November 8, 2008 and November 10, 2007, respectively. The Company recorded $69 and $68 of stock-based compensation for the first three quarters ended November 8, 2008 and November 10, 2007, respectively. These costs were recognized as operating, general and administrative costs in the Companys Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company grants options for common stock (stock options) to employees, as well as to its non-employee directors, under various plans at an option price equal to the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. In addition to stock options, the Company awards restricted stock to employees and its non-employee directors under various plans. Equity awards may be made once each quarter on a predetermined date. It has been the Companys practice to make a general annual grant, which occurred in the second quarter of 2008.
Stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2008 expire 10 years from the date of the grant and vest from one year to five years from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted in the first three quarters of 2008 have restrictions that lapse in one year to five years from the date of the awards. All awards become immediately exercisable upon certain changes of control of the Company.
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Changes in equity awards outstanding under the plans are summarized below.
Stock Options
Restricted Stock
The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the first three quarters ended November 8, 2008 and November 10, 2007, was $8.67 and $9.91, 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 extensive accounting judgment and financial estimates, including the term employees are expected to retain their stock options before exercising them, the volatility of the Companys stock 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 following table reflects the weighted average assumptions used for grants awarded to option holders:
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4. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Long-term debt consists of:
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company issued $400 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 5.0% due in 2013 and $375 of senior notes bearing an interest rate of 6.9% due in 2038.
5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is as follows:
During 2008 and 2007, unrealized gains and losses on hedging activities included in other comprehensive income consisted of reclassifications of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges into net earnings. In 2007, other comprehensive income also consisted of market value adjustments to reflect cash flow hedges at fair value as of the respective balance sheet dates.
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6. BENEFIT PLANS
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Company-sponsored pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the Company-sponsored pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans for the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007.
The Company contributed $20 and $52 to Company-sponsored pension plans in the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company contributed $75 and $73 to employee 401(k) retirement savings accounts in the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company also contributes to various multi-employer pension plans based on obligations arising from most of its collective bargaining agreements. These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The Company recognizes expense in connection with these plans as contributions are funded, in accordance with SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions.
7. INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate was 36.7% and 34.6% for the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The 2008 effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of state income taxes. The 2007 effective income tax rate differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the effect of state income taxes and the favorable resolution of certain tax issues during the third quarter totaling approximately $40. There were no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the first three quarters of 2008.
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8. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Earnings per basic common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Earnings per diluted common share equals net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to dilutive stock options and restricted stock. The following tables provide a reconciliation of net earnings and shares used in calculating earnings per basic common share to those used in calculating earnings per diluted common share:
The Company had options outstanding for approximately 12 shares and 3 shares during the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, that were excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted common share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share. For the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, the Company had options outstanding for approximately 11 and 2 shares, respectively, that were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share.
9. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 will require the consolidation of noncontrolling interests as a component of equity. SFAS No. 160 will become effective for the Companys fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141R), which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141R further expands the definitions of a business and the fair value measurement and reporting in a business combination. SFAS No. 141R will become effective for the Companys fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No 161). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures on an entitys derivative and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 will become effective for the Companys fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (FSP No. EITF 03-6-1). FSP No. EITF 03-6-1clarifies that share-based payment awards that entitle their holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends before vesting should be considered participating securities and included in the calculation of basic EPS. FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 will become effective for the Companys fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
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In December 2008, the FASB issued FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities (FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8). FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 requires additional disclosures about an entitys involvement with variable interest entities and transfers of financial assets. FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 will become effective for the Companys fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
10. GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES
The Companys outstanding public debt (the Guaranteed Notes) is jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Kroger Co. and certain of its subsidiaries (the Guarantor Subsidiaries). At November 8, 2008, a total of approximately $6,588 of Guaranteed Notes were outstanding. The Guarantor Subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries are direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Kroger Co. Separate financial statements of The Kroger Co. and each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because the guarantees are full and unconditional and the Guarantor Subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable. The Company believes that separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantor Subsidiaries would not be material to investors.
The non-guaranteeing subsidiaries represent less than 3% on an individual and aggregate basis of consolidated assets, pre-tax earnings, cash flow, and equity. Therefore, the non-guarantor subsidiaries information is not separately presented in the tables below.
There are no current restrictions on the ability of the Guarantor Subsidiaries to make payments under the guarantees referred to above. The obligations of each guarantor under its guarantee are limited to the maximum amount permitted under Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, or any similar Federal or state law (e.g. laws requiring adequate capital to pay dividends) respecting fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer.
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The following tables present summarized financial information as of November 8, 2008 and February 2, 2008, for the third quarter ended, and the three quarters ended November 8, 2008 and November 10, 2007:
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets As of November 8, 2008
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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets As of February 2, 2008
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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the Quarter Ended November 8, 2008
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the Quarter Ended November 10, 2007
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