KROGER CO
10-K/A, 1994-05-02
GROCERY STORES
Previous: KEMPER CORP, DEFA14A, 1994-05-02
Next: LANCE INC, 10-Q, 1994-05-02



                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                        Washington, D.C. 20549

                              FORM 10-K/A

                             ANNUAL REPORT

                Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
                    Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Fiscal Year Ended               Commission File No. 1-303
      January 1, 1994

                            THE KROGER CO.

An Ohio Corporation             I.R.S. Employer Identification
                                       No. 31-0345740

Address                                            Telephone Number
- - -------                                            ----------------
1014 Vine St.                                       (513) 762-4000
Cincinnati, Ohio   45202

Securities registered pursuant to section 12 (b) of the Act:
                                             Name of Exchange on
Title of Class                                 which Registered     
- - --------------                           --------------------------
Common $1 par value                        New York Stock Exchange
 108,129,456 shares outstanding on        
  February 11, 1994

6-3/8% Convertible Junior Subordinated     New York Stock Exchange
 Notes due 1999, face $1000
 200,000 notes outstanding

9% Senior Subordinated Notes               New York Stock Exchange
 due 1999, face $1000
 125,000 notes outstanding

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          .
     --------        --------

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of 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 [ ].

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of The Kroger Co.
held by nonaffiliates as of February 11, 1994:   $2,521,592,309

Documents Incorporated by Reference:
     Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the
     Exchange Act on or before April 6, 1994 incorporated by
     reference into Parts II and III of Form 10-K.
  
<PAGE>
                                PART II

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

SALES
Sales in the fourth quarter 1993, which included 12 weeks, decreased 5.2% below
the same quarter in 1992, which included 13 weeks. Adjusting 1992's sales for
the extra week and excluding sales from the Company's San Antonio, Texas stores
which were sold in August 1993, sales in the 1993 fourth quarter increased
3.8%. Sales for the full year, including the extra week in 1992 and the San
Antonio sales, increased 1.1% over those for 1992. Excluding the extra week and
the San Antonio stores, full year 1993 sales increased 3.6% over 1992. A review
of sales by lines of business for the three years ended January 1, 1994, is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1993           1992           1991
                          % OF 1993 -------------- -------------- --------------
                            SALES   AMOUNT  CHANGE AMOUNT  CHANGE AMOUNT  CHANGE
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                                          (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                       <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
Food Stores..............   91.3%   $20,443 +1.1%  $20,199 +3.4%  $19,533 +5.7%
Convenience Stores.......    4.3%       951 +3.9%      916 +6.0%      864 +0.2%
Other sales..............    4.4%       990 -3.9%    1,030 +8.0%      954 +4.4%
                           ------   -------        -------        -------
Total sales..............  100.0%   $22,384 +1.1%  $22,145 +3.7%  $21,351 +5.4%
</TABLE>
 
Sales in identical food stores for the full year 1993 (those operating a full
year and not expanded) increased 1.6% from the prior year. Excluding Michigan,
which had a sixty-seven day strike during the second and third quarters of
1992, identical food stores sales increased 1.2% for all of 1993 and 1.1% in
the fourth quarter 1993 versus the same periods in 1992. These increases were
achieved despite low overall food inflation and deflation in some commodities
in both 1993 and 1992, intense new supermarket competition in markets like
Houston, Texas and Toledo, Ohio, and expanding supercenter competition in many
other markets.

1993 convenience stores sales changes as compared to the same periods in 1992
were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        4TH QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE
                                                      --------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
Total Sales............................................    -3.8%        3.9%
Identical..............................................     1.7%        3.6%
In-Store Sales:
  Total................................................    -4.1%        2.7%
  Identical............................................     3.9%        4.5%
Gasoline Sales:
  Total................................................    -3.5%        5.2%
  Identical............................................     -.6%        2.6%
Gasoline Gallons:
  Total................................................      .1%        7.7%
  Identical............................................     3.4%        5.3%
</TABLE>
 
The fourth quarter and full year 1993 sales for the seven-company convenience
store group were enhanced by strong in-store sales and increases in gasoline
gallons sold but were depressed by decreases in gasoline retail prices.

Other sales include outside sales by the Company's manufacturing divisions and
sales of general merchandise to a drug store company in which the Company
maintains an equity interest. The drug store company is expected to complete an
expansion of its warehouse in early 1994 and to discontinue its purchases from
the Company. The Company expects that this will result in a decline of
approximately 45% to 50% in other sales.

Total food store square footage, excluding the San Antonio stores disposition,
increased 3.2%, 2.5% and 2.2% in 1993, 1992, and 1991, respectively. The
Company expects to increase retail food store square footage by 4 1/2 to 5%
each year from 1994 through 1996. Convenience store square footage declined .7%
and 2.1% in 1993 and 1991 respectively, and increased .2% in 1992. Sales per
average square foot for the last three years were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   TOTAL SALES
                                                                       PER
                                                                  AVERAGE SQUARE
                                                                       FOOT
                                                                  --------------
                                                                  1993 1992 1991
                                                       -------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>  <C>  <C>
Food Stores...................................................... $398 $402 $398
Convenience Stores............................................... $405 $389 $364
</TABLE>
 
 
Food stores sales per average square foot for 1992 includes the extra week.
Without the extra week the amount would have been $394.

The Company was able to maintain sales growth in 1993 in the face of new and
intense competition for a number of reasons. Fierce price competition in
markets, such as Dayton, Ohio and Houston and Dallas, Texas, has abated
somewhat. The Company's Michigan operations have begun to recover from a
prolonged strike in 1992. The Company's efforts to reduce the cost of products
through improved procurement and distribution practices have made the Company
more price competitive and attractive to consumers without sacrificing gross
profit. Finally, the shift in customer interest to private label products has
enhanced sales. The Company's line of private label products, many of which are
manufactured by the Company, have met with increasing acceptance by consumers.
While these factors likely will continue to benefit the Company in 1994, the
ability to generate sales growth may be limited by significant competitive
entries into markets such as Atlanta and Indiana, as well as continued
supercenter growth.

Sales in 1992 showed an improvement over 1991 primarily due to the extra week
in the fiscal year. Sales in 1991 benefited from the purchase of the former
Great Scott! Stores in Michigan in late 1990, the continued maturation of the
Company's combination food store format, and significant growth in private
label products.
 
EBITD
The Company's Credit Agreement, dated January 21, 1992, and the indentures
underlying approximately $1.7 billion of publicly issued debt contain various
restrictive covenants, many of which are based on earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, LIFO charge, unusual and extraordinary items ("EBITD").
These covenants are based, among other things, upon generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") as applied on a date prior to January 3, 1993.
The ability to generate EBITD at levels sufficient to satisfy the requirements
of these agreements is a key measure of the Company's financial strength. The
presentation of EBITD is not intended to be an alternative to any GAAP measure
of performance but rather to facilitate an understanding of the Company's
performance compared to its debt covenants. At January 1, 1994 the Company was
in compliance with all covenants of its Credit Agreement and publicly issued
debt. The Company believes it has adequate coverage of its debt covenants to
continue to respond effectively to competitive conditions.

During 1993, EBITD, which does not include the effect of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions", or the charges related to the
disposition of the San Antonio stores, increased 7.5% to $976.8 million
compared to $908.2 million in 1992 and $968.0 million in 1991. 1992's EBITD was
negatively affected by a Michigan strike which reduced EBITD by approximately
$69 million and was increased by the extra week in the fiscal year. 1993's
EBITD increase was primarily the result of increased sales combined with an
improved gross profit rate.
 
MERCHANDISE COSTS
Merchandise costs include warehousing and transportation expenses and LIFO
charges or credits. The following table shows merchandising costs as a percent
of sales and the relative effect of LIFO charges:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1993    1992   1991
<S>                                                        <C>     <C>    <C>
                                                           ---------------------
Merchandise costs as reported............................. 76.43%  77.12% 77.19%
LIFO charge (credit)......................................  (.02%)   .03%   .12%
                                                           ------  ------ ------
Merchandise costs as adjusted............................. 76.45%  77.09% 77.07%
</TABLE>
 
The Company's gross profit rate in 1993 improved over previous years in all
categories with the exceptions of pharmacy and deli. The improvement was due in
large measure to improved results in Michigan which was affected by a strike in
1992, an increase in private label sales, a reduction in coupon costs, and
cost reduction programs in procurement and warehousing.

The Company expects gross profit as a percent of sales to improve in the future
as benefits are derived from coupon scanning and a decline in multiple
couponing. Coupon scanning allows the Company to readily determine the validity
of coupons presented. The effect of reduced multiple couponing is enhanced by a
reduction in the face value and quantity of vendor coupons. The Company also
expects to show gross profit improvement from coordinated procurement and the
continued expansion of private label sales. The Company produces many of its
own private label products and, therefore, has lower product costs for such
items than could be obtained through procurement. Some of the gross profit
benefit will be reflected in lower prices to protect or enhance the Company's
competitive position.
 
OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Operating, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales in 1993,
1992 and 1991 were 17.98%, 17.51% and 17.15%, respectively. Excluding the
effect of SFAS No. 106 from 1993, operating, general and administrative
expenses as a percent of sales were 17.89%.

The increase in operating, general and administrative expenses over last year
was due in part to the increase in incentive pay for both management and store
employees, reflecting 1993's improved performance compared to 1992. The Company
also has experienced increases in collectively bargained wages, health
insurance, general liability claims, and other store expenses.

Controlling operating, general and administrative expenses is a significant
challenge to the Company. Beginning in 1992 and continuing through 1995, the
Company expects to spend approximately $125 million of capital to increase
technological capabilities with the goal of reducing operating costs. The
Company has dedicated management resources to improve its procurement,
logistics, administrative, and accounting functions, both to realize the
benefits of improved technological capability and otherwise to control costs.
The Company also has begun the redesign of some specialty departments within
the food stores to realize cost savings. The Company currently is absorbing the
expense of converting some full service departments to self service. This
effort will continue during 1994 and 1995, and the Company expects to realize
some benefit from these efforts beginning in late 1994.
 
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rates were 39.8%, 41.7% and 40.3% for 1993, 1992 and
1991, respectively. 1993's income tax expense includes a $4.2 million charge to
increase deferred taxes for the change in the federal income tax rate.
 
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Net earnings (loss) totaled $(12.2) million in 1993 compared to $(5.9) million
in 1992 and $79.9 million in 1991. Earnings in 1993 compared to 1992 and 1991
was affected by: (i) a 1993 charge against earnings of $159.2 million after
taxes for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting for retiree benefits,
(ii) an extraordinary loss from the early retirement of debt in 1993 of $23.8
million compared to $107.1 million in 1992 and $20.8 million in 1991, (iii) a
sixty-seven day strike in Michigan during 1992, (iv) a LIFO credit in 1993 of
$3.2 million versus a charge of $8.1 million in 1992 and $26.2 million in 1991,
and (v) net interest expense in 1993 of $390.0 million versus $474.8 million in
1992 and $531.1 million in 1991. 1993's net earnings also include a $4.4
million pre-tax ($2.7 million after tax) one-time charge related to a change in
the estimated useful life of certain computer equipment and a $22.7 million
charge ($15 million after tax) in connection with the disposition of the San
Antonio stores. Severance pay, unemployment benefits costs and loss on sale of
assets are included in this charge.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST EXPENSE
The Company continued to reduce interest expense during 1993. The Company was
successful in placing $1.6 billion of senior subordinated or senior secured
debt during 1992 and 1993 with an average rate of 9.39% and $200 million of
convertible junior subordinated notes with a rate of 6.375%. The Company also
borrowed $100 million at a rate equal to LIBOR + 1.25% or, at the Company's
election, such lenders' base rate + .25%, pursuant to a term facility under the
Credit Agreement. The proceeds from these offerings and the issuance of
13,275,000 shares of common stock with proceeds of $203.5 million, were used to
redeem or repurchase, on the open market, high yield subordinated debt with an
average rate of 14.2% (see "Repurchase and Redemption of Subordinated Debt").
As a result of these transactions the Company has reduced the weighted average
cost of its long-term debt including capital leases to 8.2% at year-end 1993
versus 11.6% at the beginning of 1990. Long-term debt, including capital leases
and current portions thereof, decreased $348 million to $4.206 billion at year
end 1993 from $4.554 billion at year end 1992.

Required principal repayments over the next five years increased to $1.048
billion at year end 1993 versus $534.5 million and $541.3 million at year-end
1992 and 1991, respectively. Scheduled debt maturities for the five years
subsequent to 1993, 1992 and 1991 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1993     1992     1991
                                              -------- -------- --------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>      <C>      <C>      
Year 1....................................... $ 63,053 $ 73,248 $ 73,580
Year 2.......................................  111,010  115,017  123,368
Year 3.......................................  117,434  111,549  114,927
Year 4.......................................  146,784  118,032  111,451
Year 5.......................................  609,769  116,669  117,926
</TABLE>
 
1993's Year 5 maturities include the entire $362.0 million outstanding under
the Company's Working Capital Facility under its Credit Agreement, $68.0
million of Facility D under its Credit Agreement, and the remaining 11 1/8%
Senior Notes outstanding at January 1, 1994 of $138.4 million. The Company has
notified the trustee for the Senior Notes that it will redeem these notes on
March 15, 1994. Maturities shown for 1991 reflect the restated Credit Agreement
dated January 21, 1992.

The Company's interest rate on Credit Agreement borrowings is variable. The
average interest rate, including the effect of interest rate swaps, on the
Company's bank debt, which totaled $847.0 million at year-end 1993, including
Facility D, versus $851.0 million at year-end 1992, was 4.57% compared to 5.42%
at the end of 1992 and 6.13% at the end of 1991. The decline is due to
generally lower market interest rates and achieving a .25% interest rate step
down in January, 1993.

The Company currently has in place various interest rate hedging agreements
aggregating $1.4 billion. The effect of these agreements is to: (i) fix the
rate on $100 million floating rate debt until July, 1994 (ii) swap the
contractual interest rate on $350 million of seven and ten year debt
instruments to the rates available on three to five year fixed rate instruments
(upon expiration of the three to five year swap agreements the fixed
contractual rate will become floating for the remainder of the seven and ten
year term of debt), (iii) swap the contractual interest rate on $600 million of
seven and ten year fixed-rate instruments into floating-rate instruments and
(iv) cap six month LIBOR on $350 million for one to five years at rates of
3.70% to 5.50%. $50 million of the caps expire in each of July 1994, July 1995,
July 1997 and July 1998. The remaining $150 million cap expires in November
1995.

The Company currently expects 1994 net interest expense, based on year-end 1993
rates, to total $330-$340 million compared to $390.0 million, $474.8 million
and $531.1 million in 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.
 
To meet any short-term liquidity needs, the Company has available an $850
million Working Capital Facility under its Credit Agreement. A portion of the
Company's short-term borrowings are permitted to be in the form of commercial
paper. At January 1, 1994, the Company had outstanding $98.0 million of
commercial paper and $264.0 million under the Working Capital Facility. At
year-end 1993, after deducting amounts set aside as backup for the Company's
unrated commercial paper program and stand-by letters of credit, $317.8 million
was available under the Working Capital Facility. There are no annual principal
payments required under the Working Capital Facility, which expires on January
3, 1998.
 
COMMON STOCK
On March 4, 1993 the Company issued 12,500,000 shares of its common stock
through a public offering. On April 1, 1993, the Company issued an additional
775,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to an over-allotment option granted
to the underwriters in connection with the offering. The Company realized net
proceeds of $203.5 million on these issues which were used initially to repay
amounts outstanding under the Working Capital Facility, and thereafter the
Company used amounts available under the Working Capital Facility to purchase
or redeem outstanding indebtedness of the Company.
 
REPURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT
During 1993 the Company repurchased $300.6 million face amount of Junior
Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $285.1 million,
$71.2 million Senior Subordinated Debentures, $111.6 million Senior Notes, and
$33.5 million Senior Subordinated Reset Notes. Additionally, the Company
redeemed the remaining $498.2 million Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures.
The redemptions were effected using funds from asset sales, the sale of
treasury stock to employee benefit plans, proceeds from the sale of common
stock and new financings, and excess cash from operations. The outstanding
balances of these debt issues at January 1, 1994 were $0 for the Junior
Subordinated Discount Debentures, $0 for the Senior Subordinated Debentures,
$138.4 million for the Senior Notes, and $66.5 million for the Senior
Subordinated Reset Notes. The Company issued a redemption notice for the
remaining Senior Notes on February 13, 1994. The redemption will be effected on
March 15, 1994.

During 1992 the Company repurchased $269.9 million face amount of Junior
Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $231.1 million,
$343.9 million Senior Subordinated Debentures and $256.2 million Subordinated
Debentures. Additionally, the Company redeemed $120.5 million Senior
Subordinated Debentures and $304.6 million Subordinated Debentures.
During 1991 the Company repurchased $303.8 million face amount of Junior
Subordinated Discount Debentures with an accreted value of $217.9 million,
$59.3 million Senior Subordinated Debentures and $64.2 million Subordinated
Debentures.
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
   
Capital expenditures totaled $376.1 million for 1993, $241.2 million for 1992
and $208.1 million in 1991. During 1993 the Company opened, acquired or
expanded 46 food stores and 10 convenience stores compared to 42 food stores
and 19 convenience stores in 1992 and 42 food stores and 4 convenience stores
in 1991. The Company also completed 70 food store and 21 convenience store
remodels during 1993. During 1993, 32 food stores were closed or sold including
the 15 San Antonio stores sold to Megafood Stores, Inc. in August 1993. 17
convenience stores also were closed. The Company expects capital expenditures
to approximate $1.5 billion over the next three years. In 1994 the Company
plans to increase food store square footage by 4 1/2%-5% by opening, expanding
or acquiring approximately 70 food stores and completing within-the-wall
remodels of 60-70 food stores, including the recently completed purchase of 10
stores in Houston, Texas from AppleTree Markets, Inc. The increased square
footage is planned for existing Company markets where the Company has an
established market position and an existing administrative and logistical
network. The Company's ability to realize its capital expenditure plan will
depend, in part, on its ability to generate sufficient free cash flow. The
Company expects to dedicate one half of its free cash flow in excess of
planned expenditures to its capital program and the remainder to debt
reduction.
    
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
During 1993 the Company generated $617.3 million in cash from operating
activities compared to $532.8 million in 1992 and $448.4 million in 1991. The
increase from 1992 is due to an increase in operating net income of $69.6
million. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase in cash from changes
in operating assets and liabilities of $105.5 million. The increase is due to
an increase in accounts payable over and above the increase in inventory values
of $47.7 million, an increase in income taxes payable of $17.5 million, and an
increase in self-insured workers compensation and general liability accruals of
$34.4 million. The increase in 1992 from 1991 is due to an increase in cash of
$45.1 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities and a $56.3
million reduction in interest expense.

Investing activities used $368.3 million compared to $264.3 million of cash
used in 1992 and $187.9 million of cash used in 1991. The increase in the use
of cash in 1993 is due to an increase in the level of capital expenditures over
1992 of $134.9 million and an increased use of cash of $18.2 million for
investments. This was offset by an increase in cash over 1992 from reduced
current year expenditures for additions to property held for sale and increased
proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. The increase in 1992
from 1991 is due to an increase in cash used for capital expenditures and
additions to property held for sale.

Cash used by financing activities totaled $231.7 million compared to $168.4
million and $311.1 million in 1992 and 1991, respectively. The increase in the
use of cash during 1993 is due to a debt reduction, excluding capital leases
and the interest accretion on the Junior Subordinated Discount Debentures, of
$423.0 million versus 1992's debt reduction of $38.8 million. The debt
reduction was offset by proceeds from the sale of stock and lower debt
prepayment and financing costs incurred.
 
OTHER ISSUES
The Company is party to more than 200 collective bargaining agreements with
local unions representing approximately 110,000 of the Company's employees.
Among the contracts that have expired or will expire in the remainder of 1994
are those covering store employees in Charleston (WV), Nashville, Louisville,
Cincinnati, Phoenix and Tucson as well as warehouse and distribution employees
in a number of the Company's operating divisions. Typical agreements are 3 to 4
years in duration, and as such agreements expire, the Company expects to
negotiate with the unions and to enter into new collective bargaining
agreements. There can be no assurance, however, that such agreements will be
reached without work stoppage. A prolonged work stoppage affecting a
substantial number of stores could have a material adverse effect on the
results of the Company's operations.

As of January 3, 1993 the Company implemented SFAS No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" using the immediate
recognition approach. This new standard requires that the expected cost of
retiree health benefits be charged to expense during the years that the
employees render service rather than the Company's past practice of recognizing
these costs on a cash basis. As part of adopting the new standard, the Company
recorded in 1993 a non-cash charge against earnings of $248.7 million before
taxes ($159.2 million after taxes). This cumulative adjustment as of January 3,
1993 represents the discounted present value of expected future retiree health
benefits attributed to employees' service rendered prior to that date.
 
In addition, the new standard results in additional annual expense, which for
the year ended January 1, 1994 totaled $19.5 million before taxes. The increase
in the annual postretirement benefit expense does not affect the Company's
EBITD.

Effective December 29, 1991, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". The adoption of SFAS No. 109 had a material
effect on the Company's financial statements in the first quarter of 1993 due
to the adoption of SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions." The Company recognized a deferred tax benefit of
$89.5 million in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 106. A portion of
this tax benefit would not have been recognized under the Company's previous
method of accounting for income taxes.


 

<PAGE>
                              SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements 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:  May 2, 1994           By  (Paul W. Heldman)
                                   Paul W. Heldman
                                   Vice President, Secretary
                                      and General Counsel




                           INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit
   
23.2      Consent of Independent Accountants

23.3      Consent of Independent Accountants

99.2      Financial Statements for The Kroger Co. Savings Plan for
          the Year Ended December 31, 1993

99.3      Financial Statements for the Dillon Companies, Inc.
          Employees' Stock Ownership and Savings Plan for the Year
          Ended December 31, 1993
    

   
                               EXHIBIT 23.2








                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statement of The Kroger Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-29640) of
our report dated April 1, 1994, on our audits of the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of The Kroger Co.
Savings Plan as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1993, which
report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 




(COOPERS & LYBRAND)
COOPERS & LYBRAND
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 27, 1994











    

   
                               EXHIBIT 23.3








                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statement of The Kroger Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-29405) of
our report dated April 22, 1994, on our audits of the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Dillon Companies,
Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership and Savings Plan as of December
31, 1993 and 1992, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1993, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.





(COOPERS & LYBRAND)
COOPERS & LYBRAND
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 28, 1994





    

   


                             Exhibit 99.2
                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1993


Report of Independent Accountants

Statement of Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits
  at December 31, 1993

Statement of Net Assets Available For Plan Benefits
  at December 31, 1992

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan
  Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 1993

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan
  Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 1992

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan
  Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 1991

Notes to Financial Statements

Schedule of Investments


                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Administrative Committee of
    The Kroger Co. Savings Plan

We have audited the financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan as listed in the
accompanying index.  These financial statements and financial
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Administrative
Committee of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan.  Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and financial
statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for plan
benefits of The Kroger Co. Savings Plan as of December 31, 1993 and
1992, and the changes in its net assets available for plan benefits
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1993 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred
to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial state-
ments taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects,
the information required to be included therein.




(COOPERS & LYBRAND)
COOPERS & LYBRAND
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 1, 1994



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                          STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
                                                           December 31, 1993
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                           
                                                             --------------

                                                              1993                              
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                   EMPLOYER      MELLON                  TEMPORARY
                                    STOCK        EQUITY        GIC       INVESTMENT
ASSETS                              FUND          FUND         FUND         FUND         TOTAL  
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------    ---------

<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Investments:
  The Kroger Co. common shares
     (cost - $156,929)             $297,549                                             $297,549
  Contracts with insurance
     companies (stated at cost)                              $62,804                      62,804
  Collective investment funds
     (cost - $29,528)                            $32,199                                  32,199
  U.S. Government Securities             17           67       3,626                       3,710
  Temporary cash investments 
    and loans to participants
     (stated at cost)                                                        $8,107        8,107
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------     --------
    Total investments               297,566       32,266      66,430          8,107      404,369
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>
Receivables:
  Employee allotments                                                           400          400
  Employer contributions              3,116                                                3,116
  Interest and dividends                  2                        6              4           12
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------     --------
    Total assets                    300,684       32,266      66,436          8,511      407,897
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------     --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>
LIABILITIES

Payable for administrative
  fees                                                            24             58           82
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------     --------
    Total liabilities                                             24             58           82
                                   --------     --------     -------     ----------     --------

Net assets available for
  plan benefits                    $300,684      $32,266     $66,412         $8,453     $407,815
                                   ========     ========     =======     ==========     ========
</TABLE>


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



<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                          STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
                                                           December 31, 1992
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                           
                                                            --------------

                                                            1992                             
                              --------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                              EMPLOYER    FIDELITY   MELLON             TEMPORARY                                         
                               STOCK      EQUITY     EQUITY     GIC     INVESTMENT
ASSETS                         FUND       FUND        FUND      FUND      FUND         TOTAL 
                              --------   --------   -------   --------- ----------   --------

<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
Investments:
  The Kroger Co. common shares
     (cost - $147,337)        $212,403                                               $212,403
  Contracts with insurance
     companies (stated at cost)                               $45,936                 45,936
  Mutual funds (cost - $10,656)          $12,151                                      12,151
  Collective investment funds
     (cost - $11,381)                               $ 12,121                          12,121
  U.S. Government Securities        67        12          98    6,821   $    215       7,213
  Temporary cash investments 
    and loans to participants
     (stated at cost)              160                    56               7,164       7,380
                              --------   -------     -------   -------  --------    --------      
    Total investments         212,630     12,163     12,275    52,757      7,379     297,204
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Receivables:
  Employee allotments                                                        380         380
  Employer contributions        1,928                                                  1,928
  Interest and dividends            3                                          2           5
                              -------     -------    -------   -------  --------    --------

    Total assets              214,561     12,163      12,275    52,757     7,761     299,517
                             --------    -------     -------   -------  --------    --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>
LIABILITIES

Payable for administrative
  fees                                                                       114         114
                              --------    -------   -------    -------  --------   ---------  
     Total liabilities                                                       114         114
                              --------    -------   -------    -------  --------   --------- 

Net assets available for
  plan benefits               $214,561    $12,163   $12,275    $52,757  $  7,647    $299,403
                              ========    =======   =======    =======  ========   ========= 
</TABLE>


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


<TABLE>
                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                     STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
                                                  for the year ended December 31, 1993
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                           
                                                            --------------

<CAPTION>

                                                                  1993                               
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    EMPLOYER   FIDELITY    MELLON               TEMPORARY
                                     STOCK      EQUITY     EQUITY      GIC      INVESTMENT
                                     FUND        FUND       FUND       FUND       FUND         TOTAL 
                                   ---------   --------   --------   ---------  ----------   --------
<S>                                <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
Employee contributions                                                           $ 34,909    $ 34,909
Employer contributions             $  3,125                                                     3,125
Transfer from (to) other funds        7,751    $(12,170) $ 17,286   $   9,686     (22,553)           
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    ---------   -------- 
   Total allotments and           
     contributions                   10,876     (12,170)   17,286       9,686      12,356      38,034
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
Investment income(expense):
  Dividends                                           7       773                                 780
  Interest                               90                             4,106         529       4,725
  Change in unrealized 
    appreciation (depreciation)      79,119                 1,947         (14)                 81,052 
  Other                                                                               362         362
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total additions (deductions)     90,085     (12,163)   20,006      13,778      13,247     124,953
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>
Distributions to participants         3,961                                        12,053      16,014
Administrative expenses                   1                    15         123         388         527
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total deductions                  3,962                    15         123      12,441      16,541
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Net increase (decrease)          86,123     (12,163)   19,991      13,655         806     108,412 
Net assets available for
    plan benefits:
  Beginning of year                 214,561      12,163    12,275      52,757       7,647     299,403
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    -------- 

  End of year                      $300,684     $     0   $32,266    $ 66,412    $  8,453    $407,815
                                   ========     =======   =======    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>


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



<TABLE>
                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                     STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
                                                  for the year ended December 31, 1992
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                           
                                                            --------------


<CAPTION>
                                                                  1992                               
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    EMPLOYER   FIDELITY    MELLON               TEMPORARY
                                     STOCK      EQUITY     EQUITY      GIC      INVESTMENT
                                     FUND        FUND       FUND       FUND       FUND         TOTAL 
                                   ---------   --------   --------   ---------  ----------   --------

<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Employee contributions                                                           $ 18,373    $ 18,373
Employer contributions             $  1,036                                                     1,036
Merger from other trust              72,439     $ 2,608   $ 3,294    $ 11,068         623      90,032
Transfer from (to) other funds        7,200      (1,939)    4,361       2,386     (12,008)           
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
   Total allotments and           
     contributions                   80,675         669     7,655      13,454       6,988     109,441
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
 Investment income(expense):
  Dividends                                         370       187                                 557
  Interest                               27                             3,045         796       3,868
  Change in unrealized 
    appreciation (depreciation)     (48,348)        925       416                             (47,007)
  Other                                 178                                          (180)         (2)
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total additions                  32,532       1,964     8,258      16,499       7,604      66,857
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    -------- 

Distributions to participants         1,568         100                             5,237       6,905
 Administrative expenses                                         5                    404         409
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total deductions                  1,568         100         5                   5,641       7,314
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------

    Net increase                     30,964       1,864     8,253      16,499       1,963      59,543 
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Net assets available for
    plan benefits:
  Beginning of year                 183,597      10,299     4,022      36,258       5,684     239,860
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------

  End of year                      $214,561     $12,163   $12,275    $ 52,757    $  7,647    $299,403
                                   ========     =======   =======    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>


                The accompanying notes are an integral
                   part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                     STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
                                                  for the year ended December 31, 1991
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                           
                                                            --------------

<CAPTION>

                                                                  1991                               
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    EMPLOYER   FIDELITY    MELLON               TEMPORARY
                                     STOCK      EQUITY     EQUITY      GIC      INVESTMENT
                                     FUND        FUND       FUND       FUND       FUND         TOTAL 
                                   ---------   --------   --------   ---------  ----------   --------

<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Employee contributions                                                             18,047    $ 18,047
Employer contributions             $  1,040                                                     1,040
Transfer from (to) other trusts         574     $    (1)                                8         581
Transfer from (to) other funds        4,614      (2,797)  $ 3,696    $  3,989      (9,502)           
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
   Total allotments and           
     contributions                    6,228      (2,798)    3,696       3,989       8,553      19,668

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Investment income(expense):
  Dividends                                         589        48                                 637
  Interest                               29                             2,762         530       3,321
  Change in unrealized 
    appreciation (depreciation)      48,426       2,356       278                              51,060
  Other                                   7           3                                            10
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total additions                  54,690         150     4,022       6,751       9,083      74,696
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Distributions to participants         2,496                                         7,757      10,253
Administrative expenses                                                               349         349
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------
    Total deductions                  2,496                                         8,106      10,602
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------

    Net increase                     52,194         150     4,022       6,751         977      64,094
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Net assets available for
    plan benefits:
  Beginning of year                 131,403      10,149                29,507       4,707     175,766
                                   --------     -------   -------    --------    --------    --------

  End of year                      $183,597     $10,299   $ 4,022    $ 36,258    $  5,684    $239,860
                                   ========     =======   =======    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

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


                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                          
                            --------------

1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     ------------------------------------------
 
     The following describes the significant policies followed in
     the preparation of these financial statements.  

     INVESTMENTS VALUATION
     ---------------------

     Investments in securities (common and preferred stock) traded
     on a national securities exchange are valued at the last
     reported sales price on the last business day of the year;
     listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date
     are valued at the last reported bid price.  Guaranteed
     Insurance Contracts are valued at cost. 

     OTHER
     -----

     Purchases and sales of securities are reflected on a trade
     date basis.  Gain or loss on sales of securities are based on
     average cost.

     Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Income
     from other investments is recorded as earned on an accrual
     basis.

     The plan presents in the statement of changes in net assets
     available for plan benefits the net appreciation or
     depreciation in the fair value of its investments which
     consists of the realized gains or losses and the unrealized
     appreciation or depreciation on those investments.

2.   PARTICIPANT DATA
     ----------------

     At December 31, 1993, the number of employees, including 3,466
     former employees with remaining balances, participating by
     investment directions was:

<TABLE>
         <S>                                                    <S>
          Entirely in Employer Stock Fund                        14,874
          Entirely in Mellon Equity Fund                          1,658
          Entirely in GIC Fund                                   12,648
          Partially in Employer Stock Fund                        
            and Mellon Equity Fund                                3,875
          Partially in Employer Stock Fund            
            and GIC Fund                                          7,784
          Partially in Mellon Equity Fund
            and GIC Fund                                          2,056
          Partially in Employer Stock Fund,
            Mellon Equity Fund and GIC Fund                       4,475
                                                                 ------

          Total participants                                     47,370
                                                                 ======
</TABLE>

3.   PLAN DESCRIPTION
     ----------------

     The Plan provides for eligible employees of The Kroger Co. and
     subsidiaries (the "Company") to redirect a portion of their
     salary, up to limits defined in the Plan, to the investment
     funds of the Plan.

     At the end of each year, the Company may make a matching
     contribution of either or both of the following:

          A basic matching contribution which is allocated in
          proportion to the salary directed by participants to the
          Employer Stock Fund during the year, or a supplemental
          matching contribution which is allocated in proportion to
          salary directed to all investment funds.

     In 1992 the Company made a basic matching contribution. In
     1993 and 1991 the Company made both a basic matching
     contribution and a supplemental matching contribution.

     Each participant's account is credited with the participant's
     contribution and an allocation of the Company's matching
     contribution, Plan earnings, and other adjustments as defined
     in the Plan.  Allocations are based on participant earnings or
     account balances as defined.  The benefit to which a
     participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided
     from the participant's account.

     Further information about the Plan, including vesting,
     allocation and benefit provisions, and employer and employee
     contributions is contained in the Plan, and Plan amendments. 
     Copies of these documents are available from the Company's
     Personnel Department.

4.   UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION)
     --------------------------------------

     Net changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
     investments was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    ($000)                
                                                           -------------------------------
                                                            Employer    Fidelity   Mellon
                                                             Stock       Equity    Equity
                                                             Fund         Fund      Fund  
                                                           ---------    --------   -------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>        <C>
     Unrealized appreciation (depreciation): 
       December 31, 1990                                    $ 48,001    $ (2,249)  $     0
       Change in unrealized appreciation                      46,005       2,451       278
                                                            --------    --------   -------
       December 31, 1991                                      94,006         202       278
       Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      (49,323)        849       271
       Merger of bargaining unit plan    
         (See Note 6)                                         20,383         444       191
                                                            --------    --------   -------
       December 31, 1992                                      65,066       1,495       740
       Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       75,554      (1,495)    1,931
                                                            --------    --------   -------
       December 31, 1993                                    $140,620    $      0   $ 2,671
                                                            ========    ========   =======
</TABLE>

5.   TAX STATUS
     ----------

     The plan obtained its latest determination letter on October
     7, 1986, in which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the
     plan, as then designed, was in compliance with the Internal
     Revenue Code.  However, the plan has been amended since
     receiving the determination letter.  The plan administrator
     and the plan's tax counsel believe that the plan is currently
     designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable
     requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.  Therefore, no
     provision for income taxes has been included in the plan's
     financial statements.

     Participant contributions and earnings of the Plan are not
     subject to federal income tax until distribution, at which
     time they are taxable to the recipient. 


6.   MERGER OF PLANS
 
     Effective December 31, 1992, The Kroger Co. Savings Plan for
     Bargaining Unit Employees was merged with the Plan.  Such
     assets transferred to the Plan, $90,032,000, are reflected in
     the statement of changes in net assets available for plan
     benefits for the year ended December 31, 1992.

7.   RECONCILIATION TO FORM 5500

     Department of Labor regulations require that differences
     between the amounts included in the financial statements of
     the Plan and reported on Form 5500 be disclosed.  Differences
     in amounts shown in the financial statements of the Plan and
     those reported on Form 5500, as amended, for the year ended
     December 31, 1991 and 1993 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Amounts per      Amounts per
                                         Financial Statements   Form 5500    Difference 
                                         --------------------  -----------  ------------
    <S>                                        <C>             <C>           <C>
     The Kroger Co. Savings Plan
     ---------------------------
     For the year ended December 31, 1991

     Statement of Net Assets 
     Available for Plan Benefits:
       Employer contributions receivable       $1,039,545      $  929,239    $ 110,306 
     Statement of Changes in Net Assets
     Available for Plan Benefits:
       Employer contributions                  $1,039,545      $  929,239    $ 110,306 

     For the year ended December 31, 1993
</TABLE>
<TABLE>

    <S>                                        <C>             <C>           <C>
     Statement of Net Assets 
     Available for Plan Benefits:
       Employer contributions receivable       $3,115,652      $3,851,048    $(735,396)
     Statement of Changes in Net Assets
     Available for Plan Benefits:
       Employer contributions                  $3,115,652      $3,851,048    $(735,396)
</TABLE>


     These differences result from the valuation of the employer
     stock contribution receivable at December 31, 1991 and 1993. 
     The financial statements reflect the value of the shares to be
     contributed to the Plan at the date the matching contribution
     was granted.  Form 5500 reflects the value of the shares
     contributed to the Plan on the date the shares were
     transferred to the Trustee.

     Since the employer matching contribution to the Plan for 1992
     was made in cash on February 18, 1993, employer contribution
     receivable in the statement of net assets available for plan
     benefits, and employer contributions and change in unrealized
     appreciation in the statement of changes in net assets
     available for plan benefits for the year ended December 31,
     1992 does not differ from those reported on Form 5500.  


<TABLE>
                                                      THE KROGER CO. SAVINGS PLAN
                                                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                                                       December 31, 1993 and 1992
                                                       (In thousands of dollars)
                                                                             
                                                           ------------------
<CAPTION>

                                        NUMBER OF
                                        SHARES OR
                                        PRINCIPAL          1993                  1992  
NAME OF ISSUER AND TITLE OF ISSUE         AMOUNT       COST      VALUE      COST      VALUE
- - ---------------------------------      -----------  --------   --------   --------    -----
<S>                                 <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     EMPLOYER STOCK FUND
     -------------------
The Kroger Co. common shares        14,877,459 shs. $156,929   $297,549                    
                                    14,523,300 shs.                       $147,337   $212,403
  
U.S. Government Securities                 $17            17         17 
                                           $67                                  67         67

Temporary Cash Investments                $160                                 160        160
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     156,946    297,566    147,564    212,630
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
 
<S>                                 <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     FIDELITY EQUITY FUND
     --------------------
Mutual Funds                                 0 shs.                    
                                    418,843.84 shs.                         10,656     12,151


U.S. Government Securities                 $12                                  12         12
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                           0          0     10,668     12,163
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     MELLON EQUITY FUND
     ------------------
Collective Investment Funds            279,523 shs.   29,528     32,199
                                       112,618 shs.                         11,381     12,121

U.S. Goverment Securities                  $67            67         67
                                           $98                                  98         98

Temporary Cash Investments                 $56                                  56         56
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                      29,595     32,266     11,535     12,275
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
     GIC FUND
     --------
Contracts with Insurance 
   Companies                     62,804,060.21 shs.   62,804     62,804
                                 45,935,708.75 shs.                         45,936     45,936

U.S. Government Securities              $3,626         3,626      3,626
                                        $6,821                               6,821      6,821
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------

                                                      66,430     66,430     52,757     52,757
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     TEMPORARY INVESTMENT FUND
     -------------------------
Temporary Cash Investments              $1,445         1,445      1,445
                                            84                                  84         84

U. S. Government Securities               $215                                 215        215

Loans to participants                   $6,662         6,662      6,662
                                        $7,080                               7,080      7,080
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                       8,107      8,107      7,379      7,379
                                                    --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    $261,078   $404,369   $229,903   $297,204
                                                    ========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
    

   
                             EXHIBIT 99.3

                        DILLON COMPANIES, INC.
              EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1993


Report of Independent Accountants

Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
  at December 31, 1993

Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
  at December 31, 1992

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
  For the Year Ended December 31, 1993

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
  For the Year Ended December 31, 1992

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
  For the Year Ended December 31, 1991

Notes to Financial Statements

Schedule of Investments



                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




The Administration Committee of
     Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees'
     Stock Ownership and Savings Plan

We have audited the financial statements and the financial statement
schedule of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership and
Savings Plan as listed in the accompanying index.  These financial
statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of
the Administration Committee of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees'
Stock Ownership and Savings Plan.  Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement
schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for plan
benefits of Dillon Companies, Inc. Employees' Stock Ownership and
Savings Plan as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the changes in its
net assets available for plan benefits for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.  In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.


(COOPERS & LYBRAND)
COOPERS & LYBRAND
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 22, 1994


<TABLE>
                                   DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN         
                                          Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits       
                                                           December 31, 1993         
                                                             (In Thousands)          


<CAPTION>
  
                                                 401(k)                                    ESOP
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Balanced  Index    Fixed    Stock       Balanced  Index      Fixed   Stock
                                    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund         Fund     Fund       Fund    Fund   Total
                                   --------  -----    -----    -----       --------  -----      -----   ------ -----
<S>                                <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>     <C> 
ASSETS

Investments:

   State Street Research and
     Management                    $10,167                                 $266                                  $10,433

   Mellon Capital Opening Stock
    Index Fund                               $5,588                                  $161                          5,749

   Fixed Income Securities                            $52,565                                   $1,814            54,379

   The Kroger Co. Common Stock
      401(k) Cost - $39,113
      ESOP Cost  - $23,530                                     $64,845                                  $42,569   107,414
                                   ------     ------  -------  -------     ----      ----       ------  -------  ---------

        Total Investments          10,167      5,588   52,565   64,845      266       161        1,814   42,569   177,975
     
Contributions Receivables and Other 1,015        207    1,121                27         6           38              2,414
                                   ------      -----   ------   ------     ----      ----       ------  -------   -------

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR
 PLAN BENEFITS                    $11,182     $5,795  $53,686  $64,845     $293      $167       $1,852  $42,569   $180,389
                                  =======     ======  =======  =======     ====      ====       ======  =======   ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                   DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                                          Statement of Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
                                                           December 31, 1992
                                                             (In Thousands)



<CAPTION>
                                                         401(k)                                   ESOP
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Balanced    Index      Fixed     Stock    Balanced    Index   Fixed    Stock
                                         Fund       Fund       Fund      Fund      Fund       Fund    Fund     Fund     Total
                                       ---------    -----      -----     -----    --------    -----   -----    -----    -----

<S>                                    <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
ASSETS

Investments:

   State Street Research
     and Management                    $6,522                                     $132                                  $   6,654

   Mellon Capital Opening
     Stock Index Fund                               $4,760                                    $136                          4,896

   Fixed Income Securities                                     $41,538                                $1,086               42,624

   The Kroger Co. Common Stock
      401(k) Cost - $35,435
      ESOP Cost  - $24,853                                               $44,637                               $32,732     77,369

      Temporary Cash Investment                                                                                     19         19
                   
                                       ------       ------     -------   -------  ----        ----    ------   -------  ---------
        Total Investments               6,522        4,760      41,538    44,637   132         136     1,086    32,751  $ 131,562 
</TABLE>
<TABLE>

<S>                                    <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
Receivables:

   Employer Contributions                                                    782                                              782

                                        -----       -----      ------     ------  ----        -----   -------  -------- ----------
        Total Assets                    6,522       4,760      41,538     45,419   132         136     1,086    32,751    132,344
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
LIABILITIES

Excess Participants Contribution            4           5          22         79                                    19        129
                                       ------      ------     -------    -------  ----        -----   -------  -------  ---------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS $6,518      $4,755     $41,516    $45,340  $132        $136    $1,086   $32,732   $132,215
                                       ======      ======     =======    =======  ====        =====   =======  =======  =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                   DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                                     Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
                                                           December 31, 1993
                                                             (In Thousands)



<CAPTION>
                                                              401(k)                                ESOP
                                       ----------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                        Balanced    Index      Fixed     Stock     Balanced    Index       Fixed   Stock
                                          Fund      Fund       Fund      Fund        Fund      Fund        Fund    Fund     Total
                                       ----------   -----      -----    -------    --------    -----       -----   -----    -----

<S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
Employee Contributions                    $1,393    $1,022     $7,423    $8,484                                             $ 18,322

Employer Contributions                                                    1,713                                                1,713

Transfers from (to) Other Funds            2,619      (134)     3,036    (5,521)      $155        $24       $ 729   ($908)         0
                                          ------    ------     ------    ------       ----       -----     ------  ------   --------
                                           4,012       888     10,459     4,676        155         24         729    (908)    20,035
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
Investment Income:

   State Street Research and Management      945                                        20                                       965

   Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund                     480                                         12                            492

   Interest                                                     3,956                                         131              4,087

   Net Appreciation                                                      17,472                                     11,692    29,164
                                          ------    ------    -------    ------       ----       ----      ------  -------  --------
       Total Additions                     4,957     1,368     14,415    22,148        175         36         860   10,784    54,743
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
Expenses                                       5         4         31                                           1                 41
 
Distributions to Participants                288       324      2,214     2,643         14          5          93      947     6,528
                                           -----     -----     ------    ------       ----       ----      ------  -------  --------
       Net Increase                        4,664     1,040     12,170    19,505        161         31         766    9,837    48,174

Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits:

   Beginning of Year                       6,518     4,755     41,516    45,340        132        136       1,086   32,732   132,215
                                         -------    ------    -------   -------       ----      -----     ------- -------- ---------
   End of Year                           $11,182    $5,795    $53,686   $64,845       $293       $167      $1,852  $42,569  $180,389
                                         =======    ======    =======   =======       ====      =====     ======= ======== =========
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
                                   DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                                     Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
                                                           December 31, 1992
                                                             (In Thousands)


<CAPTION>  
                                                          401(k)                                        ESOP
                                        ---------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                        Balanced    Index      Fixed     Stock   Balanced    Index       Fixed      Stock
                                          Fund      Fund       Fund      Fund      Fund      Fund        Fund       Fund    Total
                                        --------    -----      -----     -----   --------    -----       -----      -----   -----

<S>                                       <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>
Employee Contributions                    $1,094      $856     $6,764    $7,975                                             $ 16,689

Employer Contributions                                                      782                                                  782

Transfers from (to) Other Funds              304        33     (2,361)    2,024    $ 64      $ 47        $  112     ($223)         0
                                          ------      ----     ------    ------    ----      ----        ------     -----   --------
                                           1,398       889      4,403    10,781      64        47           112     (223)    17,471
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>     <C>        <C>
Investment Income:

    State Street Research and Management     525                                     10                                         535

    Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund                    319                                     10                               329

       Interest                                                 3,404                                        96               3,500

       Net Depreciation                                                 (12,597)                                 (11,897)   (24,494)
                                           -----     -----      -----   -------      --     -----       -------  --------  --------
         Total Additions (Deductions)      1,923     1,208      7,807    (1,816)     74        57           208  (12,120)    (2,659)

Distributions to Participants                232       194      1,952     1,779       8         8            60      640      4,873
                                           -----     -----      -----   -------      --     -----       -------  -------   --------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>

         Net Increase (Decrease)           1,691     1,014      5,855    (3,595)     66        49           148  (12,760)   (7,532)

Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits:

   Beginning of Year                       4,827     3,741     35,661    48,935      66        87           938   45,492    139,747
                                          ------    ------    -------   -------    -----    -----       -------  -------   --------
   End of Year                            $6,518    $4,755    $41,516   $45,340    $132     $ 136       $ 1,086  $32,732   $132,215
                                          ======    ======    =======   =======    ====     =====       =======  =======   ========
</TABLE>

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

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                   DILLON COMPANIES, INC. EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                                     Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits
                                                           December 31, 1991
                                                             (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>

                                                          401(k)                                    ESOP
                                       ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------------------
                                        Balanced    Index      Fixed     Stock     Balanced    Index     Fixed     Stock
                                          Fund      Fund       Fund      Fund        Fund      Fund      Fund      Fund    Total
                                       ---------    -----      -----     ------    --------    -----     -----     -----   -----
<S>                                     <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
Employee Contributions                    $894        $650      $6,292    $7,188                                           $15,024
Employer Contributions                                                       699                                     $3        702
Transfers from (to) Other Funds           (828)        293        (529)    1,064    $2        ($19)       $355      (338)        0
                                        ------      ------     -------    ------   ---         ----       ----    ------  -------- 
                                            66         943       5,763     8,951     2         (19)        355      (335)   15,726

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>     <C>
Investment Income:

   State Street Research and Management    940                                      15                                          955 

   Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund                     700                                     20                               720

   Interest                                                      3,067                                      86                3,153

   Net Appreciation                                                        11,621                                   12,336    23,957
                                        ------       ------     ------    -------   --         ----        ----     ------- --------
     Total Additions                     1,006        1,643      8,830     20,572   17           1         441       12,001   44,511
 
Distributions to Participants              181          181      1,809      2,232   13           1          52        1,159    5,628
                                        ------       ------     ------    -------   --         ----        ---      ------- --------
     Net Increase                          825        1,462      7,021     18,340    4           0         389       10,842   38,883
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>
Net Assets Available for Plan Benefits:

   Beginning of Year                     4,002        2,279      28,640    30,595   62          87         549       34,650  100,864
                                        ------       ------     -------   -------  ---         ---        ----      ------- --------
   End of Year                          $4,827       $3,741     $35,661   $48,935  $66         $87        $938      $45,492 $139,747
                                        ======       ======     =======   =======  ===         ===        ====      ======= ========
</TABLE>

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

<PAGE>
                        DILLON COMPANIES, INC.
              EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN

                     Notes to Financial Statements




1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     ------------------------------------------

     The following describes the significant policies followed in the
     preparation of these financial statements.

     INVESTMENTS VALUATION
     ---------------------

     Investments in securities (common and preferred stock) traded on
     a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported
     sales price on the last business day of the year.  Guaranteed
     Investment Contracts (GICs) with Insurance Companies are valued
     at contract value.  Benefit Accessible Securities Investment
     Contracts (BASICs) are carried in the financial statements at
     amortized cost.  Investments in the Index and Balanced Funds are
     valued at their fair value on the last business day of the year. 
     Investment in Pacific Investment Management Company is valued
     at amortized cost.

     OTHER
     -----

     Purchases and sales of securities are reflected on a trade date
     basis.
     
     In accordance with the policy of stating investments at fair
     value, the Plan presents in the Statement of Changes in Net
     Assets the net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of
     its investments which consists of the realized gains or losses
     and the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on those
     investments.

2.   PARTICIPANT DATA
     ----------------

     At December 31, 1993, the approximate number of employees,
     including former employees with remaining balances,
     participating by investment direction was:


                                                  401(k)     ESOP
                                                  ------     ----

     Stock Fund                                    2,903    12,312
     GIC Fund                                        913       249
     Balanced Fund                                    64         7
     Index Fund                                       27         6
     Stock Fund and GIC Fund                       6,221       379
     Stock Fund and Balanced Fund                    427         6
     Stock Fund and Index Fund                       284         7
     GIC Fund and Balanced Fund                      169        20
     GIC Fund and Index Fund                          55         7
     Balanced Fund and Index Fund                     39         3
     Participation in three or more funds          2,990        25
                                                  ------    -------

     Total participants                           14,092     13,021
                                                  ======    ======= 
3.   PLAN DESCRIPTION
     ----------------

     Employees of Dillon Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries
     (Company) with one year of service and who have attained age 21
     are eligible to become a participant as of the earliest January
     1 or July 1 following completion of said eligibility
     requirements.

     The interest of all participants in the Plan are fully vested at
     all times and are not subject to forfeiture or cancellation
     under any circumstances.  Plan assets are for participants only
     and may never revert to the employer.

     Plan income and expenses for each period are allocated to the
     participants' accounts in the ratio that the balance in the
     account of each participant bears to the balance of all the
     participants' accounts immediately before the allocation.  ESOP
     employer contributions are allocated based on participants'
     salaries as stated in the Plan.

     All distributions to participants are in cash or in whole shares
     of The Kroger Co. common stock (cash is paid for fractional
     shares).  Participants and beneficiaries individually exercise
     voting rights on the shares of The Kroger Co. common stock
     allocated to their account.

     Under the 401(k) salary reduction provision, each participant
     may make an election to have the Company contribute to the Plan
     on their behalf from two percent (2%) to twenty percent (20%) of
     the qualifying compensation that would otherwise be payable to
     them for the Plan year.

     A basic matching employer contribution is allocated to
     participants of the Stock Fund equal to ten percent (10%) of
     salaries directed by participants.  A supplemental employer
     contribution is allocated in proportion to all participants'
     salaries directed to all investments.  The supplemental
     contribution is based on the annual financial results as set by
     the Board of Directors of The Kroger Co. and ranges from none to
     twenty percent (20%) of participant contributions.  For 1993,
     the Company made both a basic matching contribution and a
     supplemental contribution; for 1992 and 1991, the Company made
     only the basic matching contribution.

     The Company currently has discontinued contributions to the ESOP
     portion of the Plan and has no present intentions to resume such
     contributions.

     Further information about the Plan, including vesting,
     allocation and benefit provisions, and employer and employee
     contributions is contained in the Plan, and Plan amendments. 
     Copies of these documents are available from the Company's
     Personnel Department.

4.   INVESTMENTS
     -----------

     The Plan's investments are held by the Dillon Companies, Inc.
     Employee Master Trust (the Trust) and are administered by the
     Dillon Companies, Inc. Trust Committee.  The Trust Committee has
     selected investment managers, State Street Research and
     Management Company and the Mellon Capital Management Corp., to
     manage some of the fund assets.  The State Street Research and
     Management Company is granted discretionary authority concerning
     investment of assets they manage.  The Mellon Capital Stock
     Index Fund is directed by the Trust Committee to maintain a
     portfolio which performs comparable to the Standard & Poor's 500
     Index.  The net change in funds managed by investment managers
     includes revenue earned, unrealized and realized gains and
     losses on investments, and fiduciary expenses.

     The Plan transfers shares of The Kroger Co. common stock (at
     fair market value) to and from the other employee benefit
     plans of the Company participating in the Trust.  The cost of
     the shares recorded by the Plan is the original cost of the
     shares of the transferring employee benefit plan.  The resulting
     difference between the cost recorded and amount paid for the
     purchased shares is included in the determination of the net
     appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of the Plan's
     investments, which was $(1,474) in 1993, $(631) in 1992, and
     $1,075 in 1991.  

     The Plan's investments (including investments bought, sold and
     held during the period), appreciated (depreciated) in value as
     follows:

          Kroger Stock     401(k)      ESOP         Total
          ------------     ------      -----        -----

              1991        $ 11,621   $ 12,336      $ 23,957
              1992         (12,597)  (11,897)       (24,494)
              1993          17,472    11,692         29,164 

5.   TAX STATUS
     ----------

     The Fund constitutes a qualified trust under Section 401 of
     the Internal Revenue Code and is therefore exempt from federal
     income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(a).

     Participant contributions and earnings of the Plan are not
     subject to federal income tax until distribution, at which time
     they are taxable to the recipient.



<TABLE>
                                                         DILLON COMPANIES, INC.
                                              EMPLOYEES' STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SAVINGS PLAN
                                                        SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
                                                       December 31, 1993 and 1992
                                                             (In Thousands)



<CAPTION>
                                                    1993                                 1992
                                        -----------------------------     -----------------------------
                                        Number of                         Number of
                                        Shares or                         Shares or
                                        Principal                         Principal
Name of Issuer and Title of Issue         Amount     Cost       Value       Amount      Cost      Value 
- - ---------------------------------       ---------    ----       -----     ---------     ----      -----

<S>                                      <C>      <C>        <C>            <C>      <C>        <C>
BALANCED FUND
 State Street Research and Management
    401(k)                               $10,167   $10,167    $10,167       $6,522     $6,522     $6,522 
    ESOP                                    $266       266        266         $132        132        132 

INDEX FUND
 Mellon Capital Stock Index Fund
    401(k)                                $5,588     5,588      5,588       $4,760      4,760      4,760 
    ESOP                                    $161       161        161         $136        136        136 

FIXED FUND
 Contracts with Insurance Companies,
    Benefit Accessible Securities 
    Investment Contracts, and Pacific
    Investment Management Company  
      401(k)                             $52,565    52,565     52,565      $41,538     41,538     41,538 
      ESOP                                $1,814     1,814      1,814       $1,086      1,086      1,086 

STOCK FUND
 The Kroger Co. Common Shares
    401(k)                                 3,222    39,113     64,845        3,052     35,435     44,637 
    ESOP                                   2,115    23,530     42,569        2,238     24,853     32,732 

 Temporary Cash Investments
    ESOP                                     --        --         --           $19         19         19
                                                  --------   --------                --------   --------
                                                  $133,204   $177,975                $114,481   $131,562
                                                  ========   ========                ========   ========
</TABLE>
    


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission