The Kroger Co
Industry: Retail (Grocery)

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,447 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under approximately two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 782 convenience stores, 439 fine jewelry stores, 307 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants.

Business Summary
The Kroger Co. operates retail food and drug stores, multi-department stores, jewelry stores and convenience stores throughout the United States. The Company also manufactures and processes some of the food for sale in its supermarkets. As of January 29, 2005, the Company operated, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,532 supermarkets under two dozen banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's, Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. The Company also operates 795 convenience stores, 436 fine jewelry stores and 536 supermarket fuel centers. The Kroger Co.'s supermarkets are generally operated under one of three formats: combination food and drug stores (combo stores), multi-department stores or price impact warehouses.

Financial Summary
The Kroger Co. is a supermarket grocery retailer andalso a manufacturer and processer of food for sale by its supermarkets. The Company operates 2,532 supermarkets. For the 28 weeks ended 8/13/05, sales rose 6% to $31.81B. Net income rose 21% to $490M. Revenues reflect higher comparable food store sales and the opening of new stores. Earnings also benefited from lower operating expenses as a percentage of sales and debt levels.