SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: December 11, 2001 THE KROGER CO. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) An Ohio Corporation No. 1-303 31-0345740 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of incorporation) Number) Number) 1014 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45201 (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number: (513) 762-4000 Item 5. Other Events ------- ------------ On December 11, 2001, the Company released its earnings for the third quarter of 2001. Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is the text of that release. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits ------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ (c) Exhibits: 99.1 Earnings release for third quarter 2001. SIGNATURE --------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized. THE KROGER CO. December 11, 2001 By: (Paul Heldman) Paul Heldman Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Exhibit ----------- ------- 99.1 Earnings release for third quarter 2001.