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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

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FORM 8-K

 

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CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report: March 9, 2004

(Date of earliest event reported)

 

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THE KROGER CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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An Ohio Corporation		No. 1-303		31-0345740
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Number)

 

1014 Vine Street

Cincinnati, OH 45201

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number: (513) 762-4000

 

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Item 7.

Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

 

(c)

Exhibits:

 

99.1

Earnings release for fourth quarter and fiscal year 2003.

 

Item 12.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

On March 9, 2004, the Company released its earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2003. Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and filed herewith, is the text of that release.

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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.
March 9, 2004		By:		/s/ Paul Heldman
				Paul Heldman
				Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.		Exhibit
99.1		Earnings release for fourth quarter and fiscal year 2003.