Kroger 2012 Annual Report Download - page 59

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A-1
FI N A N C I A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 2
MA N A G E M E N T ’S R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y F O R F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T I N G
The management of The Kroger Co. has the responsibility for preparing the accompanying financial
statements and for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis and are not misstated due to material error
or fraud. The financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and
judgments. Management also prepared the other information in the report and is responsible for its accuracy
and consistency with the financial statements.
The Company’s financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, whose selection has been approved by the shareholders. Management has
made available to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP all of the Company’s financial records and related data, as
well as the minutes of the shareholders’ and directors’ meetings. Furthermore, management believes that all
representations made to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during its audit were valid and appropriate.
Management also recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical climate so that the Company’s
affairs are conducted according to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility
is characterized and reflected in The Kroger Co. Policy on Business Ethics, which is publicized throughout
the Company and available on the Company’s website at ir.kroger.com. The Kroger Co. Policy on Business
Ethics addresses, among other things, the necessity of ensuring open communication within the Company;
potential conflicts of interests; compliance with all domestic and foreign laws, including those related to
financial disclosure; and the confidentiality of proprietary information. The Company maintains a systematic
program to assess compliance with these policies.
MA N A G E M E N T ’S R E P O R T O N I N T E R N A L C O N T R O L O V E R F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T I N G
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the
Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on
this evaluation, our management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
was effective as of February 2, 2013.
David B. Dillon J. Michael Schlotman
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer