CAG-2013-10K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013
or
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¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 1-7275
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CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 47-0248710 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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One ConAgra Drive Omaha, Nebraska | | 68102-5001 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (402) 240-4000
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Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $5.00 par value | | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ
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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) 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. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting common stock of ConAgra Foods, Inc. held by non-affiliates on November 23, 2012 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $11,467,654,396 based upon the closing sale price on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.
At June 23, 2013, 419,531,322 common shares were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2013 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated into Part III.
Table of Contents
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General Development of Business
ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra Foods”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is one of North America’s largest packaged food companies. Its balanced portfolio includes consumer brands found in 97% of America's households, the largest private brand packaged food business in North America, and a strong commercial and foodservice business. Consumers can find recognized brands such as Banquet®, Chef Boyardee®, Egg Beaters®, Healthy Choice®, Hebrew National®, Hunt's®, Marie Callender's®, Odom's Tennessee Pride®, Orville Redenbacher's®, PAM®, Peter Pan®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Snack Pack®, and many other ConAgra Foods brands and products, along with food sold by ConAgra Foods under private brands, in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise, club stores, and drugstores. We also have a strong commercial foods presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products, as well as other vegetable, spice, bakery, and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators, and commercial customers.
The Company began as a flour-milling company and entered other commodity-based businesses. Over time, through various acquisitions and divestitures, we significantly changed our portfolio of businesses, focusing on adding branded, value-added opportunities, while strategically divesting commodity-based businesses to become one of North America’s leading food companies. Executing this strategy involved the acquisition over time of a number of brands such as Banquet®, Chef Boyardee®, PAM®, Marie Callender’s®, and Alexia®. Notable divestitures have included a dehydrated garlic, onion, capsicum, and fresh vegetable operation, a trading and merchandising business, packaged meat and cheese operations, a poultry business, beef and pork businesses, and various other businesses. Our development over time has also been aided by innovation and organic growth. We are also focused on sustainable sales and profit growth with strong and improving returns on invested capital.
In 2012, we announced a strategic roadmap focused on growing our core operations, expanding into adjacent categories, and increasing our presence in private label and international operations. Our core operations include the strategic product groups of convenient meals, potatoes, snacks, meal enhancers, and specialty items. In January 2013, we completed the acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. ("Ralcorp"), a manufacturer of private brand products, thereby becoming the largest private brand packaged business in North America.
For more information about our more recent acquisitions, see “Acquisitions” below.
We are focused on growing our core operations, expanding into adjacent categories, and increasing our presence in private brand and international operations. Our core operations include the strategic product groups of convenient meals, potatoes, snacks, meal enhancers, and specialty items. We are also focused on sustainable sales and profit growth with strong and improving returns on invested capital. As part of continually strengthening our operating foundation, our major profit-enhancing initiatives have centered on and continue to include:
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• | Enhancing our portfolio by developing through innovation; |
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• | Acquiring products that resonate with consumers, establish or further develop our desired operating platforms, or which expand our presence in desired geographies or market segments; |
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• | Implementing high-impact, insights-based marketing programs; |
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• | Partnering strategically with customers to improve linkage, strengthen relationships, and capitalize on growth opportunities; |
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• | Improving trade spending effectiveness and pricing analytics; |
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• | Achieving cost savings throughout the supply chain with continuous efficiency improvement programs; and |
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• | Implementing efficiency initiatives throughout the selling, general, and administrative functions. |
The Company’s growth, efficiency, and portfolio improvement initiatives continue to be implemented with high standards of customer service, product safety, and product quality.
We were initially incorporated as a Nebraska corporation in 1919 and were reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in December 1975.
Financial Information about Reporting Segments
We report our operations in four reporting segments: Consumer Foods, Commercial Foods, Ralcorp Food Group, and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products. The contributions of each reporting segment to net sales, operating profit, and identifiable assets are set forth in Note 22 “Business Segments and Related Information” to the consolidated financial statements.
Narrative Description of Business
We compete throughout the food industry and focus on adding value for customers who operate in the retail food, foodservice, and ingredients channels.
Our operations, including our reporting segments, are described below. Our locations, including distribution facilities, within each reporting segment, are described in Item 2, Properties.
Consumer Foods
The Consumer Foods reporting segment includes branded, private brand, and customized food products, which are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, principally in North America. The products include a variety of categories (meals, entrées, condiments, sides, snacks, and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable temperature classes.
Major brands include: Alexia®, ACT II®, Banquet®, Blue Bonnet®, Chef Boyardee®, DAVID®, Egg Beaters®, Healthy Choice®, Hebrew National®, Hunt’s®, Marie Callender’s®, Odom’s Tennessee Pride ®, Orville Redenbacher’s®, PAM®, Peter Pan®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Snack Pack®, Swiss Miss®, Van Camp’s®, and Wesson®.
Commercial Foods
The Commercial Foods reporting segment includes commercially branded foods and ingredients, which are sold principally to foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. The segment’s primary products include: specialty potato products, milled grain ingredients, and a variety of vegetable products, seasonings, blends, and flavors, which are sold under brands such as ConAgra Mills®, Lamb Weston®, and Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings®.
Ralcorp Food Group
The Ralcorp Food Group reporting segment principally includes private brand food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, primarily in North America. The products include a variety of categories including cereal products; snacks, sauces, and spreads; and pasta.
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products
The Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products reporting segment principally includes private brand frozen bakery products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, primarily in North America. The segment's primary products include: frozen griddle products, including pancakes, waffles, and French toast; frozen biscuits and other frozen pre-baked products such as breads and rolls; and frozen and refrigerated dough products.
Unconsolidated Equity Investments
We have a number of unconsolidated equity investments. Significant affiliates produce and market potato products for retail and foodservice customers.
Acquisitions
In January 2013, we acquired Ralcorp. Ralcorp manufactures private brand products including cereal products; snacks, sauces, and spreads; pasta; frozen griddle products, including pancakes, waffles, and French toast; frozen biscuits and other frozen pre-baked products such as breads and rolls; and frozen and refrigerated dough products. We present the results of operations of the acquired Ralcorp business in two segments: Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products.
In August 2012, we acquired the P.F. Chang's® and Bertolli® brands frozen meal business. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In May 2012, we acquired Kangaroo Brands’ pita chip operations. The business, which manufactures private label and Kangaroo® brand pita chip snacks, is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In May 2012, we acquired Odom’s Tennessee Pride. The business manufactures Odom’s Tennessee Pride® frozen breakfast products and other sausage products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In March 2012, we acquired Del Monte Canada. The acquisition includes all Del Monte® branded packaged fruit, fruit snacks, and vegetable products in Canada, as well as Aylmer® brand tomato products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In November 2011, we acquired National Pretzel Company. National Pretzel Company is a private label supplier and branded producer of pretzels and related products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In November 2011, we acquired an additional equity interest in Agro Tech Foods Limited (“ATFL”). ATFL is a publicly traded company in India that markets food and food ingredients to consumers and institutional customers in India. As a result of this additional investment, we own a majority interest (approximately 52%) in ATFL. Consolidated financial results of ATFL are included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In June 2011, we purchased the Marie Callender’s® brand trademark from Marie Callender Pie Shops, Inc.
General
The following comments pertain to all of our reporting segments.
ConAgra Foods is a food company that operates in many sectors of the food industry, with a significant focus on the sale of branded, private brand, and value-added consumer products, as well as foodservice products and ingredients. We use many different raw materials, the bulk of which are commodities. The prices paid for raw materials used in our products generally reflect factors such as weather, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, tariffs, and the effects of governmental agricultural programs. Although the prices of raw materials can be expected to fluctuate as a result of these factors, we believe such raw materials to be in adequate supply and generally available from numerous sources. From time to time, we have faced increased costs for many of our significant raw materials, packaging, and energy inputs. We seek to mitigate the higher input costs through productivity and pricing initiatives, and through the use of derivative instruments used to economically hedge a portion of forecasted future consumption.
We experience intense competition for sales of our principal products in our major markets. Our products compete with widely advertised, well-known, branded products, as well as private brand and customized products. Some of our competitors are larger and have greater resources than we have. We compete primarily on the basis of quality, value, customer service, brand recognition, and brand loyalty.
Demand for certain of our products may be influenced by holidays, changes in seasons, or other annual events.
We manufacture primarily for stock and fill customer orders from finished goods inventories. While at any given time there may be some backlog of orders, such backlog is not material in respect to annual net sales, and the changes of backlog orders from time to time are not significant.
Our trademarks are of material importance to our business and are protected by registration or other means in the United States and most other markets where the related products are sold. Some of our products are sold under brands that have been licensed from others. We also actively develop and maintain a portfolio of patents, although no single patent is considered material to the business as a whole. We have proprietary trade secrets, technology, know-how, processes, and other intellectual property rights that are not registered.
Many of our facilities and products are subject to various laws and regulations administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other federal, state, local, and foreign governmental agencies relating to the quality and safety of products, sanitation, safety and health matters, and environmental control. We believe that we comply with such laws and regulations in all material respects, and that continued compliance with such regulations will not have a material effect upon capital expenditures, earnings, or our competitive position.
Our largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 17%, 17%, and 18% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
At May 26, 2013, ConAgra Foods and its subsidiaries had approximately 34,840 employees, primarily in the United States. Approximately 40% of our employees are parties to collective bargaining agreements. Of the employees subject to collective bargaining agreements, approximately 31% are parties to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire during fiscal 2014. We believe that our relationships with employees and their representative organizations are good.
Research and Development
We employ processes at our principal manufacturing locations that emphasize applied research and technical services directed at product improvement and quality control. In addition, we conduct research activities related to the development of new products. Research and development expense was $93.1 million, $86.0 million, and $81.4 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF JULY 19, 2013
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Name | | Title & Capacity | | | | Year First Appointed an Executive Officer |
Gary M. Rodkin | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | 61 |
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John F. Gehring | | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | | 52 |
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Colleen R. Batcheler | | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | | 39 |
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Brian L. Keck | | Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer | | 60 |
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Paul T. Maass | | President, Commercial Foods | | 47 |
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Thomas M. McGough | | President, Consumer Foods | | 48 |
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Scott E. Messel | | Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary | | 54 |
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Andrew G. Ross | | Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer | | 45 |
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Nicole B. Theophilus | | Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer | | 43 |
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Robert G. Wise | | Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller | | 45 |
| | 2012 |
Gary M. Rodkin has been our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors since October 1, 2005. Previously, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America (consumer products and manufacturing company) from February 2003 to June 2005. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America in 2002, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi-Cola North America from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Rodkin has served as a director of Avon Products, Inc. (beauty and related products company) since 2007, and is also Chair of the Board of Boys Town (charitable organization) and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce's Prosper Omaha economic development campaign. He is past Chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (consumer product company trade association).
John F. Gehring has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since January 2009. Mr. Gehring joined ConAgra Foods as Vice President of Internal Audit in 2002, became Senior Vice President in 2003, and most recently served as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller from July 2004 to January 2009. He served as the ConAgra Foods' interim Chief Financial Officer from October 2006 to November 2006. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, Mr. Gehring was a partner at Ernst & Young LLP (an accounting firm) from 1997 to 2001.
Colleen R. Batcheler has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since September 2009. Ms. Batcheler joined ConAgra Foods as Vice President, Chief Securities Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary in June 2006, was named Corporate Secretary in September 2006, and most recently served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from February 2008 to September 2009. From 2003 until joining ConAgra Foods, Ms. Batcheler was Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Albertson's, Inc. (a retail food and drug chain). Previously, she was Associate Counsel with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and an associate with Jones Day (a law firm).
Brian L. Keck joined ConAgra Foods as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in September 2010. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, Mr. Keck was President and Chief Operating Officer of Macy's Inc.'s Midwest Division (retail department stores) where he was responsible for sales, customer service, store operations, finance, distribution, human resources, IT, design and construction, and community affairs. Prior to that, Mr. Keck held multiple senior leadership responsibilities at the May Department Stores Company (acquired by Macy's) in both operating divisions and corporate-wide roles. From 2000 to 2005, he led May's HR function after having served as Chairman of Meier & Frank Department Stores, a division of May.
Paul T. Maass has served as President of the Commercial Foods segment since October 2010 and served as interim President of the Lamb Weston operations from 2010 until January 2013. In May 2013, when the organization was realigned after the acquisition of Ralcorp, he assumed responsibility for the Private Brands and Foodservice operations (that also includes the Consumer Foods segment) of ConAgra Foods. Since joining ConAgra Foods in 1988 as a commodity merchandiser in the trading business, Mr. Maass quickly progressed in several roles at ConAgra Foods, including being named President and General Manager of ConAgra Mills® in 2003 and assuming responsibility for J.M. Swank® in 2007 and for Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings® in 2010.
Thomas M. McGough has served as President of the Consumer Foods segment since May 2013. Mr. McGough joined ConAgra Foods in 2007 as Vice President in the Consumer Foods organization and has provided leadership for many brand teams within ConAgra Foods, including Banquet®, Hunt's®, and Reddi-wip®. He most recently served as President, Grocery Products since 2011, leading the largest business within the Consumer Foods segment. Mr. McGough has over twenty years of experience in the branded packaged foods industry, beginning his career at H.J. Heinz in 1990.
Scott E. Messel has served as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary since July 2004. Mr. Messel joined ConAgra Foods in August 2001 as Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, Mr. Messel served in various treasury leadership roles at Lennox International (a provider of climate control solutions), Flowserve Corporation (a manufacturer of flow management products and services), and Ralston Purina Company (a former manufacturer of cereals, packaged foods, pet food, and livestock feed).
Andrew G. Ross joined ConAgra Foods as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer in November 2011. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, he was a principal at McKinsey & Company, Inc. (consulting firm) from May 2002 until November 2011, where he led the firm's global consumer, retail, and marketing practices. Prior to that, he worked for William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and McKinsey & Company.
Nicole B. Theophilus has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer since May 2013. Ms. Theophilus joined ConAgra Foods as Vice President, Chief Employment Counsel in April 2006. In addition to her legal duties, she assumed the role of Vice President, Human Resources for Commercial Foods in 2008, and most recently served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources from November 2009 until May 2013. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, she was an attorney and partner with Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP (a law firm).
Robert G. Wise has served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller since December 2012. Mr. Wise joined ConAgra Foods in March 2003 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility with ConAgra Foods, including Vice President, Assistant Corporate Controller from March 2006 until January 2012 and most recently served as Vice President, Corporate Controller from January 2012 until December 2012. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, Mr. Wise served in various roles at KPMG LLP (an accounting firm) from October 1995 to March 2003.
OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF JULY 19, 2013
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Name | | Title & Capacity | | Age |
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Albert D. Bolles | | Executive Vice President, Research, Quality & Innovation | | 55 |
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Joan K. Chow | | Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer | | 53 |
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Allen J. Cooper | | Vice President, Internal Audit | | 49 |
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Douglas A. Knudsen | | President, ConAgra Foods Sales | | 58 |
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Albert D. Bolles joined ConAgra Foods in March 2006 as Executive Vice President, Research & Development, and Quality. He was named to his current position in June 2007. Prior to joining the Company, he was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Research and Development for PepsiCo Beverages and Foods from 2002 to 2006. From 1993 to 2002, he was Senior Vice President, Global Technology and Quality for Tropicana Products Incorporated.
Joan K. Chow joined ConAgra Foods in February 2007 as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, she served Sears Holding Corporation (retailing) as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Sears Retail from July 2005 until January 2007, and as Vice President, Marketing Services from April 2005 until July 2005. From 2002 until April 2005, Ms. Chow served Sears, Roebuck and Co. as Vice President, Home Services Marketing.
Allen J. Cooper joined ConAgra Foods in March 2003 and has held various finance and internal audit leadership positions with the Company, including Director, Internal Audit from 2003 until 2005; Vice President, Supply Chain Finance from 2005 until 2007; Senior Director, Finance; and most recently as Senior Director, Internal Audit. He was named to his current position in February 2009. Prior to joining the Company, he was with Ernst & Young LLP (an accounting firm).
Douglas A. Knudsen joined ConAgra Foods in 1977. He was named to his current position in May 2006. He previously served the Company as President, Retail Sales Development from 2003 to 2006, President, Retail Sales from 2001 to 2003, and President, Grocery Product Sales from 1995 to 2001.
Foreign Operations
Foreign operations information is set forth in Note 22 “Business Segments and Related Information” to the consolidated financial statements.
Available Information
We make available, free of charge through the “Investors—Financial Reports & Filings” link on our Internet website at http://www.conagrafoods.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. We use our Internet website, through the “Investors” link, as a channel for routine distribution of important information, including news releases, analyst presentations, and financial information.
We have also posted on our website our (1) Corporate Governance Principles, (2) Code of Conduct, (3) Code of Ethics for Senior Corporate Officers, and (4) Charters for the Audit/Finance Committee, Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee, and Human Resources Committee. Shareholders may also obtain copies of these items at no charge by writing to: Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc., One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, NE, 68102-5001.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Any of the risks and uncertainties described below could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and should be considered in evaluating us. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect our business, performance, or financial condition in the future.
Deterioration of general economic conditions could harm our business and results of operations.
Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in national or global economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges), and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions.
Volatility in financial markets and deterioration of national and global economic conditions could impact our business and operations in a variety of ways, including as follows:
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• | consumers may shift purchases to more generic, lower-priced, or other value offerings, or may forego certain purchases altogether during economic downturns, which could result in a reduction in sales of higher margin products or a shift in our product mix to lower margin offerings adversely affecting the results of our Consumer Foods, Ralcorp Food Group or Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products operations; |
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• | decreased demand in the restaurant business, particularly casual and fine dining, may adversely affect our Commercial Foods operations; |
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• | volatility in commodity and other input costs could substantially impact our result of operations; |
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• | volatility in the equity markets or interest rates could substantially impact our pension costs and required pension contributions; and |
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• | it may become more costly or difficult to obtain debt or equity financing to fund operations or investment opportunities, or to refinance our debt in the future, in each case on terms and within a time period acceptable to us. |
We may not realize the growth opportunities and cost synergies that are anticipated from the acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.
The benefits that are expected to result from the acquisition, which we refer to as the Acquisition, of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., or Ralcorp, will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and cost synergies as a result of the Acquisition.
Our success in realizing these growth opportunities and cost synergies, and the timing of this realization, depends on the successful integration of Ralcorp. There is a significant degree of difficulty and management distraction inherent in the process of integrating an acquisition as sizable as Ralcorp. The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of Ralcorp and ConAgra Foods. Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our company, service existing customers, attract new customers, and develop new products or strategies. If senior management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could suffer. There can be no assurance that we will successfully or cost-effectively integrate Ralcorp. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Even if we are able to integrate Ralcorp successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the growth opportunities and cost synergies that we currently expect from this integration, and we cannot guarantee that these benefits will be achieved within anticipated time frames or at all. For example, we may not be able to eliminate duplicative costs. Moreover, we may incur substantial expenses in connection with the integration of Ralcorp. While it is anticipated that certain expenses will be incurred to achieve cost synergies, such expenses are difficult to estimate accurately, and may exceed current estimates. Accordingly, the benefits from the Acquisition may be offset by costs incurred to, or delays in, integrating the businesses.
Our existing and future debt may limit cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business and could prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.
As of May 26, 2013, we had a substantial amount of debt, including $3.795 billion of senior notes that we issued, and a $900 million term loan that we entered into, in connection with the Acquisition. We have the ability under our existing revolving credit facility to incur substantial additional debt. Our level of debt could have important consequences. For example, it could:
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• | make it more difficult for us to make payments on our debt; |
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• | require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of debt service, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes; |
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• | increase our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions; |
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• | limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future to enable us to react to changes in our business; or |
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• | place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to businesses in our industry that have less debt. |
Additionally, any failure to meet required payments on our debt, or failure to comply with any covenants in the instruments governing our debt, could result in an event of default under the terms of those instruments and a downgrade to our credit ratings. A downgrade in our credit ratings would increase our borrowing costs and could affect our ability to issue commercial paper. In the event of a default, the holders of our debt could elect to declare all the amounts outstanding under such instruments to be due and payable. Any default under the agreements governing our debt and the remedies sought by the holders of such debt could render us unable to pay principal and interest on our debt.
Increases in commodity costs may have a negative impact on profits.
We use many different commodities such as wheat, corn, oats, soybeans, beef, pork, poultry, and energy. Commodities are subject to price volatility caused by commodity market fluctuations, supply and demand, currency fluctuations, external conditions such as weather, and changes in governmental agricultural and energy policies and regulations. Commodity price increases will result in increases in raw material, packaging, and energy costs and operating costs. We may not be able to increase our product prices and achieve cost savings that fully offset these increased costs; and increasing prices may result in reduced sales volume, reduced margins, and profitability. We have experience in hedging against commodity price increases; however, these practices and experience reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of negative profit impacts from commodity price increases. We do not fully hedge against changes in commodity prices, and the risk management procedures that we do use may not always work as we intend.
Volatility in the market value of derivatives we use to manage exposures to fluctuations in commodity prices will cause volatility in our gross margins and net earnings.
We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for some of our principal ingredients and energy costs, including grains (wheat, corn, and oats), oils, beef, pork, poultry, and energy. Changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded in earnings currently, resulting in volatility in both gross margin and net earnings. These gains and losses are reported in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and in unallocated corporate items in our segment operating results until we utilize the underlying input in our manufacturing process, at which time the gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating profit. We also record our grain inventories at fair value. We may experience volatile earnings as a result of these accounting treatments.
Increased competition may result in reduced sales or profits.
The food industry is highly competitive. Our principal competitors have substantial financial, marketing, and other resources. Increased competition can reduce our sales due to loss of market share or the need to reduce prices to respond to competitive and customer pressures. Competitive pressures also may restrict our ability to increase prices, including in response to commodity and other cost increases. We sell branded, private brand, and customized food products, as well as commercially branded foods and ingredients. Our branded products have an advantage over private brand products primarily due to advertising and name recognition, although private brand products typically sell at a discount to those of branded competitors. In addition, when branded competitors focus on price and promotion, the environment for private brand producers becomes more challenging because the price difference between private brand products and branded products may become less significant. In most product categories, we compete not only with other widely advertised branded products, but also with other private label and store brand products that are generally sold at lower prices. A strong competitive response from one or more of our competitors to our marketplace efforts, or a consumer shift towards more generic, lower-priced, or other value offerings, could result in us reducing pricing, increasing marketing or
other expenditures, or losing market share. Our profits could decrease if a reduction in prices or increased costs are not counterbalanced with increased sales volume.
Significant private brand competitive activity can lead to price declines.
Some private brand customer buying decisions are based on a periodic bidding process in which the successful bidder is assured the selling of its selected product to the retail customer until the next bidding process. Our sales volume may decrease significantly if our offer is too high and we lose the ability to sell private brand products through these channels, even temporarily. Alternatively, we risk reducing our margins if our offer is successful but below our desired price points. Either of these outcomes may adversely affect our results of operations.
Changes in our relationships with significant customers or suppliers could adversely affect us.
During fiscal 2013, our largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., accounted for approximately 17% of our net revenues. There can be no assurance that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and other significant customers will continue to purchase our products in the same quantities or on the same terms as in the past, particularly as increasingly powerful retailers continue to demand lower pricing and develop their own brands. The loss of a significant customer or a material reduction in sales to a significant customer could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations.
Disruption of our supply chain could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our ability to make, move, and sell our products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to our supply chain, including third-party manufacturing or transportation and distribution capabilities, due to weather, including any potential effects of climate change, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemics, strikes, government action, or other reasons beyond our control or the control of our suppliers and business partners, could impair our ability to manufacture or sell our products. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, particularly when a product is sourced from a single supplier or location, could adversely affect our business or financial results. In addition, disputes with significant suppliers, including disputes regarding pricing or performance, could adversely affect our ability to supply products to our customers and could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations.
The sophistication and buying power of our customers could have a negative impact on profits.
Our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and food distributors, have continued to consolidate, resulting in fewer customers on which we can rely for business. These consolidations and the growth of supercenters have produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power and negotiating strength who are more capable of resisting price increases and can demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs, or specialty tailored products. In addition, larger retailers have the scale to develop supply chains that permit them to operate with reduced inventories or to develop and market their own retailer brands. These customers may also in the future use more of their shelf space, currently used for our products, for their store brand products. We continue to implement initiatives to counteract these pressures. However, if the larger size of these customers results in additional negotiating strength and/or increased private label or store brand competition, our profitability could decline.
Consolidation also increases the risk that adverse changes in our customers' business operations or financial performance will have a corresponding material adverse effect on us. For example, if our customers cannot access sufficient funds or financing, then they may delay, decrease, or cancel purchases of our products, or delay or fail to pay us for previous purchases.
We must identify changing consumer preferences and develop and offer food products to meet their preferences.
Consumer preferences evolve over time and the success of our food products depends on our ability to identify the tastes and dietary habits of consumers and to offer products that appeal to their preferences, including concerns of consumers regarding health and wellness, obesity, product attributes, and ingredients. Introduction of new products and product extensions requires significant development and marketing investment. If our products fail to meet consumer preferences, or we fail to introduce new and improved products on a timely basis, then the return on that investment will be less than anticipated and our strategy to grow sales and profits with investments in marketing and innovation will be less successful. Similarly, demand for our products could be affected by consumer concerns or perceptions regarding the health effects of ingredients such as sodium, trans fats, sugar, processed wheat, or other product ingredients or attributes.
If we do not achieve the appropriate cost structure in the highly competitive food industry, our profitability could decrease.
Our future success and earnings growth depend in part on our ability to achieve the appropriate cost structure and operate efficiently in the highly competitive food industry, particularly in an environment of volatile input costs. We continue to implement profit-enhancing initiatives that impact our supply chain and general and administrative functions. These initiatives are focused on cost-saving opportunities in procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and customer service, as well as general and administrative overhead levels. Gaining additional efficiencies may become more difficult over time. Our failure to reduce costs through productivity gains or by eliminating redundant costs resulting from acquisitions could adversely affect our profitability and weaken our competitive position. If we do not continue to effectively manage costs and achieve additional efficiencies, our competitiveness and our profitability could decrease.
We may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls, which could negatively impact our profitability.
We sell food products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, product tampering, other adulteration of food products, mislabeling, and misbranding. We may be subject to liability if the consumption of any of our products causes injury, illness, or death. In addition, we will voluntarily recall products in the event of contamination or damage. We have issued recalls and have from time to time been and currently are involved in lawsuits relating to our food products. A significant product liability judgment or a widespread product recall may negatively impact our sales and profitability for a period of time depending on the costs of the recall, the destruction of product inventory, product availability, competitive reaction, and consumer attitudes. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image.
Any damage to our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Maintaining a good reputation globally is critical to selling our products. Product contamination or tampering, the failure to maintain high standards for product quality, safety, and integrity, including with respect to raw materials and ingredients obtained from suppliers, or allegations of product quality issues, mislabeling or contamination, even if untrue, may reduce demand for our products or cause production and delivery disruptions. Our reputation could also be adversely impacted by any of the following, or by adverse publicity (whether or not valid) relating thereto: the failure to maintain high ethical, social, and environmental standards for all of our operations and activities; the failure to achieve our goals with respect to sodium or saturated fat; our research and development efforts; our environmental impact, including use of agricultural materials, packaging, energy use, and waste management; or our responses to any of the foregoing. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations, to maintain an effective system of internal controls or to provide accurate and timely financial information could also hurt our reputation. Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for any of these or other reasons could result in decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
Our results could be adversely impacted as a result of increased pension, labor, and people-related expenses.
Inflationary pressures and any shortages in the labor market could increase labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results or financial condition. Our labor costs include the cost of providing employee benefits in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, including pension, health and welfare, and severance benefits. Changes in interest rates, mortality rates, health care costs, early retirement rates, investment returns, and the market value of plan assets can affect the funded status of our defined benefit plans and cause volatility in the future funding requirements of the plans. A significant increase in our obligations or future funding requirements could have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows from operations. Additionally, the annual costs of benefits vary with increased costs of health care and the outcome of collectively-bargained wage and benefit agreements.
If we fail to comply with the many laws applicable to our business, we may face lawsuits or incur significant fines and penalties.
Our facilities and products are subject to many laws and regulations administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other federal, state, local, and foreign governmental agencies relating to the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising, labeling, quality, and safety of food products, the health and safety of our employees, and the protection of the environment. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits, administrative penalties, and civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, and recalls of our products. Our operations are also subject to extensive and increasingly stringent regulations administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, which pertain to the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes. Failure to comply with these regulations can have serious consequences, including civil and
administrative penalties and negative publicity. Changes in applicable laws or regulations or evolving interpretations thereof, including increased government regulations to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions as a result of concern over climate change, may result in increased compliance costs, capital expenditures, and other financial obligations for us, which could affect our profitability or impede the production or distribution of our products, which could affect our net operating revenues.
Climate change, or legal, regulatory, or market measures to address climate change, may negatively affect our business and operations.
There is growing concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. In the event that such climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may be subject to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities that are necessary for our products, such as corn, wheat, and potatoes. We may also be subjected to decreased availability or less favorable pricing for water as a result of such change, which could impact our manufacturing and distribution operations. In addition, natural disasters and extreme weather conditions may disrupt the productivity of our facilities or the operation of our supply chain. The increasing concern over climate change also may result in more regional, federal, and/or global legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases. In the event that such regulation is enacted and is more aggressive than the sustainability measures that we are currently undertaking to monitor our emissions and improve our energy efficiency, we may experience significant increases in our costs of operation and delivery. In particular, increasing regulation of fuel emissions could substantially increase the distribution and supply chain costs associated with our products. As a result, climate change could negatively affect our business and operations.
We are increasingly dependent on information technology, and potential disruption, cyber attacks, security problems, and expanding social media vehicles present new risks.
We are increasingly dependent on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic and financial information, to manage and support a variety of business processes and activities, and to comply with regulatory, legal, and tax requirements. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper technology infrastructure and to maintain and protect the related automated and manual control processes, we could be subject to billing and collection errors, business disruptions, or damage resulting from security breaches. If any of our significant information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown, and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we could experience delays in reporting our financial results. In addition, there is a risk of business interruption, litigation risks, and reputational damage from leakage of confidential information.
The inappropriate use of certain media vehicles could cause brand damage or information leakage. Negative posts or comments about the Company on any social networking web site could seriously damage its reputation. In addition, the disclosure of non-public company sensitive information through external media channels could lead to information loss. Identifying new points of entry as social media continues to expand presents new challenges. Any business interruptions or damage to our reputation could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations, and the market price of our common stock.
If existing anti-dumping measures imposed against certain foreign imports of dry pasta terminate, we will face increased competition from foreign companies and the profit margins or market share of our pasta products could be adversely affected.
Anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain Italian and Turkish imports imposed by the United States Department of Commerce in 1996 enable our pasta business and its domestic competitors to compete more favorably against Italian and Turkish producers in the U.S. pasta market. In September 2007, the U.S. International Trade Commission extended the anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders for an additional five years, through 2012, and is in the process of conducting reviews to determine whether to revoke the orders. If the anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders are repealed or foreign producers sell competing pasta products in the United States at prices lower than ours or enter the U.S. market by establishing production facilities in the United States, the result would further increase competition in the U.S. pasta market and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
In connection with Ralcorp's separation of its Post brand cereals business, Post agreed to indemnify Ralcorp for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Post's ability to satisfy its indemnification obligations will not be impaired in the future.
Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement and the tax sharing agreement that Ralcorp entered into with Post in connection with the separation of Ralcorp's Post brand cereals business, Post agreed to indemnify Ralcorp for certain liabilities. Third parties may seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Post agreed to retain or assume, and there can be no
assurance that the indemnification from Post will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Post will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. In addition, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Post any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.
The separation of the Post brand cereals business could result in significant tax liability.
In February 2012, Ralcorp separated Post into a new, publicly traded company through a distribution of shares of Post common stock to Ralcorp shareholders. Ralcorp obtained a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that the distribution of shares of Post common stock in the spin-off qualified as tax free to Post, Ralcorp, and Ralcorp's shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the factual assumptions or representations made in the request for the private letter ruling prove to have been inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, then we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS does not rule on whether a distribution such as the spin-off satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment. Rather, the private letter ruling was based on representations by Ralcorp that those requirements were satisfied, and any inaccuracy in those representations could invalidate the ruling. In connection with the spin-off, Ralcorp also obtained an opinion of outside counsel substantially to the effect that the distribution of shares of Post common stock in the separation qualified as tax free to Post, Ralcorp, and Ralcorp's shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The opinion relied on, among other things, the continuing validity of the private letter ruling and various assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by Post and Ralcorp which, if inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, would jeopardize the conclusions reached by such counsel in its opinion. The opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or the courts would not challenge the conclusions stated in the opinion or that any such challenge would not prevail.
If, notwithstanding receipt of the private letter ruling and opinion of counsel, the separation were determined not to qualify as tax free, each U.S. holder of Ralcorp common stock who received shares of Post common stock in the separation would generally be treated as receiving a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Post common stock received. In that case, we would be subject to tax as if Ralcorp had sold all the outstanding shares of Post common stock in a taxable sale for their fair market value and would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares at the time of the separation over Ralcorp's tax basis in such shares.
Under the terms of the tax sharing agreement Ralcorp entered into with Post in connection with the separation, Post is generally responsible for any taxes imposed on Post or Ralcorp and its subsidiaries in the event that the separation and certain related transactions were to fail to qualify for tax-free treatment as a result of actions taken, or breaches of representations and warranties made in the tax sharing agreement, by Post or any of its affiliates. However, if the separation or certain related transactions were to fail to qualify for tax-free treatment because of actions or failures to act by us or any of our affiliates, we would be responsible for all such taxes.
Impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangibles could negatively impact our net worth.
The net carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (or subsequent impairment date, if applicable). The net carrying value of other intangibles represents the fair value of trademarks, customer relationships, and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date (or subsequent impairment date, if applicable), net of accumulated amortization. Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated by management at least annually for impairment. Amortized intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. Impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets may be caused by factors outside our control, such as the inability to quickly replace lost co-manufacturing business, increasing competitive pricing pressures, lower than expected revenue and profit growth rates, changes in industry EBITDA multiples, changes in discount rates based on changes in cost of capital (interest rates, etc.), or the bankruptcy of a significant customer and could negatively impact our net worth.
The termination or expiration of current co-manufacturing arrangements could reduce our sales volume and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our businesses periodically enter into co-manufacturing arrangements with manufacturers of branded products. The terms of these agreements vary but are generally for relatively short periods of time. Volumes produced under each of these agreements can fluctuate significantly based upon the product's life cycle, product promotions, alternative production capacity, and other factors, none of which are under our direct control. Our future ability to enter into co-manufacturing arrangements is not guaranteed, and a decrease in current co-manufacturing levels could have a significant negative impact on sales volume.
Our pending Ardent Mills joint venture with Cargill and CHS may not be completed.
The closing of our pending Ardent Mills joint venture with Cargill, Incorporated and CHS Inc. is subject to various conditions to closing, including the receipt of certain financing, the receipt of certain governmental approvals related to antitrust in applicable foreign jurisdictions, the absence of any pending proceeding initiated by any governmental entity seeking to enjoin the closing, and other customary closing conditions, such as those relating to the accuracy of representations and warranties and compliance with covenants. These closing conditions may not be satisfied, and in that circumstance we may be unable or unwilling to complete this joint venture.
Ardent Mills may not achieve the benefits that are anticipated from the joint venture.
The benefits that are expected to result from the pending Ardent Mills joint venture will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated cost synergies in the transaction, Ardent Mills' ability to successfully integrate the ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling businesses and its ability to successfully manage the joint venture on a going-forward basis. It is not certain that we will realize these benefits at all, and if we do, it is not certain how long it will take to achieve these benefits. If, for example, we are unable to achieve the anticipated cost savings, or if there are unforeseen integration costs, or if Ardent Mills is unable to operate the joint venture smoothly in the future, the financial performance of the joint venture may be negatively affected.
If we are unable to complete proposed acquisitions or divestitures or integrate acquired businesses, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
From time to time, we evaluate acquisition candidates that may strategically fit our business objectives. If we are unable to complete acquisitions or to successfully integrate and develop acquired businesses, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we may divest businesses that do not meet our strategic objectives, or do not meet our growth or profitability targets. We may not be able to complete desired or proposed divestitures on terms favorable to us. Gains or losses on the sales of, or lost operating income from, those businesses may affect our profitability. Moreover, we may incur asset impairment charges related to acquisitions or divestitures that reduce our profitability.
Our acquisition or divestiture activities may present financial, managerial, and operational risks. Those risks include diversion of management attention from existing businesses, difficulties integrating or separating personnel and financial and other systems, effective and immediate implementation of control environment processes across our employee population, adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers, inaccurate estimates of fair value made in the accounting for acquisitions and amortization of acquired intangible assets which would reduce future reported earnings, potential loss of customers or key employees of acquired businesses, and indemnities and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers. Any of these factors could affect our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition, certain shared service centers are located in Omaha, Nebraska, including a product development facility, enterprise business services center, and an information technology center. The general offices and location of principal operations are set forth in the following summary of our locations. We also lease many sales offices mainly in the United States.
We maintain a number of stand-alone distribution facilities. In addition, there is warehouse space available at substantially all of our manufacturing facilities.
Utilization of manufacturing capacity varies by manufacturing plant based upon the type of products assigned and the level of demand for those products. Management believes that our manufacturing and processing plants are well maintained and are generally adequate to support the current operations of the business.
We own most of the manufacturing facilities. However, a limited number of plants and parcels of land with the related manufacturing equipment are leased. Substantially all of our transportation equipment and forward-positioned distribution centers containing finished goods are leased or operated by third parties. Information about the properties supporting our four business segments follows.
Consumer Foods Reporting Segment
Domestic general offices in Omaha, Nebraska, Naperville, Illinois, Miami, Florida, and Madison, Tennessee. International general offices in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, China, Panama, and Colombia.
As of July 19, 2013, thirty-eight domestic manufacturing facilities in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Two international manufacturing facilities in Canada; one international manufacturing facility in Mexico; and one international manufacturing facility in Argentina. Interests in ownership of international manufacturing facilities in Mexico and India.
Commercial Foods Reporting Segment
Domestic general offices in Omaha, Nebraska, Eagle, Idaho, North Liberty, Iowa, and Tri-Cities, Washington. International general offices in China, Japan, Netherlands, and Singapore.
As of July 19, 2013, thirty-nine domestic production facilities in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. One international production facility in Puerto Rico and one international manufacturing facility in Canada. Interests in ownership of manufacturing facilities in Colorado, Minnesota, Washington, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Ralcorp Food Group Reporting Segment
General office in St. Louis, Missouri.
As of July 19, 2013, twenty-three domestic manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Three international manufacturing facilities in Italy and two international manufacturing facilities in Canada.
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Reporting Segment
General office in Downers Grove, Illinois.
As of July 19, 2013, nine domestic manufacturing facilities in California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, and Washington. One international manufacturing facility in Canada.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a party to various environmental proceedings and litigation, primarily related to our acquisition of Beatrice Company and its former subsidiaries (“Beatrice”) in fiscal 1991. As a result of the acquisition of Beatrice and the significant environmental pre-acquisition contingencies, our consolidated post-acquisition financial statements reflect liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. These include various litigation and environmental proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to its acquisition by us. The litigation includes suits against a number of lead paint and pigment manufacturers, including ConAgra Grocery Products and the Company as alleged successors to W. P. Fuller Co., a lead paint and pigment manufacturer owned and operated by Beatrice until 1967. Although decisions favorable to us have been rendered in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Ohio, we remain a defendant in active suits in Illinois and California. The Illinois suit seeks class-wide relief in the form of medical monitoring for elevated levels of lead in blood. In California, a number of cities and counties have joined in a consolidated action seeking abatement of the alleged public nuisance.
The environmental proceedings include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's status as a potentially responsible party at 36 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites. These sites involve locations previously owned or operated by predecessors of Beatrice that used or produced petroleum, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, inks, solvents, PCBs, acids, lead, sulfur, tannery wastes, and/or other contaminants. Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 32 of these sites. Reserves for these matters have been established based on our best estimate of the undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required clean-up, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties, and its experience in remediating sites. The reserves for Beatrice-related environmental matters totaled $63.3 million as of May 26, 2013, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. We expect expenditures for Beatrice-related environmental matters to continue for up to 18 years.
We are a party to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of our business. Among these, there are lawsuits, claims, and matters related to the February 2007 recall of our peanut butter products. Among the matters outstanding during fiscal 2013 related to the peanut butter recall are litigation we initiated against an insurance carrier to recover our settlement expenditures and defense costs, and an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Georgia and the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and during fiscal 2012, we recognized charges of $7.5 million and $17.5 million, respectively, in connection with the U.S. Attorney's office investigation. These amounts are in addition to a charge of $24.8 million we recognized during fiscal 2009 in connection with the insurance coverage dispute. During fiscal 2011, we received a favorable opinion in the insurance matter related to our defense costs, pursuant to which we received a total of $13.2 million, $11.8 million of which was recognized in income in fiscal 2012, and $1.4 million in fiscal 2013. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, a jury verdict was rendered in our favor in the amount of $25.0 million on the claim for disputed coverage, which was subject to appeal and not recognized in income in fiscal 2012. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we reached a settlement on the insurance dispute, pursuant to which we were paid $25.0 million, in addition to retaining the defense costs previously reimbursed to us. We recognized the $25.0 million in income during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. With respect to the U.S. Attorney matter, in fiscal 2011, we received formal requests from the U.S. Attorney's office in Georgia seeking a variety of records and information related to the operations of our peanut butter manufacturing facility in Sylvester, Georgia. These requests continue and are related to the previously disclosed June 2007 execution of a search warrant at our facility following the February 2007 recall. We continue to engage in discussions with government officials in regard to the investigation.
In June 2009, an accidental explosion occurred at our manufacturing facility in Garner, North Carolina. This facility was the primary production facility for our Slim Jim® branded meat snacks. On June 13, 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced its determination that the explosion was the result of an accidental natural gas release, and not a deliberate act. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we settled our property and business interruption claims related to the Garner accident with our insurance providers. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., our engineer and project manager at the site, filed a declaratory judgment action against us seeking indemnity for personal injury claims brought against it as a result of the accident. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment and dismissed the suit without prejudice on the basis that the suit was filed prematurely. We will continue to defend this action vigorously.
In April 2010, an accidental explosion occurred at our flour milling facility in Chester, Illinois. Two employees of a subcontractor and one employee of the primary contractor, Westside Salvage (“Westside”), on the site at the time of the accident suffered injuries in the accident. Suit was initiated against Westside and the Company for personal injury claims. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, a jury in Federal Court sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, returned a verdict against the Company and Westside and in favor of the three employees. The verdict was in the amount of $77.5 million in compensatory damages apportioned between the Company and Westside and $100.0 million in punitive damages against the Company. We filed post-trial motions and the Court reduced the punitive award against the Company to one employee by approximately $7 million. While we have insurance policies in place that we believe will cover the full amount of the compensatory and punitive damages apportioned to us (other than a $3 million
deductible that we accrued in a prior period), we filed an appeal with the Seventh Federal Circuit Court of Appeals on the verdict and the damages in the third quarter of fiscal 2013.
During fiscal 2012, we were a party to several lawsuits concerning the use of diacetyl, a butter flavoring ingredient that was added to our microwave popcorn until late 2007. The cases were primarily consumer personal injury suits claiming respiratory illness allegedly due to exposures to vapors from microwaving popcorn. We received favorable outcomes in connection with some of these cases and settled the remaining pending cases in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. As of the date of this report, we did not have any pending lawsuits related to the use of diacetyl.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we were named a defendant in several shareholder derivative class action lawsuits brought in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis against directors of Ralcorp alleging breaches of fiduciary obligations by them in connection with their approval of the Acquisition. We were alleged to be an aider and abettor of those breaches. The suits sought injunctive relief, damages, attorney's fees, and other relief. There were other cases pending in the same Court, which were consolidated and made similar allegations against directors of Ralcorp to which we were not named a defendant. All of these cases were settled during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 for immaterial amounts. The settlement of these lawsuits is subject to final Court approval.
Prior to our ownership of Ralcorp, a lawsuit was brought in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas by Frito-Lay North America, Inc. against Ralcorp and Medallion Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Ralcorp, alleging that certain products manufactured by Medallion infringed Frito-Lays' patents and trademarks and misappropriated trade secrets. After a jury trial, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, jurors delivered a verdict in favor of Medallion and Ralcorp on all claims. Frito-Lay has filed a motion for a new trial. We will continue to defend this action vigorously.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") sought civil penalties for alleged violations under the Clean Air Act arising out of a subsidiary of Ralcorp's Lodi, California facility. The EPA alleged that the facility exceeded permit limits and failed to conduct source testing in accordance with EPA regulations. The parties to the action have entered into a consent decree that requires Ralcorp to pay a fine of $0.6 million for the violations. The consent decree is currently pending before the Eastern District Court of California for approval. The South Coast Air Quality Management District in California has issued notices to Ralcorp's Azusa facility alleging historic air violations. The parties are negotiating a settlement which is expected to include a fine in excess of $0.1 million and an abatement program. With respect to both the Lodi and Azusa we have indemnity claims against the sellers of those facilities.
We have also negotiated a settlement with the EPA over the alleged failure to implement a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Plan, and a Facility Response Plan (the “Plans”) for our Memphis, Tennessee facility. The settlement, which has not been finalized, includes a civil penalty of $0.5 million and the implementation of the required Plans.
After taking into account liabilities recognized for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange where it trades under the ticker symbol: CAG. At June 23, 2013, there were approximately 21,600 shareholders of record.
Quarterly sales price and dividend information is set forth in Note 23 “Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)” to the consolidated financial statements and incorporated herein by reference.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table presents the total number of shares of common stock purchased during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the average price paid per share, the number of shares that were purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase program, and the approximate dollar value of the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the share repurchase program:
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Period | Total Number of Shares (or units) Purchased | | Average Price Paid per Share (or unit) | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | | Approximate Dollar Value of Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Program (1) |
February 25 through March 24, 2013 | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 281,927,000 |
|
March 25 through April 21, 2013 | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 281,927,000 |
|
April 22 through May 26, 2013 | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 281,927,000 |
|
Total Fiscal 2013 Fourth Quarter Activity | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 281,927,000 |
|
________________
| |
(1) | Pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs from December 2003, we have repurchased approximately 169.6 million shares at a cost of $4.0 billion through May 26, 2013. The current program has no expiration date. |
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Fiscal Years Ended May | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 |
Dollars in millions, except per share amounts | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales (1) | | $ | 15,491.4 |
| | $ | 13,367.9 |
| | $ | 12,386.1 |
| | $ | 12,096.8 |
| | $ | 12,439.1 |
|
Income from continuing operations (1) | | $ | 786.1 |
| | $ | 474.3 |
| | $ | 830.9 |
| | $ | 630.3 |
| | $ | 530.3 |
|
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | $ | 773.9 |
| | $ | 467.9 |
| | $ | 817.6 |
| | $ | 613.5 |
| | $ | 893.5 |
|
Basic earnings per share: | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders (1) | | $ | 1.88 |
| | $ | 1.13 |
| | $ | 1.92 |
| | $ | 1.43 |
| | $ | 1.17 |
|
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | | $ | 1.88 |
| | $ | 1.13 |
| | $ | 1.90 |
| | $ | 1.38 |
| | $ | 1.97 |
|
Diluted earnings per share: | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders (1) | | $ | 1.85 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.90 |
| | $ | 1.41 |
| | $ | 1.16 |
|
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | | $ | 1.85 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.88 |
| | $ | 1.37 |
| | $ | 1.96 |
|
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock | | $ | 0.99 |
| | $ | 0.95 |
| | $ | 0.89 |
| | $ | 0.79 |
| | $ | 0.76 |
|
At Year-End | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 20,405.3 |
| | $ | 11,441.9 |
| | $ | 11,408.7 |
| | $ | 11,738.0 |
| | $ | 11,073.3 |
|
Senior long-term debt (noncurrent) | | $ | 8,691.0 |
| | $ | 2,662.7 |
| | $ | 2,674.4 |
| | $ | 3,030.5 |
| | $ | 3,259.5 |
|
Subordinated long-term debt (noncurrent) | | $ | 195.9 |
| | $ | 195.9 |
| | $ | 195.9 |
| | $ | 195.9 |
| | $ | 195.9 |
|
| |
(1) | Amounts exclude the impact of discontinued operations of the Knott’s Berry Farm® operations, the trading and merchandising operations, the Fernando’s® operations, the Gilroy Foods & Flavors™ operations, and the frozen handhelds operations. |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide a summary of significant factors relevant to our financial performance and condition. The discussion should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Results for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be attained in the future.
Executive Overview
ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America's largest packaged food companies. Its balanced portfolio includes consumer brands found in 97% of America's households, the largest private brand packaged food business in North America, and a strong commercial and foodservice business. Consumers can find recognized brands such as Banquet®, Chef Boyardee®, Egg Beaters®, Healthy Choice®, Hebrew National®, Hunt's®, Marie Callender's®, Odom's Tennessee Pride®, Orville Redenbacher's®, PAM®, Peter Pan®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Snack Pack®, and many other ConAgra Foods brands and products, along with food sold by ConAgra Foods under private brands, in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise, club stores, and drugstores. We also have a strong commercial foods presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products, as well as other vegetable, spice, bakery, and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators, and commercial customers.
On January 29, 2013, we acquired Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. ("Ralcorp"), which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ConAgra Foods. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 26, 2012 (the "Merger Agreement") among Ralcorp, ConAgra Foods, and Phoenix Acquisition Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, we agreed to acquire Ralcorp for $90.00 in cash per share of Ralcorp common stock. The closing of the transaction followed the approval of the acquisition by Ralcorp's shareholders on January 29, 2013, and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $5.07 billion ($4.75 billion, net of cash acquired) plus assumed liabilities. We funded the acquisition consideration with existing cash on hand, borrowings under a new $1.5 billion senior unsecured Term Loan Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and a lender JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as syndication agent and a lender and the other financial institutions party thereto (the "Term Loan Facility"), and net proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes and common stock.
On March 4, 2013, we entered into an agreement with Cargill, Incorporated ("Cargill"), CHS Inc. ("CHS"), and HM Luxembourg, a Luxembourg Société à responsabilité limitée, pursuant to which ConAgra Foods, Cargill, and CHS (collectively, the “Owners”) agreed to form a joint venture (the "Joint Venture"). The Joint Venture (which at closing will be known as "Ardent Mills") will combine the North American flour milling operations and related businesses operated through our ConAgra Mills division and the Horizon Milling joint venture of Cargill and CHS. Immediately following the closing of the transaction, Ardent Mills will be operated by an independent management team. ConAgra Foods and Cargill will each own 44% of Ardent Mills, and CHS will own 12%. Ardent Mills will be required to make cash distributions to the Owners on at least a semi-annual basis in proportion to each owner's ownership interest. The amount of these cash distributions will, in general, be at least equal to 50% of the cash generated by Ardent Mills and available for distribution, as reasonably determined by the boards of Ardent Mills and its operating subsidiaries, and taking into account working capital and other similar needs. The transaction is expected to close late in calendar year 2013, subject to the receipt of regulatory approval and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. Until the closing, the Owners will continue to operate their respective milling businesses as independent businesses.
Fiscal 2013 diluted earnings per share were $1.85. Fiscal 2012 diluted earnings per share were $1.12. Several significant items affect the comparability of year-over-year results of continuing operations (see “Items Impacting Comparability” below).
Items Impacting Comparability
Segment presentation of gains and losses from derivatives used for economic hedging of anticipated commodity input costs and economic hedging of foreign currency exchange rate risks of anticipated transactions is discussed in the segment review below.
Items of note impacting comparability for fiscal 2013 included the following:
| |
• | charges of $114.2 million ($78.0 million after-tax) of acquisition-related costs, |
| |
• | charges totaling $45.5 million ($28.4 million after-tax) in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | a benefit of $25.0 million ($15.3 million after-tax) related to the favorable settlement of an insurance matter associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | expenses of $21.6 million ($13.5 million after-tax) relating to the integration of Ralcorp, |
| |
• | incremental cost of goods of $16.7 million ($10.2 million after-tax) due to the fair value adjustment to inventory resulting from acquisition accounting for Ralcorp, |
| |
• | a charge of $10.2 million ($6.5 million after-tax) in connection with the impairment of certain assets received in connection with the bankruptcy of an onion supplier, |
| |
• | a charge of $7.5 million ($7.5 million after-tax) in connection with legal matters associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | charges of $6.2 million ($3.9 million after-tax) related to early extinguishment of debt as a result of early payments on our Term Loan Facility, |
| |
• | a charge of $5.7 million ($3.8 million after-tax) reflecting the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability, in accordance with our method of accounting for pension benefits adopted in fiscal 2012, |
| |
• | charges of $4.5 million ($2.8 million after-tax) related to environmental remediation matters related to Beatrice, Inc., |
| |
• | charges of $3.0 million ($1.8 million after-tax) in connection with an accidental explosion that occurred at our manufacturing facility in Garner, North Carolina (the "Garner accident"), and |
| |
• | incremental income tax expense of $18.3 million, principally from the income tax consequences of certain costs incurred in association with the Ralcorp acquisition. |
Items of note impacting comparability for fiscal 2012 included the following:
| |
• | a charge of $396.9 million ($251.2 million after-tax) reflecting the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability, |
| |
• | charges totaling $65.5 million ($40.1 million after-tax) under our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | a gain of $58.6 million ($58.6 million after-tax), resulting from the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in Agro Tech Foods Limited (“ATFL”), in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company, |
| |
• | a charge of $17.5 million ($17.5 million after-tax) in connection with legal matters associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | a benefit of $11.8 million ($7.4 million after-tax) resulting from insurance settlements for matters associated with peanut butter, |
| |
• | charges of $2.0 million ($1.2 million after-tax) of acquisition-related costs, and |
| |
• | a charge of $4.6 million ($2.9 million after-tax) in connection with the write-off of an insurance claim receivable. |
Acquisitions
In January 2013, we acquired Ralcorp. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $5.07 billion ($4.75 billion, net of cash acquired). We funded the acquisition consideration with existing cash on hand, borrowings under our new Term Loan Facility, and net proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes and common stock. Ralcorp manufactures private branded products including cereal products; snacks, sauces, and spreads; pasta; frozen griddle products, including pancakes, waffles, and French toast; frozen biscuits and other frozen pre-baked products such as breads and rolls; and frozen and refrigerated dough products. We present the results of operations of the acquired Ralcorp business in two segments: Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products.
In August 2012, we acquired the P.F. Chang's® and Bertolli® brands frozen meal business from Unilever for $266.9 million in cash. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In May 2012, we acquired Kangaroo Brands' pita chip operations for $47.9 million in cash. The business, which manufactures private brand and Kangaroo® brand pita chip snacks, is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In May 2012, we acquired Odom's Tennessee Pride for $96.6 million in cash, plus assumed liabilities. The business manufactures Odom's Tennessee Pride® branded frozen breakfast products and other sausage products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In March 2012, we acquired Del Monte Canada for $185.6 million in cash, plus assumed liabilities. The acquisition includes all Del Monte® branded packaged fruit, fruit snacks, and vegetable products in Canada, as well as Aylmer® brand tomato products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In November 2011, we acquired National Pretzel Company for $301.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. National Pretzel Company is a private brand supplier and branded producer of pretzels and related products. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In November 2011, we acquired an additional equity interest in ATFL for $4.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. ATFL is a publicly traded company in India that markets food and food ingredients to consumers and institutional customers in India. As a result of this investment, we now own a majority interest (approximately 52%) in ATFL. Consolidated financial results of ATFL are included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In June 2011, we purchased various Marie Callender's® brand trademarks from Marie Callender Pie Shops, Inc. for $57.5 million in cash.
Restructuring Plans
In May 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a restructuring and integration plan related to the ongoing integration of the recently acquired operations of Ralcorp (the "Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan"). The plan is expected to include steps to, among other things, improve operational effectiveness and reduce costs, integrate headquarter functions across the organization, and optimize manufacturing assets and distribution networks, as a result of which we expect to incur material charges for exit and disposal activities under generally accepted accounting principles. At the time of the acquisition of Ralcorp, we anticipated that we would need to take restructuring actions in integrating Ralcorp and since that time have been evaluating, and continue to evaluate, such actions. We are currently unable, in good faith, to make a determination of an estimate of the total amount or range of amounts for each major type of cost expected to be incurred in connection with the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan, an estimate of the total amount or range of amounts expected to be incurred in connection with the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan, or an estimate of the amount or range of amounts of the charges that will result in future cash expenditures. We are also currently unable to determine the duration of the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan, but expect that the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan will be implemented over a multi-year period. In fiscal 2013, we recognized charges of $28.4 million in relation to the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan, all of which will be cash charges.
We are incurring costs in connection with actions we take to attain synergies when integrating businesses acquired prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2013. These costs, collectively referred to as "acquisition-related exit costs", include severance and other costs associated with consolidating facilities and administrative functions. We expect to incur $14.3 million of charges associated with fiscal 2013 and 2012 acquisitions ($10.2 million of which are cash charges). In fiscal 2013 and 2012, we recognized charges of $9.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively, in relation to acquisition-related exit costs.
In August 2011, we made a decision to reorganize our Consumer Foods sales function and certain other administrative functions within our Commercial Foods and Corporate reporting segments. These actions, collectively referred to as the "Administrative Efficiency Plan", are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the affected sales and administrative functions. In connection with the Administrative Efficiency Plan, we incurred $18.7 million of charges ($16.8 million of which are cash charges), primarily for severance and costs of employee relocation. In fiscal 2013 and 2012, we recognized charges of $2.0 million and $16.7 million, respectively, in relation to the Administrative Efficiency Plan. At the end of fiscal 2013, the Administrative Efficiency Plan was substantially complete.
In February 2011, our Board of Directors approved a plan designed to optimize our manufacturing and distribution networks (the "Network Optimization Plan"). The Network Optimization Plan consists of projects that involve, among other things, the exit of certain manufacturing facilities, the disposal of underutilized manufacturing assets, and actions designed to optimize our distribution network. In connection with the Network Optimization Plan, we have incurred aggregate pre-tax costs of $76.7 million, including approximately $17.9 million of cash charges. In fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, we recognized charges of $4.3 million, $41.8 million and $30.6 million, respectively, in relation to the Network Optimization Plan. At the end of fiscal 2013, the Network Optimization Plan was substantially complete.
Prior to our acquisition of Ralcorp, the management of Ralcorp had initiated certain activities designed to optimize Ralcorp's manufacturing and distribution networks. We refer to these actions and the related costs as the "Ralcorp Pre-acquisition Restructuring Plans". These plans involve, among other things, the exit of certain manufacturing facilities, the disposal of underutilized
manufacturing assets, and actions designed to optimize the Ralcorp distribution network. We expect to incur $3.2 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows associated with the Ralcorp Pre-acquistion Restructuring Plans. In fiscal 2013, we recognized charges of $1.3 million in relation to the Ralcorp Pre-acquisition Restructuring Plans. For activities initiated after our acquisition of Ralcorp, refer to the Ralcorp Related Restructuring Plan.
In March 2010, we announced a plan, authorized by our Board of Directors, related to the long-term production of our meat snack products. The plan provided for the closure of our meat snacks production facility in Garner, North Carolina, and the movement of production to our existing facility in Troy, Ohio. In May 2010, we made a decision to consolidate certain administrative functions from Edina, Minnesota to Naperville, Illinois. The transition of these functions was completed in fiscal 2011. This plan, together with the plan to move production of our meat snacks from Garner, North Carolina to Troy, Ohio, are collectively referred to as the 2010 restructuring plan (the “2010 plan”). We incurred pre-tax charges of $67.3 million, including $28.3 million in cash charges in relation to the 2010 plan. In fiscal 2012, we recognized charges of approximately $2.6 million in relation to the 2010 plan. By the end of fiscal 2012, the 2010 plan was complete.
SEGMENT REVIEW
We report our operations in four reporting segments: Consumer Foods, Commercial Foods, Ralcorp Food Group, and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we revised the manner in which sales of grain within our Commercial Foods segment are recognized. As a result, segment results of the prior periods have been revised to reflect the changes.
Consumer Foods
The Consumer Foods reporting segment includes branded and private brand food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, principally in North America. The products include a variety of categories (meals, entrees, condiments, sides, snacks, and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable temperature classes.
Commercial Foods
The Commercial Foods reporting segment principally includes commercially branded foods and ingredients, which are sold primarily to foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. The segment's primary products include: specialty potato products, milled grain ingredients, and a variety of vegetable products, seasonings, blends, and flavors, which are sold under brands such as ConAgra Mills®, Lamb Weston®, and Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings®.
Ralcorp Food Group
The Ralcorp Food Group reporting segment principally includes private brand food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, primarily in North America. The products include a variety of categories including cereal products; snacks, sauces, and spreads; and pasta.
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products
The Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products reporting segment principally includes private brand frozen bakery products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, primarily in North America. The segment's primary products include: frozen griddle products, including pancakes, waffles, and French toast; frozen biscuits and other frozen pre-baked products such as breads and rolls; and frozen and refrigerated dough products.
Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) from Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows in Segment Results
Derivatives used to manage commodity price risk and foreign currency risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. We believe these derivatives provide economic hedges of certain forecasted transactions. As such, these derivatives (except those related to our milling operations, see Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements) are recognized at fair market value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in general corporate expenses. The gains and losses are subsequently recognized in the operating results of the reporting segments in the period in which the underlying transaction being economically hedged is included in earnings.
The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and the foreign currency risk of certain forecasted transactions, under this methodology:
|
| | | | | | | |
| Fiscal Years Ended |
($ in millions) | May 26, 2013 |
| | May 27, 2012 |
|
Net derivative gains (losses) incurred | $ | 74.8 |
| | $ | (66.8 | ) |
Less: Net derivative gains allocated to reporting segments | 25.0 |
| | 24.4 |
|
Net derivative gains (losses) recognized in general corporate expenses | $ | 49.8 |
| | $ | (91.2 | ) |
Net derivative gains allocated to Consumer Foods | $ | 30.9 |
| | $ | 24.9 |
|
Net derivative losses allocated to Commercial Foods | (5.3 | ) | | (0.5 | ) |
Net derivative losses allocated to Ralcorp Food Group | (0.3 | ) | | — |
|
Net derivative losses allocated to Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products | (0.3 | ) | | — |
|
Net derivative gains included in segment operating profit | $ | 25.0 |
| | $ | 24.4 |
|
As of May 26, 2013, the cumulative amount of net derivative losses from economic hedges that had been recognized in Corporate and not yet allocated to reporting segments was $9.1 million. This amount reflected net gains of $74.8 million incurred during fiscal 2013, as well as net losses of $58.9 million incurred prior to fiscal 2013. Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify losses of $5.6 million and $3.5 million to segment operating results in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015 and thereafter, respectively.
Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012
Net Sales
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
($ in millions) Reporting Segment | Fiscal 2013 Net Sales | | Fiscal 2012 Net Sales | | % Inc (Dec) |
Consumer Foods | $ | 9,069.9 |
| | $ | 8,376.8 |
| | 8 | % |
Commercial Foods | 5,167.4 |
| | 4,991.1 |
| | 4 | % |
Ralcorp Food Group | 924.2 |
| | — |
| | N/A |
|
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products | 329.9 |
| | — |
| | N/A |
|
Total | $ | 15,491.4 |
| | $ | 13,367.9 |
| | 16 | % |
Overall, our net sales increased $2.12 billion to $15.49 billion in fiscal 2013, reflecting an 8% increase in our Consumer Foods segment and a 4% increase in our Commercial Foods segment relative to results in fiscal 2012, as well as increased sales due to the acquisition of Ralcorp during the third quarter of fiscal 2013.
Consumer Foods net sales for fiscal 2013 were $9.07 billion, an increase of $693.1 million, or 8%, compared to fiscal 2012. Results reflected an 8% benefit from acquisitions and a 2% increase from net pricing/mix, offset by a 2% decrease in volume performance from our base businesses (those businesses owned for all of fiscal 2013 and 2012). Increase in pricing/mix was due to pricing initiatives taken toward the end of fiscal 2012. The decrease in volume performance from our base businesses is primarily attributable to volume elasticity or the dampening effect of price increases on sales volume in the marketplace for fiscal 2013.
Sales of products associated with some of our most significant brands, including Act II®, Hebrew National®, Hunt's®, Marie Callender's®, Orville Redenbacher's®, Pam®, Peter Pan®, Reddi-wip®, Ro*Tel®, Slim Jim®, Swiss Miss®, and Wesson® grew in fiscal 2013, as compared to fiscal 2012. Significant brands whose products experienced sales declines in fiscal 2013 include Banquet®, Blue Bonnet®, Chef Boyardee®, David®, Egg Beaters®, Healthy Choice®, Kid Cuisine®, Manwich®, and Snack Pack®.
Commercial Foods net sales were $5.17 billion in fiscal 2013, an increase of $176.3 million, or 4%, compared to fiscal 2012. Net sales in our flour milling business were $47.1 million higher in fiscal 2013 than fiscal 2012, principally reflecting the pass-through of $19.5 million of higher wheat prices in the milling business. Results for fiscal 2013 also reflected improved net pricing/mix of 5% in the segment's Lamb Weston specialty potato products business, while sales volumes were flat.
Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products net sales for fiscal 2013 (approximately four months of ownership) were $924.2 million and $329.9 million, respectively. Sales for both Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products
reflected competitive market conditions that have resulted in lower volumes than those achieved in recent periods prior to our ownership of Ralcorp.
Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses (Includes general corporate expenses)
SG&A expenses totaled $2.14 billion for fiscal 2013, an increase of $152.0 million compared to fiscal 2012.
SG&A expenses for fiscal 2013 reflected the following:
| |
• | an increase in advertising and promotion expenses of $109.5 million, |
| |
• | charges of $108.2 million of acquisition-related costs, |
| |
• | an increase in salaries and wages of $67.1 million, |
| |
• | an increase in incentive compensation expense of $57.6 million, |
| |
• | an increase of $49.8 million related to Ralcorp SG&A expenses not included in other items noted herein, |
| |
• | expenses of $31.9 million related to the execution of our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | an increase in stock compensation expense of $25.7 million, |
| |
• | a benefit of $25.0 million related to the favorable settlement of an insurance matter associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | expenses of $21.6 million relating to the integration of Ralcorp, |
| |
• | a charge of $10.2 million in connection with the impairment of certain assets received in connection with the bankruptcy of an onion supplier, |
| |
• | a charge of $7.5 million in connection with legal matters associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | charges of $6.2 million related to early extinguishment of debt as a result of early payments on our Term Loan Facility, |
| |
• | a charge of $5.7 million reflecting the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability, |
| |
• | charges of $4.5 million related to environmental remediation matters related to Beatrice, Inc., and |
| |
• | charges of $3.0 million in connection with the Garner accident. |
SG&A expenses for fiscal 2012 included:
| |
• | a charge of $336.2 million reflecting the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability, |
| |
• | a gain of $58.6 million, resulting from the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company, |
| |
• | charges totaling $42.9 million in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | a charge of approximately $17.5 million in connection with legal matters associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | a benefit of $11.8 million resulting from insurance settlements for matters associated with peanut butter, and |
| |
• | a charge of $4.6 million in connection with the write-off of an insurance claim receivable. |
Operating Profit (Earnings before general corporate expenses, interest expense, net, income taxes, and equity method investment earnings)
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
($ in millions) Reporting Segment | Fiscal 2013 Operating Profit | | Fiscal 2012 Operating Profit | | % Inc (Dec) |
Consumer Foods | $ | 1,096.5 |
| | $ | 1,053.3 |
| | 4 | % |
Commercial Foods | 631.4 |
| | 546.3 |
| | 16 | % |
Ralcorp Food Group | 85.4 |
| | — |
| | N/A |
|
Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products | 27.4 |
| | — |
| | N/A |
|
Consumer Foods operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $1.10 billion, an increase of $43.2 million, or 4%, compared to fiscal 2012. Gross profits in Consumer Foods were $270.2 million higher in fiscal 2013 than in fiscal 2012, driven by the impact of higher net sales, discussed above, and the benefit of supply chain cost savings initiatives, partially offset by moderate inflation in product costs (particularly for proteins, packaging, peanuts, sweeteners, and beans). Businesses acquired in fiscal 2013 contributed $41.0 million of operating profit to fiscal 2013. Other items that significantly impacted Consumer Foods operating profit in fiscal 2013 included:
| |
• | an increase in advertising and promotion expense of $97.5 million, |
| |
• | an increase in incentive compensation expense of $31.7 million, |
| |
• | charges totaling $12.1 million in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | charges of $10.9 million of acquisition-related costs, and |
| |
• | an increase in salaries and wages of $11.7 million. |
Items that significantly impacted Consumer Foods operating profit in fiscal 2012 included:
| |
• | a gain of $58.6 million, resulting from the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company, and |
| |
• | charges totaling $55.9 million in connection with our restructuring plans. |
Operating profit for the Commercial Foods segment was $631.4 million in fiscal 2013, an increase of $85.1 million, or 16%, compared to fiscal 2012. Gross profits in the Commercial Foods segment were $117.4 million higher in fiscal 2013 than in fiscal 2012, driven by higher gross profit in the Lamb Weston specialty potato operations due to increased net pricing/mix, as well as productivity improvements, partially offset by higher input costs. Results for fiscal 2013 also reflected a $10.2 million charge to reduce the carrying value of collateral received in connection with the bankruptcy of an onion products supplier to its estimated fair value based upon updated appraisals. Commercial Foods operating profit included $6.1 million of charges in fiscal 2012 related to the execution of our restructuring plans. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, a significant foodservice customer did not renew a significant portion of its potato products purchase contracts with our Lamb Weston business, which we expect to have an unfavorable impact in fiscal 2014. We intend to enter into new potato products sales contracts with other customers that we expect will partially offset impacts to sales and margins.
Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products segments' operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $85.4 million and $27.4 million, respectively. Included in the results of the Ralcorp Food Group and Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Product segments' operating profit in fiscal 2013 was $13.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of incremental cost of goods sold due to the fair value adjustment to inventory resulting from acquisition accounting.
Interest Expense, Net
In fiscal 2013, net interest expense was $275.6 million, an increase of $71.6 million, or 35%, from fiscal 2012. The increase reflects the issuance of $3.975 billion of senior debt, borrowings of $1.5 billion under a Term Loan Facility, and $716.0 million of senior debt that was exchanged in January 2013 in financing the Ralcorp acquisition, in addition to the issuance of $750.0 million of senior notes in September 2012. Interest expense in fiscal 2013 and 2012 reflected a net benefit of $8.6 million and $8.9 million, respectively, primarily resulting from interest rate swaps used to effectively convert the interest rates of certain outstanding debt instruments from fixed to variable (these hedges were terminated in fiscal 2011).
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense was $400.2 million and $195.8 million in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income from continuing operations, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was 34% for fiscal 2013 and 29% in fiscal 2012. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 reflects the incurrence of various non-deductible transaction-related expenses, as well as a reduced domestic manufacturing deduction benefit, in connection with the acquisition of Ralcorp. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 is reflective of the benefit of normal, recurring, income tax credits and deductions combined with a lower pre-tax level of earnings (due in large part to the impact of the write-off of $396.9 million of actuarial losses under the method of accounting for pension benefits adopted in fiscal 2012), as well as a $58.6 million nontaxable gain on the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company. The fiscal 2013 effective tax rate also included favorable tax adjustments resulting from the implementation of the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act during fiscal 2013, while the fiscal 2012 effective tax rate was unfavorably impacted by the prior expiration of these tax benefits during fiscal 2012. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we received an adverse Mexican tax court ruling and recorded a reserve of $4.0 million.
We expect our effective tax rate in fiscal 2014, exclusive of any unusual transactions or tax events, to be approximately 34%.
Equity Method Investment Earnings
We include our share of the earnings of certain affiliates based on our economic ownership interest in the affiliates. Significant affiliates produce and market potato products for retail and foodservice customers. Our share of earnings from our equity method investments was $37.5 million ($1.8 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $35.7 million in the Commercial Foods segment) and $44.9 million ($4.9 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $40.0 million in the Commercial Foods segment) in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in equity method investment earnings in the Commercial Foods segment were a result of higher input costs for a foreign potato processing venture, in addition to a charge of $2.1 million reflecting the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of the pension liability.
Earnings Per Share
Our diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2013 were $1.85. Our diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2012 were $1.12. See “Items Impacting Comparability” above as several significant items affected the comparability of year-over-year results of operations.
Fiscal 2012 compared to Fiscal 2011
Net Sales
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
($ in millions) Reporting Segment | Fiscal 2012 Net Sales | | Fiscal 2011 Net Sales | | % Inc (Dec) |
Consumer Foods | $ | 8,376.8 |
| | $ | 8,002.0 |
| | 5 | % |
Commercial Foods | 4,991.1 |
| | 4,384.1 |
| | 14 | % |
Total | $ | 13,367.9 |
| | $ | 12,386.1 |
| | 8 | % |
Overall, our net sales increased $981.8 million to $13.37 billion in fiscal 2012, reflecting a 5% increase in our Consumer Foods segment and a 14% increase in our Commercial Foods segment relative to results in fiscal 2011.
Consumer Foods net sales for fiscal 2012 were $8.38 billion, an increase of 5% as compared to fiscal 2011. Results reflected a 3% benefit from acquisitions, a 5% benefit from favorable pricing and mix, and a 3% decrease in volume from our base businesses (those businesses owned for all of fiscal 2012 and 2011). The decrease in volume from existing businesses reflected difficult economic conditions that are impacting consumer purchasing behavior, as well as price increases taken earlier in fiscal 2012 for some products. Increased pricing was necessitated by increased commodity input costs.
Sales of products associated with some of our most significant brands, including ACT II®, Blue Bonnet®, Chef Boyardee®, Healthy Choice®, Manwich®, Marie Callender’s®, Peter Pan®, Slim Jim®, Van Camp’s ®, and Wesson®, grew in fiscal 2012. Significant brands that experienced sales declines in fiscal 2012 included Banquet®, Crunch ‘n Munch®, Egg Beaters®, Hebrew National®, Hunt’s®, Kid Cuisine®, Orville Redenbacher’s®, PAM®, Reddi-wip®, Snack Pack®, and Swiss Miss®.
Commercial Foods net sales were $4.99 billion in fiscal 2012, an increase of $607.0 million, or 14% compared to fiscal 2011. Net sales in our flour milling business were approximately $306.7 million higher in fiscal 2012 than in fiscal 2011, principally reflecting the pass-through of higher wheat prices. Net sales also reflected a $255.7 million increase in results in our Lamb Weston specialty potato products business, reflecting improved net pricing of approximately 9% and higher volume of approximately 4%.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (includes General Corporate Expense) (“SG&A”)
SG&A expenses totaled $2.0 billion for fiscal 2012, an increase of $484.6 million, or 32%, compared to fiscal 2011.
SG&A expenses for fiscal 2012 reflected the following:
| |
• | an increase in pension and retirement expense of $336.2 million, reflecting the immediate write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability, |
| |
• | a gain of $58.6 million, resulting from the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company, |
| |
• | an increase in incentive compensation expense of $44.8 million, |
| |
• | charges totaling $42.9 million in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | a decrease in self-insured medical expense of $20.6 million, |
| |
• | a decrease in advertising and promotion expense of $7.4 million, |
| |
• | a charge of approximately $17.5 million in connection with legal matters associated with the 2007 peanut butter recall, |
| |
• | a benefit of $11.8 million resulting from insurance settlements for matters associated with peanut butter, and |
| |
• | a charge of $4.6 million in connection with the write-off of an insurance claim receivable. |
SG&A expenses for fiscal 2011 included the following:
| |
• | a net benefit of $105.3 million in connection with the settlement of insurance claims, net of expenses incurred, related to the Garner accident, |
| |
• | charges totaling $34.5 million in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | a gain of $25.0 million from the receipt, as payment in full of all principal and interest due on the notes received in connection with the divestiture of the trading and merchandising operations in fiscal 2009, in advance of the scheduled maturity dates, and |
| |
• | a charge of $10.3 million reflecting the immediate write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability. |
Operating Profit (Earnings before general corporate expenses, interest expense, net, income taxes, and equity method investment earnings)
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
($ in millions) Reporting Segment | Fiscal 2012 Operating Profit | | Fiscal 2011 Operating Profit | | % Inc (Dec) |
Consumer Foods | $ | 1,053.3 |
| | $ | 1,126.4 |
| | (6 | )% |
Commercial Foods | 546.3 |
| | 509.5 |
| | 7 | % |
Consumer Foods operating profit decreased $73.1 million in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year to $1.05 billion. Gross profits in the Consumer Foods segment were $7.8 million higher in fiscal 2012 than in fiscal 2011 driven by the benefit of price increases and supply chain cost savings initiatives, offset by the impact of higher commodity input costs (particularly for proteins, vegetable oil, and packaging). Businesses acquired in fiscal 2012 contributed $12.8 million of operating profit to fiscal 2012. Other items that significantly impacted Consumer Foods operating profit in fiscal 2012 included:
| |
• | a gain of $58.6 million, resulting from the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company, |
| |
• | charges totaling $55.9 million in connection with our restructuring plans, |
| |
• | an increase in incentive compensation expense of $11.4 million, and |
| |
• | a decrease in advertising and promotion expense of $8.5 million. |
Items that significantly impacted Consumer Foods operating profit in fiscal 2011 included:
| |
• | a net benefit of $105.3 million in connection with the settlement of insurance claims, net of expenses incurred, related to the Garner accident, and |
| |
• | charges totaling $45.4 million in connection with our restructuring plans. |
Commercial Foods operating profit increased $36.8 million in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year to $546.3 million. Gross profits in the Commercial Foods segment were $55.8 million higher in fiscal 2012 than fiscal 2011, driven by higher sales volume and improved pricing in the Lamb Weston specialty potato business, largely offset by lower profits in our flour milling business. The decline in margins in the flour milling business was due to less favorable market conditions in fiscal 2012. SG&A expenses were higher in the Commercial Foods segment in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011, largely due to a $13.9 million increase in incentive compensation expense. The Commercial Foods segment also recognized charges of $6.1 million in fiscal 2012 related to the execution of our restructuring plans.
Interest Expense, Net
In fiscal 2012, net interest expense was $204.0 million, an increase of $26.5 million, or 15%, from fiscal 2011. Included in net interest expense was $4.0 million and $42.2 million of interest income in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2011, the income was principally from interest on the Notes received in connection with the divestiture of the trading and merchandising business in fiscal 2009. Interest expense in fiscal 2012 and 2011 also reflected a net benefit of $8.9 million and $12.8 million, respectively, primarily resulting from interest rate swaps used to effectively convert the interest rates of certain outstanding debt instruments from fixed to variable (these hedges were terminated in fiscal 2011) and the benefit of the repayment of $342.7 million of our 6.75% senior notes in September 2011.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense was $195.8 million and $421.6 million in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income from continuing operations, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was 29% for fiscal 2012 and 34% in fiscal 2011. The lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2012 was reflective of the benefit of normal, recurring, income tax credits and deductions combined with a lower pre-tax level of earnings (due in large part to the impact of the write-off of $396.9 million of actuarial losses under the method of accounting for pension benefits adopted in fiscal 2012), as well as the non-taxable nature of the $58.6 million gain on the remeasurement to fair value of our previously held noncontrolling equity interest in ATFL, in connection with our acquisition of a majority interest in that company.
Equity Method Investment Earnings
We include our share of the earnings of certain affiliates based on our economic ownership interest in the affiliates. Significant affiliates produce and market potato products for retail and foodservice customers. Our share of earnings from our equity method investments was $44.9 million ($4.9 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $40.0 million in the Commercial Foods segment) and $26.4 million ($5.7 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $20.7 million in the Commercial Foods segment) in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Equity method investment earnings in the Commercial Foods segment were a result of more profitable operations of a foreign potato processing venture.
Results of Discontinued Operations
Our discontinued operations were immaterial in fiscal 2012 and generated after-tax losses of $11.5 million in fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2011, we completed the sale of the assets of a small frozen foods business for approximately $9.5 million. We recognized after-tax impairment charges totaling $14.2 million in connection with this sale. Operating results of discontinued operations in fiscal 2011 included the favorable resolution of a foreign tax matter relating to a divested business.
Earnings Per Share
Our diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2012 were $1.12. Our diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2011 were $1.88 (including earnings of $1.90 per diluted share from continuing operations and losses of $0.02 per diluted share from discontinued operations).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources of Liquidity and Capital
Our primary financing objective is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. If necessary, we use short-term debt principally to finance ongoing operations, including our seasonal requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities) and a combination of equity and long-term debt to finance both our base working capital needs and our non-current assets. We increased our indebtedness significantly during fiscal 2013 as a result of the Ralcorp acquisition. We are committed to maintain an investment grade rating.
At May 26, 2013, we had a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. The facility is scheduled to mature in September 2016. The facility has historically been used principally as a back-up facility for our commercial paper program. As of May 26, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the facility. The facility requires that our consolidated funded debt not exceed 75% of our consolidated capital base in the first four quarters commencing on January 29, 2013, 70% in the second four quarters, and 65% thereafter, and that our fixed charges coverage ratio be greater than 1.75 to 1.0. As of May 26, 2013, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
As of May 26, 2013, we had $185.0 million outstanding under our commercial paper program. The highest level of borrowings during fiscal 2013 was $392.0 million, which occurred at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013 in association with the acquisition of the P.F. Chang's® and Bertolli® brands frozen meal business. This balance was repaid in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 upon the issuance of $750.0 million of senior unsecured notes.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, in order to finance a portion of our acquisition of Ralcorp, we (i) issued new senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $3.975 billion, (ii) issued new senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $716.0 million in exchange for senior notes issued by Ralcorp, (iii) assumed senior notes issued by Ralcorp in an aggregate principal amount of $460.7 million, which were prepaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, and (iv) borrowed $1.5 billion under our new Term Loan Facility. Details related to these transactions are noted below.
On January 25, 2013, we issued senior unsecured notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3.975 billion. These notes were issued in four tranches: $750.0 million, maturing in 3 years with a coupon rate of 1.3%, $1.0 billion, maturing in 5 years with a coupon rate of 1.9%, $1.225 billion, maturing in 10 years with a coupon rate of 3.2%, and $1.0 billion, maturing in 30 years with a coupon rate of 4.65%. Net proceeds were used for the acquisition of Ralcorp including associated repayment of Ralcorp notes tendered in connection with the acquisition.
On January 29, 2013, we borrowed $1.5 billion under our Term Loan Facility. We are required to repay borrowings under the Term Loan Facility in equal installments of 2.5% per quarter beginning June 1, 2013 with the remainder of the borrowings to be paid on the maturity date unless prepaid in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Facility. We may prepay borrowings without premium or penalty. As of May 26, 2013, we had $900.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility. The Term Loan Facility matures on January 29, 2018. The Term Loan Facility interest rate is calculated based on LIBOR plus 1.75%. Net proceeds were used for the acquisition of Ralcorp. The Term Loan Facility requires that our consolidated funded debt not exceed 75% of our consolidated capital base in the first four quarters commencing on January 29, 2013, 70% in the second four quarters, and 65% thereafter, and that our fixed charges coverage ratio be greater than 1.75 to 1.0. As of May 26, 2013, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
In conjunction with the Ralcorp acquisition, we issued new senior unsecured notes in exchange for senior notes issued by Ralcorp in an aggregate principal amount of $716.0 million. The principal amounts of senior notes issued included $282.7 million of 4.95% senior debt due August 2020 and $433.3 million of 6.625% senior debt due August 2039. Senior notes issued by Ralcorp in an aggregate principal amount of $33.9 million were not exchanged and remain outstanding, consisting of 4.95% senior notes issued by Ralcorp due August 15, 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of $17.2 million and 6.625% senior notes issued by Ralcorp due August 15, 2039 in an aggregate principal amount of $16.7 million.
We also assumed Ralcorp senior notes in the aggregate principal amounts of $460.7 million ("Ralcorp Callable Notes"). On February 28, 2013, we prepaid these notes, including interest and contractual obligations, for a total of $568.4 million, primarily from available cash.
On September 13, 2012, we issued senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million. These notes were issued in three tranches of $250.0 million each, with terms to maturity and coupon rates of 3 years at 1.35%, 5.5 years at 2.10%, and 10 years at 3.25%, respectively. Net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of outstanding commercial paper, working capital, and other business opportunities.
As of the end of fiscal 2013, our senior long-term debt ratings were all investment grade. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings would not affect our ability to borrow amounts under the revolving credit facility, although borrowing costs would increase. A downgrade of our short-term credit ratings would impact our ability to borrow under our commercial paper program by negatively impacting borrowing costs and causing shorter durations, as well as making access to commercial paper more difficult.
On January 11, 2013, we issued approximately 9.2 million shares of our common stock from treasury shares for net proceeds of $269.3 million. Net proceeds were used as part of the overall financing of Ralcorp.
We repurchase our shares of common stock from time to time after considering market conditions and in accordance with repurchase limits authorized by our Board of Directors. In December 2011, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $750.0 million increase to our share repurchase authorization. Under the share repurchase authorization, we may repurchase our shares periodically over several years, depending on market conditions and other factors, and may do so in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
We repurchased 9.1 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $245.0 million under this program in fiscal 2013. The Company's total remaining share repurchase authorization as of May 26, 2013 was $281.9 million.
On September 19, 2012, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share from the previous level of $0.24 per share, an annualized increase of approximately 4%.
Cash Flows
In fiscal 2013, we generated $80.9 million of cash, which was the net result of $1.41 billion generated from operating activities, $5.47 billion used in investing activities, $4.13 billion obtained in financing activities, and an increase of $1.5 million in cash due to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Cash generated from operating activities of continuing operations totaled $1.41 billion in the fiscal 2013, as compared to $1.05 billion generated in fiscal 2012. Net income was $311.7 million higher in fiscal 2013 than fiscal 2012, reflecting increases due to acquisitions and improved overall profitability. Operating cash outflows resulting from costs associated with the Ralcorp acquisition were $130.1 million, including $52.4 million accrued by Ralcorp prior to the acquisition. Additionally, $42.5 million in interest accrued by Ralcorp prior to the acquisition was subsequently paid. We contributed $19.8 million and $326.4 million to our pension plans in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. Tax related cash flows in fiscal 2013 reflected benefits of approximately $180.1 million realized from lower current income tax payments as a result of paying off Ralcorp debt. Receivables increased $73.1 million due to increased pricing of flour sales in Commercial Foods and increased sales in Consumer Foods. In fiscal 2013, decreases in Consumer Foods inventories (excluding impacts of acquisitions) due to more stable commodity prices and utilization of prior physical positions were offset by increases in our Commercial Foods segment resulting from higher wheat prices and increased potato harvest yields. Increases in trade payables were lower during fiscal 2013, due to moderating inflation. We paid larger incentive compensation payments in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 (earned in fiscal 2012) than in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 (earned in fiscal 2011).
Cash used in investing activities totaled $5.47 billion in fiscal 2013, versus cash used in investing activities of $1.06 billion in fiscal 2012. Investing activities in fiscal 2013 consisted primarily of the purchase of Ralcorp for $4.75 billion, net of cash acquired, capital expenditures of $458.7 million, and the acquisition of the P.F. Chang's® and Bertolli® brands frozen meal business from Unilever for $266.9 million in cash. Investing activities in fiscal 2012 consisted primarily of acquisitions of businesses and intangibles totaling $697.7 million, capital expenditures of $336.7 million, and a $39.6 million purchase of a secured loan.
Cash generated from financing activities of continuing operations totaled $4.13 billion in fiscal 2013 compared with cash used of $849.6 million in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, we issued long-term debt that generated $6.22 billion in cash and repaid $2.07 billion in debt, primarily $1.44 billion paid for principal and contractual amounts on Ralcorp notes tendered in connection with the Ralcorp acquisition and prepayment of $600.0 million of the Term Loan Facility; whereas during fiscal 2012, we decreased our debt by $363.6 million, including the repayment of $342.7 million upon maturity of our 6.75% senior notes. In conjunction with the Ralcorp acquisition, we issued common stock for $269.2 million in cash. During fiscal 2013 and 2012, we paid dividends of $400.7 million and $388.6 million, respectively. In fiscal 2013 and 2012, we repurchased $245.0 million and $352.4 million, respectively, of our common stock as part of our share repurchase program. Amounts generated from employee stock option exercise proceeds and issuance of other stock awards were $274.4 million and $213.2 million in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $183.9 million at May 26, 2013 and $103.0 million at May 27, 2012, of which $166.4 million at May 26, 2013 and $88.4 million at May 27, 2012 was held in foreign countries. The Company makes an assertion regarding the amount of foreign earnings intended for permanent reinvestment, with the balance available to be repatriated to the U.S. The foreign earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and accordingly, no United States federal income taxes have
been provided thereon. We have not provided U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies that the Company considers to be reinvested indefinitely. However, in the unusual event that additional foreign funds are needed in the United States, the Company has the ability to repatriate additional funds. The repatriation could result in an adjustment to the deferred tax liability after considering available foreign tax credits and other tax attributes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of U.S. income taxes that would be incurred in the event that we were to repatriate the cumulative earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies.
We estimate our capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 to be approximately $650 million. We intend to refinance the $500 million in senior debt due in April 2014.
Management believes that existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We use off-balance sheet arrangements (e.g., leases accounted for as operating leases) where sound business principles warrant their use. We also periodically enter into guarantees and other similar arrangements as part of transactions in the ordinary course of business. These are described further in “Obligations and Commitments,” below.
Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
We have variable interests in certain entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities, but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We do not consolidate the financial statements of these entities.
We hold a 50.0% interest in Lamb Weston RDO, a potato processing venture. We provide all sales and marketing services to Lamb Weston RDO. We receive a fee for these services based on a percentage of the net sales of the venture. We reflect the value of our ownership interest in this venture in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, based upon the equity method of accounting. The balance of our investment was $15.2 million and $14.8 million at May 26, 2013 and May 27, 2012, respectively, representing our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with this venture. The capital structure of Lamb Weston RDO includes owners' equity of $30.4 million and term borrowings from banks of $43.9 million as of May 26, 2013. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of this venture.
We lease certain office buildings from entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities. The lease agreements with these entities include fixed-price purchase options for the assets being leased, representing our only variable interest in these lessor entities. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, and accordingly, there are no material assets or liabilities associated with these entities included in our consolidated balance sheets. We have no material exposure to loss from our variable interests in these entities. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities. In making this determination, we have considered, among other items, the terms of the lease agreements, the expected remaining useful lives of the assets leased, and the capital structure of the lessor entities.
OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future payments under contracts such as lease agreements, debt agreements, and unconditional purchase obligations (i.e., obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts). The unconditional purchase obligation arrangements are entered into in our normal course of business in order to ensure adequate levels of sourced product are available. Of these items, debt and capital lease obligations, which totaled $9.30 billion as of May 26, 2013, were recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease obligations and unconditional purchase obligations, which totaled $1.52 billion as of May 26, 2013, were not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
A summary of our contractual obligations as of May 26, 2013 was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Payments Due by Period (in millions) |
Contractual Obligations | Total | | Less than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 3-5 Years | | After 5 Years |
Long-term debt | $ | 9,223.9 |
| | $ | 500.6 |
| | $ | 1,078.4 |
| | $ | 2,660.2 |
| | $ | 4,984.7 |
|
Capital lease obligations | 76.6 |
| | 8.8 |
| | 14.2 |
| | 11.1 |
| | 42.5 |
|
Operating lease obligations | 477.8 |
| | 93.0 |
| | 150.2 |
| | 103.0 |
| | 131.6 |
|
Purchase obligations1 | 1,042.0 |
| | 844.6 |
| | 166.0 |
| | 7.1 |
| | 24.3 |
|
Total | $ | 10,820.3 |
| | $ | 1,447.0 |
| | $ | 1,408.8 |
| | $ | 2,781.4 |
| | $ | 5,183.1 |
|
1 Amount includes open purchase orders of our recently acquired Ralcorp business, some of which may be cancellable.
We are also contractually obligated to pay interest on our long-term debt and capital lease obligations. The weighted average coupon interest rate of the long-term debt obligations outstanding as of May 26, 2013 was approximately 4.3%.
The purchase obligations noted in the table above do not reflect $832.0 million of open purchase orders or $493.5 million of agreements for goods and services, some of which are not legally binding. These amounts exclude the open purchase orders from Ralcorp that are included in the table above. These purchase orders and agreements are generally settleable in the ordinary course of business in less than one year.
The operating lease obligations noted in the table above have not been reduced by non-cancellable sublease rentals of $35.7 million.
We own a 49.99% interest in Lamb Weston BSW, LLC ("Lamb Weston BSW"), a potato processing venture with Ochoa Ag Unlimited Foods, Inc. ("Ochoa"). We provide all sales and marketing services to Lamb Weston BSW. Under certain circumstances, we could be required to compensate Ochoa for lost profits resulting from significant production shortfalls. Commencing on June 1, 2018, or on an earlier date under certain circumstances, we have a contractual right to purchase the remaining equity interest in Lamb Weston BSW from Ochoa (the "call option"). We are currently subject to a contractual obligation to purchase all of Ochoa's equity investment in Lamb Weston BSW at the option of Ochoa (the "put option"). The purchase prices under the call option and the put option (the "options") are based on the book value of Ochoa's equity interest at the date of exercise, as modified by an agreed-upon rate of return for the holding period of the investment balance. The agreed-upon rate of return varies depending on the circumstances under which any of the options are exercised. As of May 26, 2013, the price at which Ochoa had the right to put its equity interest to us was $37.7 million. This amount, which is presented within other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet, is not included in the "Contractual Obligations" table above as the payment is contingent upon the exercise of the put option by Ochoa, and the eventual occurrence and timing of such exercise is uncertain.
As part of our ongoing operations, we also enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments only upon the occurrence of a future event (e.g., guarantees of debt or lease payments of a third party should the third party be unable to perform). In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the following commercial commitments are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. A summary of our commitments, including commitments associated with equity method investments, as of May 26, 2013 was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period (in millions) |
Other Commercial Commitments | Total | | Less than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 3-5 Years | | After 5 Years |
Guarantees | $ | 69.4 |
| | $ | 45.5 |
| | $ | 10.9 |
| | $ | 6.5 |
| | $ | 6.5 |
|
Standby Repurchase Obligations | 5.3 |
| | 1.4 |
| | 1.1 |
| | 0.9 |
| | 1.9 |
|
Other commitments | 5.8 |
| | 5.8 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total | $ | 80.5 |
| | $ | 52.7 |
| | $ | 12.0 |
| | $ | 7.4 |
| | $ | 8.4 |
|
In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. We guarantee certain leases and other commercial obligations resulting from the 2002 divestiture of our fresh beef and pork operations. The remaining terms of these arrangements do not exceed three years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $8.1 million as of May 26, 2013. We have not established a liability for the fresh beef and pork divestiture-related guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.
We are a party to various potato supply agreements. Under the terms of certain such potato supply agreements, we have guaranteed repayment of short-term bank loans of the potato suppliers, under certain conditions. At May 26, 2013, the amount of supplier loans effectively guaranteed by us was $40.1 million, included in the table above. We have not established a liability for these guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.
We were a party to a supply agreement with an onion processing company where we had guaranteed, under certain conditions, repayment of a secured loan (the "Secured Loan") of this onion supplier to the onion supplier's lender. The amount of our guarantee was $25.0 million. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we received notice from the lender that the onion supplier had defaulted on the Secured Loan and we exercised our option to purchase the Secured Loan from the lender for $40.8 million, thereby assuming first-priority secured rights to the underlying collateral for the amount of the Secured Loan, and cancelling our guarantee. The onion supplier filed for bankruptcy on April 12, 2012 (during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012). The Secured Loan was classified as other assets at the end of fiscal 2012. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired ownership and all rights to the collateral, consisting of agricultural land and a processing facility, securing the Secured Loan through the bankruptcy proceeding. During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we recognized an impairment charge of $10.2 million in our Commercial Foods segment to reduce the carrying amount of the collateral to its estimated fair value based upon updated appraisals. Based on our estimate of the value of the land and processing facility, we expect to recover the remaining carrying value through our operation or sale of these assets.
Federal income tax credits were generated related to our sweet potato production facility in Delhi, Louisiana. Third parties invested in certain of these income tax credits. We have guaranteed these third parties the face value of these income tax credits over their statutory lives, through fiscal 2017, in the event that the income tax credits are recaptured or reduced. The face value of the income tax credits was $21.2 million as of May 26, 2013. We believe the likelihood of the recapture or reduction of the income tax credits is remote, and therefore we have not established a liability in connection with this guarantee.
The obligations and commitments tables above do not include any reserves for uncertainties in income taxes, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes. The liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits at May 26, 2013 was $100.0 million. The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at May 26, 2013, that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate was $61.8 million. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The process of preparing financial statements requires the use of estimates on the part of management. The estimates used by management are based on our historical experiences combined with management’s understanding of current facts and circumstances. Certain of our accounting estimates are considered critical as they are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require significant or complex judgment on the part of management. The following is a summary of certain accounting estimates considered critical by management.
Our Audit/Finance Committee has reviewed management’s development, selection, and disclosure of the critical accounting estimates.
Marketing Costs—We incur certain costs to promote our products through marketing programs, which include advertising, customer incentives, and consumer incentives. We recognize the cost of each of these types of marketing activities as incurred in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The judgment required in determining marketing costs can be significant. For volume-based incentives provided to customers, management must continually assess the likelihood of the customer achieving the specified targets. Similarly, for consumer coupons, management must estimate the level at which coupons will be redeemed by consumers in the future. Estimates made by management in accounting for marketing costs are based primarily on our historical experience with marketing programs with consideration given to current circumstances and industry trends. As these factors change, management’s estimates could change and we could recognize different amounts of marketing costs over different periods of time.
We have recognized reserves of approximately $213.4 million for these marketing costs as of May 26, 2013. Changes in the assumptions used in estimating the cost of any individual customer marketing program would not result in a material change in our results of operations or cash flows.
Advertising and promotion expenses totaled $474.0 million, $364.5 million, and $371.9 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Income Taxes—Our income tax expense is based on our income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our income tax expense and in
evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. Management reviews tax positions at least quarterly and adjusts the balances as new information becomes available. Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Management evaluates the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings, and available tax planning strategies. These estimates of future taxable income inherently require significant judgment. Management uses historical experience and short and long-range business forecasts to develop such estimates. Further, we employ various prudent and feasible tax planning strategies to facilitate the recoverability of future deductions. To the extent management does not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established.
Further information on income taxes is provided in Note 16 “Pre-tax Income and Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements.
Environmental Liabilities—Environmental liabilities are accrued when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the associated amounts can be reasonably estimated. Management works with independent third-party specialists in order to effectively assess our environmental liabilities. Management estimates our environmental liabilities based on evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required clean-up, our known volumetric contribution, other potentially responsible parties, and our experience in remediating sites. Environmental liability estimates may be affected by changing governmental or other external determinations of what constitutes an environmental liability or an acceptable level of clean-up. Management’s estimate as to our potential liability is independent of any potential recovery of insurance proceeds or indemnification arrangements. Insurance companies and other indemnitors are notified of any potential claims and periodically updated as to the general status of known claims. We do not discount our environmental liabilities as the timing of the anticipated cash payments is not fixed or readily determinable. To the extent that there are changes in the evaluation factors identified above, management’s estimate of environmental liabilities may also change.
We have recognized a reserve of approximately $65.8 million for environmental liabilities as of May 26, 2013. The reserve for each site is determined based on an assessment of the most likely required remedy and a related estimate of the costs required to effect such remedy. Historically, the underlying assumptions utilized in estimating this reserve have been appropriate as actual payments have neither differed materially from the previously estimated reserve balances, nor have significant adjustments to this reserve balance been necessary.
Employment-Related Benefits—We incur certain employment-related expenses associated with pensions, postretirement health care benefits, and workers’ compensation. In order to measure the annual expense associated with these employment-related benefits, management must make a variety of estimates including, but not limited to, discount rates used to measure the present value of certain liabilities, assumed rates of return on assets set aside to fund these expenses, compensation increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, anticipated health care costs, and employee accidents incurred but not yet reported to us. The estimates used by management are based on our historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. We use third-party specialists to assist management in appropriately measuring the expense associated with these employment-related benefits. Different estimates used by management could result in us recognizing different amounts of expense over different periods of time. We had recognized a pension liability of $480.8 million and $565.6 million, a postretirement liability of $302.7 million and $282.6 million, and a workers’ compensation liability of $105.1 million and $76.3 million, as of the end of fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. We also had recognized a pension asset of $6.6 million and $3.9 million as of the end of fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively, as certain individual plans of the Company had a positive funded status.
We recognize cumulative changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the fair value of plan assets or the plan’s projected benefit obligation (“the corridor”) in current period expense annually as of our measurement date, which is our fiscal year-end, or when measurement is required otherwise under generally accepted accounting principles.
We recognized pension expense from Company plans of $23.5 million, $421.8 million, and $54.0 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Such amounts reflect the year-end write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability. This also reflected expected returns on plan assets of $216.4 million, $196.0 million, and $168.0 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. We contributed $19.8 million, $326.4 million, and $129.4 million to our pension plans in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. We anticipate contributing approximately $19.1 million to our pension plans in fiscal 2014.
One significant assumption for pension plan accounting is the discount rate. We select a discount rate each year (as of our fiscal year-end measurement date) for our plans based upon a hypothetical bond portfolio for which the cash flows from coupons and maturities match the year-by-year projected benefit cash flows for our pension plans. The hypothetical bond portfolio is
comprised of high-quality fixed income debt instruments (usually Moody’s Aa) available at the measurement date. Based on this information, the discount rate selected by us for determination of pension expense was 4.5% for fiscal 2013, 5.3% for fiscal 2012, and 5.8% for fiscal 2011. We selected a discount rate of 4.05% for determination of pension expense for fiscal 2014. A 25 basis point increase in our discount rate assumption as of the end of fiscal 2013 would have resulted in a decrease of $3.6 million in our pension expense for fiscal 2013. A 25 basis point decrease in our discount rate assumption as of the end of fiscal 2013 would have resulted in an increase of $26.2 million in our pension expense for fiscal 2013. For our year-end pension obligation determination, we selected discount rates of 4.05% and 4.5% for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Another significant assumption used to account for our pension plans is the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. In developing the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for determining pension expense, we consider long-term historical returns (arithmetic average) of the plan’s investments, the asset allocation among types of investments, estimated long-term returns by investment type from external sources, and the current economic environment. Based on this information, we selected 7.75% for the long-term rate of return on plan assets for determining our fiscal 2013 pension expense. A 25 basis point increase/decrease in our expected long-term rate of return assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2013 would decrease/increase annual pension expense for our pension plans by $6.7 million. We selected an expected rate of return on plan assets of 7.75% to be used to determine our pension expense for fiscal 2014. A 25 basis point increase/decrease in our expected long-term rate of return assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2014 would decrease/increase annual pension expense for our pension plans by $8.2 million.
The rate of compensation increase is another significant assumption used in the development of accounting information for pension plans. We determine this assumption based on our long-term plans for compensation increases and current economic conditions. Based on this information, we selected 4.25% for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 as the rate of compensation increase for determining our year-end pension obligation. We selected 4.25% for the rate of compensation increase for determination of pension expense for each of fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011. A 25 basis point increase in our rate of compensation increase assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2013 would increase pension expense for our pension plans by $0.9 million for the year. A 25 basis point decrease in our rate of compensation increase assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2013 would decrease pension expense for our pension plans by $0.8 million for the year. We selected a rate of 4.25% for the rate of compensation increase to be used to determine our pension expense for fiscal 2014. A 25 basis point increase/decrease in our rate of compensation increase assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2014 would increase/decrease pension expense for our pension plans by $0.9 million for the year.
We also provide certain postretirement health care benefits. We recognized postretirement benefit expense of $8.8 million, $7.8 million, and $11.8 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. We reflected liabilities of $302.7 million and $282.6 million in our balance sheets as of May 26, 2013 and May 27, 2012, respectively. We anticipate contributing approximately $26.0 million to our postretirement health care plans in fiscal 2014.
The postretirement benefit expense and obligation are also dependent on our assumptions used for the actuarially determined amounts. These assumptions include discount rates (discussed above), health care cost trend rates, inflation rates, retirement rates, mortality rates, and other factors. The health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Assumed inflation rates are based on an evaluation of external market indicators. Retirement and mortality rates are based primarily on actual plan experience. The discount rate we selected for determination of postretirement expense was 3.9% for fiscal 2013, 4.3% for fiscal 2012, and 5.4% for fiscal 2011. We have selected a weighted-average discount rate of 3.35% for determination of postretirement expense for fiscal 2014. A 25 basis point increase/decrease in our discount rate assumption as of the beginning of fiscal 2013 would not have resulted in a material change to postretirement expense for our plans. We have assumed the initial year increase in cost of health care to be 9.0%, with the trend rate decreasing to 5.0% by 2022. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
|
| | | | | | | | |
($ in millions) | | One Percent Increase | | One Percent Decrease |
Effect on total service and interest cost | | $ | 0.7 |
| | $ | (0.6 | ) |
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation | | 20.2 |
| | (18.0 | ) |
We provide workers’ compensation benefits to our employees. The measurement of the liability for our cost of providing these benefits is largely based upon actuarial analysis of costs. One significant assumption we make is the discount rate used to calculate the present value of our obligation. The weighted-average discount rate used at May 26, 2013 was 2.44%. A 25 basis point increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption would not have a material impact on workers’ compensation expense.
Business Combinations, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (including property, plant and equipment), Identifiable Intangible Assets, and Goodwill—We use the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, our financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any
excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we normally obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.
Determining the useful lives of intangible assets also requires management judgment. Certain brand intangibles are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and our plans to continue to support and build the acquired brands, while other acquired intangible assets (e.g. customer relationships) are expected to have determinable useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of determinable-lived intangibles are primarily based upon historical experience, the competitive and macroeconomic environment, and our operating plans. The costs of determinable-lived intangibles are amortized to expense over their estimated life.
We reduce the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, identifiable intangible assets, and goodwill to their fair values when the fair value of such assets is determined to be less than their carrying amounts (i.e., assets are deemed to be impaired). Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires us to estimate the future cash flows anticipated to be generated by the particular asset being tested for impairment as well as to select a discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, we consider historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment by management in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing, and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different impairment amounts (or none at all) for long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, in conjunction with management's annual review of intangible assets, we adopted new guidance for testing intangibles for impairment (see Note 1 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements). In assessing other intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then we are not required to perform any additional tests for assessing intangible assets for impairment. However, if we conclude otherwise or elect not to perform the qualitative assessment, then we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test that involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
If we determine to perform a quantitative impairment test, we utilize a “relief from royalty” methodology in evaluating impairment of our indefinite lived brands/trademarks. The methodology determines the fair value of each brand through use of a discounted cash flow model that incorporates an estimated “royalty rate” we would be able to charge a third party for the use of the particular brand. When determining the future cash flow estimates, we must estimate future net sales and a fair market royalty rate for each applicable brand and an appropriate discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. Estimating future net sales requires significant judgment by management in such areas as future economic conditions, product pricing, and consumer trends. In determining an appropriate discount rate to apply to the estimated future cash flows, we consider the current interest rate environment and our estimated cost of capital. Except in the case of recently acquired identifiable intangible assets, as the calculated fair value of our other identifiable intangible assets generally significantly exceeds the carrying value of these assets, a one percentage point increase in the discount rate assumptions used to estimate the fair values of our other identifiable intangible assets would not result in a material impairment charge.
In fiscal 2013, we elected to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite lived intangibles acquired prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The results of the quantitative test did not result in any impairment of intangibles because the fair values exceeded their respective carrying values.
For indefinite lived intangible assets acquired subsequent to the second quarter of fiscal 2012, a qualitative impairment test was performed which included an assessment, in light of current events and circumstances, of the assumptions and inputs used in determining the initial intangible asset values. The results of the qualitative test did not result in any impairment.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment of value and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include deterioration in general economic conditions, adverse changes in the markets in which an entity operates, increases in input costs that have negative effects on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining
cash flows over multiple periods, among others. The fair value that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from that used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.
In testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more likely than not, we are then required to perform a quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test
Under the qualitative assessment, various events and circumstances that would affect the estimated fair value of a reporting unit are identified (similar to impairment indicators above). Furthermore, management considers the results of the most recent two-step quantitative impairment test completed for a reporting unit and compares the weighted average cost of capital between the current and prior years for each reporting unit.
Under the two-step quantitative impairment test, the evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires us to estimate the future cash flows anticipated to be generated by the particular asset being tested for impairment as well as to select a discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, we consider historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment by management in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing, and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different impairment amounts (or none at all) for goodwill.
In fiscal 2013, we elected to perform a quantitative impairment test for goodwill. The results of the quantitative test did not result in any impairment of goodwill because the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current views and assumptions of future events and financial performance and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We undertake no responsibility for updating these statements. Readers of this report should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Many factors could affect our actual financial results and cause them to vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in this report. These factors include, among other things: our ability to realize the synergies and benefits contemplated by the acquisition of Ralcorp and our ability to promptly and effectively integrate the business of Ralcorp; the timing to consummate the potential joint venture combining the flour milling businesses of ConAgra Foods, Cargill, and CHS and our ability to realize synergies and benefits contemplated by the potential joint venture; availability and prices of raw materials, including any negative effects caused by inflation or adverse weather conditions; the effectiveness of our product pricing, including any pricing actions and promotional changes; future economic circumstances; industry conditions; our ability to execute our operating and restructuring plans; the success of our innovation, marketing, including increased marketing investments, and cost-saving initiatives; the competitive environment and related market conditions; operating efficiencies; the ultimate impact of any product recalls; access to capital; actions of governments and regulatory factors affecting our businesses, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; the amount and timing of repurchases of our common stock and debt, if any; and other risks described in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The principal market risks affecting us during fiscal 2013 and 2012 were exposures to price fluctuations of commodity and energy inputs, interest rates, and foreign currencies. These fluctuations impacted all reporting segments.
Commodity Market Risk
We purchase commodity inputs such as wheat, corn, oats, soybean meal, soybean oil, meat, dairy products, sugar, natural gas, electricity, and packaging materials to be used in our operations. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. We enter into commodity hedges to manage this price risk using physical forward contracts or derivative instruments. We have policies governing the hedging instruments our businesses may use. These policies include limiting the dollar risk exposure for each of our businesses. We also monitor the amount of associated counter-party credit risk for all non-exchange-traded transactions. To a lesser extent, we engage in wheat trading activities in the milling operations of our Commercial Foods segment. These trading activities are limited in terms of maximum dollar exposure, as measured by a dollars-at-risk methodology and monitored to ensure compliance.
Interest Rate Risk
From time to time, we use interest rate swaps to manage the effect of interest rate changes on the fair value of our existing debt as well as the forecasted interest payments for the anticipated issuance of debt. During fiscal 2010, we entered into interest rate swap contracts used to effectively convert the interest rates of certain outstanding debt instruments from fixed to variable. During fiscal 2011, we terminated these interest rate swap contracts. As a result of this termination, we received proceeds of $31.5 million. The cumulative adjustment to the fair value of the debt instruments that were hedged, $34.8 million, was included in long-term debt and is being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining lives of the debt instruments (through fiscal 2014). At May 26, 2013, the unamortized amount was $8.5 million.
During fiscal 2011, we entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge the interest rate risk related to our forecasted issuance of long-term debt in 2014 (based on the anticipated refinancing of the senior long-term debt maturing at that time). The net notional amount of these interest rate derivatives at May 26, 2013 was $500.0 million. The maximum potential loss associated with these interest rate swap contracts from a hypothetical decrease of 1% in interest rates is approximately $133.4 million. Any such gain or loss, to the extent the hedge was effective, would be deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings over the life of the forecasted interest payments associated with the anticipated debt refinancing. At May 26, 2013, we had recognized an unrealized loss of $104.5 million in accumulated other comprehensive income for these derivative instruments.
As of May 26, 2013 and May 27, 2012, the fair value of our long term debt (including current installments) was estimated at $10.2 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, based on current market rates provided primarily by outside investment advisors. As of May 26, 2013 and May 27, 2012, a one percentage point increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of our long
term debt by approximately $630.3 million and $210.8 million, respectively, while a 1% decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of our long term debt by approximately $706.5 million and $234.6 million, respectively.
Foreign Currency Risk
In order to reduce exposures for our processing activities related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we may enter into forward exchange or option contracts for transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for certain of our operations. This activity primarily relates to economically hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.
Value-at-Risk (VaR)
We employ various tools to monitor our derivative risk, including value-at-risk ("VaR") models. We perform simulations using historical data to estimate potential losses in the fair value of current derivative positions. We use price and volatility information for the prior 90 days in the calculation of VaR that is used to monitor our daily risk. The purpose of this measurement is to provide a single view of the potential risk of loss associated with derivative positions at a given point in time based on recent changes in market prices. Our model uses a 95% confidence level. Accordingly, in any given one day time period, losses greater than the amounts included in the table below are expected to occur only 5% of the time. We include commodity swaps, futures, and options and foreign exchange forwards, swaps, and options in this calculation. The following table provides an overview of our average daily VaR for our energy, agriculture, and other commodities for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, as well as the average daily foreign exchange VaR. Other commodities below consist primarily of forward and option contracts for a commodities index, the market price of which is closely correlated with that of our commodity inputs. This index includes items such as agricultural commodities, energy commodities, and metals. The other commodities category below may also include items such as packaging and/or livestock.
|
| | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Impact |
In Millions | Average During the Fiscal Year Ended May 26, 2013 | | Average During the Fiscal Year Ended May 27, 2012 |
Processing Activities | | | |
Energy commodities | $ | 2.1 |
| | $ | 2.3 |
|
Agriculture commodities | $ | 3.5 |
| | $ | 3.7 |
|
Other commodities | $ | 4.7 |
| | $ | 2.2 |
|
Foreign exchange | $ | 1.3 |
| | $ | 1.4 |
|
Trading Activities | | | |
Agriculture commodities | $ | 0.3 |
| | $ | 0.2 |
|
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(in millions, except per share amounts)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Net sales | $ | 15,491.4 |
| | $ | 13,367.9 |
| | $ | 12,386.1 |
|
Costs and expenses: | | | | | |
Cost of goods sold | 11,931.4 |
| | 10,555.1 |
| | 9,483.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,135.6 |
| | 1,983.6 |
| | 1,499.0 |
|
Interest expense, net | 275.6 |
| | 204.0 |
| | 177.5 |
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings | 1,148.8 |
| | 625.2 |
| | 1,226.1 |
|
Income tax expense | 400.2 |
| | 195.8 |
| | 421.6 |
|
Equity method investment earnings | 37.5 |
| | 44.9 |
| | 26.4 |
|
Income from continuing operations | 786.1 |
| | 474.3 |
| | 830.9 |
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | (11.5 | ) |
Net income | $ | 786.1 |
| | $ | 474.4 |
| | $ | 819.4 |
|
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 12.2 |
| | 6.5 |
| | 1.8 |
|
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | $ | 773.9 |
| | $ | 467.9 |
| | $ | 817.6 |
|
Earnings per share — basic | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | $ | 1.88 |
| | $ | 1.13 |
| | $ | 1.92 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | — |
| | — |
| | (0.02 | ) |
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | $ | 1.88 |
| | $ | 1.13 |
| | $ | 1.90 |
|
Earnings per share — diluted | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | $ | 1.85 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.90 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | — |
| | — |
| | (0.02 | ) |
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders | $ | 1.85 |
| | $ | 1.12 |
| | $ | 1.88 |
|
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in millions)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Net income | $ | 786.1 |
| | $ | 474.4 |
| | $ | 819.4 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | |
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax | 32.8 |
| | (89.1 | ) | | (7.2 | ) |
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax | 0.2 |
| | (0.1 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
Currency translation adjustment: | | | | | |
Unrealized translation gains (losses) | 2.1 |
| | (62.4 | ) | | 47.3 |
|
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income | — |
| | 6.0 |
| | (1.6 | ) |
Pension and postretirement healthcare liabilities, net of tax | 67.2 |
| | (66.7 | ) | | 23.6 |
|
Comprehensive income | 888.4 |
| | 262.1 |
| | 881.4 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 11.5 |
| | 2.1 |
| | 1.8 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | $ | 876.9 |
| | $ | 260.0 |
| | $ | 879.6 |
|
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except share data)
|
| | | | | | | |
| May 26, 2013 | | May 27, 2012 |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 183.9 |
| | $ | 103.0 |
|
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts 0020331A1:C1A1C1of $7.6 and $5.9 | 1,286.2 |
| | 924.8 |
|
Inventories | 2,394.1 |
| | 1,869.6 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 515.6 |
| | 321.4 |
|
Total current assets | 4,379.8 |
| | 3,218.8 |
|
Property, plant and equipment | | | |
Land and land improvements | 267.2 |
| | 202.1 |
|
Buildings, machinery and equipment | 5,722.9 |
| | 4,729.2 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other | 900.8 |
| | 905.2 |
|
Construction in progress | 335.6 |
| | 159.2 |
|
| 7,226.5 |
| | 5,995.7 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation | (3,367.3 | ) | | (3,253.8 | ) |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 3,859.2 |
| | 2,741.9 |
|
Goodwill | 8,450.7 |
| | 4,015.4 |
|
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net | 3,422.1 |
| | 1,191.5 |
|
Other assets | 293.5 |
| | 274.3 |
|
| $ | 20,405.3 |
| | $ | 11,441.9 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
Current liabilities | | | |
Notes payable | $ | 185.0 |
| | $ | 40.0 |
|
Current installments of long-term debt | 517.9 |
| | 38.1 |
|
Accounts payable | 1,501.6 |
| | 1,190.3 |
|
Accrued payroll | 287.2 |
| | 177.2 |
|
Other accrued liabilities | 909.6 |
| | 779.6 |
|
Total current liabilities | 3,401.3 |
| | 2,225.2 |
|
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments | 8,691.0 |
| | 2,662.7 |
|
Subordinated debt | 195.9 |
| | 195.9 |
|
Other noncurrent liabilities | 2,754.1 |
| | 1,822.1 |
|
Total liabilities | 15,042.3 |
| | 6,905.9 |
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) |
| |
|
Common stockholders' equity | | | |
Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 567,907,172 | 2,839.7 |
| | 2,839.7 |
|
Additional paid-in capital | 1,006.2 |
| | 901.5 |
|
Retained earnings | 5,129.5 |
| | 4,765.1 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (196.1 | ) | | (299.1 | ) |
Less treasury stock, at cost, 0020331A1:C1A1C1148,442,086 and 160,294,748 common shares | (3,514.9 | ) | | (3,767.7 | ) |
Total ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders' equity | 5,264.4 |
| | 4,439.5 |
|
Noncontrolling interests | 98.6 |
| | 96.5 |
|
Total stockholders' equity | 5,363.0 |
| | 4,536.0 |
|
| $ | 20,405.3 |
| | $ | 11,441.9 |
|
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity
(in millions, except share data)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | ConAgra Foods, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | | |
| | Common Shares | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | Treasury Stock | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity |
Balance at May 30, 2010 | | 567.9 |
| | $ | 2,839.7 |
| | $ | 897.5 |
| | $ | 4,253.2 |
| | $ | (153.2 | ) | | $ | (2,945.1 | ) | | $ | 5.0 |
| | $ | 4,897.1 |
|
Stock option and incentive plans | |
|
| |
|
| | 3.5 |
| | (0.4 | ) | | | | 101.9 |
| | | | 105.0 |
|
Currency translation adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment | | | | | | | | | | 45.7 |
| | | | | | 45.7 |
|
Repurchase of common shares | | | | | | | | | | | | (825.0 | ) | | | | (825.0 | ) |
Unrealized loss on securities | | | | | | | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | | | | (0.1 | ) |
Derivative adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment | | | | | | | | | | (7.2 | ) | | | | | | (7.2 | ) |
Activities of noncontrolling interests | | | | | | (1.9 | ) | | | | | | | | 2.0 |
| | 0.1 |
|
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits | | | | | | | | | | 23.6 |
| | | | | | 23.6 |
|
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.89 per share | | | | | | | | (380.1 | ) | | | | | | | | (380.1 | ) |
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | | | 817.6 |
| | | | | | | | 817.6 |
|
Balance at May 29, 2011 | | 567.9 |
| | 2,839.7 |
| | 899.1 |
| | 4,690.3 |
| | (91.2 | ) | | (3,668.2 | ) | | 7.0 |
| | 4,676.7 |
|
Stock option and incentive plans | | | | | | 3.9 |
| | (1.3 | ) | | | | 252.9 |
| | | | 255.5 |
|
Currency translation adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment | | | | | | | | | | (52.0 | ) | | | | (4.4 | ) | | (56.4 | ) |
Repurchase of common shares | | | | | | | | | | | | (352.4 | ) | | | | (352.4 | ) |
Unrealized loss on securities | | | | | | | | | | (0.1 | ) | | | | | | (0.1 | ) |
Derivative adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment | | | | | | | | | | (89.1 | ) | | | | | | (89.1 | ) |
Acquisition of majority interest in ATFL | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 92.6 |
| | 92.6 |
|
Activities of noncontrolling interests | | | | | | (1.5 | ) | | | | | | | | 1.3 |
| | (0.2 | ) |
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits | | | | | | | | | | (66.7 | ) | | | | | | (66.7 | ) |
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.95 per share | | | | | | | | (391.8 | ) | | | | | | | | (391.8 | ) |
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | | | 467.9 |
| | | | | | | | 467.9 |
|
Balance at May 27, 2012 | | 567.9 |
| | 2,839.7 |
| | 901.5 |
| | 4,765.1 |
| | (299.1 | ) | | (3,767.7 | ) | | 96.5 |
| | 4,536.0 |
|
Stock option and incentive plans | | | | | | 56.2 |
| | (2.2 | ) | | | | 278.7 |
| | | | 332.7 |
|
Currency translation adjustment | | | | | | | | | | 2.8 |
| | | | (0.7 | ) | | 2.1 |
|
Issuance of treasury shares | | | | | | 50.1 |
| | | | | | 219.1 |
| | | | 269.2 |
|
Repurchase of common shares | | | | | | | | | | | | (245.0 | ) | | | | (245.0 | ) |
Unrealized gain on securities | | | | | | | | | | 0.2 |
| | | | | | 0.2 |
|
Derivative adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment | | | | | | | | | | 32.8 |
| | | | | | 32.8 |
|
Activities of noncontrolling interests | | | | | | (1.6 | ) | | | | | | | | 2.8 |
| | 1.2 |
|
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits | | | | | | | | | | 67.2 |
| | | | | | 67.2 |
|
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.99 per share | | | | | | | | (407.3 | ) | | | | | | | | (407.3 | ) |
Net income attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. | | | | | | | | 773.9 |
| | | | | | | | 773.9 |
|
Balance at May 26, 2013 | | 567.9 |
| | $ | 2,839.7 |
| | $ | 1,006.2 |
| | $ | 5,129.5 |
| | $ | (196.1 | ) | | $ | (3,514.9 | ) | | $ | 98.6 |
| | $ | 5,363.0 |
|
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 786.1 |
| | $ | 474.4 |
| | $ | 819.4 |
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — |
| | 0.1 |
| | (11.5 | ) |
Income from continuing operations | 786.1 |
| | 474.3 |
| | 830.9 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 445.2 |
| | 371.8 |
| | 360.9 |
|
Asset impairment charges | 20.2 |
| | 8.6 |
| | 19.8 |
|
Insurance recoveries recognized related to Garner accident | — |
| | — |
| | (109.4 | ) |
Receipts from insurance carriers related to Garner accident | — |
| | — |
| | 64.5 |
|
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in Agro Tech Foods Ltd. | — |
| | (58.7 | ) | | — |
|
Earnings of affiliates in excess of distributions | (11.1 | ) | | (17.6 | ) | | (13.1 | ) |
Proceeds from settlement of interest rate swaps | — |
| | — |
| | 31.5 |
|
Share-based payments expense | 67.4 |
| | 41.8 |
| | 44.8 |
|
Receipt of interest on payment-in-kind notes earned in prior years | — |
| | — |
| | 102.8 |
|
Gain on collection of payment-in-kind notes | — |
| | — |
| | (25.0 | ) |
Contributions to pension plans | (19.8 | ) | | (326.4 | ) | | (129.4 | ) |
Pension expense | 23.5 |
| | 421.8 |
| | 54.0 |
|
Other items | 2.5 |
| | 5.3 |
| | (36.3 | ) |
Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions: | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | (73.1 | ) | | (4.3 | ) | | 2.8 |
|
Inventory | 21.1 |
| | 14.9 |
| | (190.7 | ) |
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net | 124.7 |
| | (6.8 | ) | | 263.8 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (22.0 | ) | | 5.5 |
| | 7.9 |
|
Accounts payable | 6.9 |
| | 82.1 |
| | 185.0 |
|
Accrued payroll | 109.9 |
| | 48.4 |
| | (139.2 | ) |
Other accrued liabilities | (69.3 | ) | | (11.0 | ) | | 14.4 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities — continuing operations | 1,412.2 |
| | 1,049.7 |
| | 1,340.0 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities — discontinued operations | — |
| | 2.3 |
| | 12.3 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities | 1,412.2 |
| | 1,052.0 |
| | 1,352.3 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | (458.7 | ) | | (336.7 | ) | | (466.2 | ) |
Sale of property, plant and equipment | 18.0 |
| | 9.7 |
| | 18.9 |
|
Receipts from insurance carriers related to Garner accident | — |
| | — |
| | 18.0 |
|
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired | (5,018.8 | ) | | (635.2 | ) | | (131.1 | ) |
Purchase of intangible assets | (4.8 | ) | | (62.5 | ) | | (18.0 | ) |
Purchase of secured loan | — |
| | (39.6 | ) | | — |
|
Proceeds from collection of payment-in-kind notes | — |
| | — |
| | 412.5 |
|
Investment in equity method investee | (1.5 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations | (5,465.8 | ) | | (1,064.3 | ) | | (165.9 | ) |
Net cash flows from investing activities - discontinued operations | — |
| | — |
| | 254.8 |
|
Net cash flows from investing activities | (5,465.8 | ) | | (1,064.3 | ) | | 88.9 |
|
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
Net short-term borrowings | 145.0 |
| | 40.0 |
| | — |
|
Issuance of long-term debt | 6,217.7 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Debt issuance costs | (56.6 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Repayment of long-term debt | (2,074.0 | ) | | (363.6 | |