UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

______________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

______________________________________________________

(Mark One)



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-7275

________

CONAGRA BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________________________________



Delaware		47-0248710
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1300 Chicago, Illinois		60654
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(312) 549-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

______________________________________________________

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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically ~~and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. ~~(Check one):~~

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ ~~(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)~~

Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

Number of shares outstanding of issuer’s common stock, as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, was ~~400,660,848.~~391,739,943.

Table of Contents



Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		1
Item 1	Financial Statements	1
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen ~~and Twenty-six~~ Weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~November~~August 27, ~~2016~~2017	1
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen ~~and Twenty-six~~ Weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~November~~August 27, ~~2016~~2017	2
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018	3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~Twenty-six~~Thirteen Weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~November~~August 27, ~~2016~~2017	4
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	5
Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2726
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	4037
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	4138
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION		4239
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	4239
Item 1A	Risk Factors	42
~~Item 2~~	~~Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds~~	4340
Item 6	Exhibits	4441
Signatures		4542
Exhibit ~~10.2.4~~
~~Exhibit 10.4.8~~
~~Exhibit 10.31.1~~10.4
Exhibit 12
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit ~~32.1~~32
Exhibit 101

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in millions except per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Thirteen weeks ended				Twenty-six weeks ended				Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Net sales	$	2,173.4	$	2,088.4	$	3,977.6	$	3,984.0	$	1,834.4		$	1,804.2
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,515.1		1,440.9		2,800.3		2,791.9		1,318.9			1,285.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses	307.3		417.9		546.3		649.6		257.3			259.6
Pension and postretirement non-service income									(10.2		)	(20.6		)
Interest expense, net	38.0		54.1		74.4		112.3		49.0			36.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings	313.0		175.5		556.6		430.2		219.4			243.6
Income tax expense	109.5		78.4		229.5		247.6		57.4			120.0
Equity method investment earnings	20.6		17.2		50.6		30.3		16.2			30.0
Income from continuing operations	224.1		114.3		377.7		212.9		178.2			153.6
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0.4		11.6		0.1		103.0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax									—			(0.3		)
Net income	$	224.5	$	125.9	$	377.8	$	315.9	$	178.2		$	153.3
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1.0		3.8		1.8		7.6		—			0.8
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	223.5	$	122.1	$	376.0	$	308.3	$	178.2		$	152.5
Earnings per share — basic
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.55	$	0.26	$	0.91	$	0.48	$	0.45		$	0.37
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	—		0.02		—		0.22		—			—
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.55	$	0.28	$	0.91	$	0.70	$	0.45		$	0.37
Earnings per share — diluted
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.54	$	0.26	$	0.91	$	0.48	$	0.45		$	0.36
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	—		0.02		—		0.22		—			—
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.54	$	0.28	$	0.91	$	0.70	$	0.45		$	0.36
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.2125	$	0.25	$	0.425	$	0.50	$	0.2125		$	0.2125

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in millions)

(unaudited)

Thirteen weeks ended
November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016
Pre-Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After-Tax Amount Pre-Tax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit After-Tax Amount
Net income $ 334.0
$ (109.5 ) $ 224.5
$ 243.2
$ (117.3 ) $ 125.9
Other comprehensive income:

Derivative adjustments:
Unrealized derivative adjustments 1.0
(0.4 ) 0.6
2.2
(0.9 ) 1.3
Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income 0.1
—
0.1
—
—
—
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 0.4
(0.2 ) 0.2
0.2
—
0.2
Unrealized currency translation losses (12.7 ) 0.1
(12.6 ) (14.1 ) —
(14.1 )
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:

Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations 43.4
(16.6 ) 26.8
66.8
(25.6 ) 41.2
Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income (0.2 ) 0.1
(0.1 ) (0.9 ) 0.4
(0.5 )
Comprehensive income 366.0
(126.5 ) 239.5
297.4
(143.4 ) 154.0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0.4
(0.4 ) —
2.2
(0.1 ) 2.1
Comprehensive income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. $ 365.6
$ (126.1 ) $ 239.5
$ 295.2
$ (143.3 ) $ 151.9


	Twenty-six weeks ended																		Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017									November 27, 2016									August 26, 2018									August 27, 2017
	Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount			Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount			Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount			Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After-Tax Amount
Net income	$	607.4		$	(229.6	)	$	377.8		$	651.2		$	(335.3	)	$	315.9		$	235.6		$	(57.4	)	$	178.2		$	273.4		$	(120.1	)	$	153.3
Other comprehensive income:
Derivative adjustments:
Unrealized derivative adjustments	1.0			(0.4		)	0.6			(5.8		)	2.2			(3.6		)	(57.9		)	14.5			(43.4		)	—			—			—
Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income	0.1			—			0.1			—			—			—
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	0.7			(0.3		)	0.4			0.4			(0.1		)	0.3			—			—			—			0.3			(0.1		)	0.2
Unrealized currency translation gains (losses)	19.9			—			19.9			(26.0		)	0.2			(25.8		)	(3.0		)	—			(3.0		)	32.6			(0.1		)	32.5
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:
Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations	43.5			(16.6		)	26.9			64.7			(25.5		)	39.2			(0.4		)	—			(0.4		)	0.1			—			0.1
Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income	(0.3		)	0.1			(0.2		)	(1.8		)	0.7			(1.1		)	(0.2		)	0.1			(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Comprehensive income	672.3			(246.8		)	425.5			682.7			(357.8		)	324.9			174.1			(42.8		)	131.3			306.3			(120.3		)	186.0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2.4			(0.6		)	1.8			6.0			(0.2		)	5.8
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests																			(2.1		)	(0.2		)	(2.3		)	2.0			(0.2		)	1.8
Comprehensive income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	669.9		$	(246.2	)	$	423.7		$	676.7		$	(357.6	)	$	319.1		$	176.2		$	(42.6	)	$	133.6		$	304.3		$	(120.1	)	$	184.2

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions except share data)

(unaudited)


	November 26, 2017			May 28, 2017			August 26, 2018			May 27, 2018
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	84.0		$	251.4		$	74.8		$	128.0
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.4 and $3.1	683.8			563.4
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.7 and $2.0							599.2			582.6
Inventories	1,059.2			934.2			1,108.5			997.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	183.5			228.7			224.7			186.8
Current assets held for sale	45.8			35.5			39.3			44.4
Total current assets	2,056.3			2,013.2			2,046.5			1,938.9
Property, plant and equipment	4,236.8			4,261.9			4,111.8			4,062.2
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,594.8		)	(2,606.9		)	(2,475.5		)	(2,442.1		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,642.0			1,655.0			1,636.3			1,620.1
Goodwill	4,457.0			4,301.1			4,499.4			4,502.5
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net	1,298.2			1,229.3			1,275.2			1,284.5
Other assets	846.1			790.6			915.9			906.3
Noncurrent assets held for sale	100.5			107.1			111.7			137.2
	$	10,400.1		$	10,096.3		$	10,485.0		$	10,389.5
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable	$	67.1		$	28.2		$	304.1		$	277.3
Current installments of long-term debt	198.8			199.0			307.5			307.0
Accounts payable	886.7			773.1			984.0			915.1
Accrued payroll	131.9			167.6			93.9			163.9
Other accrued liabilities	565.8			552.6			743.9			672.9
Total current liabilities	1,850.3			1,720.5			2,433.4			2,336.2
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments	3,065.9			2,573.3			3,037.8			3,035.6
Subordinated debt	195.9			195.9			195.9			195.9
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,501.5			1,528.8			1,002.9			1,065.2
Total liabilities	6,613.6			6,018.5			6,670.0			6,632.9
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			2,839.7			2,839.7
Additional paid-in capital	1,166.8			1,171.9			1,165.6			1,180.0
Retained earnings	4,464.3			4,247.0			4,841.5			4,744.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(165.2		)	(212.9		)	(155.7		)	(110.5		)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 167,246,324 and 151,387,209 common shares	(4,607.9		)	(4,054.9		)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 176,167,229 and 177,078,193 common shares							(4,954.6		)	(4,977.9		)
Total Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders' equity	3,697.7			3,990.8			3,736.5			3,676.2
Noncontrolling interests	88.8			87.0			78.5			80.4
Total stockholders' equity	3,786.5			4,077.8			3,815.0			3,756.6
	$	10,400.1		$	10,096.3		$	10,485.0		$	10,389.5

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

(unaudited)


	Twenty-six weeks ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
	November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	377.8		$	315.9		$	178.2		$	153.3
Income from discontinued operations	0.1			103.0
Loss from discontinued operations							—			(0.3		)
Income from continuing operations	377.7			212.9			178.2			153.6
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	129.0			133.5			63.7			64.7
Asset impairment charges	8.8			211.9			0.5			6.0
Gain on divestitures	—			(197.5		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			60.6
Gain on divestiture							(13.3		)	—
Earnings of affiliates in excess of distributions	(50.6		)	(23.4		)	(3.0		)	(30.0		)
Stock-settled share-based payments expense	17.7			18.3			11.4			8.2
Contributions to pension plans	(6.1		)	(5.9		)	(4.2		)	(3.8		)
Pension benefit	(21.5		)	(20.6		)	(6.9		)	(12.6		)
Other items	3.8			23.9			7.4			5.5
Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables	(109.8		)	(49.2		)	(18.9		)	(13.7		)
Inventories	(130.5		)	(32.2		)	(115.1		)	(138.4		)
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net	95.3			183.5			49.4			132.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0.1			0.2			(24.1		)	(6.5		)
Accounts payable	132.3			71.7			50.4			67.8
Accrued payroll	(39.7		)	(95.5		)	(70.0		)	(72.1		)
Other accrued liabilities	(1.8		)	(31.6		)	(10.8		)	(19.3		)
Net cash flows from operating activities — continuing operations	404.7			460.6			94.7			141.5
Net cash flows from operating activities — discontinued operations	16.0			81.6			—			(5.5		)
Net cash flows from operating activities	420.7			542.2			94.7			136.0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(123.4		)	(118.3		)	(86.1		)	(42.6		)
Sale of property, plant and equipment	6.9			11.3			17.2			4.0
Proceeds from divestitures	—			489.1
Purchase of businesses	(249.6		)	(108.2		)
Net cash flows from investing activities — continuing operations	(366.1		)	273.9
Net cash flows from investing activities — discontinued operations	—			(123.7		)
Proceeds from divestiture							30.3			—
Other items							0.1			—
Net cash flows from investing activities	(366.1		)	150.2			(38.5		)	(38.6		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net short-term borrowings	38.9			(7.2		)	26.8			295.3
Issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	497.4			—
Repayment of long-term debt	(4.8		)	(555.8		)
Bridge financing fees and other							(35.1		)	—
Payment of intangible asset financing arrangement	(14.4		)	(14.9		)	(14.0		)	(14.4		)
Repurchase of Conagra Brands, Inc. common shares	(580.0		)	(170.1		)	—			(300.0		)
Cash dividends paid	(171.6		)	(219.4		)	(83.0		)	(83.3		)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards, including tax withholdings	4.0			47.4			(2.4		)	(2.4		)
Net cash flows from financing activities — continuing operations	(230.5		)	(920.0		)
Net cash flows from financing activities — discontinued operations	—			839.1
Other items							(1.9		)	(2.3		)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(230.5		)	(80.9		)	(109.6		)	(107.1		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8.5			(3.5		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(167.4		)	608.0
Add: Cash balance included in assets held for sale and discontinued operations at beginning of period	—			36.4
Less: Cash balance included in assets held for sale and discontinued operations at end of period	—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	251.4			798.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	84.0		$	1,442.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash							0.2			9.7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash							(53.2		)	—
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period							129.0			252.4
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period							$	75.8		$	252.4

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the ~~Twenty-six weeks~~Thirteen Weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~November~~August 27, ~~2016~~2017

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in the Conagra Brands, Inc. (formerly ConAgra Foods, Inc., the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018.

The results of operations for any quarter or a partial fiscal year period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other periods or the full fiscal year.

Basis of Consolidation — The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Conagra Brands, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the accounts of all variable interest entities for which we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary are included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the date such determination is made. All significant intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated.

~~On November 9, 2016, the Company completed the spinoff of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. ("Lamb Weston") through a distribution of 100%~~Revenue Recognition — Our revenues primarily consist of the ~~Company's interest in Lamb Weston~~sale of food products which are sold to ~~holders~~retailers and foodservice customers through direct sales forces, broker, and distributor arrangements. These revenue contracts generally have single performance obligations. Revenue, which includes shipping and handling charges billed to the customer, is reported net of ~~shares~~variable consideration and consideration payable to our customers, including applicable discounts, returns, allowances, trade promotion, consumer coupon redemption, unsaleable product, and other costs. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables and require payment on a short-term basis and, therefore, we do not have any significant financing components.

We recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the ~~Company's common stock as of November 1, 2016 (the "Spinoff"). In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), the results of operations~~goods to customers. Control is transferred upon delivery of the ~~Lamb Weston operations~~goods to the customer. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are ~~presented~~deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as ~~discontinued operations~~fulfillment costs. We assess the goods and services promised in our customers' purchase orders and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct.

We offer various forms of trade promotions and the methodologies for determining these provisions are dependent on local customer pricing and promotional practices, which range from contractually fixed percentage price reductions to provisions based on actual occurrence or performance. Our promotional activities are conducted either through the retail trade or directly with consumers and include activities such as ~~such, have been excluded from continuing operations~~in-store displays and ~~segment results for all periods presented (see Note 3 for additional discussion).~~events, feature price discounts, consumer coupons, and loyalty programs. The costs of these activities are recognized at the time the related revenue is recorded, which normally precedes the actual cash expenditure. The recognition of these costs therefore requires management judgment regarding the volume of promotional offers that will be redeemed by either the retail trade or consumer. These estimates are made using various techniques including historical data on performance of similar promotional programs. Differences between estimated expense and actual redemptions are recognized as a change in management estimate in a subsequent period.

Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity, changes in the value of available-for-sale investments (prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01), and changes in prior service cost and net actuarial gains (losses) from pension (for amounts not in excess of the 10% corridor) and post-retirement health care plans. On foreign investments we deem to be essentially permanent in nature, we do not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting an investment denominated in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. When we determine that a foreign investment, as well as undistributed earnings, are no longer permanent in nature, estimated taxes will be provided for the related deferred tax liability (asset), if any, resulting from currency translation adjustments.

The following table details the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income, ~~(loss),~~ net of tax:


	November 26, 2017			May 28, 2017			August 26, 2018			May 27, 2018
Currency translation losses, net of reclassification adjustments	$	(78.7	)	$	(98.6	)	$	(95.4	)	$	(94.7	)
Derivative adjustments, net of reclassification adjustments	(0.4		)	(1.1		)	(42.4		)	1.0
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	0.1			(0.3		)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities							—			0.6
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations, net of reclassification adjustments	(86.2		)	(112.9		)	(17.9		)	(17.4		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(165.2	)	$	(212.9	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ¹							$	(155.7	)	$	(110.5	)

¹ Net of unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $0.6 million reclassified to retained earnings as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01.

The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive ~~income (loss)~~loss into ~~operations:~~income:

Thirteen weeks ended
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings¹
November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:
Cash flow hedges $ 0.1
$ —
Interest expense, net
0.1
—
Total before tax
—
—
Income tax expense
$ 0.1
$ —
Net of tax
Pension and postretirement liabilities:

Net prior service benefit $ (0.2 ) $ (0.9 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses
(0.2 ) (0.9 ) Total before tax
0.1
0.4
Income tax expense
$ (0.1 ) $ (0.5 ) Net of tax

Twenty-six weeks ended
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings¹
November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:
Cash flow hedges $ 0.1
$ —
Interest expense, net
0.1
—
Total before tax
—
—
Income tax expense
$ 0.1
$ —
Net of tax
Pension and postretirement liabilities:
Net prior service benefit $ (0.3 ) $ (1.8 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses
(0.3 ) (1.8 ) Total before tax
0.1
0.7
Income tax expense
$ (0.2 ) $ (1.1 ) Net of tax



	Thirteen weeks ended						Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings¹
	August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Pension and postretirement liabilities:
Net prior service cost (benefit)	$	0.2		$	(0.1	)	Pension and postretirement non-service income
Net actuarial gain	(0.4		)	—			Pension and postretirement non-service income
	(0.2		)	(0.1		)	Total before tax
	0.1			—			Income tax expense
	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)	Net of tax

¹ Amounts in parentheses indicate income recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Reclassifications and other changes — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Use of Estimates — Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. ~~GAAP~~generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Accounting Changes — In ~~July 2015,~~May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") ~~2015-11,~~ ~~Inventory~~, which requires an entity to measure inventory within the scope at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We adopted this ASU prospectively in fiscal 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to our financial statements.

~~Recently Issued Accounting Standards~~ ~~— In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU~~ 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers("Topic 606"), which ~~requires~~replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP, including industry-specific requirements. Topic 606 provides companies with a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue with customers; specifically requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year. Based on the FASB's ASU, we will apply the new revenue standard in our fiscal year 2019. Early adoption in our fiscal year 2018 is permitted.

We ~~are in the process of documenting~~utilized a comprehensive approach to evaluate and document the impact of the guidance on our current accounting policies and practices in order to identify material differences, if any, that would result from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. We ~~continue~~did not identify any material differences resulting from applying the new requirements to ~~make progress on~~ our revenue ~~recognition review and are also in the~~

~~process of evaluating the impact, if~~contracts. In addition, we did not identify any onsignificant changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. We ~~continue to evaluate~~adopted the ~~effect that~~provisions of this ASU ~~2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard permits~~in fiscal 2019 utilizing the ~~use of either the~~modified retrospective ormethod. We recorded a $0.5 million cumulative effect ~~transition method.~~adjustment, net of tax, to the opening balance of fiscal 2019 retained earnings, a decrease to receivables of $7.6 million, an increase to inventories of $2.8 million, an increase to prepaid expenses and other current assets of $6.9 million, an increase to other accrued liabilities of $1.4 million, and an increase to other noncurrent liabilities of $0.2 million. The adjustments primarily related to the timing of recognition of certain customer charges, trade promotional expenditures, and volume discounts.

The effect of the changes made to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 26, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows:



	As Reported		Adjustments			Balances without Adoption of Topic 606
Current assets
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$	599.2	$	7.9		$	607.1
Inventories	1,108.5		(3.2		)	1,105.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	224.7		(22.5		)	202.2
Current liabilities
Other accrued liabilities	743.9		(1.1		)	742.8
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,002.9		(4.2		)	998.7

The effect of the changes made to our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows:



	Thirteen weeks ended August 26, 2018
	As Reported		Adjustments			Balances without Adoption of Topic 606
Net sales	$	1,834.4	$	(9.3	)	$	1,825.1
Cost of goods sold	1,318.9		6.8			1,325.7
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings	219.4		(16.1		)	203.3

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The effective date for this standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. ~~Early~~We adopted this ASU in fiscal 2019. The adoption isof this guidance did not ~~permitted except for certain provisions. We do not expect ASU 2016-01 to~~ have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

~~In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,~~ ~~Leases~~, Topic 842, which requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard is to be applied under the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU retrospectively in fiscal 2019. The ~~effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early~~ adoption ~~is permitted. We do~~of this guidance did not ~~expect ASU 2016-15 to~~ have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, which provides amendments to current guidance to address the classifications and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU retrospectively in fiscal 2019. The ~~effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early~~ adoption ~~is permitted. We do~~of this guidance did not ~~expect ASU 2016-18 to~~ have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. We adopted this ASU prospectively in fiscal 2019. The ~~effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early~~ adoption ~~is permitted. We do~~of this guidance did not ~~expect ASU 2017-01 to~~ have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires companies to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line items in which they report compensation cost. Companies ~~will~~are required to present all other components of net benefit cost outside operating income, if this subtotal is presented. In addition, the new standard requires that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit expense is eligible for capitalization. The ~~effective date for~~new standard requires retrospective adoption of the ~~standard is for~~presentation of net periodic benefit expense and prospective application of the capitalization of the service cost component. We adopted this ASU in fiscal ~~years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect ASU 2017-07~~2019. As a result, the following amounts were reclassified in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 to ~~have a material impact~~correspond to ~~our consolidated financial statements.~~the current year presentation:



	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 27, 2017
Reclassified from Selling, general and administrative expense	$	20.6
Reclassified to Pension and postretirement non-service income	$	20.6

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and presentation of hedge results. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We elected to early adopt this ASU in fiscal 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 for a discussion of our derivatives.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, Topic 842, which requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are ~~currently~~ evaluating the ~~impact of our pending adoption of~~effect that this standard will have on our consolidated financial ~~statements.~~statements and related disclosures. The standard can be applied using the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. Entities may also elect the optional transition method provided under ASU 2018-11, Leases, Topic 842: Targeted Improvement, issued in July 2018, allowing for application of the standard at the adoption date, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.

2. ACQUISITIONS

On June 26, 2018, we entered into a definitive merger agreement with Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle") under which we will acquire all outstanding shares of Pinnacle common stock in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle's outstanding net debt. Under the terms of the transaction, Pinnacle shareholders will receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of our common stock for each share of Pinnacle common stock held. The implied price of $68.00 per Pinnacle share is based on the volume-weighted average price of our stock for the five days ended June 21, 2018. The planned acquisition is expected to close by the end of October 2018 and remains subject to the approval of Pinnacle shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

In February 2018, we acquired the Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin^® business, maker of frozen breakfast and entree flatbread pocket sandwiches, for a cash purchase price of $87.3 million, net of cash acquired, including working capital adjustments. Approximately $57.8 million has been classified as goodwill, and $9.7 million and $7.1 million have been classified as non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The amount allocated to goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The business is included in the Refrigerated & Frozen segment.

In October 2017, we acquired Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC, maker of Angie's^® BOOMCHICKAPOP^® ready-to-eat popcorn, for a cash purchase price of ~~$249.6~~$249.8 million, net of cash acquired, ~~and subject to~~including working capital adjustments. Approximately ~~$156.5~~$155.1 million has been classified as goodwill, of which $95.4 million is deductible for income tax purposes. Approximately $73.8 million and $10.3 million of the purchase price ~~has~~have been allocated to non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The business is primarily included in ~~the Grocery & Snacks segment.~~

~~In April 2017, we acquired protein-based snacking businesses Thanasi Foods LLC, maker of~~ ~~Duke's~~^® ~~meat snacks, and BIGS LLC, maker of~~ ~~BIGS~~^® seeds, for $217.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired, including working capital adjustments. Approximately $133.3 million has been classified as goodwill, of which $70.9 million is deductible for income tax purposes. Approximately $65.1 million and $16.1 million of the purchase price has been allocated to non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. These businesses are included in the Grocery & Snacks segment.

~~In September 2016, we acquired the operating assets of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC, including the~~ ~~Frontera~~^®, ~~Red Fork~~^®~~, and~~ ~~Salpica~~^® ~~brands. These businesses make authentic, gourmet Mexican food products and contemporary American cooking sauces.~~

We acquired the businesses for a cash purchase price of $108.2 million, net of cash acquired, including working capital adjustments. Approximately $39.5 million has been classified as goodwill and $47.1 million and $19.6 million has been classified as non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The amount allocated to goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. These businesses are reflected principally within the Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the ~~Refrigerated & Frozen and~~ International ~~segments.~~segment.

These acquisitions collectively contributed $37.4 million ~~and $68.4 million~~ to net sales during the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018, respectively, and $6.4 million for each of the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017.~~2019.

For each of these acquisitions, the amounts allocated to goodwill were primarily attributable to anticipated synergies, product portfolios, and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in these acquisitions were recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

~~Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the~~ ~~Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin~~^® business, maker of frozen breakfast and entree flatbread pocket sandwiches, for a cash purchase price of $87 million, net of cash acquired and subject to working capital adjustments. The business will be primarily included in the Refrigerated & Frozen segment. The transaction is expected to close in early calendar year 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of any applicable regulatory approvals.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND OTHER DIVESTITURES

Lamb Weston Spinoff

On November 9, 2016, we completed the ~~Spinoff~~spinoff of our Lamb Weston ~~business.~~business (the "Spinoff"). As of such date, we did not beneficially own any equity interest in Lamb Weston and no longer consolidated Lamb Weston into our financial results. ~~The business results were previously reported in the Commercial segment. We reflected the results of this business as~~Included within discontinued operations for ~~all periods presented.~~

~~The summary comparative financial results~~the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was an after-tax loss of $0.2 million ($0.3 million pre-tax loss) related to the Lamb Weston ~~business through the date of the Spinoff, included within discontinued operations, were as follows:~~

Thirteen weeks ended Twenty-six weeks ended
November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016 November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016
Net sales $ —
$ 636.0
$ —
$ 1,407.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings $ —
$ 46.3
$ (0.3 ) $ 175.1
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity method investment earnings —
46.3
(0.3 ) 175.1
Income tax expense (benefit) —
39.1
(0.1 ) 88.6
Equity method investment earnings —
5.3
—
15.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax —
12.5
(0.2 ) 102.4
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests —
3.2
—
6.8
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. $ —
$ 9.3
$ (0.2 ) $ 95.6

For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, we incurred $62.2 million and $72.0 million, respectively, of expenses in connection with the Spinoff primarily related to professional fees and contract services associated with preparation of regulatory filings and separation activities. These expenses are reflected in income from discontinued operations.

In connection with the Spinoff, total assets of $2.28 billion and total liabilities of $2.98 billion (including debt of $2.46 billion) were transferred to Lamb Weston. As part of the consideration for the Spinoff, the Company received a cash payment from Lamb Weston in the amount of $823.5 million. See Note 5 for discussion of the debt-for-debt exchange related to the Spinoff.

business. We entered into a transition services agreement in connection with the ~~Lamb Weston~~ Spinoff and recognized ~~$0.8 million and $2.1~~$1.3 million of income for the performance of services during the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2018 ~~respectively, classified~~ within selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses.

Private Brands Operations

On February 1, 2016, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, we completed the disposition of our Private Brands operations to TreeHouse Foods, Inc. ~~for $2.6 billion in cash on a debt-free basis. Results of operations for the Private Brands business were immaterial for all periods presented.~~

We entered into a transition services agreement with TreeHouse Foods, Inc. and recognized ~~$0.5 million and $5.4~~$1.7 million of income for the performance of services during the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal 2018 within SG&A expenses.

Other Divestitures

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Del Monte^®processedfruit and ~~2017, respectively, classified within selling, general and administrative expenses.~~vegetable business in Canada, which is part of our International segment, to Bonduelle Group for proceeds of $39.9 million Canadian dollars, which was approximately $30.3 million U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the date of close. The final proceeds are subject to working capital adjustments. We recognized ~~$2.2~~a gain on the sale of $13.3 million recognized within SG&A expenses. The assets of this business have been reclassified as assets held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for periods prior to the divestiture.

The assets classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Del Monte^® processed fruit and ~~$11.5 million of transition services agreement income~~vegetable business in ~~the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.~~Canada were as follows:

~~Other Divestitures~~



	May 27, 2018
Current assets	$	6.1
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $5.8 million)	11.5

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we signed an agreement to sell our Wesson^® oil business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment, to The J.M. Smucker Company ("Smucker"). ~~The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including~~During the ~~termination or expiration~~fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Conagra Brands and Smucker terminated the ~~waiting period under~~agreement. This outcome followed the ~~Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act~~decision of ~~1976 (the "HSR Act"). On August 28, 2017, Smucker and~~ the ~~Company each received a request for additional information under the HSR Act (a "second request") from the U.S.~~ Federal Trade Commission, ~~("FTC") in connection with~~announced on March 5, 2018, to challenge the ~~FTC's review of the transaction.~~pending sale. The ~~agreement for the sale of~~Company is still actively marketing the Wesson^® oil business ~~provides that, unless otherwise agreed upon by~~and expects to sell it within the Company and Smucker, if the closing of the transaction has not occurred on or prior to March 31, 2018 because HSR approval has not been received as of such date, then either party may terminate the agreement. The parties are cooperating fully with the FTC as it conducts its review of the transaction. The purchase price under the agreement is $285 million.next twelve months. The assets of this business have been reclassified as assets held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented.

The assets classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Wesson^® oil business were as follows:

November 26, 2017 May 28, 2017
Current assets $ 45.8
$ 35.5
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $74.5 million) 95.5
95.5

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we completed the sales of our Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings business ("Spicetec") and our JM Swank business, each of which was part of our Commercial segment. Through the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we received $329.8 million and $159.3 million, respectively, in cash, net of cash included in the dispositions. We recognized pre-tax gains from the sales of $144.8 million and $52.9 million, respectively, in the first half of fiscal 2017. We entered into transition services agreements in connection with the sales of these businesses and recognized $0.2 million of income during the first half of fiscal 2018 and $1.0 million during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, classified within selling, general and administrative expenses.



	August 26, 2018		May 27, 2018
Current assets	$	39.3	$	37.7
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $74.5 million)	101.3		101.0

In addition, we are actively marketing certain other ~~long-lived~~ assets. These assets have been reclassified as assets held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. The balance of these ~~noncurrent~~ assets classified as held for sale was ~~$5.0~~$10.4 million ~~and $11.6 million within~~in our Corporate segment at ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and $10.4 million and $14.9 million in our Corporate and Grocery & Snacks segments, respectively, at May ~~28, 2017, respectively.~~27, 2018.

4. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan

In May 2013, we announced the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"), our plan to integrate and restructure the operations of our Private Brands business, improve SG&A effectiveness and efficiencies, and optimize our supply chain network, manufacturing assets, dry distribution centers, and mixing centers. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we announced plans to realize efficiency benefits by reducing SG&A expenses and enhancing trade spend processes and tools, which plans were included as part of the SCAE Plan. Although we divested the Private Brands business, we have continued to implement the SCAE Plan, including by working to optimize our supply chain network, pursue cost reductions through our SG&A functions, enhance trade spend processes and tools, and improve productivity.

Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire SCAE Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, our Board of Directors has approved the incurrence of up to $900.9 million of expenses in connection with the SCAE Plan, including expenses allocated for the Private Brands and Lamb Weston operations. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately ~~$464.8~~$469.8 million of charges ($~~320.7~~322.0 million of cash charges and ~~$144.1~~$147.8 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018, we recognized charges of ~~$7.1~~$0.6 million and ~~$18.5 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, we recognized $19.8 million and $33.9~~$11.4 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. We expect to incur costs related to the SCAE Plan over a multi-year period.

We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018)~~2019):


	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Foodservice		Corporate		Total		Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Foodservice		Corporate		Total
Pension costs	$	32.9	$	1.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	34.4
Multi-employer pension costs													$	32.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	32.5
Accelerated depreciation	32.2		18.6		—		—		1.2		52.0		37.2		18.6		—		—		1.2		57.0
Other cost of goods sold	10.0		2.1		—		—		—		12.1		11.6		2.1		—		—		—		13.7
Total cost of goods sold	75.1		22.2		—		—		1.2		98.5		81.3		20.7		—		—		1.2		103.2
Severance and related costs, net	26.0		10.3		3.4		7.9		103.4		151.0		26.3		10.3		3.9		7.9		102.1		150.5
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)	5.9		6.9		—		—		11.2		24.0		5.2		6.9		—		—		11.2		23.3
Accelerated depreciation	—		—		—		—		4.7		4.7		—		—		—		—		4.1		4.1
Contract/lease cancellation expenses	0.9		0.6		0.6		—		86.2		88.3
Contract/lease termination expenses													1.0		0.6		0.9		—		85.0		87.5
Consulting/professional fees	1.1		0.4		0.1		—		54.1		55.7		1.0		0.4		0.1		—		53.8		55.3
Other selling, general and administrative expenses	16.1		3.2		—		—		23.3		42.6		16.3		3.5		—		—		23.8		43.6
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	50.0		21.4		4.1		7.9		282.9		366.3		49.8		21.7		4.9		7.9		280.0		364.3
Total													$	131.1	$	42.4	$	4.9	$	7.9	$	281.2	$	467.5
Pension and postretirement non-service income																							2.3
Consolidated total	$	125.1	$	43.6	$	4.1	$	7.9	$	284.1	$	464.8											$	469.8

During the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations:


	Grocery & Snacks			International		Corporate			Total			Grocery & Snacks			International		Corporate			Total
Pension costs	$	2.1		$	—	$	—		$	2.1
Multi-employer pension costs												$	0.2		$	—	$	—		$	0.2
Accelerated depreciation												1.4			—		—			1.4
Other cost of goods sold	1.3			—		—			1.3			0.7			—		—			0.7
Total cost of goods sold	3.4			—		—			3.4			2.3			—		—			2.3
Severance and related costs, net	(0.2		)	0.9		0.6			1.3			(1.3		)	0.2		(0.6		)	(1.7		)
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)	(1.5		)	—		—			(1.5		)	(0.9		)	—		—			(0.9		)
Accelerated depreciation	—			—		0.7			0.7
Contract/lease cancellation expenses	0.1			—		(0.1		)	—
Contract/lease termination expenses												—			—		0.5			0.5
Consulting/professional fees	0.1			—		0.4			0.5			—			—		0.1			0.1
Other selling, general and administrative expenses	2.1			—		0.6			2.7			—			—		0.9			0.9
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	0.6			0.9		2.2			3.7			(2.2		)	0.2		0.9			(1.1		)
Total												$	0.1		$	0.2	$	0.9		$	1.2
Pension and postretirement non-service income																				(0.6		)
Consolidated total	$	4.0		$	0.9	$	2.2		$	7.1										$	0.6

Included in the above table are ~~$7.7~~$0.1 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and ~~net non-cash gains of $0.6 million.~~

~~During the first half of fiscal 2018, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations:~~

Grocery & Snacks International Corporate Total
Pension costs $ 2.1
$ —
$ —
$ 2.1
Accelerated depreciation 1.2
—
—
1.2
Other cost of goods sold 2.4
—
—
2.4
    Total cost of goods sold 5.7
—
—
5.7
Severance and related costs, net 1.8
0.9
0.6
3.3
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal) (1.4 ) —
4.4
3.0
Accelerated depreciation —
—
1.3
1.3
Contract/lease cancellation expenses 0.1
—
(0.1 ) —
Consulting/professional fees 0.1
—
0.6
0.7
Other selling, general and administrative expenses 3.9
—
0.6
4.5
    Total selling, general and administrative expenses 4.5
0.9
7.4
12.8
        Consolidated total $ 10.2
$ 0.9
$ 7.4
$ 18.5

~~Included in the above table are $12.5 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $6.0~~$0.5 million in non-cash charges.

We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017)~~2018) pre-tax expenses related to the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings:


	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Foodservice		Corporate		Total		Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Foodservice		Corporate		Total
Pension costs	$	35.0	$	1.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	36.5
Multi-employer pension costs													$	32.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	32.5
Accelerated depreciation	32.2		18.6		—		—		1.2		52.0		34.4		18.6		—		—		1.2		54.2
Other cost of goods sold	7.4		2.1		—		—		—		9.5		11.0		2.1		—		—		—		13.1
Total cost of goods sold	74.6		22.2		—		—		1.2		98.0		77.9		20.7		—		—		1.2		99.8
Severance and related costs, net	25.7		10.3		3.4		7.9		102.1		149.4		25.2		10.3		3.9		7.9		101.3		148.6
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)	5.9		6.9		—		—		11.2		24.0		5.2		6.9		—		—		11.2		23.3
Accelerated depreciation	—		—		—		—		3.9		3.9		—		—		—		—		4.1		4.1
Contract/lease cancellation expenses	0.9		0.6		0.6		—		71.2		73.3
Contract/lease termination expenses													1.0		0.6		0.9		—		84.8		87.3
Consulting/professional fees	1.0		0.4		0.1		—		51.8		53.3		1.0		0.4		0.1		—		52.3		53.8
Other selling, general and administrative expenses	15.1		3.2		—		—		20.6		38.9		15.8		3.3		—		—		22.6		41.7
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	48.6		21.4		4.1		7.9		260.8		342.8		48.2		21.5		4.9		7.9		276.3		358.8
Total													$	126.1	$	42.2	$	4.9	$	7.9	$	277.5	$	458.6
Pension and postretirement non-service income																							2.3
Consolidated total	$	123.2	$	43.6	$	4.1	$	7.9	$	262.0	$	440.8											$	460.9

Included in the above results are ~~$298.0~~$316.2 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and ~~$142.8~~$144.7 million in non-cash charges. Not included in the above results are $130.2 million of pre-tax expenses ($84.5 million of cash charges and $45.7 million of non-cash charges) related to the Private Brands operations, which we sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, and $2.1 million of pre-tax expenses (all resulting in cash charges) related to Lamb Weston.

Liabilities recorded for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations and changes therein for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 were as follows:


	Balance at May 28, 2017		Costs Incurred and Charged to Expense		Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled			Changes in Estimates			Balance at November 26, 2017		Balance at May 27, 2018		Costs Incurred and Charged to Expense		Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled			Changes in Estimates			Balance at August 26, 2018
Pension costs	$	31.8	$	—	$	—		$	2.1		$	33.9
Multi-employer pension costs													$	32.3	$	—	$	—		$	0.2		$	32.5
Severance and related costs	13.8		4.0		(7.9		)	(0.7		)	9.2		6.3		—		(3.6		)	(1.7		)	1.0
Consulting/professional fees	0.6		0.7		(1.1		)	—			0.2		0.1		0.1		(0.2		)	—			—
Contract/lease cancellation	11.6		0.3		(3.6		)	(0.3		)	8.0
Contract/lease termination													4.9		—		(1.6		)	0.5			3.8
Other costs	1.9		6.5		(6.9		)	—			1.5		0.2		1.6		(1.1		)	—			0.7
Total	$	59.7	$	11.5	$	(19.5	)	$	1.1		$	52.8	$	43.8	$	1.7	$	(6.5	)	$	(1.0	)	$	38.0

5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

~~At November 26, 2017,~~During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we ~~had a~~entered into an amended and restated revolving credit ~~facility~~agreement (the ~~"Facility"~~"Revolving Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of financial institutions ~~that provides~~providing for a revolving credit facility in a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of ~~$1.25~~$1.6 billion (subject to increase to a maximum aggregate principal amount of ~~$1.75 billion~~$2.1 billion). It replaces the existing revolving credit facility and matures on July 11, 2023. As of August 26, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

In connection with the ~~consent~~planned acquisition of Pinnacle (see Note 2), we secured $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing from affiliates of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The commitments under the committed bridge financing were subsequently reduced by the amounts of a term loan agreement we entered into on July 11, 2018 with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for term loans to us in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.3 billion (the "New Term Loan Facility"). The funding under the New Term Loan Facility is anticipated to occur simultaneously with the closing date of the ~~lenders). As~~acquisition. In connection with the acquisition, we expect to incur an aggregate of ~~November 26, 2017,~~up to $8.3 billion of long-term debt, including for the payment of the cash portion of the merger consideration, the repayment of Pinnacle debt, the refinancing of certain Conagra debt, and the payment of related fees and expenses. The permanent

financing is also expected to include approximately $575 million of incremental cash proceeds from the issuance of equity and/or divestitures.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we ~~were~~entered into a term loan agreement (the "Term Loan Agreement") with a financial institution. The Term Loan Agreement provides for term loans to the Company in ~~compliance with all financial covenants~~an aggregate principal amount not in excess of $300.0 million. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we borrowed the full amount of the $300.0 million provided for under the ~~Facility.~~Term Loan Agreement. The Term Loan Agreement matures on February 26, 2019. The term loan bears interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.75% per annum and is fully prepayable without penalty.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we repaid the remaining principal balance of $70.0 million of our 2.1% senior notes on the maturity date of March 15, 2018.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we repaid the remaining principal balance of $119.6 million of our 1.9% senior notes on the maturity date of January 25, 2018.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we repaid the remaining capital lease liability balance of $28.5 million in connection with the early exit of an unfavorable lease contract.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due October 9, 2020. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.50% per annum.

~~During~~Our most restrictive debt agreements (the Revolving Credit Agreement and the ~~third quarter~~term loan agreements) generally require our ratio of ~~fiscal 2017,~~earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to interest expense to be not less than 3.0 to 1.0 and our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA to not exceed certain specified levels, with each ratio to be calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis. As of August 26, 2018, we ~~repaid the remaining principal balance of $224.8 million of our 5.819% senior notes due 2017 and $248.2 million principal amount of our 7.0% senior notes due 2019,~~were in ~~each case prior to maturity, resulting in a net loss on early retirement of debt of $32.7 million.~~

~~In connection~~compliance with the Spinoff (see Note 3), Lamb Weston issued to us $1.54 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the "Lamb Weston notes"). On November 9, 2016, we exchanged the Lamb Weston notes for $250.2 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.819% senior notes due 2017, $880.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.9% senior notes due 2018, $154.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.1% senior notes due 2018, $86.9 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.0% senior notes due 2019, and $71.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.95% senior notes due 2020 (collectively, the "Conagra notes"), which had been purchased in the open market by certain investment banks prior to the Spinoff. Following the exchange, we canceled the Conagra notes. These actions resulted in a net loss of $60.6 million as a cost of early retirement of debt.all financial covenants.

Net interest expense from continuing operations consists of:


	Thirteen weeks ended						Twenty-six weeks ended						Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Long-term debt	$	39.4		$	56.6		$	77.5		$	117.5		$	42.9		$	38.1
Short-term debt	0.7			0.2			1.1			0.4			7.5			0.4
Interest income	(1.1		)	(0.8		)	(2.0		)	(1.5		)	(0.6		)	(0.9		)
Interest capitalized	(1.0		)	(1.9		)	(2.2		)	(4.1		)	(0.8		)	(1.2		)
	$	38.0		$	54.1		$	74.4		$	112.3		$	49.0		$	36.4

In connection with the bridge financing, we have incurred costs of $32.2 million, which are being amortized within interest expense over the commitment period. Our net interest expense included $5.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 as a result of this amortization.

6. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated

We ~~have variable interests in~~lease a certain ~~entities~~office building from an entity that we have determined to be a variable interest ~~entities, but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We do not consolidate the financial statements of these entities.~~

~~We lease certain office buildings from entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities.~~entity. The lease ~~agreements~~agreement with ~~these entities include~~this entity includes a fixed-price purchase ~~options~~option for the ~~assets~~asset being leased. The lease ~~agreements~~agreement also ~~contain~~contains a contingent put ~~options~~option (the "lease put ~~options"~~option") that ~~allow~~allows the ~~lessors~~lessor to require us to purchase the ~~buildings~~building at the greater of original construction cost, or fair market value, without a lease agreement in place (the "put price") in certain limited circumstances. As a result of substantial impairment

charges related to our divested Private Brands operations, ~~these~~this lease put ~~options are exercisable now and remain exercisable until generally 30 days after the end of the respective lease agreements.~~option became exercisable. We are amortizing the difference between the put price and the estimated fair value (without a lease agreement in place) of ~~each respective~~the property over the remaining ~~respective~~ lease term within ~~selling, general and administrative~~SG&A expenses. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, the estimated amount by which the put prices exceeded the fair values of the related properties was $50.7 million, of which we had accrued $10.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively. In December 2017, subsequent to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we purchased a building that had been subject to a put option. We will recognize a net loss of approximately $13 million for the early termination of the associated lease in our third quarter of fiscal 2018. Also in December 2017, we made an offer to purchase another property subject to a put option. We have not entered into a binding legal contract in connection with this offer. However, if our offer is accepted, we may recognize an estimated loss of $30 million to $40 million, upon closing of the transaction, for the early exit of an unfavorable lease contract. If this transaction is completed, we would have one remaining leased building subject to a put option for which the put option price ~~exceeds~~exceeded the estimated fair value byof the property was $8.2 million, of which we had accrued ~~$1.0~~$1.3 million ~~as of November 26, 2017. These leases, with the exception of one, are~~and $1.2 million, respectively. This lease is accounted for as an operating ~~leases. A capital~~ lease, ~~asset~~ and ~~related lease obligation~~accordingly, there are no material assets and liabilities, other than the accrued portion of ~~$25.3 million and $28.9 million, respectively, were~~the put price, associated with this entity included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance ~~Sheets as of November 26, 2017.~~Sheets. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of ~~these entities.~~this entity. In making this determination, we have considered, among other items, the terms of the lease ~~agreements,~~agreement, the expected remaining useful ~~lives~~life of the ~~assets~~asset leased, and the capital structure of the lessor ~~entities.~~entity.

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was as follows:

Grocery & Snacks Refrigerated & Frozen International Foodservice Total
Balance as of May 28, 2017 $ 2,439.1
$ 1,037.3
$ 253.6
$ 571.1
$ 4,301.1
Acquisitions 156.5
—
—
—
156.5
Purchase accounting adjustments (1.5 ) —
—
—
(1.5 )
Currency translation —
0.9
—
—
0.9
Balance as of November 26, 2017 $ 2,594.1
$ 1,038.2
$ 253.6
$ 571.1
$ 4,457.0



	Grocery & Snacks			Refrigerated & Frozen			International			Foodservice		Total
Balance as of May 27, 2018	$	2,592.8		$	1,095.7		$	242.9		$	571.1	$	4,502.5
Purchase accounting adjustments	(0.1		)	—			—			—		(0.1		)
Currency translation	—			(0.1		)	(2.9		)	—		(3.0		)
Balance as of August 26, 2018	$	2,592.7		$	1,095.6		$	240.0		$	571.1	$	4,499.4

Other identifiable intangible assets were as follows:

November 26, 2017 May 28, 2017

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization
Non-amortizing intangible assets $ 908.8
$ —
$ 834.1
$ —
Amortizing intangible assets 587.3
197.9
575.4
180.2
$ 1,496.1
$ 197.9
$ 1,409.5
$ 180.2

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, in anticipation of the Spinoff, we changed our reporting segments. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we were required to determine new reporting units at a lower level (at the operating segment or one level lower, as applicable). When such a determination was made, we were required to perform a goodwill impairment analysis for each of the new reporting units.

We performed an assessment of impairment of goodwill for the new Canadian reporting unit within the new International reporting segment. Estimating the fair value of individual reporting units requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future plans and future industry and economic conditions. We estimated the future cash flows of the Canadian reporting unit and calculated the net present value of those estimated cash flows using a risk adjusted discount rate, in order to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit from the perspective of a market participant. We used discount rates and terminal growth rates of 7.5% and 2%, respectively, to calculate the present value of estimated future cash flows. We then compared the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the historical carrying value (including allocated assets and liabilities of certain shared and Corporate functions), and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. With the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist, we estimated the fair value of the assets and liabilities of this reporting unit in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. We recognized an impairment charge for the difference between the implied fair value of goodwill and the carrying value of goodwill. Accordingly, during the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded charges totaling $139.2 million for the impairment of goodwill.

As part of the assessment of the fair value of each asset and liability within the Canadian reporting unit, with the assistance of the third-party valuation specialist, we estimated the fair value of our Canadian ~~Del Monte~~^® ~~brand to be less than its carrying value. In~~

~~accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we recognized an impairment charge of $24.4 million to write-down the intangible asset to its estimated fair value.~~

We also performed an assessment of impairment of goodwill for the new Mexican reporting unit within the International reporting segment using similar methods to those described above. We used discount rates and terminal growth rates of 8.5% and 3%, respectively, to calculate the present value of estimated future cash flows. We determined that the estimated fair value of this reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 5%. Accordingly, we did not recognize an impairment of the goodwill in the Mexican reporting unit.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, as a result of further deterioration in forecasted sales and profits primarily due to foreign exchange rates, we performed an additional assessment of impairment of goodwill for the new Mexican reporting unit. We used discount rates and terminal growth rates of 8.5% and 3%, respectively, to calculate the present value of estimated future cash flows. We then compared the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the historical carrying value (including allocated assets and liabilities of certain shared and Corporate functions), and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. With the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist, we estimated the fair value of the assets and liabilities of this reporting unit in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. We recognized an impairment charge for the difference between the implied fair value of goodwill and the carrying value of goodwill. Accordingly, during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded charges totaling $43.9 million for the impairment of goodwill.



	August 26, 2018				May 27, 2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Non-amortizing intangible assets	$	917.3	$	—	$	918.3	$	—
Amortizing intangible assets	579.3		221.4		579.4		213.2
	$	1,496.6	$	221.4	$	1,497.7	$	213.2

Non-amortizing intangible assets are comprised of brands and trademarks.

Amortizing intangible assets, carrying a remaining weighted average life of approximately 1413 years, are principally composed of customer relationships, licensing arrangements, and acquired intellectual property. Amortization expense was ~~$8.7~~$8.3 million and ~~$17.3~~$8.6 million for the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018, respectively,~~2019 and ~~$8.1 million and $16.5 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017,~~2018, respectively. Based on amortizing assets recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018, amortization expense is estimated to average ~~$34.0~~$32.6 million for each of the next five years.

8. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our operations are exposed to market risks from adverse changes in commodity prices affecting the cost of raw materials and energy, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. In the normal course of business, these risks are managed through a variety of strategies, including the use of derivatives.

Commodity and commodity index futures and option contracts are used from time to time to economically hedge commodity input prices on items such as natural gas, vegetable oils, proteins, packaging materials, dairy, grains, and electricity. Generally, we economically hedge a portion of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for periods of up to 36 months. We may enter into longer-term economic hedges on particular commodities, if deemed appropriate. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018, we had economically hedged certain portions of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs using derivative instruments with expiration dates through ~~December 2018.~~March 2019.

In order to reduce exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we enter into forward exchange, option, or swap contracts from time to time for transactions denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018, we had economically hedged certain portions of our foreign currency risk in anticipated transactions using derivative instruments with expiration dates through ~~August 2018.~~May 2019.

From time to time, we may use derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, to reduce risk related to changes in interest rates. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against increasing interest rates prior to the issuance of long-term debt and hedging the fair value of our senior long-term debt.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we entered into deal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related to our issuance of long-term debt to help finance the acquisition of Pinnacle. We designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments related to this debt issuance. The pre-tax unrealized loss associated with these derivatives, which is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income at August 26, 2018, was $58.1 million.

Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows

Many of our derivatives do not qualify for, and we do not currently designate certain commodity or foreign currency derivatives to achieve, hedge accounting treatment. We reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to economically hedge anticipated commodity consumption and to mitigate foreign currency cash flow risk in earnings immediately within general corporate expense (within cost of goods sold). The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being economically hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. In the event that management determines a particular derivative entered into as an economic hedge of a forecasted commodity purchase has ceased to function as an economic hedge, we cease recognizing further gains and losses on such derivatives in corporate expense and begin recognizing such gains and losses within segment operating results immediately.

Economic Hedges of Fair Values — Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We may use options and cross currency swaps to economically hedge the fair value of certain monetary assets and liabilities (including intercompany balances) denominated in a currency other than the functional currency. These derivatives are marked-to-market with gains and losses immediately recognized in ~~selling, general and administrative~~SG&A expenses. These substantially offset the foreign currency transaction gains or losses recognized as values of the monetary assets or liabilities being economically hedged change.

All derivative instruments are recognized on our balance sheets at fair value (refer to Note 16 for additional information related to fair value measurements). The fair value of derivative assets is recognized within prepaid expenses and other current assets, while the fair value of derivative liabilities is recognized within other accrued liabilities. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we offset certain derivative asset and liability balances, as well as certain amounts representing rights to reclaim cash collateral and obligations to return cash collateral, where master netting agreements provide for legal right of setoff. At ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017, $0.9~~27, 2018, $5.6 million, representing a right to reclaim cash collateral, ~~was~~and $1.0 million, representing an obligation to return cash collateral, respectively, were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative assets and liabilities and amounts representing a right to reclaim cash collateral or an obligation to return cash collateral were reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:


	November 26, 2017		May 28, 2017		August 26, 2018		May 27, 2018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	4.2	$	2.3	$	4.4	$	4.4
Other accrued liabilities	2.0		1.3		58.6		0.1

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities, at ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of ~~$0.1~~$1.6 million to total derivative assets and ~~$1.0~~$4.0 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:


	Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities			Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swap contracts							Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	—	Other accrued liabilities	$	58.1
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments							Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	—		$	58.1
Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	3.5	Other accrued liabilities	$	1.0	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1.0	Other accrued liabilities	$	4.0
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0.8		Other accrued liabilities	1.9		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1.8		Other accrued liabilities	0.5
Other	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Other accrued liabilities	0.1
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	4.3		$	3.0	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	2.8		$	4.5
Total derivatives								$	2.8		$	62.6

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities at May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $~~0.5~~1.4 million to total derivative assets and $~~1.4~~0.4 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:


	Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities			Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	2.6	Other accrued liabilities	$	1.4	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	3.7	Other accrued liabilities	$	0.4
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0.2		Other accrued liabilities	1.1		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2.1		Other accrued liabilities	—
Other	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Other accrued liabilities	0.2		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Other accrued liabilities	0.1
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	2.8		$	2.7	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	5.8		$	0.5

The location and amount of gains (losses) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Location in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings of Gains Recognized on Derivatives Gains Recognized on Derivatives in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks Ended
November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016
Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $ 0.8
$ 1.6
Foreign exchange contracts Cost of goods sold 2.2
1.4
Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general and administrative expense —
2.5
Total gains from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments $ 3.0
$ 5.5


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings of Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives	Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Twenty-six Weeks Ended						Location in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings of Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives	Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks Ended
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016				August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	1.4		$	1.2		Cost of goods sold	$	(7.0	)	$	0.6
Foreign exchange contracts	Cost of goods sold	(5.8		)	1.5			Cost of goods sold	0.5			(8.0		)
Foreign exchange contracts	Selling, general and administrative expense	0.3			1.3			Selling, general and administrative expense	—			0.3
Total gains (losses) from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$	(4.1	)	$	4.0
Total losses from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments							Total losses from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$	(6.5	)	$	(7.1	)

As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, our open commodity contracts had a notional value (defined as notional quantity times market value per notional quantity unit) of ~~$81.6~~$80.8 million and ~~$34.2~~$25.7 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. As of May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, our open commodity contracts had a notional value of ~~$76.8~~$100.0 million and ~~$73.4~~$34.2 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. The notional amount of our foreign currency forward contracts as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018 was ~~$72.8~~$86.3 million and ~~$81.9~~$82.4 million, respectively.

We enter into certain commodity, interest rate, and foreign exchange derivatives with a diversified group of counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one party. These transactions may expose us to potential losses due to the risk of nonperformance by these counterparties. We have not incurred a material loss due to nonperformance in any period presented and do not expect to incur any such material loss. We also enter into futures and options transactions through various regulated exchanges.

At ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018, the maximum amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, had the counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts, was ~~$0.9~~$1.8 million.

9. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

For the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, and performance shares) of $12.3 million and ~~$18.7~~$6.4 million, respectively. For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $17.9 million and $32.7 million, respectively. These amounts are inclusive of discontinued operations. Included in the total stock-based compensation expense for the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018 was expense of $0.1 million and ~~$0.4~~$0.3 million, respectively, related to stock options granted by a subsidiary in the subsidiary's shares to the subsidiary's employees. ~~The expense for these stock options for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017 was $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.~~ For the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, we granted 0.8 million restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of ~~$34.09~~$36.16 and 0.5 million performance shares at a weighted average grant date price of ~~$33.82.~~$35.96.

Performance shares are granted to selected executives and other key employees with vesting contingent upon meeting various Company-wide performance goals. The performance goal for one-third of the target number of performance shares for the three-year performance period ending in fiscal 2018 (the "2018 performance period") is based on our fiscal 2016 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") return on capital. Another one-third of the target number of performance shares granted for the 2018 performance period is based on our fiscal 2017 EBITDA return on capital. The fiscal 2017 EBITDA return on capital target,

when set, excluded the results of Lamb Weston. The performance goal for the last one-third of the target number of performance shares granted for the 2018 performance period is based on our fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share ("EPS") compound annual growth rate ("CAGR"). In addition, for certain participants, all performance shares for the 2018 performance period are subject to an overarching EPS goal that must be met in each fiscal year of the 2018 performance period before any pay out can be made to such participants on the performance shares.

~~The performance goal for one-third of the target number of performance shares for the three-year performance period ending in fiscal~~ 2019 (the "2019 performance period") is based on our fiscal 2017 EBITDA return on ~~capital.~~capital, subject to certain adjustments. The fiscal 2017 EBITDA return on capital target, when set, excluded the results of Lamb Weston. The performance goal for the final two-thirds of the target number of performance shares granted for the 2019 performance period is based on our diluted ~~EPS CAGR,~~earnings per share ("EPS") compound annual growth rate ("CAGR"), subject to certain adjustments, measured over the two-year period ending in fiscal 2019. In addition, for certain participants, all performance shares for the 2019 performance period are subject to an overarching EPS goal that must be met in each fiscal year of the 2019 performance period before any pay out can be made to such participants on the performance shares.

The performance ~~goal~~goals for the three-year performance ~~period~~periods ending in fiscal 2020 isand 2021 are based on our diluted EPS CAGR, subject to certain adjustments, measured over the defined performance ~~period.~~periods. In addition, for certain participants, all performance shares for the 2020 performance period are subject to an overarching EPS goal that must be met in each fiscal year of the 2020 performance period before any pay out can be made to such participants on the performance shares.

Awards, if earned, will be paid in shares of our common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in the performance share plan, any shares earned will be distributed after the end of the performance period, and only if the participant continues to be employed with the Company through the date of distribution. For awards where performance against the performance target has not been certified, the value of the performance shares is adjusted based upon the market price of our common stock and current forecasted performance against the performance targets at the end of each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of weighted average outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of basic weighted average outstanding shares of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities.

The following table reconciles the income and average share amounts used to compute both basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Thirteen weeks ended				Twenty-six weeks ended				Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		August 26, 2018		August 27, 2017
Net income available to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders:
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	223.1	$	113.7	$	375.9	$	212.1	$	178.2	$	152.8
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	0.4		8.4		0.1		96.2
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders									—		(0.3		)
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	223.5	$	122.1	$	376.0	$	308.3	$	178.2	$	152.5
Less: Increase in redemption value of noncontrolling interests in excess of earnings allocated	—		0.3		—		0.8
Net income available to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	223.5	$	121.8	$	376.0	$	307.5
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	406.5		437.7		411.1		438.4		391.7		415.1
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities	3.9		3.6		4.0		3.7		2.4		4.1
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	410.4		441.3		415.1		442.1		394.1		419.2

For ~~both~~ the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018, there were ~~1.4~~0.8 million and 1.3 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares because the effect was antidilutive. ~~For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, there were 1.5 million and 1.1 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the calculation.~~

11. INVENTORIES

The major classes of inventories were as follows:


	November 26, 2017		May 28, 2017		August 26, 2018		May 27, 2018
Raw materials and packaging	$	204.2	$	182.1	$	189.4	$	206.2
Work in process	124.9		91.9		94.8		92.4
Finished goods	682.2		612.9		776.6		651.1
Supplies and other	47.9		47.3		47.7		47.4
Total	$	1,059.2	$	934.2	$	1,108.5	$	997.1

12. INCOME TAXES

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act") was enacted into law on December 22, 2017. The changes to U.S. tax law include, but are not limited to, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions, imposing a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax. The Tax Act also enhanced and extended through 2026 the option to claim accelerated depreciation deductions on qualified property.

As a result of the Tax Act and in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 ("SAB 118"), we recorded provisional tax expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 related to the deemed repatriation tax and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the new tax rate. We have not made any measurement period adjustments related to these items during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We continue to gather and analyze additional information needed to complete our accounting for these items and expect to complete our accounting within the one-year measurement period provided by SAB 118. Any adjustment to these amounts during the measurement period will be recorded in income tax expense in the period in which the analysis is complete. The ultimate effect of the Tax Act may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, as well as any additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.

Beginning in fiscal 2019, the Tax Act created a provision known as global intangible low-tax income ("GILTI") that imposes a tax on certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Due to the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, we are not yet able to reasonably determine the complete effects of the provision. Therefore, we have not yet elected a policy as to whether we will recognize deferred taxes for basis

differences expected to reverse or record GILTI as a current period costs when incurred. We have, however, included an estimate of the current GILTI impact in our effective tax rate for fiscal 2019.

Income tax expense from continuing operations for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 ~~and 2017~~ was ~~$109.5~~$57.4 million and ~~$78.4 million, respectively. Income tax expense from continuing operations for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017 was $229.5 million and $247.6~~$120.0 million, 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) from continuing operations was ~~32.8%~~24.4% and ~~40.7%~~43.9% for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, ~~and 2017,~~ respectively. ~~The effective tax rate from continuing operations was 37.8% and 53.8% for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.~~

The effective tax rate in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 reflects the following:

the impact of the Tax Act, including a reduction in the statutory federal income tax rate to 21%, partially offset by the repeal of the deduction for domestic manufacturing activities, changes in deductibility of executive compensation and the effect of the GILTI inclusion,

the impact of foreign restructuring resulting in a benefit related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made,

additional tax expense on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings,

additional tax expense on non-deductible facilitative costs associated with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle, and

an income tax benefit allowed upon the vesting/exercise of employee stock compensation awards by our employees, beyond that which is attributable to the original fair value of the awards upon the date of ~~grant,~~

~~additional income tax expense related to state taxes, and~~

~~an income tax benefit related to a change in estimate of the income tax effect of undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made.~~grant.

The effective tax rate ~~for~~in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal 2018 reflects the ~~above-cited items, as well as~~ following:

additional tax expense related to the repatriation of cash from foreign subsidiaries, ~~and the~~

additional tax expense related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion iswas no longer ~~made.~~

~~The effective tax rate in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 reflects the following:~~made, and

~~additional tax expense associated with a change in estimate regarding the tax basis of the Spicetec business that was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, and~~

~~additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill in our Mexican business, for which an impairment charge was recognized.~~

~~The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2017 reflects the above-cited items, as well as the following:~~

~~additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill sold in connection with the dispositions of the Spicetec and JM Swank businesses,~~

~~additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill in our Canadian business, for which an impairment charge was recognized,~~

an income tax benefit for excess tax benefits allowed upon the vesting/exercise of employee stock compensation awards by our employees, beyond that which is attributable to the original fair value of the awards upon the date of grant, and

~~an income tax benefit associated with a tax planning strategy that allowed us to utilize certain state tax attributes.~~grant.

The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was ~~$34.0~~$33.0 million as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~$39.3~~$32.5 million as of May ~~28, 2017.~~27, 2018. There were no balances included as of either ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 or May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. The gross unrecognized tax benefits excluded related liabilities for gross interest and penalties of ~~$7.1~~$7.9 million and ~~$6.0~~$7.7 million as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, respectively.

The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018 that, if recognized, would impact the Company's effective tax rate was ~~$25.7~~$28.2 million and ~~$31.6~~$27.8 million, respectively. Included in those amounts is ~~$6.6~~$6.7 million ~~and $15.6 million, respectively,~~ that would be reported in discontinued operations. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company's effective tax rate.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to ~~$9.4~~$15.3 million over the next twelve months due to various federal, state, and foreign audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, we had a deferred tax asset of ~~$1.09 billion and $1.08 billion, respectively,~~$721.6 million that was generated from the capital loss realized on the sale of the Private Brands operations with corresponding valuation allowances of ~~$995.1~~$721.6 million ~~and $990.9 million, respectively,~~ to reflect the uncertainty regarding the ultimate realization of the tax asset. During the first half of fiscal 2018, the balance of the deferred tax asset was adjusted for the impact of state law changes, realization of certain tax attributes, and the settlement of certain tax indemnity claims under the contract terms of the Private Brands sale.

~~Historically, we~~We have not provided ~~U.S.~~any deferred taxes on ~~the cumulative~~ undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we decided to repatriate certain cash balances then held in Italy, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg due to the timing of cash flows in connection with certain business acquisition and divestiture activity, as well as forecasted levels of short-term borrowings. We repatriated $151.3 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The cash repatriation resulted in the repatriation of $115.0 million in previously undistributedDeferred taxes will be provided for earnings of ~~our foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the repatriation,~~non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies when we ~~have recognized $11.8 million of income tax expense in the first half of fiscal 2018.~~

~~In conjunction with this repatriation, we have determined~~determine that ~~additional previously undistributed~~such earnings ~~of certain foreign subsidiaries~~are no longer ~~meet the requirements for indefinite reinvestment under applicable accounting guidance and, therefore, recognized an additional $6.8 million of income tax expense in the first half of fiscal 2018.~~

An additional $2.5 million and $6.8 million of income tax expense was recognized in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2018, respectively, primarily related to a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits generated in the current year and prior periods.

~~We continue to believe the remaining undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, after taking into account the above transactions, are~~ indefinitely reinvested and ~~therefore have not provided any additional U.S. deferred taxes.~~will result in a tax liability upon distribution.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the recently enacted law to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The impact is expected to be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

13. CONTINGENCIES

Litigation Matters

We are a party to ~~various environmental proceedings and~~certain litigation ~~primarily related~~matters relating to our acquisition ~~in fiscal 1991~~ of Beatrice Company ("Beatrice"). As a result of the acquisition of Beatrice and the significant pre-acquisition contingencies of the Beatrice businesses and its former subsidiaries, our condensed consolidated post-acquisition financial statements reflect liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. Such liabilities include various in fiscal 1991, including litigation ~~and environmental~~ proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of ~~Beatrice. The litigation~~the company. These proceedings include suits against a number of lead paint and pigment manufacturers, including ConAgra Grocery Products Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("ConAgra Grocery Products")~~, and the Company~~ as alleged ~~successors~~successor to W. P. Fuller & Co., a lead paint and pigment manufacturer owned and operated by a predecessor to Beatrice from 1962 until 1967. These lawsuits generally seek damages for personal injury, property damage, economic loss, and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paint, and/or injunctive relief for inspection and abatement. 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. ConAgra Grocery Products has denied liability in both suits, both on the merits of the claims and on the basis that we do not believe it to be the successor to any liability attributable to W. P. Fuller & Co. The California suit is discussed in the following paragraph. The Illinois suit seeks class-wide relief for reimbursement of costs associated with the testing of lead levels in blood. We do not believe it is probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to the Illinois case, nor is it possible to estimate any potential exposure.

In California, a number of cities and counties joined in a consolidated action seeking abatement of ~~the~~an alleged public ~~nuisance.~~nuisance in the form of lead-based paint potentially present on the interior of residences, regardless of its condition. On September 23, 2013, a trial of the California case concluded in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara, and on January 27, 2014, the court entered a judgment (the "Judgment") against ConAgra Grocery Products and two other defendants ordering the creation of a California abatement fund in the amount of $1.15 billion. Liability is joint and several. The Company appealed the Judgment, and on November 14, 2017 the California Court of Appeal for the Sixth Appellate District reversed in part, holding that the defendants were not liable to pay for abatement of homes built after 1950, but affirmed the Judgment as to homes built before ~~1951 and~~1951. The Court of Appeal remanded the case to the trial court with directions to recalculate the ~~sum~~amount of the abatement fund estimated to be ~~paid into~~necessary to cover the ~~abatement fund. The Company has~~cost of remediating pre-1951 homes, and to hold an evidentiary hearing regarding appointment of a suitable receiver. ConAgra Grocery Products and the other defendants petitioned the California Supreme Court for ~~further~~ review of the decision, which ~~the Company believes~~we believe to be an unprecedented expansion of current California law. On February 14, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied the petition and declined to review the merits of the case, and the case was remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. ConAgra Grocery Products and the other defendants have sought further review of certain issues from the Supreme Court of the United States, although further appeal is discretionary and may not be granted. Further proceedings in the trial court may not be stayed pending the outcome of any further appeal. In light of the ~~unsettled nature of~~decision rendered by the California ~~public nuisance law~~Appellate Court on November 14, 2017, and the ~~ongoing~~California Supreme Court's decision on February 14, 2018 not to review the Appellate Court's decision, we have concluded that the liability has likely become probable as contemplated by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 450. On September 4, 2018, the trial court recalculated its estimate of the amount needed to remediate pre-1951 homes in the plaintiff jurisdictions to be $409.0 million. However, uncertainties remain which make it difficult to estimate the ultimate potential liability, including (i) although liability is joint and several, it is unknown what amount each defendant may ultimately be required to pay or how allocation among the defendants (and other potentially responsible parties such as property owners who may have violated the applicable housing codes) will be determined; (ii) according to the trial court's original order, participation in the abatement program by eligible homeowners is voluntary and it is unknown what percentage of eligible homeowners will choose to participate or how such claims will be administered; (iii) the trial court's original order required that any amounts paid by the defendants into the fund that were not spent within four years would be returned to the defendants, and it is unknown whether this feature of the fund will be retained or, if it is retained, how much will be spent during that time period; and (iv) defendants will have a new right to appeal any new aspects of the judgment entered by the trial court upon remand, although it is unknown whether the court would stay execution of any new judgment while a ~~loss~~subsequent appeal is ~~considered neither probable nor estimable, and~~pending.

While the ~~Company has accordingly not accrued~~ultimate amount of any loss and timing of payments related tothereto remain uncertain and could change as further information is obtained, we have accrued $136.0 million, within other accrued liabilities, for this case. In addition, it is not possible to estimate exposure in the remaining case in Illinois, which is based on different legal theories. If ultimately necessary, the Company will look to its insurance policies for coverage; its carriers are on notice. However, thematter as of August 26, 2018. The extent of insurance coverage is uncertain and the ~~Company~~Company's carriers are on notice; however, any possible insurance recovery has not been considered for purposes of determining our liability. We cannot assure that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on ~~its~~our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

The current environmental proceedings associated with Beatrice include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's possible status as a potentially responsible party at approximately 40 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites (the "Beatrice 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. In the past five years, Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 31 of these sites. Reserves for these Beatrice environmental proceedings 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 accrual for Beatrice-related environmental matters totaled $52.8 million as of November 26, 2017, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, a final Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study was submitted for the Southwest Properties portion of the Wells G&H Superfund site, which is one of the Beatrice sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") issued a Record of Decision (the "ROD") for the Southwest Properties portion of the site on September 29, 2017, and will subsequently enter into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to determine final responsibility for implementing the ROD.

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. In June 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. ("Jacobs"), 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. During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, our motion for summary judgment was granted and the suit was dismissed without prejudice on the basis that the suit was filed prematurely. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, Jacobs refiled its action seeking indemnity. On March 25, 2016, a Douglas County jury in Nebraska rendered a verdict in favor of Jacobs and against us in the amount of $108.9

million plus post-judgment interest. We filed our Notice of Appeal in September 2016, and the ~~case is awaiting decision~~appeal was heard by the Nebraska Supreme ~~Court. The appeal will be decided directly by~~Court in November 2017. On September 14, 2018, the Nebraska Supreme ~~Court.~~Court affirmed the jury verdict and the rulings of the trial court. Although our insurance carriers have provided customary notices of reservation of their rights under the policies of insurance, we expect ~~any ultimate~~the exposure in this case to be limited to the applicable insurance deductible.

We are party to a number of putative class action lawsuits challenging various product claims made in the Company's product labeling. These matters include Briseno v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., in which it is alleged that the labeling for Wesson^® oils as 100% natural is false and misleading because the oils contain genetically modified plants and organisms. In February 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granted class certification to permit plaintiffs to pursue state law claims. The Company appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which affirmed class certification in January 2017. The Supreme Court of the United States ~~Supreme Court~~ declined to review the decision and the case has been remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of this or any other legal proceeding, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

We are party to ~~a number of~~ matters challenging the Company's wage and hour practices. These matters include a number of putative class actions consolidated under the caption Negrete v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., et al, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in which the plaintiffs allege a pattern of violations of California and/or federal law at several current and former Company manufacturing facilities across the State of California. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of this or any other legal proceeding, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

Litigation Related to the Merger

We are involved in certain litigation matters in connection with our planned acquisition of Pinnacle (see Note 2). On August 7, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, captioned Alexander Rasmussen v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12501. On August 9, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, captioned Robert H. Paquette v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12578. On August 9, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, captioned Wesley Lindquist v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12610. The Rasmussen Action, the Paquette Action, and the Lindquist Action allege that Pinnacle's preliminary proxy statement, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2018, omits material information with respect to the merger, rendering it false and misleading and thus that Pinnacle and the directors of Pinnacle violated Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act as well as Rule 14a-9 under the Exchange Act. The Rasmussen Action, the Paquette Action, and the Lindquist Action further allege that the directors of Pinnacle violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Rasmussen Action and the Paquette Action seek, among other things, to enjoin the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement unless Pinnacle discloses the allegedly material information that was allegedly omitted from the proxy statement, an award of damages and an award of attorneys' fees and expenses. The Lindquist Action seeks, among other things, to enjoin the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement unless Pinnacle discloses the allegedly material information that was allegedly omitted from the proxy statement, an award of rescissory damages should the merger be consummated, including pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and an award of attorneys' fees and expenses.

On August 15, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle filed a complaint in a putative class action in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, captioned Jordan Rosenblatt v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2018-0605. The Rosenblatt Action alleges that the directors of Pinnacle breached their fiduciary duty of disclosure by filing a preliminary proxy statement that contained materially incomplete and misleading information. The Rosenblatt Action further alleges that Pinnacle, Conagra, and Patriot Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conagra ("Merger Sub"), aided and abetted the directors' alleged breach of fiduciary duty. The Rosenblatt Action seeks, among other things, to enjoin the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, rescission of the merger or an award of rescissory damages should the merger be consummated, an award of damages and an award of attorneys' fees and expenses. Conagra and Merger Sub believe the Rosenblatt Action is without merit and intend to vigorously defend it.

Environmental Matters

We are a party to certain environmental proceedings relating to our acquisition of Beatrice in fiscal 1991. Such proceedings include proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of Beatrice. The current environmental proceedings associated with Beatrice include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's possible status as a potentially responsible party at approximately 40 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites (the "Beatrice 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. Reserves for these Beatrice environmental proceedings 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 accrual for Beatrice-related environmental matters totaled $53.6 million as of August 26, 2018, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, a final Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study was submitted for the Southwest Properties portion of the Wells G&H Superfund site, which is one of the Beatrice sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") issued a Record of Decision (the "ROD") for the Southwest Properties portion of the site on September 29, 2017, and has entered into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to determine final responsibility for implementing the ROD.

Guarantees and Other Contingencies

In certain limited situations, we guarantee obligations of the Lamb Weston business pursuant to guarantee arrangements that existed prior to the Spinoff and remained in place following completion of the Spinoff until such guarantee obligations are substituted for guarantees issued by Lamb Weston. Such guarantee arrangements are described below. Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016 (the "Separation Agreement"), between us and Lamb Weston, these guarantee arrangements are deemed liabilities of Lamb Weston that were transferred to Lamb Weston as part of the Spinoff. Accordingly, in the event that we are required to make any payments as a result of these guarantee arrangements, Lamb Weston is obligated to indemnify us for any such liability, reduced by any insurance proceeds received by us, in accordance with the terms of the indemnification provisions under the Separation Agreement.

Lamb Weston is a party to a warehouse services agreement with a third-party warehouse provider through July 2035. Under this agreement, Lamb Weston is required to make payments for warehouse services based on the quantity of goods stored and other service factors. We have guaranteed the warehouse provider that we will make the payments required under the agreement in the event that Lamb Weston fails to perform. Minimum payments of $1.5 million per month are required under this agreement. It is not possible to determine the maximum amount of the payment obligations under this agreement. Upon completion of the Spinoff, we recognized a liability for the estimated fair value of this guarantee. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, the amount of this guarantee, recorded in other noncurrent liabilities, was ~~$28.9~~$27.7 million.

Lamb Weston is a party to an agricultural sublease agreement with a third party for certain farmland through 2020 (subject, at Lamb Weston's option, to extension for two additional five-year periods). Under the terms of the sublease agreement, Lamb Weston is required to make certain rental payments to the sublessor. We have guaranteed the sublessor Lamb Weston's performance and the payment of all amounts (including indemnification obligations) owed by Lamb Weston under the sublease agreement, up to a maximum of $75.0 million. We believe the farmland associated with this sublease agreement is readily marketable for lease to other area farming operators. As such, we believe that any financial exposure to the company, in the event that we were required to perform under the guaranty, would be largely mitigated.

We lease a certain office ~~buildings~~building from ~~entities~~an entity that we have determined to be a variable interest ~~entities.~~entity. The lease ~~agreements contain~~agreement with this entity includes a fixed-price purchase option for the asset being leased. The lease agreement also contains a contingent put ~~options exercisable now and remain exercisable until generally 30 days after~~option (the "lease put option") that allows the ~~end of the respective lease agreements, that allow the lessors~~lessor to require us to purchase the ~~buildings~~building at the greater of original construction cost, or fair market value, without a lease agreement in ~~place. We have financial exposure with respect~~place (the "put price") in certain limited circumstances. As a result of substantial impairment charges related to ~~these entities in the event we are required to purchase the leased buildings for a price in excess of the then current fair value under the applicable~~our divested Private Brands operations, this lease ~~purchase options.~~put option became exercisable. We are amortizing the difference between the put price and the estimated fair value (without a lease agreement in place) of ~~each respective~~the property over the remaining ~~respective~~ lease term within ~~selling, general and administrative~~SG&A expenses. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017,~~27, 2018, the estimated amount by which the put prices exceeded the fair values of the related properties was $50.7 million, of which we had accrued $10.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively. In December 2017, subsequent to the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we purchased a building that had been subject to a put option. We will recognize a net loss of approximately $13 million for the early termination of the associated lease in our third quarter of fiscal 2018. Also in December 2017, we made an offer to purchase another property subject to a put option. We have not entered into a binding legal contract in connection with this offer. However, if our offer is accepted, we may recognize an estimated loss of $30 million to $40 million, upon closing of the transaction, for the early exit of an unfavorable lease contract. If this transaction is completed, we would have one remaining leased building subject to a put option for which the put option price ~~exceeds~~exceeded the estimated fair value byof the property was $8.2 million, of which we had accrued ~~$1.0~~$1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. This lease is accounted for as an operating lease, and accordingly, there are no material assets and liabilities, other than the accrued portion of ~~November 26, 2017.~~the put price, associated with this entity included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of this entity. In making this determination, we have considered, among other items, the terms of the lease agreement, the expected remaining useful life of the asset leased, and the capital structure of the lessor entity.

General

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. It~~liquidity; however, it is reasonably possible that a change of the estimates of any of the foregoing matters may occur in the future and, as noted, ~~while unlikely,~~ the lead paint matter could result in a material final ~~judgment.~~ judgment which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Costs of legal services associated with the foregoing matters are recognized in earnings as services are provided.

14. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We have defined benefit retirement plans ("plans") for eligible salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on years of credited service and average compensation or stated amounts for each year of service. We also sponsor postretirement plans which provide certain medical and dental benefits ("other postretirement benefits") to qualifying U.S. employees.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we approved the amendment of our salaried and non-qualified pension plans effective as of December 31, 2017. The amendment will freeze the compensation and service periods used to calculate pension benefits for active employees who participate in the plans. Beginning January 1, 2018, impacted employees will not accrue additional benefit for future service and eligible compensation received under these plans.

As a result of the amendment, we were required to remeasure our pension plan liability as of September 30, 2017. In connection with the remeasurement, we updated the effective discount rate assumption from 3.90% to 3.78%. The curtailment and related remeasurement resulted in a net decrease to the underfunded status of the pension plans by $43.5 million with a corresponding benefit within other comprehensive income (loss) for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. In addition, we recorded charges of $3.4 million and $0.7 million reflecting the write-off of actuarial losses in excess of 10% of our pension liability and a curtailment charge, respectively.

Components of pension benefit and other postretirement benefit costs ~~are (includes amounts related to discontinued operations):~~are:


	Pension Benefits												Pension Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended						Twenty-six weeks ended						Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Service cost	$	13.2		$	15.9		$	25.9		$	32.6		$	2.7		$	12.7
Interest cost	27.7			29.9			55.9			59.9			32.0			28.2
Expected return on plan assets	(54.6		)	(53.9		)	(108.8		)	(107.7		)	(42.3		)	(54.2		)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.7			0.7			1.4			1.3			0.7			0.7
Recognized net actuarial loss	3.4			—			3.4			—
Special termination benefits	—			1.5			—			1.5
Curtailment loss	0.7			—			0.7			—
Benefit cost (benefit) — Company plans	(8.9		)	(5.9		)	(21.5		)	(12.4		)	(6.9		)	(12.6		)
Pension benefit cost — multi-employer plans	4.2			2.8			5.7			5.1			1.7			1.5
Total benefit cost (benefit)	$	(4.7	)	$	(3.1	)	$	(15.8	)	$	(7.3	)	$	(5.2	)	$	(11.1	)


	Postretirement Benefits												Postretirement Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended						Twenty-six weeks ended						Thirteen weeks ended
	November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			November 26, 2017			November 27, 2016			August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Service cost	$	—		$	0.1		$	—		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	—
Interest cost	0.9			1.0			1.8			2.1			0.9			0.9
Amortization of prior service benefit	(0.8		)	(1.6		)	(1.6		)	(3.3		)	(0.5		)	(0.8		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	—			0.1			—			0.2
Recognized net actuarial gain													(0.4		)	—
Curtailment gain													(0.6		)	—
Total cost (benefit)	$	0.1		$	(0.4	)	$	0.2		$	(0.9	)	$	(0.5	)	$	0.1

The Company uses a split discount rate (spot-rate approach) for the U.S. plans and certain foreign plans. The spot-rate approach applies separate discount rates for each projected benefit payment in the calculation of pension service and interest cost.

The weighted-average discount rates for service and interest costs under the spot-rate approach used for pension benefit cost ~~from May 29, 2017 through September 30, 2017,~~in fiscal 2019 were ~~4.19%~~4.21% and ~~3.26%, respectively. The weighted-average discount rates for service and interest costs subsequent to September 30, 2017 are 4.04% and 3.24%, respectively.~~3.83%.

During the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, we contributed ~~$2.3~~$4.2 million ~~and $6.1 million, respectively,~~ to our pension plans and contributed ~~$3.0~~$2.6 million ~~and $6.9 million, respectively,~~ to our other postretirement plans. Based upon the current funded status of the plans and the current interest rate environment, we anticipate making further contributions of approximately $~~6.8~~10.3 million to our pension plans for the remainder of fiscal ~~2018.~~2019. We anticipate making further contributions of approximately $~~11.8~~13.6 million to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of fiscal ~~2018.~~2019. These estimates are based on ERISA guidelines, current tax laws, plan asset performance, and liability assumptions, which are subject to change.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded an expense of $2.1 million related to our expected incurrence of certain multi-employer pension plan withdrawal costs. This expense has been included in restructuring activities.

15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the ~~twenty-six~~thirteen weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018:

Conagra Brands, 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 28, 2017 567.9
$ 2,839.7
$ 1,171.9
$ 4,247.0
$ (212.9 ) $ (4,054.9 ) $ 87.0
$ 4,077.8
Stock option and incentive plans (5.1 ) 0.2
27.0
22.1
Spinoff of Lamb Weston 15.5
15.5
Currency translation adjustment, net 19.9

19.9
Repurchase of common shares (580.0 ) (580.0 )
Unrealized gain on securities 0.4
0.4
Derivative adjustment, net 0.7
0.7
Activities of noncontrolling interests 1.8
1.8
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits 26.7
26.7
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.425 per share (174.4 ) (174.4 )
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. 376.0
376.0
Balance at November 26, 2017 567.9
$ 2,839.7
$ 1,166.8
$ 4,464.3
$ (165.2 ) $ (4,607.9 ) $ 88.8
$ 3,786.5

On November 9, 2016, we completed the Spinoff of the Lamb Weston business. During the first half of fiscal 2018, the income tax basis of certain Lamb Weston assets and liabilities were finalized. The adjustment to Retained Earnings was recorded to reflect the adjustment to deferred income taxes.



	Conagra Brands, 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 27, 2018	567.9	$	2,839.7	$	1,180.0		$	4,744.9		$	(110.5	)	$	(4,977.9	)	$	80.4		$	3,756.6
Stock option and incentive plans				(14.1		)	0.5						23.3			0.1			9.8
Adoption of ASU 2016-01							0.6			(0.6		)							—
Adoption of ASU 2014-09							0.5												0.5
Currency translation adjustment, net										(0.7		)				(2.3		)	(3.0		)
Derivative adjustment, net										(43.4		)							(43.4		)
Activities of noncontrolling interests				(0.3		)										0.3			—
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits										(0.5		)							(0.5		)
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.2125 per share							(83.2		)										(83.2		)
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.							178.2												178.2
Balance at August 26, 2018	567.9	$	2,839.7	$	1,165.6		$	4,841.5		$	(155.7	)	$	(4,954.6	)	$	78.5		$	3,815.0

16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price assets or liabilities. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities,

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The fair values of our Level 2 derivative instruments were primarily determined using valuation models that use market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 ~~primarily~~mainly represent commodity and foreign currency option and forward contracts and deal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts. The probability assessment of the Pinnacle acquisition and certain other inputs were not significant in determining the fair value of the deal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts.

The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of August 26, 2018:



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Value
Assets:
Derivative assets	$	2.6	$	1.8	$	—	$	4.4
Equity securities	5.1		—		—		5.1
Total assets	$	7.7	$	1.8	$	—	$	9.5
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	58.6	$	—	$	58.6
Deferred compensation liabilities	56.4		—		—		56.4
Total liabilities	$	56.4	$	58.6	$	—	$	115.0

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Value
Assets:
Derivative assets $ 3.3
$ 0.9
$ —
$ 4.2
Available-for-sale securities 4.3
—
—
4.3
Total assets $ 7.6
$ 0.9
$ —
$ 8.5
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities $ —
$ 2.0
$ —
$ 2.0
Deferred compensation liabilities 53.7
—
—
53.7
Total liabilities $ 53.7
$ 2.0
$ —
$ 55.7


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Value
Assets:
Derivative assets	$	2.0	$	0.3	$	—	$	2.3	$	1.7	$	2.7	$	—	$	4.4
Available-for-sale securities	3.5		—		—		3.5
Equity securities									4.8		—		—		4.8
Total assets	$	5.5	$	0.3	$	—	$	5.8	$	6.5	$	2.7	$	—	$	9.2
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	1.3	$	—	$	1.3	$	—	$	0.1	$	—	$	0.1
Deferred compensation liabilities	47.2		—		—		47.2		51.6		—		—		51.6
Total liabilities	$	47.2	$	1.3	$	—	$	48.5	$	51.6	$	0.1	$	—	$	51.7

Certain assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill, ~~and cost~~ and equity investments, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, a charge of $4.7 million was recognized in the Corporate segment for the impairment of certain long-lived assets. The impairment was measured based upon the estimated sales price of the assets.

In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, we recognized goodwill impairment charges in the International segment of $43.9 million and $183.1 million, respectively. See Note 7 for discussion of the methodology employed to measure this impairment. We also recognized an impairment of an indefinite-lived brand totaling $24.4 million in the International segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The fair value of the brand was estimated using the "Relief From Royalty" method.

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was ~~$3.46~~$3.54 billion as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and ~~$2.97 billion as of~~ May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018. Based on current market rates, the fair value of this debt (level 2 liabilities) at ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018, was estimated at ~~$3.80~~$3.73 billion and ~~$3.32~~$3.76 billion, respectively.

17. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

We reflect our results of operations in ~~five~~four reporting segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, ~~Foodservice,~~ and ~~Commercial.~~Foodservice.

The Grocery & Snacks reporting segment principally includes branded, shelf-stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

The Refrigerated & Frozen reporting segment includes branded, ~~temperature controlled~~temperature-controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

The International reporting segment principally includes branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States.

The Foodservice reporting segment includes branded and customized food products, including meals, entrees, sauces and a variety of custom-manufactured culinary products packaged for sale to restaurants and other foodservice establishments primarily in the United States.

The Commercial reporting segment included commercially branded and private label food and ingredients, which were sold primarily to commercial, restaurant, foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. The segment's primary food items included a variety of vegetable, spice, and frozen bakery goods, which were sold under brands such as ~~Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings~~^®~~. The Spicetec and JM Swank businesses were sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.~~

We do not aggregate operating segments when determining our reporting segments.

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each of the segments is based on net sales less all identifiable operating expenses. General corporate expense, net interest expense, and income taxes have been excluded from segment operations.


	Thirteen weeks ended					Twenty-six weeks ended					Thirteen Weeks Ended
	November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016			November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016			August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Net sales
Grocery & Snacks	$	900.4	$	853.2		$	1,646.2	$	1,610.4		$	771.1		$	745.8
Refrigerated & Frozen	758.1		740.7			1,373.8		1,345.3			635.2			615.7
International	220.3		211.4			411.2		406.1			193.8			190.9
Foodservice	294.6		283.1			546.4		551.1			234.3			251.8
Commercial	—		—			—		71.1
Total net sales	$	2,173.4	$	2,088.4		$	3,977.6	$	3,984.0		$	1,834.4		$	1,804.2
Operating profit
Grocery & Snacks	$	199.8	$	220.2		$	376.0	$	400.7		$	178.7		$	176.2
Refrigerated & Frozen	128.5		118.0			230.4		210.2			95.5			101.9
International	20.2		(26.7		)	39.1		(175.9		)	37.3			18.9
Foodservice	47.4		31.9			70.6		53.6			27.5			23.2
Commercial	—		(0.5		)	—		202.8
Total operating profit	$	395.9	$	342.9		$	716.1	$	691.4		$	339.0		$	320.2
Equity method investment earnings	20.6		17.2			50.6		30.3			16.2			30.0
General corporate expense	44.9		113.3			85.1		148.9			80.8			60.8
Pension and postretirement non-service income											(10.2		)	(20.6		)
Interest expense, net	38.0		54.1			74.4		112.3			49.0			36.4
Income tax expense	109.5		78.4			229.5		247.6			57.4			120.0
Income from continuing operations	$	224.1	$	114.3		$	377.7	$	212.9		$	178.2		$	153.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of continuing operations	1.0		0.6			1.8		0.8			—			0.8
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	223.1	$	113.7		$	375.9	$	212.1		$	178.2		$	152.8

The following table presents further disaggregation of our net sales:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	August 26, 2018		August 27, 2017
Snacks	$	291.4	$	257.5
Other shelf-stable	479.7		488.3
Frozen	463.5		432.3
Refrigerated	171.7		183.4
International	193.8		190.9
Foodservice	234.3		251.8
Total net sales	$	1,834.4	$	1,804.2

Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) for 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 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. In the event that management determines a particular derivative entered into as an economic hedge of a forecasted commodity purchase has ceased to function as an economic hedge, we cease recognizing further gains and losses on such derivatives in corporate expense and begin recognizing such gains and losses within segment operating results, immediately.

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:

Thirteen weeks ended Twenty-six weeks ended
November 26,
2017 November 27,
2016 November 26,
2017 November 27,
2016
Net derivative gains (losses) incurred $ 3.0
$ 3.0
$ (4.4 ) $ 2.7
Less: Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to reporting segments (4.1 ) 3.8
(5.5 ) 2.8
Net derivative gains (losses) recognized in general corporate expenses $ 7.1
$ (0.8 ) $ 1.1
$ (0.1 )
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Grocery & Snacks $ (0.4 ) $ 2.4
$ (1.0 ) $ 2.0
Net derivative gains allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen 0.1
0.7
0.1
0.5
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International (3.7 ) 0.2
(4.4 ) 0.2
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice (0.1 ) 0.5
(0.2 ) 0.2
Net derivative losses allocated to Commercial —
—
—
(0.1 )
Net derivative gains (losses) included in segment operating profit $ (4.1 ) $ 3.8
$ (5.5 ) $ 2.8



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Gross derivative losses incurred	$	(6.5	)	$	(7.4	)
Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments	(0.1		)	(1.4		)
Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses	$	(6.4	)	$	(6.0	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.6	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen	(0.1		)	—
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International	0.3			(0.7		)
Net derivative losses allocated to Foodservice	(0.1		)	(0.1		)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit	$	(0.1	)	$	(1.4	)

As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, the cumulative amount of net derivative losses from economic hedges that had been recognized in general corporate expenses and not yet allocated to reporting segments was ~~$1.9~~$3.2 million. This amount reflected net losses of ~~$0.6~~$6.2 million incurred during the ~~twenty-six~~thirteen weeks ended ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017, as well as~~2018 and net ~~losses~~gains of ~~$1.3~~$3.0 million incurred prior to fiscal ~~2018.~~2019. Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of ~~$1.8~~$2.5 million in fiscal ~~2018~~2019 and losses of ~~$0.1~~$0.7 million in fiscal ~~2019~~2020 and thereafter.

Assets by Segment

The majority of our manufacturing assets are shared across multiple reporting segments. Output from these facilities used by each reporting segment can change over time. Also, working capital balances are not tracked by reporting segment. Therefore, it is impracticable to allocate those assets to the reporting segments, as well as disclose total assets by segment. Total depreciation expense was ~~$55.6~~$55.4 million and ~~$111.7~~$56.1 million for the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018, respectively,~~2019 and ~~$58.2 million and $117.0 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017,~~2018, respectively.

Other Information

Our operations are principally in the United States. With respect to operations outside of the United States, no single foreign country or geographic region was significant with respect to consolidated operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018. Foreign net sales, including sales by domestic segments to customers located outside of the United States, were approximately $211.9 million and $207.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our long-lived assets located outside of the United States are not significant.

Our largest customer, ~~Wal-Mart Stores,~~Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 25% and 24% of consolidated net sales in ~~each of~~ the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018, ~~and 2017,~~respectively, primarily in the Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments.

~~Wal-Mart Stores,~~Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates accounted for approximately ~~28%~~27% and ~~26%~~25% of consolidated net receivables as of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017~~2018 and May ~~28, 2017, respectively, primarily in the Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments.~~27, 2018, respectively.

We offer certain suppliers access to a third-party service that allows them to view our scheduled payments online. The ~~third party~~third-party service also allows suppliers to finance advances on our scheduled payments at the sole discretion of the supplier and the third party. We have no economic interest in these financing arrangements and no direct relationship with the suppliers, the third party, or any financial institutions concerning this service. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017, $68.7~~2018, $102.7 million of our total accounts payable is payable to suppliers who utilize this third-party service.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expected future financial performance or position, results of operations, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and other statements that are not historical facts. You can identify forward-looking statements by their use of forward-looking words, such as "may", "will", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "should", "seek", or comparable terms.

Readers of this report should understand that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and factors relating to our business and operations, all of which are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and factors include, among other things: ~~changes in federal and state tax laws, including~~ the ~~recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation;the ability and timing~~failure to obtain ~~required regulatory approvals and satisfy other~~Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle") shareholder approval of the merger agreement; the possibility that the closing conditions ~~for~~to the ~~pending~~ ~~Wesson~~^® ~~oil divestiture and the pending~~planned acquisition of Pinnacle may not be satisfied or waived; delay in closing the ~~Sandwich Bros.~~planned acquisition of ~~Wisconsin~~^® ~~business;~~Pinnacle or the possibility of non-consummation of the planned acquisition; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the planned acquisition of Pinnacle may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, including that the planned acquisition may not be accretive within the expected timeframe or to the extent anticipated; the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the merger agreement; the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle may affect the timing or occurrence of the planned acquisition or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification, and liability; risks related to the disruption of the planned acquisition of Pinnacle to us and our management; the effect of the announcement of the planned acquisition of Pinnacle on our ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and other third parties; our ability to achieve the intended benefits of recent and pending acquisitions and divestitures, including the recent ~~Spinoff (as defined below)~~spin-off of our Lamb Weston ~~business,~~business; the ~~recent acquisition~~continued evaluation of ~~Angie’s Artisan Treats, LLC,~~ the ~~proposed divestiture~~role of ~~the~~our Wesson^® oil ~~business, and the proposed acquisition of the~~ ~~Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin~~^® business; general economic and industry conditions; our ability to successfully execute our long-term value creation strategy; our ability to access ~~capital;~~capital on acceptable terms or at all; our ability to execute our operating and restructuring plans and achieve our targeted operating efficiencies from cost-saving initiatives and to benefit from trade optimization programs; the effectiveness of our hedging activities and our ability to respond to volatility in commodities; the competitive environment and related market conditions; our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences and the success of our innovation and marketing investments; the ultimate impact of any product recalls and litigation, including litigation related to the lead paint and pigment matters; actions of governments and regulatory factors affecting our ~~businesses;~~businesses, including the ultimate impact of recently enacted U.S. tax legislation and related regulations or interpretations; the availability and prices of raw materials, including any negative effects caused by inflation or weather conditions; risks and uncertainties associated with intangible assets, including any future goodwill or intangible assets impairment charges; ~~the costs, disruption, and diversion of management's attention associated with campaigns commenced by activist investors;~~ and other risks described in our ~~Annual Report on Form 10-K and other~~ reports ~~we file~~filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no responsibility to update these ~~statements.~~statements, except as required by law.

The discussion that follows should be read together with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained in this report and with the financial statements, related notes, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May ~~28, 2017~~27, 2018 and subsequent filings with the SEC. Results for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be attained in the future.

Fiscal ~~2018 Second~~2019 First Quarter Executive Overview

Conagra Brands, Inc. (the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, the Company combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The Company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Its iconic brands such as Marie Callender's^®, Reddi-wip^®, Hunt's^®, Healthy Choice^®, Slim Jim^®, ~~and~~ Orville Redenbacher's^®, as well as emerging brands, including Alexia^®, Angie's^®BOOMCHICKAPOP^®, Blake's^®, Duke's^®,and Frontera^®, offer choices for every occasion.

On ~~November 9, 2016,~~June 26, 2018, we ~~completed~~entered into a definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Pinnacle and Patriot Merger Sub Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary ("Merger Sub"). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, the ~~spinoff~~merger of ~~Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. ("Lamb Weston"~~Merger Sub with and into Pinnacle, with Pinnacle continuing as the surviving corporation (the "Merger") ~~through~~. As a ~~distribution~~result of ~~100%~~the Merger, Merger Sub will cease to exist, and Pinnacle will survive as our wholly-owned subsidiary.

Subject to the terms and conditions of ~~our interest~~the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each share of Pinnacle common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (other than shares as to which dissenter's rights have been properly exercised and certain other excluded shares) will be converted into the right to receive (i) $43.11 in ~~Lamb Weston to holders, as of November 1, 2016, of outstanding~~cash and (ii) 0.6494 shares of our common stock, ~~(the "Spinoff").~~with cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock. The ~~transaction effecting this change was structured as~~implied price of $68.00 per Pinnacle share is based on the volume-weighted average price of our stock for the five days ended June 21, 2018.

We secured $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing from affiliates of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. in connection with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle. The commitments under the committed bridge financing were subsequently reduced by the amounts of a ~~tax-free spinoff.~~term loan agreement we entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for term loans to us in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.3 billion. The funding under the term loan agreement is anticipated to occur simultaneously with the closing date of the acquisition. In connection with the Merger, we expect to incur up to $8.3 billion of long-term debt (which includes any funding under the new term loan agreement), including for the payment of the cash portion of the Merger consideration, the repayment of Pinnacle debt, the refinancing of certain Conagra debt, and the payment of related fees and expenses. The permanent financing is also expected to include approximately $600 million of incremental cash proceeds from the issuance of equity and/or divestitures.

The ~~results~~planned acquisition of ~~operations for~~Pinnacle is expected to close by the ~~Lamb Weston business have been reclassified to results~~end of ~~discontinued operations for all periods prior~~October 2018 and is subject to the ~~Spinoff.~~satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including (i) the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of all outstanding Pinnacle common stock and (ii) there being no law or order that restrains, enjoins, or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the planned acquisition or the issuance of our common stock in connection with the planned acquisition. The obligation of each of us and Pinnacle to consummate the planned acquisition is also conditioned on the other party's representations and warranties being true and correct (subject to certain materiality exceptions) and the other party having performed, in all material respects, its obligations under the Merger Agreement. The closing of the planned acquisition is not subject to a financing condition.

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was signed into law. The Tax Act reduced tax rates and modified certain policies, credits, and deductions and has certain international tax consequences. The Tax Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate. The Tax Act's corporate rate reduction became effective January 1, 2018, in the middle of our third quarter of fiscal 2018. Given our off-calendar fiscal year-end, our fiscal 2018 federal statutory tax rate was a blended rate. Our federal statutory rate is 21% in fiscal 2019.

In the first quarter of fiscal ~~2017, we completed the~~2019, results reflected a slight increase in net sales, of our Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings business ("Spicetec") and our JM Swank business for combined proceeds of $489.1 million. The results of operations of Spicetec and JM Swank are included in the Commercial segment.

~~In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, earnings reflected~~including the impact of ~~increased sales volumes, primarily~~recent acquisitions, with organic (excludes the ~~result~~impact of ~~hurricane-related sales,~~foreign exchange and ~~a gross margin increase in the Foodservice segment,~~divested businesses, as well as ~~higher operating profit primarily~~acquisitions until the anniversary date of the acquisition) increases in ~~the~~our Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, and International operating segments, in each case compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Organic net sales increased in our Foodservice ~~segments.~~operating segment excluding the impact of the sale of the Trenton production facility. Overall gross margin declined slightly primarily due to higher-than-anticipated inflation, including transportation costs, and increased investments to drive brand saliency, enhanced distribution, and consumer trial of new innovation. Overall segment operating profit increased primarily due to the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606"), and a gain on the divestiture of our Del Monte^®Canada business. The ~~improved~~increase in segment operating performance ~~also reflected an increase~~was offset by higher corporate expenses, a decrease in equity method investment earnings, and ~~lower~~higher interest expense, in each case compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017. Overall operating performance~~2018. Income tax expense was ~~impacted by higher-than-anticipated inflation, hurricane-related costs, and increased investments~~lower compared to ~~drive distribution and consumer trial.~~the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Diluted earnings per share in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 were ~~$0.54.~~$0.45. Diluted earnings per share in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017~~2018 were ~~$0.28, including~~$0.36. Diluted earnings per share were affected by fewer shares outstanding in the first quarter of ~~$0.26 per diluted share from continuing operations~~fiscal 2019 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the impact of the Tax Act, and ~~$0.02 per diluted share from discontinued operations. Several~~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 the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 included the following:

charges totaling ~~$7.1~~$16.6 million ($~~4.6 million after-tax) in connection with our SCAE Plan (as defined below),~~

~~charges totaling $7.8 million ($5.0~~14.3 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

charges totaling ~~$4.1~~$4.3 million ($~~2.5~~3.2 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for integration activities related to ~~a remeasurement~~the planned acquisition of ~~our salaried and non-qualified pension plan liability, and~~Pinnacle,


•	a gain of $13.3 million ($9.7 million after-tax) from the sale of the Del Monte^®Canada business, and

an income tax benefit of ~~$5.3~~$4.8 million ~~related to~~ associated with a release of a Mexican tax reserve.

Items of note impacting comparability for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 included the following:

charges totaling $11.4 million ($7.3 million after-tax) in connection with our SCAE Plan (as defined below) and

an ~~adjustment to~~income tax charge of $27.8 million associated with the ~~estimated tax expense resulting from the~~planned repatriation of cash ~~during the second quarter~~ from foreign subsidiaries and the tax expense related to the earnings of foreign subsidiaries previously deemed to be permanently invested.

~~Items of note impacting comparability for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 included the following:~~

~~charges totaling $60.6 million ($39.2 million after-tax) related to the early retirement of debt,~~

~~charges totaling $43.9 million ($40.7 million after-tax) related to the impairment of goodwill in our International segment,~~

~~charges totaling $19.8 million ($12.9 million after-tax) in connection with our SCAE Plan, and~~

~~an income tax expense of $7.4 million associated with a change in a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset due to a change in the estimated capital gain on the Spicetec divestiture.~~

~~Items of note impacting comparability for the first half of fiscal 2018 included the following:~~

~~charges totaling $18.5 million ($12.0 million after-tax) in connection with our SCAE Plan,~~

~~charges totaling $8.6 million ($5.5 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,~~

~~charges totaling $4.1 million ($2.5 million after-tax) related to the pension remeasurement, and~~

an income tax charge of $22.5 million associated with the repatriation of cash during the second quarter from foreign subsidiaries and the tax expense related to the earnings of foreign subsidiaries previously deemed to be permanently invested.

~~Items of note impacting comparability for the first half of fiscal 2017 included the following:~~

~~charges totaling $207.5 million ($190.2 million after-tax) related to the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets in our International segment,~~

~~gains totaling $197.7 million ($67.6 million after-tax) from the divestiture of the Spicetec and JM Swank businesses,~~

~~charges totaling $60.6 million ($39.2 million after-tax) related to the early retirement of debt,~~

~~charges totaling $33.9 million ($22.0 million after-tax) in connection with our SCAE Plan, and~~

~~an income tax benefit of $7.5 million associated with a tax planning strategy that allowed us to utilize certain state tax attributes.~~

Acquisitions

~~Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal~~On June 26, 2018, we entered into the Merger Agreement with Pinnacle under which we will acquire all outstanding shares of Pinnacle common stock in a ~~definitive agreement~~cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle's outstanding net debt. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Pinnacle shareholders will receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of our common stock for each share of Pinnacle common stock held. The planned acquisition is expected to ~~acquire~~close by the end of October 2018 and remains subject to the approval of Pinnacle shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

In February 2018, we acquired the Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin^®business, maker of frozen breakfast and entree flatbread pocket sandwiches, for a cash purchase price of ~~$87~~$87.3 million, net of cash ~~acquired~~acquired. Approximately $57.8 million has been classified as goodwill, and ~~subject to working capital adjustments.~~$9.7 million and $7.1 million have been classified as non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The amount of goodwill allocated is deductible for tax purposes. The business ~~will be primarily~~is included in the Refrigerated & Frozen segment. ~~The transaction is expected to close in early calendar year 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of any applicable regulatory approvals.~~

In October 2017, we acquired Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC, maker of Angie's^® BOOMCHICKAPOP^® ready-to-eat popcorn, for a cash purchase price of ~~$249.6~~$249.8 million, net of cash ~~acquired~~acquired. Approximately $155.1 million has been classified as goodwill, of which $95.4 million is deductible for income tax purposes. Approximately $73.8 million and ~~subject~~$10.3 million of the purchase price have been allocated to ~~working capital adjustments.~~non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The business is primarily included in the Grocery & Snacks segment.

Divestitures

~~In April 2017,~~During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we ~~acquired protein-based snacking businesses Thanasi Foods LLC, maker~~completed the sale of our ~~Duke's~~Del Monte^® ~~meat snacks,~~processedfruit and ~~BIGS LLC, maker~~vegetable business in Canada for combined proceeds of $39.9 million Canadian dollars, which was approximately $30.3 million U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the date of close. The final proceeds are subject to working capital adjustments. The results of operations of ~~BIGS~~Del Monte^® ~~seeds, for $217.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired. These businesses~~ are included in ~~the Grocery & Snacks~~our International segment.

~~In September 2016, we acquired the operating assets of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC, including the~~ ~~Frontera~~^®, ~~Red Fork~~^®~~, and~~ ~~Salpica~~^® brands. These businesses make authentic, gourmet Mexican food products and contemporary American cooking sauces. We acquired the businesses for $108.2 million in cash, net of cash acquired. These businesses are included principally in the Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the Refrigerated & Frozen and International segments.

~~Divestitures~~

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we signed an agreement to sell our Wesson^® oil business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment, to The J.M. Smucker Company ("Smucker"). ~~The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including~~In the ~~termination or expiration~~fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Conagra Brands and Smucker terminated the ~~waiting period under~~agreement. This outcome followed the ~~Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act~~decision of ~~1976 (the "HSR Act"). On August 28, 2017, Smucker and~~ the ~~Company each received a request for additional information under the HSR Act (a "second request") from the U.S.~~ Federal Trade Commission, ~~("FTC") in connection with~~announced on March 5, 2018, to challenge the ~~FTC's review of the transaction.~~pending sale. The ~~agreement for the sale of~~Company is still actively marketing the Wesson^® oil business ~~provides that, unless otherwise agreed upon by~~and expects to sell it within the Company and Smucker, if the closing of the transaction has not occurred on or prior to March 31, 2018 because HSR approval has not been received as of such date, then either party may terminate the agreement. The parties are cooperating fully with the FTC as it conducts its review of the transaction.next twelve months.

~~On November 9, 2016, we completed the Spinoff of Lamb Weston. The results of operations of the Lamb Weston business have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.~~

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we completed the sales of our Spicetec and Flavors & Seasonings business ("Spicetec") and JM Swank business for combined proceeds of $489.1 million. The results of operations of Spicetec and JM Swank are included in the Commercial segment.

Restructuring Plans

In May 2013, we announced the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"), our plan to integrate and restructure the operations of our Private Brands business, improve selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") effectiveness and efficiencies, and optimize our supply chain network, manufacturing assets, dry distribution centers, and mixing centers. In fiscal 2016, we announced plans to realize efficiency benefits by reducing SG&A expenses and enhancing trade spend processes and tools, which plans were included as part of the SCAE Plan. Although we divested the Private Brands business, we have continued to implement the SCAE Plan, including by working to optimize our supply chain network, pursue cost reductions through our SG&A functions, enhance trade spend processes and tools, and improve productivity.

Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire SCAE Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. As of ~~November~~August 26, ~~2017,~~2018, the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the incurrence of up to $900.9 million of expenses in connection with the SCAE Plan, including expenses allocated for the Private Brands and Lamb Weston operations. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately ~~$464.8~~$469.8 million of charges ($~~320.7~~322.0 million of cash charges and ~~$144.1~~$147.8 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal 2019 and 2018, we recognized charges of ~~$7.1~~$0.6 million and $18.5 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2017, we recognized charges of $19.8 million and 33.9$11.4 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. We expect to incur costs related to the SCAE Plan over a multi-year period.

SEGMENT REVIEW

We reflect our results of operations in ~~five~~four reporting segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, ~~Foodservice,~~ International, and ~~Commercial.~~Foodservice.

Grocery & Snacks

The Grocery & Snacks reporting segment principally includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

Refrigerated & Frozen

The Refrigerated & Frozen reporting segment principally includes branded, ~~temperature controlled~~temperature-controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

International

The International reporting segment principally includes branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States.

Foodservice

~~Commercial~~

Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) from Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows in Segment Results

Thirteen weeks ended Twenty-six weeks ended
($ in millions) November 26,
2017 November 27,
2016 November 26,
2017 November 27,
2016
Net derivative gains (losses) incurred $ 3.0
$ 3.0
$ (4.4 ) $ 2.7
Less: Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to reporting segments (4.1 ) 3.8
(5.5 ) 2.8
Net derivative gains (losses) recognized in general corporate expenses $ 7.1
$ (0.8 ) $ 1.1
$ (0.1 )
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Grocery & Snacks $ (0.4 ) $ 2.4
$ (1.0 ) $ 2.0
Net derivative gains allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen 0.1
0.7
0.1
0.5
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International (3.7 ) 0.2
(4.4 ) 0.2
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice (0.1 ) 0.5
(0.2 ) 0.2
Net derivative losses allocated to Commercial —
—
—
(0.1 )
Net derivative gains (losses) included in segment operating profit $ (4.1 ) $ 3.8
$ (5.5 ) $ 2.8



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
($ in millions)	August 26, 2018			August 27, 2017
Gross derivative losses incurred	$	(6.5	)	$	(7.4	)
Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments	(0.1		)	(1.4		)
Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses	$	(6.4	)	$	(6.0	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.6	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen	(0.1		)	—
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International	0.3			(0.7		)
Net derivative losses allocated to Foodservice	(0.1		)	(0.1		)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit	$	(0.1	)	$	(1.4	)

Net Sales


	Net Sales												Net Sales
($ in millions)	Thirteen weeks ended						Twenty-six weeks ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
Reporting Segment	November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		% Inc (Dec)		November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016		% Inc (Dec)		August 26, 2018		August 27, 2017		% Inc (Dec)
Grocery & Snacks	$	900.4	$	853.2	6	%	$	1,646.2	$	1,610.4	2	%	$	771.1	$	745.8	3	%
Refrigerated & Frozen	758.1		740.7		2	%	1,373.8		1,345.3		2	%	635.2		615.7		3	%
International	220.3		211.4		4	%	411.2		406.1		1	%	193.8		190.9		2	%
Foodservice	294.6		283.1		4	%	546.4		551.1		(1	)%	234.3		251.8		(7	)%
Commercial	—		—		—	%	—		71.1		(100	)%
Total	$	2,173.4	$	2,088.4	4	%	$	3,977.6	$	3,984.0	—	%	$	1,834.4	$	1,804.2	2	%

Net sales for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 were ~~$2.17~~$1.83 billion, an increase of ~~$85.0~~$30.2 million, or 4%2%, from the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017. Net sales for the first half of fiscal 2018 were $3.98 billion, a decrease of $6.4 million, or flat, from the first half of fiscal 2017.~~2018.

Grocery & Snacks net sales for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 were ~~$900.4~~$771.1 million, an increase of ~~$47.2~~$25.3 million, or 6%3%, compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. Volume and price/mix for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were flat when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The acquisition of Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed $24.9 million, or 3%, to Grocery & Snacks net sales for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal 2019.

Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were $635.2 million, an increase of $19.5 million, or 3%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected a 1% increase in price/mix compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018, as mix improvements from recent innovation more than offset investments with retail customers to drive brand saliency, enhanced distribution, and consumer trial. Volume for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was flat when compared to the prior-year period. The acquisition of the Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin^® business contributed $10.6 million, or 2%, to Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

International net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were ~~$1.65 billion,~~$193.8 million, an increase of ~~$35.8~~$2.9 million, or 2%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 reflected a 3% increase in volumes, excluding the impact of acquisitions. The increase in sales volumes was driven by the recent hurricanes through inventory builds in both customer warehouses and consumer pantries in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, which are expected to negatively impact the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Price/mix decreased by 1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017, as a result of investing in higher quality merchandising events intended to drive increased brand saliency with consumers. Results for the first half of fiscal 2018 reflected a 1% decrease in volumes, excluding the impact of acquisitions, reflecting the prior quarter reduction in promotional intensity and planned discontinuation of certain lower-performing products. The acquisitions of Thanasi Foods LLC, BIGS LLC, and Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed $26.4 million and $47.4 million to Grocery & Snacks net sales for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2018, respectively. The acquisition of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC contributed $2.1 million and $8.6 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2018, respectively, through the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, which occurred in September 2016.

~~Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the second~~ quarter of fiscal 2018 were $758.1 million, an increase of $17.4 million, or 2%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first half of fiscal 2018 were $1.37 billion, an increase of $28.5 million, or 2%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 20182019 reflected a 4% ~~and 3%~~ increase in volumes, respectively, excluding the impact of acquisitions. The increase in sales volumes was a result of core business improvements and innovation launches. Price/mix decreased by 2% and 1% in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2018, respectively, in each case compared to the prior-year period, primarily due to investments to drive distribution and trial. The acquisition of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC, and subsequent innovation in those brands, contributed $1.0 million and $4.4 million to Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2018, respectively, through the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, which occurred in September 2016.

International net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were $220.3 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 4%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. International net sales for the first half of fiscal 2018 were $411.2 million, an increase of $5.1 million, or 1%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 reflected a 2% decrease in volume, a 2% increase in price/mix, and a ~~4% increase from foreign exchange rates, in each case compared to the prior-year period. Results for the first half of fiscal 2018 reflected a 5%~~3% decrease ~~in volume, a 3% increase in price/mix, and a 3% increase~~ from foreign exchange rates, in each case compared to the prior-year period. The volume ~~decrease~~increase in the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018 reflected strategic decisions to eliminate lower margin products~~2019 was driven by snacking businesses in Canada and ~~a reduction in promotional intensity.~~Mexico. The increase in price/mix for the ~~second~~first quarter ~~and first half~~ of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was driven by ~~improvements~~strategic choices to build investment grade volume through reduction in ~~pricing~~low margin promotion initiatives, removal of low margin products, and ~~trade productivity.~~

~~Foodservice net sales for the second quarter~~execution of ~~fiscal 2018 were $294.6 million, an increase~~price increases. The acquisition of ~~$11.5~~Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed $1.9 million, or 4%1%, ~~compared~~ to ~~the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Foodservice~~International net sales for the first ~~half of fiscal 2018 were $546.4 million, a decrease of $4.7 million, or 1%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Results for the second~~ quarter of fiscal ~~2018 reflected a 7% decrease in volume and a~~

~~11% increase in price/mix, in each case compared to the prior-year period. Results for the~~2019. The first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 ~~reflected a 12% decrease in volumes~~included $4.1 million and ~~a 11% increase in price/mix, compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in volumes primarily reflected the impact~~$8.7 million, respectively, of ~~exiting a non-core business, offset by a benefit in the current quarter~~net sales related to ~~the recent hurricanes. The increase~~our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in ~~price/mix reflected favorable product and customer mix, the impact of inflation-driven increases in pricing, and the execution of the segment's value over volume strategy.~~

~~Our Spicetec and JM Swank businesses were~~Canada, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal ~~2017. These businesses comprise the entire Commercial segment following the presentation of Lamb Weston as discontinued operations. Accordingly, there were no~~2019.

Foodservice net sales ~~in the Commercial segment after~~for the first quarter of fiscal ~~2017. These businesses had net sales~~2019 were $234.3 million, a decrease of ~~$71.1~~$17.5 million, or 7%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2017, prior~~2019 reflected a 12% decrease in volume compared to the ~~completion~~prior-year period, largely related to the sale of our Trenton, Missouri production facility in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The decrease in volumes for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected the planned discontinuation of certain lower-performing businesses as part of the ~~divestitures.~~value over volume strategy. Price/mix increased by 5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to the prior-year period, reflecting favorable product and customer mix and the impact of inflation-driven increases in pricing. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected a 7% decrease compared to the prior-year period related to the sale of our Trenton, Missouri production facility.

SG&A Expenses (Includes general corporate expenses)

SG&A expenses totaled ~~$307.3~~$257.3 million for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018,~~2019, a decrease of ~~$110.6~~$2.3 million, as compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. SG&A expenses for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 reflected the following:

Items impacting comparability of earnings


•	a gain of $13.3 million related to the sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada,

~~a charge~~expenses of ~~$7.8~~$11.0 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

~~a charge~~expenses of ~~$4.1~~$4.3 million related to ~~a remeasurement~~costs associated with preparing for the integration of ~~our salaried and non-qualified pension plan liability,~~Pinnacle, and

~~expenses~~income of ~~$3.7~~$1.1 million in connection with our SCAE Plan.

Other changes in expenses compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017~~2018

a decrease in advertising and promotion spending of ~~$11.4~~$12.2 million, ~~and~~

an increase in ~~self-insured worker's compensation and product liability~~share-based payment expense of ~~$9.0~~$6.0 million,

an increase in salary and wage expense of $4.9 million, and

a decrease in transition services agreement income of $3.2 million.

SG&A expenses for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017~~2018 included the following items impacting the comparability of earnings:

~~charges totaling $60.6 million related to the early retirement of debt,~~

~~charges totaling $43.9 million related to the impairment of goodwill within our International segment, and~~

expenses of ~~$18.0~~$9.1 million in connection with our SCAE ~~plan.~~

SG&A expenses totaled $546.3 million for the first half of fiscal 2018, a decrease of $103.3 million, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. SG&A expenses for the first half of fiscal 2018 reflected the following:

~~Items impacting comparability of earnings~~plan and

expenses of ~~$12.8 million in connection with our SCAE Plan,~~

~~a charge of $8.6~~$0.8 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned ~~divestitures, and~~

~~a charge of $4.1 million related to the remeasurement of our salaried and non-qualified pension plan liability.~~

~~Other changes in expenses compared to the first half of fiscal 2017~~

~~a decrease in advertising and promotion spending of $21.2 million,~~

~~a decrease in share-based payment expense of $9.4 million, and~~

~~an increase in self-insured worker's compensation and product liability expense of $8.0 million.~~

~~SG&A expenses for the first half of fiscal 2017 included the following items impacting the comparability of earnings:~~

~~charges totaling $207.5 million related to the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets within our International segment,~~

~~gains totaling $197.7 million from the divestiture of the Spicetec and JM Swank businesses,~~

~~charges totaling $60.6 million related to the early retirement of debt, and~~

~~expenses of $26.9 million in connection with our SCAE plan.~~

divestitures.

Operating Profit (Earnings before general corporate expenses, pension and postretirement non-service income, interest expense, net, income taxes, and equity method investment earnings)


	Operating Profit														Operating Profit
($ in millions)	Thirteen weeks ended							Twenty-six weeks ended							Thirteen Weeks Ended
Reporting Segment	November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016			% Inc (Dec)		November 26, 2017		November 27, 2016			% Inc (Dec)		August 26, 2018		August 27, 2017		% Inc (Dec)
Grocery & Snacks	$	199.8	$	220.2		(9	)%	$	376.0	$	400.7		(6	)%	$	178.7	$	176.2	2	%
Refrigerated & Frozen	128.5		118.0			9	%	230.4		210.2			10	%	95.5		101.9		(6	)%
International	20.2		(26.7		)	N/A		39.1		(175.9		)	N/A		37.3		18.9		97	%
Foodservice	47.4		31.9			48	%	70.6		53.6			32	%	27.5		23.2		19	%
Commercial	—		(0.5		)	(100	)%	—		202.8			(100	)%

Grocery & Snacks operating profit for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was ~~$199.8~~$178.7 million, ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$20.4~~$2.5 million, or 9%2%, compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. Gross profits were ~~$12.0~~$4.9 million lower in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 than in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. The lower gross profit was driven by the ~~previously mentioned merchandising investments as well as the~~ impacts of higher input costs and transportation inflation, which more than offset the profit contribution of acquisitions and ~~warehousing costs associated with the recent hurricanes.~~supply chain realized productivity. The ~~acquisitions~~acquisition of ~~Thanasi Foods LLC, BIGS LLC, and~~ Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed ~~$9.3~~$7.5 million to Grocery & Snacks gross profit for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal 2018. The acquisition of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC contributed $0.6 million in gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, through the one-year anniversary of the acquisition that occurred in September 2016.2019. Advertising and promotion expenses for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 decreased by ~~$3.9~~$4.5 million compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. Operating profit of the Grocery & Snacks segment was impacted by ~~charges~~expense of ~~$4.0~~$0.1 million and $1.4 million in connection with our restructuring plans in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, the second quarter of fiscal 2018 included $7.8 million in charges related to acquisitions and planned divestitures.

Grocery & Snacks operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2018 was $376.0 million, a decrease of $24.7 million, or 6%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Gross profits were $17.3 million lower in the first half of fiscal 2018 than in the first half of fiscal 2017. The lower gross profit was driven by merchandising investments as well as the impacts of higher input costs and transportation and warehousing costs associated with the recent hurricanes, offset by improved plant productivity. The acquisitions of Thanasi Foods LLC, BIGS LLC, and Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed $15.8 million to Grocery & Snacks gross profit for the first half of fiscal 2018. The acquisition of Frontera Foods, Inc. and Red Fork LLC contributed $2.1 million in gross profit for the first half of fiscal 2018, through the one-year anniversary of the acquisition that occurred in September 2016. Advertising and promotion expenses for the first half of fiscal 2018 decreased by $6.5 million compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Operating profit of the Grocery & Snacks segment was impacted by charges of $10.2 million and $6.3$6.2 million in connection with our restructuring plans in the first ~~half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, the first half of fiscal 2018 included $8.6 million in charges related to acquisitions and planned divestitures.~~

~~Refrigerated & Frozen operating profit for the second~~ quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, was $128.5 million, an increase of $10.5 million, or 9%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Gross profits were $3.7 million lower in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 than in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, driven by inflation and investments to drive distribution, enhanced shelf presence, and trial, partially offset by increased sales volumes and supply chain realized productivity. Advertising and promotion expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased by $7.6 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Operating profit of the Refrigerated & Frozen segment was impacted by charges of $2.2 million in connection with our restructuring plans in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.respectively.

Refrigerated & Frozen operating profit for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was ~~$230.4~~$95.5 million, ~~an increase~~a decrease of ~~$20.2~~$6.4 million, or ~~10%~~6%, compared to the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. Gross profits were ~~$5.2~~$8.9 million lower in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 than in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2017,~~2018, driven by ~~inflation, absorption,~~increased input costs and ~~investments to drive distribution, enhanced shelf presence, and trial,~~transportation inflation, partially offset by increased sales volumes and ~~supply chain realized productivity.~~improved sales price/mix. Advertising and promotion expenses for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 decreased by ~~$12.7~~$5.7 million compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Operating profit of the Refrigerated & Frozen segment was impacted by charges of $7.2 million in connection with our restructuring plans, as well as $7.7 million related to a product recall in the first half of fiscal 2017.

~~International operating profit for the second~~ quarter of fiscal 2018 was $20.2 million, compared to an operating loss of $26.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The operating loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 included charges totaling $43.9 million for the impairment of goodwill in our Mexican operations. Gross profits were $3.2 million higher in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 than in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, as a result of the value over volume strategy through reductions in promotional intensity, improvements in pricing, and trade productivity, and planned discontinuations of certain lower-performing products.2018.

International operating profit for the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was ~~$39.1~~$37.3 million, an increase of $18.4 million, or 97%, compared to ~~an operating loss of $175.9 million in~~ the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2017. The operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2017 included charges totaling $207.5 million for the impairment~~

~~of goodwill and an intangible brand asset in our Canadian and Mexican operations.~~2018. Gross profits were ~~$3.9~~$5.9 million higher in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 than in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal ~~2017, as~~2018, due to an increase in volume, improved price/mix, and strong realized productivity. Operating profit for the International segment included a ~~result~~gain of $13.3 million related to the ~~value over volume strategy~~sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada and expense of $2.9 million related to costs incurred for acquisitions and planned ~~discontinuations of certain lower-performing products.~~divestitures.

Foodservice operating profit for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 was ~~$47.4~~$27.5 million, an increase of ~~$15.5~~$4.3 million, or ~~48%~~19%, compared to the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. Gross profits were ~~$15.2~~$4.8 million higher in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 than in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2017.~~2018. The higher gross profit primarily reflected the ~~increase in net sales as a result~~benefits of ~~the recent hurricanes,~~ favorable ~~product~~price/mix and ~~customer mix, as well as the impact of inflation-driven increases in pricing.~~

~~Foodservice operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2018 was $70.6 million, an increase of $17.0 million, or 32%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017. Gross profits were $13.2 million~~supply chain realized productivity, which more than offset higher ~~in the first half of fiscal 2018 than in the first half of fiscal 2017. The higher gross profit primarily reflected the increase in net sales as a result of the recent hurricanes, favorable product~~input and customer mix, as well as the impact of inflation-driven increases in pricing, offset by the impact of exiting a non-core business. Operating profit of the Foodservice segment was impacted by charges of $1.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2017 in connection with our restructuring plans.

Commercial operating loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was $0.5 million. Commercial operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2017 was $202.8 million. The company sold the Spicetec and JM Swank businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, recognizing pre-tax gains totaling $197.7 million. These businesses comprise the entire Commercial segment following the presentation of Lamb Weston as discontinued operations. There are no further operations in the Commercial segment.transportation costs.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was ~~$38.0~~$49.0 million and ~~$54.1~~$36.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net interest expense was $74.4 million and $112.3 million for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease reflects the repayment of $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes in the first quarter of fiscal ~~2017~~2019 and $473.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, as well as the exchange of $1.44 billion of debt in connection with the Spinoff of Lamb Weston during the second quarter of 2017. This was partially offset by2018, respectively. The increase reflects the issuance of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due 2020 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and the borrowing of $300.0 million under our term loan agreement during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, partially offset by the repayment of $119.6 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and $70.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior notes in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2019 includes $5.6 million related to the amortization of costs incurred to secure $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing in connection with the pending Pinnacle acquisition, which has subsequently been reduced by $1.3 billion as a result of the term loan agreement entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Income Taxes

In the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017,~~2018, our income tax expense from continuing operations was ~~$109.5~~$57.4 million and ~~$78.4 million, respectively. Income tax expense from continuing operations for the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017 was $229.5 million and $247.6~~$120.0 million, 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 approximately ~~33%~~24% and ~~41%~~44% for the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018~~2019 and ~~2017, respectively. The effective tax rate in the first half of fiscal~~ 2018, ~~and 2017 was 38% and 54%,~~ respectively.

The effective tax rate in the ~~second~~first quarter of fiscal ~~2018 reflects~~2019 reflected the following:

the impact of foreign restructuring resulting in a benefit related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made,

additional tax expense on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings,

additional tax expense on non-deductible facilitative costs associated with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle, and

~~additional income tax expense related to state taxes, and~~

~~an income tax benefit related to a change in estimate of the income tax effect of undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made.~~grant.

The effective tax rate ~~for~~in the first ~~half~~quarter of fiscal 2018 ~~reflects~~reflected the ~~above-cited items, as well as~~ following: