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 August 26, 2018

25, 2019

OR

¨

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

Delaware47-0248710

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

222 W. 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)

N/A

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

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $5.00 par value

CAG

New York Stock Exchange

 ______________________________________________________

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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.

Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  ¨ Non-accelerated filer    ¨  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 August 26, 2018,25, 2019, was 391,739,943.


486,654,153.


Table of Contents

1

Item 1

Item 1

Financial Statements

1

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and August 27, 201726, 2018

1

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and August 27, 201726, 2018

2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 201826, 2019

3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and August 27, 201726, 2018

4

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

29

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

39

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

40

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

42

Item 1

Item 1A1

42

Item 6

Item 1A

42Risk Factors

43

Item 6

Exhibits

44

45

Exhibit 31.1

Exhibit 31.2

Exhibit 32

Exhibit 101

Exhibit 104




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

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Net sales

 

$

2,390.7

 

 

$

1,834.4

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

1,726.2

 

 

 

1,318.9

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

400.8

 

 

 

257.3

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

(9.5

)

 

 

(10.2

)

Interest expense, net

 

 

122.7

 

 

 

49.0

 

Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings

 

 

150.5

 

 

 

219.4

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

57.4

 

Equity method investment earnings

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

16.2

 

Net income

 

$

174.3

 

 

$

178.2

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

-

 

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.

 

$

173.8

 

 

$

178.2

 

Earnings per share — basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders

 

$

0.36

 

 

$

0.45

 

Earnings per share — diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders

 

$

0.36

 

 

$

0.45

 

(unaudited)
 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Net sales$1,834.4
 $1,804.2
Costs and expenses:   
Cost of goods sold1,318.9
 1,285.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses257.3
 259.6
Pension and postretirement non-service income(10.2) (20.6)
Interest expense, net49.0
 36.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings219.4
 243.6
Income tax expense57.4
 120.0
Equity method investment earnings16.2
 30.0
Income from continuing operations178.2
 153.6
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 (0.3)
Net income$178.2
 $153.3
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 0.8
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.$178.2
 $152.5
Earnings per share — basic   
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders$0.45
 $0.37
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders
 
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders$0.45
 $0.37
Earnings per share — diluted   
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders$0.45
 $0.36
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders
 
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders$0.45
 $0.36
Cash dividends declared per common share$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

 

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

 

 

Pre-Tax

Amount

 

 

Tax

(Expense)

Benefit

 

 

After-

Tax

Amount

 

 

Pre-Tax

Amount

 

 

Tax

(Expense)

Benefit

 

 

After-

Tax

Amount

 

Net income

 

$

162.8

 

 

$

11.5

 

 

$

174.3

 

 

$

235.6

 

 

$

(57.4

)

 

$

178.2

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized derivative adjustments

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

(57.9

)

 

 

14.5

 

 

 

(43.4

)

Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized currency translation losses

 

 

(12.2

)

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

(11.6

)

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3.0

)

Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations

 

 

(14.8

)

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

(11.1

)

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.4

)

Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Comprehensive income

 

 

133.0

 

 

 

16.5

 

 

 

149.5

 

 

 

174.1

 

 

 

(42.8

)

 

 

131.3

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

(2.1

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(2.3

)

Comprehensive income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.

 

$

135.0

 

 

$

16.7

 

 

$

151.7

 

 

$

176.2

 

 

$

(42.6

)

 

$

133.6

 

(unaudited)
 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26, 2018 August 27, 2017
 Pre-Tax AmountTax (Expense) BenefitAfter-Tax Amount Pre-Tax AmountTax (Expense) BenefitAfter-Tax Amount
Net income$235.6
$(57.4)$178.2
 $273.4
$(120.1)$153.3
Other comprehensive income:


 


Unrealized derivative adjustments(57.9)14.5
(43.4) 


Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities


 0.3
(0.1)0.2
Unrealized currency translation gains (losses)(3.0)
(3.0) 32.6
(0.1)32.5
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:





 





Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations(0.4)
(0.4) 0.1

0.1
Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income(0.2)0.1
(0.1) (0.1)
(0.1)
Comprehensive income174.1
(42.8)131.3
 306.3
(120.3)186.0
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.$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)

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

May 26,

2019

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

64.7

 

 

$

236.6

 

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 and $2.2

 

 

776.3

 

 

 

818.2

 

Inventories

 

 

1,755.7

 

 

 

1,563.3

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

108.7

 

 

 

93.4

 

Current assets held for sale

 

 

22.6

 

 

 

22.3

 

Total current assets

 

 

2,728.0

 

 

 

2,733.8

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

4,997.0

 

 

 

4,952.1

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(2,649.0

)

 

 

(2,595.8

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

2,348.0

 

 

 

2,356.3

 

Goodwill

 

 

11,462.3

 

 

 

11,460.1

 

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net

 

 

4,524.8

 

 

 

4,559.5

 

Other assets

 

 

1,140.4

 

 

 

915.5

 

Noncurrent assets held for sale

 

 

151.0

 

 

 

188.6

 

 

 

$

22,354.5

 

 

$

22,213.8

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable

 

$

56.0

 

 

$

1.0

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

 

150.1

 

 

 

20.6

 

Accounts payable

 

 

1,316.9

 

 

 

1,252.1

 

Accrued payroll

 

 

96.4

 

 

 

173.7

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

823.5

 

 

 

690.6

 

Current liabilities held for sale

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

4.6

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

2,449.9

 

 

 

2,142.6

 

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

 

10,127.5

 

 

 

10,459.8

 

Subordinated debt

 

 

195.9

 

 

 

195.9

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

 

2,058.8

 

 

 

1,951.8

 

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

14,837.7

 

 

 

14,750.1

 

Common stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares;

   issued 584,219,229

 

 

2,921.2

 

 

 

2,921.2

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

2,277.5

 

 

 

2,286.0

 

Retained earnings

 

 

5,118.0

 

 

 

5,047.9

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(132.4

)

 

 

(110.3

)

Less treasury stock, at cost, 97,565,076 and 98,133,747 common shares

 

 

(2,744.2

)

 

 

(2,760.2

)

Total Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders' equity

 

 

7,440.1

 

 

 

7,384.6

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

76.7

 

 

 

79.1

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

7,516.8

 

 

 

7,463.7

 

 

 

$

22,354.5

 

 

$

22,213.8

 

(unaudited)
 August 26,
2018
 May 27,
2018
ASSETS   
Current assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$74.8
 $128.0
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.7 and $2.0599.2
 582.6
Inventories1,108.5
 997.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets224.7
 186.8
Current assets held for sale39.3
 44.4
Total current assets2,046.5
 1,938.9
Property, plant and equipment4,111.8
 4,062.2
Less accumulated depreciation(2,475.5) (2,442.1)
Property, plant and equipment, net1,636.3
 1,620.1
Goodwill4,499.4
 4,502.5
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net1,275.2
 1,284.5
Other assets915.9
 906.3
Noncurrent assets held for sale111.7
 137.2
 $10,485.0
 $10,389.5
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
Current liabilities   
Notes payable$304.1
 $277.3
Current installments of long-term debt307.5
 307.0
Accounts payable984.0
 915.1
Accrued payroll93.9
 163.9
Other accrued liabilities743.9

672.9
Total current liabilities2,433.4
 2,336.2
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments3,037.8
 3,035.6
Subordinated debt195.9
 195.9
Other noncurrent liabilities1,002.9

1,065.2
Total liabilities6,670.0
 6,632.9
Common stockholders' equity   
Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 567,907,1722,839.7
 2,839.7
Additional paid-in capital1,165.6
 1,180.0
Retained earnings4,841.5
 4,744.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(155.7) (110.5)
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' equity3,736.5
 3,676.2
Noncontrolling interests78.5
 80.4
Total stockholders' equity3,815.0
 3,756.6
 $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)

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

174.3

 

 

$

178.2

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

96.7

 

 

 

63.7

 

Asset impairment charges

 

 

67.0

 

 

 

0.5

 

Loss (gain) on divestiture

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

(13.3

)

Earnings of affiliates less than (in excess of) distributions

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(3.0

)

Stock-settled share-based payments expense

 

 

10.2

 

 

 

11.4

 

Contributions to pension plans

 

 

(3.4

)

 

 

(4.2

)

Pension benefit

 

 

(5.7

)

 

 

(6.9

)

Other items

 

 

(2.6

)

 

 

7.4

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

41.7

 

 

 

(18.9

)

Inventories

 

 

(198.0

)

 

 

(115.1

)

Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net

 

 

(23.9

)

 

 

49.4

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(16.1

)

 

 

(24.1

)

Accounts payable

 

 

94.3

 

 

 

50.4

 

Accrued payroll

 

 

(77.6

)

 

 

(70.0

)

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

48.2

 

 

 

(10.8

)

Net cash flows from operating activities

 

 

207.0

 

 

 

94.7

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

 

(106.6

)

 

 

(86.1

)

Sale of property, plant and equipment

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

17.2

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

 

(16.9

)

 

 

 

Sale of marketable securities

 

 

18.2

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from divestiture

 

 

 

 

 

30.3

 

Other items

 

 

(3.2

)

 

 

0.1

 

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

 

(107.5

)

 

 

(38.5

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net short-term borrowings

 

 

55.0

 

 

 

26.8

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

(205.8

)

 

 

 

Bridge financing fees and other

 

 

 

 

 

(35.1

)

Payment of intangible asset financing arrangement

 

 

(13.6

)

 

 

(14.0

)

Cash dividends paid

 

 

(103.3

)

 

 

(83.0

)

Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards, including tax withholdings

 

 

(3.1

)

 

 

(2.4

)

Other items

 

 

 

 

 

(1.9

)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

 

(270.8

)

 

 

(109.6

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

0.2

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(171.9

)

 

 

(53.2

)

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

237.6

 

 

 

129.0

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

65.7

 

 

$

75.8

 

(unaudited)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$178.2
 $153.3
Loss from discontinued operations
 (0.3)
Income from continuing operations178.2
 153.6
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization63.7
 64.7
Asset impairment charges0.5
 6.0
Gain on divestiture(13.3) 
Earnings of affiliates in excess of distributions(3.0) (30.0)
Stock-settled share-based payments expense11.4
 8.2
Contributions to pension plans(4.2) (3.8)
Pension benefit(6.9) (12.6)
Other items7.4
 5.5
Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:   
Receivables(18.9) (13.7)
Inventories(115.1) (138.4)
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net49.4
 132.1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(24.1) (6.5)
Accounts payable50.4
 67.8
Accrued payroll(70.0) (72.1)
Other accrued liabilities(10.8) (19.3)
Net cash flows from operating activities — continuing operations94.7
 141.5
Net cash flows from operating activities — discontinued operations
 (5.5)
Net cash flows from operating activities94.7
 136.0
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Additions to property, plant and equipment(86.1) (42.6)
Sale of property, plant and equipment17.2
 4.0
Proceeds from divestiture30.3
 
Other items0.1
 
Net cash flows from investing activities(38.5) (38.6)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Net short-term borrowings26.8
 295.3
Bridge financing fees and other

(35.1) 
Payment of intangible asset financing arrangement(14.0) (14.4)
Repurchase of Conagra Brands, Inc. common shares
 (300.0)
Cash dividends paid(83.0) (83.3)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards, including tax withholdings(2.4) (2.4)
Other items(1.9) (2.3)
Net cash flows from financing activities(109.6) (107.1)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash0.2
 9.7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(53.2) 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period129.0
 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 Thirteen Weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and August 27, 2017

26, 2018

(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", the "Company""Conagra Brands", "we", "us", or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018.

26, 2019.

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.

Revenue Recognition — Our revenues primarily consist of the sale of food products which are sold to 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 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 goods to customers. Control is transferred upon delivery of the goods to the customer. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as 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 in-store displays and 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, net of tax:

 August 26, 2018 May 27, 2018
Currency translation losses, net of reclassification adjustments$(95.4) $(94.7)
Derivative adjustments, net of reclassification adjustments(42.4) 1.0
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
 0.6
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations, net of reclassification adjustments(17.9) (17.4)
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.

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

May 26,

2019

 

Currency translation losses, net of reclassification adjustments

 

$

(99.8

)

 

$

(90.9

)

Derivative adjustments, net of reclassification adjustments

 

 

32.2

 

 

 

34.0

 

Pension and post-employment benefit obligations, net of reclassification adjustments

 

 

(64.8

)

 

 

(53.4

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(132.4

)

 

$

(110.3

)


The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income:

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated

Statement of Earnings1

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

 

 

Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

 

$

(0.8

)

 

$

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

 

Total before tax

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

$

(0.6

)

 

$

 

 

Net of tax

Pension and postretirement liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net prior service cost

 

$

0.2

 

 

$

0.2

 

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

Net actuarial gain

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

(0.4

)

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

Curtailment

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

Total before tax

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

$

(0.3

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 

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

1Amounts 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. 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 May 2014,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"(“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606")2016-02, Leases, which 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.

We 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 did not identify any material differences resulting from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. In addition, we did not identify any significant changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. We adopted the provisions of this ASU in fiscal 2019 utilizing the modified retrospective method. We recorded a $0.5 million cumulative effect 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
  Inventories1,108.5
 (3.2) 1,105.3
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets224.7
 (22.5) 202.2
Current liabilities     
  Other accrued liabilities743.9
 (1.1) 742.8
Other noncurrent liabilities1,002.9
 (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 sold1,318.9
 6.8
 1,325.7
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings219.4
 (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. We adopted this ASU in fiscal 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
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 adoption of this guidance did not 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 adoption of this guidance did not 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 adoption of this guidance did not 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 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 new standard requires retrospective adoption of the presentation of net periodic benefit expense and prospective application of the capitalization of the service cost component. We adopted this ASU in fiscal 2019. As a result, the following amounts were reclassified in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 to correspond to 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 forWe adopted this ASU in the standard is forfirst quarter of 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 can be applied2020 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.
We also elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, including not reassessing whether existing contracts contain leases and carrying forward the historical classification of leases. The most significant impact of adoption on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements was the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. Our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Upon adoption, we had total lease assets of $238.4 million and total lease liabilities of $267.0 million. The difference is primarily due to prepaid and deferred rent balances that were reclassified to the ROU asset value. The adoption of this ASU did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and did not impact our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings or our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 12 for additional information related to our lease arrangements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), to update the methodology used to measure current expected credit losses (“CECL”). This ASU applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and trade accounts receivable as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. This ASU replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology to reflect CECL and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates.  The guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU


2018-15”), which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We do not expect ASU 2018-15 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

2. ACQUISITIONS

On JuneOctober 26, 2018, we entered into a definitive merger agreement withacquired Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle") under which we will acquire all, a branded packaged foods company specializing in shelf-stable and frozen foods. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 26, 2018 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Pinnacle, and Patriot Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that ceased to exist at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding sharesshare of Pinnacle common stock in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle's outstanding net debt. Underwas converted into the terms of the transaction, Pinnacle shareholders willright to receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of our common stock, for eachpar value $5.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Shares") (together, the "Merger Consideration"), with cash payable in lieu of fractional Company Shares. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $8.03 billion and consisted of: (1) cash of $5.17 billion ($5.12 billion net of cash acquired); (2) 77.5 million Company Shares, with an approximate value of $2.82 billion, issued out of the Company's treasury; and (3) replacement awards issued to former Pinnacle common stock held. The implied priceemployees representing the fair value attributable to pre-combination service (see Note 8) of $68.00 per Pinnacle share is based on$51.1 million.

In connection with the volume-weighted average priceacquisition, we issued long-term debt of our stock for$8.33 billion (see Note 5) (which includes funding under the five days ended June 21, 2018. The planned acquisition is expected to close by the endnew term loan agreement) and received cash proceeds 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$575.0 million ($555.7 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 deductiblerelated fees) from the issuance of common stock in an underwritten public offering. We used such proceeds 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 $249.8 million, net of cash acquired, including working capital adjustments. 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 $10.3 millionpayment of the cash portion of the Merger Consideration, the repayment of Pinnacle debt acquired, the refinancing of certain Conagra Brands debt, and the payment of related fees and expenses.

The following table summarizes our current allocation of the total purchase price have been allocatedconsideration to non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively. The business is primarily included in the Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the International segment.

These acquisitions collectively contributed $37.4 million to net sales during the first quarterestimated fair values of fiscal 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.acquisition date.

 

 

October 26,

2018

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

47.2

 

Receivables

 

 

202.8

 

Inventories

 

 

648.8

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

14.9

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

721.0

 

Goodwill

 

 

7,020.9

 

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles

 

 

3,519.5

 

Other assets

 

 

24.3

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(605.5

)

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

 

(2,671.3

)

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(812.3

)

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

 

(76.3

)

Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed

 

$

8,034.0

 


3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND OTHER DIVESTITURES
Lamb Weston Spinoff
On November 9, 2016, we completed the spinoff of our Lamb Weston 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. Included within discontinued operations for 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. We entered into a transition services agreement in connection with the Spinoff and recognized $1.3 million of income for the performance of services during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 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. We entered into a transition services agreement with TreeHouse Foods, Inc. and recognized $1.7 million of income for the performance of services during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 within SG&A expenses.


Other Divestitures

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we made adjustments to our initial allocations, which resulted in an increase to goodwill of $5.0 million primarily as the result of changes in the values of certain inventory, deferred income taxes, and other noncurrent liabilities as we refine our fair value estimates. These changes did not have a significant impact on our net income for the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019.

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the preliminary estimate of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is primarily attributable to synergies and intangible assets such as assembled workforce, which are not separately recognizable. Of the total goodwill, $236.7 million is deductible for tax purposes. Amortizable brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $668.7 million and have a weighted average estimated useful life of 25 years. We are currently completing our fair value assessment of the acquired assets and liabilities and any adjustments identified in the measurement period, which will not exceed one year from the acquisition date, will be accounted for prospectively.


The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisition of Pinnacle had occurred on May 29, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. These unaudited pro forma results may not necessarily reflect the actual results of operations that would have been achieved, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Pro forma net sales

 

$

2,557.1

 

Pro forma net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.

 

$

206.3

 

The pro forma results include adjustments for amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation, and interest expense on debt issued to finance the acquisition, as well as the related income taxes. The pro forma results also include the following material nonrecurring adjustments, along with the related income tax effect of the adjustments:

Acquisition related costs incurred by the Company and Pinnacle of $7.5 million and $11.1 million, respectively, for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were excluded from the pro forma results.

Non-recurring expense of $5.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 related to securing bridge financing for the acquisition was excluded from the pro forma results.   

3. DIVESTITURES AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

DSD Snacks Business

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we completed the sale ofentered into a definitive agreement to sell our Del Monte®processedfruit and vegetabledirect store delivery (“DSD”) snacks business, in Canada, which is part of our International segment,Grocery & Snacks segment. The purchase price under the agreement is $140.0 million in expected cash proceeds, subject 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 a gain onThe transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.

In connection with the pending sale of $13.3our DSD snacks business, we recognized an impairment charge of $31.4 million recognized within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A expenses. &A”) expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

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 assetsand liabilities classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the DSD snacks business were as follows:

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

May 26, 2019

 

Current assets

 

$

21.4

 

 

$

21.4

 

Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $3.2 million and $34.6 million, respectively)

 

 

131.2

 

 

 

156.2

 

Current liabilities

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

4.6

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

Other Divestitures

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Italian-based frozen pasta business, Gelit, for proceeds net of cash divested of $77.5 million, subject to final working capital adjustments. The business results were previously reported in our Refrigerated & Frozen segment.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Wesson® oil business for net proceeds of $168.3 million, including working capital adjustments. The business results were previously reported primarily in our Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the Foodservice and International segments.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Del Monte®processedfruit and vegetable business in Canada, were as follows:

 May 27, 2018
Current assets$6.1
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $5.8 million)11.5
Duringwhich was previously reported in our International segment, for combined proceeds of $32.2 million. We recognized a gain on the fourth quartersale of fiscal 2017,$13.2 million, included within SG&A expenses.


Other Assets Held for Sale

In August 2019, we signed an agreementinitiated a plan to sell our Wesson® oil business, which is part ofa production facility and certain equipment within our Grocery & Snacks segment, to The J.M. Smucker Company ("Smucker"). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Conagra Brands and Smucker terminated the agreement. This outcome followed the decision of the Federal Trade Commission, announced on March 5, 2018, to challenge the pending sale. The Company is still actively marketing the Wesson® oil business and expects to sell it within the next twelve months. Thesegment. These 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 connection with this planned divestiture, we recognized an impairment charge of $11.9 million within SG&A expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Wesson® oil business were as follows:
 August 26, 2018 May 27, 2018
Current assets$39.3
 $37.7
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $74.5 million)101.3
 101.0
first quarter of fiscal 2020. This expense has been included in restructuring activities.

In addition, we are actively marketing certain other 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 assets classified as held for sale was $10.4 millionreflected in our Corporate segment at August 26, 2018 and $10.4 million and $14.9 million in our Corporate and Grocery & Snacks segments, respectively, at May 27, 2018.Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

May 26, 2019

 

Current assets

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

0.9

 

Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $4.9 million at May 26, 2019)

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

32.4

 


4. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

Supply Chain

Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan

In December2018, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a restructuring and Administrative Efficiency Plan

In May 2013, we announcedintegration plan related to the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"), our plan to integrate and restructureongoing integration of the recently acquired operations of our Private Brands business, improve SG&A effectivenessPinnacle (the "Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan") for the purpose of achieving significant cost synergies between the companies. We expect to incur material charges for exit 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.
disposal activities under U.S. GAAP. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, 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 August 26, 2018, our Board of Directors has approved the incurrence ofWe expect to incur up to $900.9$360.0 million ($285.0 million of expensescash charges and $75.0 million of non-cash charges) in connection withrelation to operational expenditures under the SCAE Plan, including expenses allocated for the Private Brands and Lamb Weston operations.Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately $469.8$260.9 million of charges ($322.0251.8 million of cash charges and $147.8$9.1 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations.Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018,2020, we recognized charges of $0.6$27.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations.Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. We expect to incur costs related to the SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan over a multi-yearthree-year period.


We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan related to our continuing operations (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first quarter of fiscal 2019)2020):

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

 

 

$

0.6

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

0.6

 

Other cost of goods sold

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.4

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

116.6

 

 

 

118.1

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.8

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2

 

 

 

8.2

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

17.0

 

Consulting/professional fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

92.8

 

 

 

93.3

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

14.1

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

251.5

 

 

 

254.5

 

Consolidated total

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

4.1

 

 

$

3.5

 

 

$

251.5

 

 

$

260.9

 


 Grocery & Snacks Refrigerated & Frozen International Foodservice Corporate Total
Multi-employer pension costs$32.5
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $32.5
Accelerated depreciation37.2
 18.6
 
 
 1.2
 57.0
Other cost of goods sold11.6
 2.1
 
 
 
 13.7
    Total cost of goods sold81.3
 20.7
 
 
 1.2
 103.2
Severance and related costs, net26.3
 10.3
 3.9
 7.9
 102.1
 150.5
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)5.2
 6.9
 
 
 11.2
 23.3
Accelerated depreciation
 
 
 
 4.1
 4.1
Contract/lease termination expenses1.0
 0.6
 0.9
 
 85.0
 87.5
Consulting/professional fees1.0
 0.4
 0.1
 
 53.8
 55.3
Other selling, general and administrative expenses16.3
 3.5
 
 
 23.8
 43.6
    Total selling, general and administrative expenses49.8
 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          $469.8

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations:Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan:

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

0.1

 

Other cost of goods sold

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

3.9

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.8

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.8

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

7.6

 

Consulting/professional fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

7.7

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

2.7

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

26.9

 

 

 

27.5

 

Consolidated total

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

26.9

 

 

$

27.7

 

 Grocery & Snacks International Corporate Total
Multi-employer pension costs$0.2
 $
 $
 $0.2
Accelerated depreciation1.4
 
 
 1.4
Other cost of goods sold0.7
 
 
 0.7
    Total cost of goods sold2.3
 
 
 2.3
Severance and related costs, net(1.3) 0.2
 (0.6) (1.7)
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)(0.9) 
 
 (0.9)
Contract/lease termination expenses
 
 0.5
 0.5
Consulting/professional fees
 
 0.1
 0.1
Other selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 0.9
 0.9
    Total selling, general and administrative expenses(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      $0.6

Included in the above tableresults are $0.1$25.5 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $0.5$2.2 million in non-cash charges.



We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to August 26, 2018)25, 2019) pre-tax expenses related tofor the SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated StatementsStatement of Earnings:Operations:

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

0.1

 

Other cost of goods sold

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.8

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

114.5

 

 

 

116.0

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.8

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.5

 

 

 

6.5

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

8.7

 

Consulting/professional fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

45.5

 

 

 

46.0

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

10.9

 

 

 

11.0

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

189.0

 

 

 

192.0

 

Consolidated total

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

3.5

 

 

$

189.0

 

 

$

195.9

 

 Grocery & Snacks Refrigerated & Frozen International Foodservice Corporate Total
Multi-employer pension costs$32.5
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $32.5
Accelerated depreciation34.4
 18.6
 
 
 1.2
 54.2
Other cost of goods sold11.0
 2.1
 
 
 
 13.1
    Total cost of goods sold77.9
 20.7
 
 
 1.2
 99.8
Severance and related costs, net25.2
 10.3
 3.9
 7.9
 101.3
 148.6
Fixed asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)5.2
 6.9
 
 
 11.2
 23.3
Accelerated depreciation
 
 
 
 4.1
 4.1
Contract/lease termination expenses1.0
 0.6
 0.9
 
 84.8
 87.3
Consulting/professional fees1.0
 0.4
 0.1
 
 52.3
 53.8
Other selling, general and administrative expenses15.8
 3.3
 
 
 22.6
 41.7
    Total selling, general and administrative expenses48.2
 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          $460.9

Included in the above results are $316.2$189.0 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $144.7$6.9 million in non-cash charges. Not included

Liabilities recorded for the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan and changes therein for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Balance at

May 26,

2019

 

 

Costs Incurred

and Charged

to Expense

 

 

Costs Paid

or Otherwise

Settled

 

 

Changes in

Estimates

 

 

Balance at

August 25,

2019

 

Severance and related costs

 

$

76.9

 

 

$

3.9

 

 

$

(23.7

)

 

$

 

 

$

57.1

 

Contract termination

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

3.0

 

Consulting/professional fees

 

 

18.4

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

(14.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

11.4

 

Other costs

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Total

 

$

97.5

 

 

$

17.3

 

 

$

(41.9

)

 

$

 

 

$

72.9

 

Conagra Restructuring Plan

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, management initiated a new restructuring plan (the "Conagra Restructuring Plan") for costs incurred in connection with actions taken to improve SG&A expense effectiveness and efficiencies and to optimize our supply chain network. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Conagra Restructuring Plan, we are reporting


on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, 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. We have incurred or expect to incur $98.4 million of charges ($32.1 million of cash charges and $66.3 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Conagra Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $21.1 million in association with the Conagra Restructuring Plan. We expect to incur costs related to the Conagra Restructuring Plan over a multi-year period.

We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the Conagra Restructuring Plan (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first quarter of fiscal 2020):

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

47.5

 

 

$

1.7

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

49.2

 

Other cost of goods sold

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

56.5

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58.3

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

11.1

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

13.7

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

11.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.9

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.3

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.6

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

35.5

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

39.5

 

Total

 

$

92.0

 

 

$

3.7

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

97.8

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Consolidated total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

98.4

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the Conagra Restructuring Plan:

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

3.9

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

4.3

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.0

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

11.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.9

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

15.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

16.2

 

Total

 

$

19.0

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

20.5

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Consolidated total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

21.1

 

Included in the above results are $130.2$4.9 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $16.2 million in non-cash charges.

We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to August 25, 2019) pre-tax expenses for the Conagra Restructuring Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations:

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Corporate

 

 

Total

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

$

3.9

 

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

5.1

 

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

 

Severance and related costs

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

5.4

 

Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)

 

 

11.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.9

 

Contract/lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

15.1

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

17.6

 

Total

 

$

19.0

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

22.7

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Consolidated total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

23.3

 


Included in the above results are $6.3 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $17.0 million in non-cash charges.

Liabilities recorded for the Conagra Restructuring Plan and changes therein for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Balance at

May 26,

2019

 

 

Costs Incurred

and Charged

to Expense

 

 

Costs Paid

or Otherwise

Settled

 

 

Changes in

Estimates

 

 

Balance at

August 25,

2019

 

Severance and related costs

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

4.1

 

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

5.1

 

Contract termination

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other costs

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

4.4

 

 

$

(0.4

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

5.1

 

Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan

As of August 25, 2019, we had substantially completed our restructuring activities related to our Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"). In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized charges of $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in connection with the SCAE Plan.

We have recognized $471.2 million in pre-tax expenses ($84.5103.3 million in cost of goods sold, $365.6 million in SG&A expenses, and $2.3 million in pension and postretirement non-service income) from the inception of the SCAE Plan through August 25, 2019, related to our continuing operations. Included in these results were $320.9 million of cash charges and $45.7$150.3 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 ofcharges. Our total pre-tax expenses (all resulting in cash charges) related to Lamb Weston.

Liabilities recorded for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations are expected to be $471.9 million ($321.6 million of cash charges and changes therein for the first quarter$150.3 million of fiscal 2019 were as follows:
 Balance at May 27, 2018 
Costs Incurred
and Charged
to Expense
 
Costs Paid
or Otherwise Settled
 Changes in Estimates Balance at August 26, 2018
Multi-employer pension costs$32.3
 $
 $
 $0.2
 $32.5
Severance and related costs6.3
 
 (3.6) (1.7) 1.0
Consulting/professional fees0.1
 0.1
 (0.2) 
 
Contract/lease termination4.9
 
 (1.6) 0.5
 3.8
Other costs0.2
 1.6
 (1.1) 
 0.7
Total$43.8
 $1.7
 $(6.5) $(1.0) $38.0

non-cash charges).

5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY


During the first quarter of fiscal

Revolving Credit Facility

At August 25, 2019, we entered into an amended and restatedhad a revolving credit agreementfacility (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for a revolving credit facility in a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $1.6 billion (subject to increase to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion)billion with the consent of the lenders). It replaces the existing revolving credit facility andThe Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 11, 2023.2024 and is unsecured. The term of the Revolving Credit Facility may be extended for additional one-year or two-year periods from the then-applicable maturity date on an annual basis. As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, there were no0 outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. 

Revolving Credit Facility.

Pinnacle Acquisition Financing

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, in connection with the plannedannouncement of the Pinnacle 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 loansfinancing. Prior 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 acquisition. In connection with the acquisition, we expectcapitalized financing costs related to incur an aggregate of 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 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 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 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.
Our most restrictive debt agreements (the Revolving Credit Agreement and the term loan agreements) generally require our ratio of 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 were in compliance with all financial covenants.
Net interest expense from continuing operations consists of:
 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Long-term debt$42.9
 $38.1
Short-term debt7.5
 0.4
Interest income(0.6) (0.9)
Interest capitalized(0.8) (1.2)
 $49.0
 $36.4
In connection with the bridge financing we have incurred costs of $32.2$45.7 million which are beingto be 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.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, to finance a portion of our acquisition of Pinnacle, we issued senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $7.025 billion.

We issued the notes in seven tranches: floating rate senior notes due October 22, 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of $525.0 million with interest equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.75%, 3.8% senior notes due October 22, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.20 billion; 4.3% senior notes due May 1, 2024 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; 4.6% senior notes due November 1, 2025 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; 4.85% senior notes due November 1, 2028 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.30 billion; 5.3% senior notes due November 1, 2038 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; and 5.4% senior notes due November 1, 2048 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, to finance a portion of our acquisition of Pinnacle, we also borrowed $1.30 billion under a term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for term loans to the Company in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.30 billion. Our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement consisted of a $650.0 million tranche of three-year term loans and a $650.0 million tranche of five-year term loans. The three-year tranche loans mature on October 26, 2021 and the five-year tranche loans mature on October 26, 2023.


6. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
We lease a certain office building from an entity that we have determined to be a variable

These term loans will bear interest entity. The lease agreement with this entity includes a fixed-price purchase option for the asset being leased. The lease agreement also contains a contingent put option (the "lease put option") that allows the lessor to require us to purchase the buildingat, at the greaterCompany's election, either (a) LIBOR plus a percentage spread (ranging from 1% to 1.625% for three-year tranche loans and 1.125% to 1.75% for five-year tranche loans) based on the Company's senior unsecured long-term indebtedness ratings or (b) the alternate base rate, described in the Term Loan Agreement as the greatest of original construction cost,(i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus a percentage spread (ranging from 0% to 0.625% for three-year tranche loans and 0.125% to 0.75% for five-year tranche loans) based on the Company's senior unsecured long-term indebtedness ratings. The Company may voluntarily prepay term loans under the Term Loan Agreement, in whole or fair market value,in part, without penalty, subject to certain conditions.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we repaid $200.0 million of our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement, which repayment consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans. The remaining balance under the Term Loan Agreement as of August 25, 2019 was $200.0 million, which consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we entered into a lease agreement in place (the "put price") in certain limited circumstances. Asdeal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts (see Note 7) to hedge a resultportion of substantial impairment chargesthe interest rate risk related to our divested Private Brands operations, this lease put option became exercisable. We are amortizinganticipated issuance of long-term debt to help finance the difference betweenPinnacle acquisition. During the put pricesecond quarter of fiscal 2019, we terminated the interest rate swap contracts and received proceeds of $47.5 million. This gain was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the lives of the related debt instruments. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, our net interest expense was reduced by $0.9 million due to the impact of these interest rate swap contracts.

General

The Revolving Credit Facility and the estimated fair value (withoutTerm Loan Agreement generally require our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to interest expense not to be less than 3.0 to 1.0 and our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA not to exceed certain decreasing specified levels, ranging from 5.875 through the first quarter of fiscal 2020 to 3.75 from the second quarter of fiscal 2023 and thereafter, with each ratio to be calculated on a lease agreement in place) of the property over the remaining lease term within SG&A expenses.rolling four-quarter basis. As of August 26, 201825, 2019, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement.

Net interest expense consists of:

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Long-term debt

 

$

124.3

 

 

$

42.9

 

Short-term debt

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

7.5

 

Interest income

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.6

)

Interest capitalized

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

$

122.7

 

 

$

49.0

 

Our accrued interest was $146.9 million and $61.3 million as of August 25, 2019 and May 27, 2018, the estimated amount by which the put option price exceeded the estimated fair value of the property was $8.2 million, of which we had accrued $1.3 million and $1.2 million,26, 2019, 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 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.


7.

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020, excluding amounts classified as held for sale (see Note 3), was as follows:

 

 

Grocery &

Snacks

 

 

Refrigerated

& Frozen

 

 

International

 

 

Foodservice

 

 

Total

 

Balance as of May 26, 2019

 

$

4,746.7

 

 

$

5,661.7

 

 

$

299.0

 

 

$

752.7

 

 

$

11,460.1

 

Purchase accounting adjustments

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.0

 

Currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2.8

)

Balance as of August 25, 2019

 

$

4,747.9

 

 

$

5,665.5

 

 

$

296.2

 

 

$

752.7

 

 

$

11,462.3

 

 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, excluding amounts classified as held for sale, were as follows:

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

May 26, 2019

 

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

Non-amortizing intangible assets

 

$

3,557.7

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,577.7

 

 

$

 

Amortizing intangible assets

 

 

1,242.9

 

 

 

275.8

 

 

 

1,242.5

 

 

 

260.7

 

 

 

$

4,800.6

 

 

$

275.8

 

 

$

4,820.2

 

 

$

260.7

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle business into our legacy reporting segments, to reflect how the business is now being managed. Accordingly, we reassigned goodwill from the legacy Pinnacle segment to the applicable reporting units of the legacy Conagra segments, consistent with the Company’s new management structure. The allocation of goodwill to Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice was $2.19 billion, $4.58 billion, $58.5 million, and $181.6 million, respectively. We tested goodwill for impairment both prior to and subsequent to the reallocation of Pinnacle goodwill and there were 0 impairments of goodwill. Such impairment tests are performed by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing that to the carrying amount of the net assets of the applicable reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, such deficit is recognized as an impairment of goodwill.

Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis which requires us to estimate the future cash flows as well as to select a risk-adjusted discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, we consider historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. We estimate cash flows for a reporting unit over a discrete period (typically five years) and a terminal period (considering expected long-term growth rates and trends). With the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist, we used a discount rate for our domestic reporting units of 7% and rates ranging from 8% to 11% for our International reporting units. We used terminal growth rates between 1% and 2% for all reporting units (excluding one international reporting unit with a 3% terminal growth rate). Estimating the fair value of individual reporting units requires us to make assumptions and estimates in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing, and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows, discount rates, or terminal growth rates could produce substantially different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units.

Several of our reporting units have an estimated fair value substantially in excess of the carrying value. Three of our reporting units with aggregate goodwill of $3.5 billion have an estimated fair value that exceed the respective carrying value as follows:  

 

 

Carrying Value of Goodwill

 

 

Excess Fair Value as of Fiscal 2020 Test Date

 

Sides, Components, Enhancers (part of Refrigerated & Frozen segment)

 

$

2,636.6

 

 

 

18.1

%

Foodservice

 

 

752.7

 

 

 

36.7

%

Canada (part of International segment)

 

 

96.2

 

 

 

32.0

%

 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 assets579.3
 221.4
 579.4
 213.2
 $1,496.6
 $221.4
 $1,497.7
 $213.2
Non-amortizing

If our future cash flow projections and other fair value assumptions for these reporting units change, we may be subject to potential impairment in subsequent quarters.

For our non-amortizing intangible assets, which are comprised of brands and trademarks.

trademarks, we use a “relief from royalty” methodology in estimating fair value. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded impairment charges totaling $19.3 million within our Refrigerated & Frozen segment and Grocery & Snacks segment for certain brands for which management changed its business strategy and that continued to have lower than expected sales and profit margins. This impairment was included within SG&A expenses.  

Amortizing intangible assets, carrying a remaining weighted average life of approximately 1320 years, are principally composed of customer relationships licensing arrangements, and acquired intellectual property. Amortization expense was $8.3$15.0 million and $8.6$8.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Based on amortizing assets recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, amortization expense is estimated to average $32.6$58.0 million for each of the next five years.


8.

7. 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 August 26, 2018,25, 2019, we had economically hedged certain portions of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs using derivative instruments with expiration dates through March 2019.

October 2020.

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 August 26, 2018,25, 2019, we had economically hedged certain portions of our foreign currency risk in anticipated transactions using derivative instruments with expiration dates through May 2019.

2020.

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 designatedsettled these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedgescontracts during the second quarter of the forecasted interest payments related to this debt issuance. The pre-tax unrealized loss associated with these derivatives, which isfiscal 2019 and deferred a $47.5 million gain in accumulated other comprehensive incomeincome. This gain will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the lives of the related debt instruments. The unamortized amount at August 26, 2018,25, 2019 was $58.1$44.6 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 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 August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 2018, $5.626, 2019, $1.4 million, representing a right to reclaim cash collateral, and $1.0$0.1 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:

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

May 26,

2019

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

2.6

 

 

$

5.9

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

1.4

 


 August 26,
2018
 May 27,
2018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$4.4
 $4.4
Other accrued liabilities58.6
 0.1

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities, at August 26, 2018,25, 2019, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $1.6$1.4 million to total derivative assets and $4.0$2.5 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:

 

 

Derivative Assets

 

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

Location

 

Fair Value

 

 

Balance Sheet

Location

 

Fair Value

 

Commodity contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

 

$

0.7

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

$

3.1

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

 

 

0.5

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

0.6

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

 

$

3.7

 

 Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Fair Value 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Fair Value
Interest rate swap contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets $
 Other accrued liabilities $58.1
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $
   $58.1
Commodity contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets $1.0
 Other accrued liabilities $4.0
Foreign exchange contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets 1.8
 Other accrued liabilities 0.5
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 27, 2018,26, 2019, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $1.4$0.5 million to total derivative assets and $0.4$0.4 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:

 

 

Derivative Assets

 

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

Location

 

Fair Value

 

 

Balance Sheet

Location

 

Fair Value

 

Commodity contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

 

$

4.9

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

$

0.9

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

 

 

1.4

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

0.9

 

Other

 

Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

 

 

0.1

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

-

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

$

6.4

 

 

 

 

$

1.8

 

 Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Fair Value 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Fair Value
Commodity contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets $3.7
 Other accrued liabilities $0.4
Foreign exchange contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets 2.1
 Other accrued liabilities 
OtherPrepaid expenses and other current assets 
 Other accrued liabilities 0.1
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:

 

 

Location in Condensed Consolidated

 

Gains (Losses) Recognized on

Derivatives in Condensed

Consolidated Statements of

Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks

Ended

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Statements of Earnings of Gains (Losses) Recognized on

Derivatives

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Commodity contracts

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

(6.4

)

 

$

(7.0

)

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

(0.9

)

 

 

0.5

 

Total losses from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

 

$

(7.3

)

 

$

(6.5

)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments 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
August 26, 2018 August 27, 2017
Commodity contracts Cost of goods sold $(7.0) $0.6
Foreign exchange contracts Cost of goods sold 0.5
 (8.0)
Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general and administrative expense 
 0.3
Total losses from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments $(6.5) $(7.1)

As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, our open commodity contracts had a notional value (defined as notional quantity times market value per notional quantity unit) of $80.8$62.7 million and $25.7$14.8 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. As of May 27, 2018,26, 2019, our open commodity contracts had a notional value of $100.0$140.1 million and $34.2$18.5 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. The notional amount of our foreign currency forward contracts as of August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 201826, 2019 was $86.3$99.8 million and $82.4$88.2 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 August 26, 2018,25, 2019, 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 $1.8$0.7 million.


9.

8. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

For the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, performance shares, performance-based restricted stock units, and performance shares)cash-settled stock appreciation rights) of $12.3$11.9 million and $6.4$12.3 million, respectively. Included in the total stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 was2020 is expense of $0.1 million and $0.3 million respectively,for accelerated vesting of awards related to stock options granted byPinnacle integration restructuring


activities, net of the impact of marking-to-market these awards based on a subsidiary in the subsidiary'slower market price of shares to the subsidiary's employees. Forof Conagra Brands common stock. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, we granted 0.81.2 million restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of $36.16$28.20 and 0.50.6 million performance shares at a weighted average grant date price of $35.96.

$28.41.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, in connection with the completion of the Pinnacle acquisition, we granted the following awards to Pinnacle employees in replacement of their unvested equity awards that were outstanding as of the closing date: (1) 2.0 million cash-settled share unit awards at a grant date fair value of $36.37 per share unit and (2) 2.3 million cash-settled stock appreciation rights with a fair value estimated at closing date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and a grant date price of $36.37 per share. Approximately $51.1 million of the fair value of the replacement awards granted to Pinnacle employees was attributable to pre-combination service and was included in the purchase price and established as a liability. As of August 25, 2019, the liability of the replacement awards was $7.9 million, which includes post-combination service expense, the mark-to-market of the liability, and the impact of payouts since the acquisition. Post-combination expense of approximately $2.3 million, based on the market price of shares of Conagra Brands common stock as of August 25, 2019, is expected to be recognized related to the replacement awards over the remaining post-combination service period of approximately two years.

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 sharesgoals for the three-year performance periodperiods ending in fiscal 20192020 (the "2019“2020 performance period"period”), fiscal 2021 (the “2021 performance period”), and fiscal 2022 (the “2022 performance period”) is based on our fiscal 2017 EBITDA return on 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 isare based on our diluted 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 goals for the three-year performance periods ending in fiscal 2020 and 2021 are based on our diluted EPS CAGR, subject to certain adjustments, measured over the defined performance 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.
For each of the 2020 performance period, 2021 performance period, and 2022 performance period, the awards actually earned will range from 0 to two hundred percent of the targeted number of performance shares for such performance period.

Awards, if earned, will be paid in shares of our common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in theour 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.

9. 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

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders

 

$

173.8

 

 

$

178.2

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

486.8

 

 

 

391.7

 

Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities

 

 

1.1

 

 

 

2.4

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

487.9

 

 

 

394.1

 

 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders:   
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders$178.2
 $152.8
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$178.2
 $152.5
Weighted average shares outstanding:   
Basic weighted average shares outstanding391.7
 415.1
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities2.4
 4.1
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding394.1
 419.2

For the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, there were 0.82.1 million and 1.30.8 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares because the effect was antidilutive.


11.

10. INVENTORIES

The major classes of inventories were as follows:

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

May 26,

2019

 

Raw materials and packaging

 

$

263.7

 

 

$

273.7

 

Work in process

 

 

155.8

 

 

 

126.9

 

Finished goods

 

 

1,268.1

 

 

 

1,095.6

 

Supplies and other

 

 

68.1

 

 

 

67.1

 

Total

 

$

1,755.7

 

 

$

1,563.3

 

 August 26,
2018
 May 27,
2018
Raw materials and packaging$189.4
 $206.2
Work in process94.8
 92.4
Finished goods776.6
 651.1
Supplies and other47.7
 47.4
Total$1,108.5
 $997.1

12.

11. 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 first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019 and 2018 was $57.4a benefit of $11.5 million and $120.0expense of $57.4 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 24.4%(7.0)% and 43.9%24.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflects the following:

additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill related to assets held for sale, for which an impairment charge was recognized,

a tax benefit resulting from state law changes,

a benefit from the settlement of tax issues that were previously reserved,

an additional benefit due to a change in the deferred state tax rates relating to the integration of Pinnacle activity for tax purposes, and

an income tax benefit associated with a tax planning strategy that will allow us to utilize certain state tax attributes.

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

the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, 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 global intangible low-tax income inclusion,

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,

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 the repatriation of certain foreign earnings,

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

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.

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.
The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 reflects the following:
additional tax expense related to the repatriation of cash from foreign subsidiaries,
additional tax expense related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion was no longer made, 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.

The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $33.0$39.6 million as of August 26, 201825, 2019 and $32.5$44.1 million as of May 27, 2018. There were no balances included as of either August 26, 2018 or May 27, 2018,2019. Included in those amounts was $1.0 million 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 $7.9$7.3 million and $7.7$11.7 million as of August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 2018,26, 2019, respectively.

The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 201826, 2019 that, if recognized, would impact the Company's effective tax rate was $28.2$33.8 million and $27.8$37.3 million, respectively. Included in those amounts is $6.7 million 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 $15.3$15.9 million over the next twelve months due to various federal, state, and foreign audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations.


As of August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 2018,26, 2019, we had a deferred tax asset of $721.6$688.9 million and $687.1 million, respectively, that was generated from the capital loss realized on the sale of the Private Brands operations with corresponding valuation allowances of $721.6$688.9 million and $687.1 million, respectively, to reflect the uncertainty regarding the ultimate realization of the tax asset.

We have not provided any deferred taxes on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.  Deferred taxes will be provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies when we determine that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested and will result in a tax liability upon distribution.

12. LEASES

We have operating and finance leases of certain warehouses, plants, land, office space, production and distribution equipment, automobiles, and office equipment. We determine whether an agreement is or contains a lease at lease inception. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we calculate the lease liability at lease commencement as the present value of unpaid lease payments using our estimated incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate represents the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term and is determined using a portfolio approach based on information available at the commencement date of the lease.

We account for lease and non-lease components of an agreement separately based on relative standalone prices for all underlying asset classes.

Any lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. We recognize lease cost for these lease arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. We consider these options in determining the lease term used to establish our ROU asset and lease liabilities. A limited number of our lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Leases reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 25, 2019, are as follows, excluding balances related to assets and liabilities classified as held for sale:

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

August 25,

2019

 

ROU assets, net

 

Other assets

 

$

229.3

 

Lease liabilities (current)

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

53.1

 

Lease liabilities (noncurrent)

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

 

212.4

 

 

 

Finance Leases

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

August 25,

2019

 

ROU assets, at cost

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

$

213.2

 

  Less accumulated depreciation

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(44.6

)

    ROU assets, net

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

168.6

 

Lease liabilities (current)

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

 

20.1

 

Lease liabilities (noncurrent)

 

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

 

140.8

 


The components of total lease cost for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

Lease cost

 

Thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

18.0

 

Finance lease cost

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of leased assets

 

 

3.8

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

2.3

 

Short-term lease costs

 

 

0.7

 

Total lease cost

 

$

24.8

 

We recognized accelerated operating lease cost of $4.6 million and impairments of ROU assets of $3.6 million within SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. These charges are included in the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan.

The weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rate for our leases as of August 25, 2019, are as follows:

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

Finance Leases

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)

 

 

8.2

 

 

 

8.6

 

Weighted-average discount rate

 

 

3.62

%

 

 

5.40

%

Cash flows arising from lease transactions for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

      Operating cash outflows from operating leases

 

$

13.9

 

Operating cash outflows from finance leases

 

 

2.8

 

Financing cash outflows from finance leases

 

 

5.8

 

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

16.6

 

Finance leases

 

 

1.3

 

Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year as of August 25, 2019, are as follows (inclusive of amounts classified as held for sale):

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

Finance Leases

 

 

Total

 

2020 (remaining year)

 

$

42.5

 

 

$

21.3

 

 

$

63.8

 

2021

 

 

54.5

 

 

 

28.8

 

 

 

83.3

 

2022

 

 

41.0

 

 

 

27.4

 

 

 

68.4

 

2023

 

 

34.4

 

 

 

22.3

 

 

 

56.7

 

2024

 

 

26.0

 

 

 

17.9

 

 

 

43.9

 

Later years

 

 

125.1

 

 

 

90.1

 

 

 

215.2

 

Total lease payments

 

 

323.5

 

 

 

207.8

 

 

 

531.3

 

Less: Imputed interest

 

 

(50.9

)

 

 

(46.9

)

 

 

(97.8

)

Total lease liabilities

 

$

272.6

 

 

$

160.9

 

 

$

433.5

 

We have entered into lease agreements for certain facilities and equipment with payments totaling $32.4 million that have not yet commenced as of August 25, 2019.  


A summary of non-cancelable operating lease commitments as of May 26, 2019 is as follows:


2020

 

$

52.1

 

2021

 

 

48.4

 

2022

 

 

38.0

 

2023

 

 

34.1

 

2024

 

 

25.6

 

Later years

 

 

114.4

 

 

 

$

312.6

 

Rent expense under all operating leases was $83.5 million in fiscal 2019. This amount is inclusive of certain charges recognized at the cease use date for remaining lease payments associated with exited properties.

13. CONTINGENCIES

Litigation Matters

We are a party to certain litigation matters relating to our acquisition of Beatrice Company ("Beatrice") in fiscal 1991, including litigation proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of 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") as alleged 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 an alleged public 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 two2 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. The Court of Appeal remanded the case to the trial court with directions to recalculate the amount of the abatement fund estimated to be necessary to cover the 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 review of the decision, which 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 inbut on October 15, 2018, the trial court may not be stayed pending the outcome of any further appeal. In light of the decision rendered by the California AppellateSupreme Court on November 14, 2017, and the California Supreme Court's decision on February 14, 2018 notdeclined 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.case. 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 remainAs of July 10, 2019, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve this matter, 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 enteredagreement was approved by the trial court upon remand, although it is unknown whetheron July 24, 2019, and the court would stay executionaction against ConAgra Grocery Products was dismissed with prejudice. Pursuant to the settlement, ConAgra Grocery Products will pay a total of any new judgment while$101.7 million in 7 installments to be paid annually from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2026. ConAgra Grocery Products will further provide a subsequent appeal is pending.

Whileguarantee of up to $15.0 million in the ultimate amount of any loss and timing of payments related thereto remain uncertain and could change as further information is obtained, weevent co-defendant, NL Industries, Inc., defaults on its payment obligations.

We have accrued $136.0$25.0 million and $74.1 million, within other accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, for this matter as of August 26, 2018.25, 2019. The extent of insurance coverage is uncertain and the 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 our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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 appeal was heard by the Nebraska Supreme Court in November 2017. On September 14, 2018, the Nebraska Supreme 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 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 declined to review the decision and the case has been remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. While we cannot predict with certaintyOn April 4, 2019, the resultstrial court granted preliminary approval of a settlement in 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.

matter.

We are party to 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 involvedparty to a number of matters asserting product liability claims against the Company related to certain Pam® and other cooking spray products. These lawsuits generally seek damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by defects in certain litigationthe design, manufacture, or safety warnings of the cooking spray products. We have put the Company's insurance carriers on notice. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of these or any other legal proceedings, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

The Company, its directors, and several of its executive officers are defendants in connection with our plannedseveral class actions alleging violations of federal securities laws. The lawsuits assert that the Company's officers made material misstatements and omissions that caused the market to have an unrealistically positive assessment of the Company's financial prospects in light of the acquisition of Pinnacle, (see Note 2). On August 7,thus causing the Company's securities to be overvalued prior to the release of the Company's consolidated financial results on December 20, 2018 a purported stockholderfor the second quarter of Pinnaclefiscal year 2019. The first of these lawsuits, captioned West Palm Beach Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Conagra Brands, Inc., et al., with which subsequent lawsuits alleging similar facts have been consolidated, was filed a complaint in a putative class actionFebruary 22, 2019 in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey, captioned Alexander Rasmussen v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12501. On AugustIllinois. In addition, on May 9, 2018,2019, a purported stockholder of Pinnacleshareholder filed a complaint in a putative classderivative action on behalf of the Company against the Company's directors captioned Klein v. Arora, et al. in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey,Illinois asserting harm to the Company due to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and mismanagement in connection with the Pinnacle acquisition. On July 9, 2019 and September 20, 2019, the Company received two separate demands from stockholders under Delaware law to inspect the Company's books and records related to the Board of Directors' review of the Pinnacle business, acquisition, and the Company's public statements related to them. On July 22, 2019 and August 6, 2019, respectively, two additional shareholder derivative lawsuits captioned Robert H. PaquetteOpperman v. Pinnacle Foods Inc.Connolly, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12578. On August 9, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle and Dahl v. Connolly, et al. were filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey, captioned Wesley LindquistIllinois asserting similar facts and claims as the Klein v. Pinnacle Foods Inc.Arora, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12610. The Rasmussen Action, matter. While we cannot predict with certainty the Paquette Action, and the Lindquist Action allege that Pinnacle's preliminary proxy statement, filed with the SECresults of these or any other legal proceedings, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on July 25, 2018, omits material information with respect to the merger, rendering it false and misleading and thus that Pinnacle and the directorsour financial condition, results 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 mergeroperations, 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.


business.

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,polycholorinated biphenyls, 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$52.1 million as of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, 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

We guarantee obligationsan obligation of the Lamb Weston business pursuant to a guarantee arrangementsarrangement that existed prior to the Spinoff and remained in place following completion of the Spinoff until such guarantee obligations areobligation is substituted for guarantees issued by Lamb Weston. Such guarantee arrangements are described below. Pursuant to the Separationseparation and Distribution Agreement,distribution agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016 (the "Separation Agreement"), between us and Lamb Weston, thesethis guarantee arrangements arearrangement is deemed liabilitiesa liability of Lamb Weston that werewas 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 thesethis guarantee arrangements,arrangement, 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 August 26, 2018, the amount of this guarantee, recorded in other noncurrent liabilities, was $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 two2 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,Company, in the event that we were required to perform under the guaranty,guarantee, would be largely mitigated.

We lease a certain office building from an entity that we have determined to be a variable interest entity. The lease agreement with this entity includes a fixed-price purchase option for the asset being leased. The lease agreement also contains a contingent put option (the "lease put option") that allows the lessor to require us to purchase the building at the greater of original construction cost, or fair market value, without a lease agreement in place (the "put price") in

In certain limited circumstances. As a resultsituations, we will guarantee an obligation of substantial impairment charges related to our divested Private Brands operations, this lease put option became exercisable.an unconsolidated entity. We are amortizingguarantee certain leases resulting from the difference between the put price and the estimated fair value (without a lease agreement in place)divestiture of the property overJM Swank business completed in the remaining lease term within SG&A expenses.first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of August 26, 201825, 2019, the remaining terms of these arrangements did not exceed four years and May 27, 2018, the estimatedmaximum amount by whichof future payments we have guaranteed was $1.0 million. In addition, we guarantee a lease resulting from an exited facility. As of August 25, 2019, the put option price exceeded the estimated fair value of the property was $8.2 million, of which we had accrued $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 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 performanceremaining term of this entity. In making this determination,arrangement did not exceed eight years and the maximum amount of future payments 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.



guaranteed was $18.5 million.

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; 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, the lead paint matter could result in a material final 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.

In connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle, we now include the components of pension and postretirement expense associated with the Pinnacle pension plans and post-employment benefit plan in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings from the date of the completion of the acquisition. These plans are frozen for future benefits. The tabular disclosures presented below are inclusive of the Pinnacle plans.

As a result of the anticipated exit of certain facilities, during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we remeasured the Company’s hourly pension plan as of August 25, 2019 and recorded a pension curtailment loss of $0.6 million previously within other comprehensive income (loss). In connection with the remeasurement, we updated the effective discount rate assumption for the impacted pension plan obligation from 3.90% to 3.13%. The curtailment loss and related remeasurement increased the underfunded status of the pension plan by $12.3 million with a corresponding loss within other comprehensive income (loss).

Components of pension benefit and other postretirement benefit costs are:

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Service cost

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

2.7

 

Interest cost

 

 

31.3

 

 

 

32.0

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(41.1

)

 

 

(42.3

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.7

 

Curtailment loss

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

Benefit cost (benefit) — Company plans

 

 

(5.7

)

 

 

(6.9

)

Pension benefit cost — multi-employer plans

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

1.7

 

Total benefit cost (benefit)

 

$

(4.2

)

 

$

(5.2

)


 

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

Service cost

 

$

 

 

$

0.1

 

Interest cost

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.9

 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.5

)

Recognized net actuarial gain

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

(0.4

)

Curtailment gain

 

 

 

 

 

(0.6

)

Total cost (benefit)

 

$

(1.0

)

 

$

(0.5

)

 Pension Benefits
 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Service cost$2.7
 $12.7
Interest cost32.0
 28.2
Expected return on plan assets(42.3) (54.2)
Amortization of prior service cost0.7
 0.7
Benefit cost (benefit) — Company plans(6.9) (12.6)
Pension benefit cost — multi-employer plans1.7
 1.5
Total benefit cost (benefit)$(5.2) $(11.1)
 Postretirement Benefits
 Thirteen weeks ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Service cost$0.1
 $
Interest cost0.9
 0.9
Amortization of prior service benefit(0.5) (0.8)
Recognized net actuarial gain(0.4) 
Curtailment gain(0.6) 
Total cost (benefit)$(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 in fiscalfrom May 27, 2019 through August 25, 2019 were 4.21%4.04% and 3.83%.

3.51%, respectively. The weighted-average discount rates for service and interest costs subsequent to August 25, 2019 are 3.47% and 2.94%, respectively.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, we contributed $4.2$3.4 million to our pension plans and contributed $2.6$1.2 million 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 $10.3$10.8 million to our pension plans for the remainder of fiscal 2019.2020. We anticipate making further contributions of approximately $13.6$9.6 million to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of fiscal 2019.2020. These estimates are based on ERISA guidelines, current tax laws, plan asset performance, and liability assumptions, which are subject to change.




15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019:

 

 

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 26, 2019

 

 

584.2

 

 

$

2,921.2

 

 

$

2,286.0

 

 

$

5,047.9

 

 

$

(110.3

)

 

$

(2,760.2

)

 

$

79.1

 

 

$

7,463.7

 

Stock option and incentive plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8.5

)

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

7.0

 

Currency translation adjustment, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.7

)

 

 

(11.6

)

Derivative adjustment, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.8

)

Activities of noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.5

 

Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11.4

)

Dividends declared on common stock; $0.2125 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(103.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(103.4

)

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

173.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

173.8

 

Balance at August 25, 2019

 

 

584.2

 

 

$

2,921.2

 

 

$

2,277.5

 

 

$

5,118.0

 

 

$

(132.4

)

 

$

(2,744.2

)

 

$

76.7

 

 

$

7,516.8

 


The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the thirteen weeks ended August 26, 2018:

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 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 mainlyprimarily 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.

cross-currency swaps.

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, 2018:25, 2019:

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Net Value

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative assets

 

$

1.9

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

 

 

$

2.6

 

Marketable securities

 

 

16.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.3

 

Deferred compensation assets

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Total assets

 

$

28.7

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

 

 

$

29.4

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

 

$

 

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

 

 

$

1.2

 

Deferred compensation liabilities

 

 

73.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

73.3

 

Total liabilities

 

$

73.3

 

 

$

1.2

 

 

$

 

 

$

74.5

 

 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Value
Assets:       
Derivative assets$2.6
 $1.8
 $
 $4.4
Equity securities5.1
 
 
 5.1
Total assets$7.7
 $1.8
 $
 $9.5
Liabilities:       
Derivative liabilities$
 $58.6
 $
 $58.6
Deferred compensation liabilities56.4
 
 
 56.4
Total liabilities$56.4
 $58.6
 $
 $115.0



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 May 27, 2018:26, 2019:

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Net Value

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative assets

 

$

3.0

 

 

$

2.9

 

 

$

 

 

$

5.9

 

Marketable securities

 

 

15.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.7

 

Deferred compensation assets

 

 

10.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

Total assets

 

$

29.4

 

 

$

2.9

 

 

$

 

 

$

32.3

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

 

$

 

 

$

1.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

1.4

 

Deferred compensation liabilities

 

 

70.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70.4

 

Total liabilities

 

$

70.4

 

 

$

1.4

 

 

$

 

 

$

71.8

 

 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Net Value
Assets:       
Derivative assets$1.7
 $2.7
 $
 $4.4
Equity securities4.8
 
 
 4.8
Total assets$6.5
 $2.7
 $
 $9.2
Liabilities:       
Derivative liabilities$
 $0.1
 $
 $0.1
Deferred compensation liabilities51.6
 
 
 51.6
Total liabilities$51.6
 $0.1
 $
 $51.7

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

basis using Level 3 inputs.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, a charge2020, we recognized charges for the impairment of $4.7certain indefinite-lived brands. The fair values of these brands were estimated using the “relief from royalty” method (See Note 6). Impairments in our Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments totaled $3.5 million wasand $15.8 million, respectively.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $43.3 million in the CorporateGrocery & Snacks segment for the impairment of certain long-lived assets. The impairment was measured based upon the estimated sales price of the assets.

assets held for sale.

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $3.54$10.47 billion and $10.68 billion as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2018 and May 27, 2018.2019, respectively. Based on current market rates, the fair value of this debt (level 2 liabilities) at August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2018 and May 27, 2018,2019, was estimated at $3.73$11.66 billion and $3.76$11.24 billion, respectively.


17. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle business into our legacy reporting segments in order to better reflect how the business is now being managed. We now reflect our results of operations in four4 reporting segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice.

Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

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 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.

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
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Net sales   
Grocery & Snacks$771.1
 $745.8
Refrigerated & Frozen635.2
 615.7
International193.8
 190.9
Foodservice234.3
 251.8
Total net sales$1,834.4
 $1,804.2
Operating profit   
Grocery & Snacks$178.7
 $176.2
Refrigerated & Frozen95.5
 101.9
International37.3
 18.9
Foodservice27.5
 23.2
Total operating profit$339.0
 $320.2
Equity method investment earnings16.2
 30.0
General corporate expense80.8
 60.8
Pension and postretirement non-service income

(10.2) (20.6)
Interest expense, net49.0
 36.4
Income tax expense57.4
 120.0
Income from continuing operations$178.2
 $153.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of continuing operations
 0.8
Income from continuing operations attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.$178.2
 $152.8


 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

$

977.6

 

 

$

770.7

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

959.1

 

 

 

635.2

 

International

 

 

204.4

 

 

 

193.8

 

Foodservice

 

 

249.6

 

 

 

234.7

 

Total net sales

 

$

2,390.7

 

 

$

1,834.4

 

Operating profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

$

151.7

 

 

$

178.6

 

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

155.6

 

 

 

95.5

 

International

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

37.3

 

Foodservice

 

 

31.1

 

 

 

27.6

 

Total operating profit

 

$

363.2

 

 

$

339.0

 

Equity method investment earnings

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

16.2

 

General corporate expense

 

 

99.5

 

 

 

80.8

 

Pension and postretirement non-service income

 

 

(9.5

)

 

 

(10.2

)

Interest expense, net

 

 

122.7

 

 

 

49.0

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

57.4

 

Net income

 

$

174.3

 

 

$

178.2

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

-

 

Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.

 

$

173.8

 

 

$

178.2

 

The following table presents further disaggregation of our net sales:

 

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

Snacks

 

$

376.2

 

 

$

293.3

 

Other shelf-stable

 

 

601.4

 

 

 

477.4

 

Frozen

 

 

751.9

 

 

 

463.5

 

Refrigerated

 

 

207.2

 

 

 

171.7

 

International

 

 

204.4

 

 

 

193.8

 

Foodservice

 

 

249.6

 

 

 

234.7

 

Total net sales

 

$

2,390.7

 

 

$

1,834.4

 

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
Snacks$291.4
 $257.5
Other shelf-stable479.7
 488.3
Frozen463.5
 432.3
Refrigerated171.7
 183.4
International193.8
 190.9
Foodservice234.3
 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

 

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

Gross derivative losses incurred

 

$

(7.3

)

 

$

(6.5

)

Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

 

$

(7.2

)

 

$

(6.4

)

Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.2

)

Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative gains allocated to International

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.3

 

Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 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) $(0.6)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen(0.1) 
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International0.3
 (0.7)
Net derivative losses allocated to Foodservice(0.1) (0.1)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit$(0.1) $(1.4)

As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, 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 $3.2$5.8 million. This amount reflected net losses of $6.2$6.9 million incurred during the thirteen weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and net gains of $3.0$1.1 million incurred prior to fiscal 2019.2020. Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of $2.5 million in fiscal 2019 and losses of $0.7$4.7 million in fiscal 2020 and losses of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021 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 $55.4$81.7 million and $56.1$55.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, and 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 20192020 and 2018.2019. Foreign net sales, including sales by domestic segments to customers located outside of the United States, were approximately $211.9$211.7 million and $207.7$211.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Our long-lived assets located outside of the United States are not significant.

Our largest customer, Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 25%26% and 24%25% of consolidated net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, primarily in the Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments.

Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates accounted for approximately 27% and 25%30% of consolidated net receivables as of both August 26, 201825, 2019 and May 27, 2018, respectively.

26, 2019.

We offer certain suppliers access to a third-party service that allows them to view our scheduled payments online. The 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 August 26, 2018, $102.725, 2019, $196.6 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. SuchThese risks, uncertainties, and factors include, among other things: the failure to obtain Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle") shareholder approval of the merger agreement; the possibility that the closing conditions to the planned acquisition of Pinnacle may not be satisfied or waived; delay in closing the planned acquisition of 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 Foods Inc. (the "Pinnacle acquisition") may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, includingexpected; the risk that the plannedPinnacle acquisition may not be accretive within the expected timeframe or to the extent anticipated; the occurrencerisks that the Pinnacle acquisition and related integration will create disruption to the Company and its management and impede the achievement of any event that could give rise to termination of the merger agreement;business plans; the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the plannedPinnacle acquisition of Pinnacle may affectwill negatively impact 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; risks related to our ability to successfully address Pinnacle's business challenges; risks related to our ability to achieve the intended benefits of other recent and pending acquisitions and divestitures, including the recent spin-offdivestiture of our Lamb Weston business;Wesson® oil business in February 2019 and the continued evaluationpending divestiture of the roledirect store delivery (“DSD”) snacks business; risks related to the timing to complete a potential divestiture of our Wesson® oilthe DSD snacks business; risks related to the ability and timing to obtain required regulatory approvals and satisfy other closing conditions for the divestiture of the DSD snacks business; risks associated with general economic and industry conditions; risks associated with our ability to successfully execute our long-term value creation strategy;strategies, including those in place for specific brands at Pinnacle before the Pinnacle acquisition; risks related to our ability to deleverage on currently anticipated timelines, and to continue to access capital on acceptable terms or at all; risks related to our ability to execute our operating and restructuring plans and achieve our targeted operating efficiencies from cost-saving initiatives, related to the Pinnacle acquisition and otherwise, and to benefit from trade optimization programs;programs, related to the Pinnacle acquisition and otherwise; risks related to the effectiveness of our hedging activities and our ability to respond to volatility in commodities; risks related to the Company's competitive environment and related market conditions; risks related to our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences and the success of ourits innovation and marketing investments; risks related to the ultimate impact of any product recalls and litigation, including litigation related to the lead paint and pigment matters;matters, as well as any securities litigation, including securities class action lawsuits; risk associated with actions of governments and regulatory factors affectingbodies that affect our businesses, including the ultimate impact of recently enacted U.S. tax legislation and relatednew or revised regulations or interpretations; risks related to 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;charges, related to the Pinnacle acquisition or otherwise; the costs, disruption, and diversion of management's attention due to the integration of the Pinnacle acquisition; and other risks described in our reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We caution readers not to place undue reliance on theseany forward-looking statements included in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no responsibility to update these 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 27, 201826, 2019 and subsequent filings with the SEC. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be attained in the future.

Fiscal 2019 First Quarter Executive Overview

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Conagra Brands, Inc. (the "Company", "Conagra Brands", "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 Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Reddi-wipBanquet®, Hunt'sHealthy Choice®, Healthy ChoiceSlim Jim®Slim JimReddi-wip®, Orville Redenbacher'sand Vlasic®, as well as emerging brands, including AlexiaAngie's®, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP® BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's®, Blake'sEarth Balance®, Duke'sGardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion.


Fiscal 2019 Pinnacle Acquisition

On JuneOctober 26, 2018, we entered into a definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Pinnacle and Patriot Merger Sub Inc.,completed our wholly-owned subsidiary ("Merger Sub"). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, the merger of Merger Sub with and into Pinnacle, with Pinnacle continuing as the surviving corporation (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, Merger Sub will cease to exist, and Pinnacle will survive as our wholly-owned subsidiary.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each shareacquisition of Pinnacle common stock issuedFoods Inc ("Pinnacle"), a branded packaged foods company specializing in shelf-stable 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 cash and (ii) 0.6494 sharesfrozen foods. The total amount of our common stock, with cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock. 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.


We secured $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing from affiliates of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.consideration paid in connection with the planned acquisition was approximately $8.03 billion, consisting of Pinnacle. The commitments undercash and shares of our stock, as described in more detail in the committed bridge financing were subsequently reduced by the amounts of a 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. section entitled "Acquisitions" below.

In connection with the Merger,Pinnacle acquisition, we expect to incur up to $8.3issued approximately $8.33 billion of long-term debt (which includes any funding underand received cash proceeds of $575.0 million ($555.7 million net of related fees) from the new term loan agreement), includingissuance of common stock in an underwritten public offering. We used such proceeds for the payment of the cash portion of the Merger consideration,Consideration (as defined below), the repayment of Pinnacle debt acquired, the refinancing of certain Conagra Brands 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 planned acquisitionintegration of Pinnacle is expectedcontinuing and on-track. We expect to close byachieve cost synergies of $285 million per year when the end of October 2018 andintegration is subject to the 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.
concluded.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle operations into our legacy reporting segments in order to better reflect how the business is now being managed. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

Fiscal 2020 First Quarter Results

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, results reflected a slightan increase in net sales, including the impact of recent acquisitions, with organic (excludes the impact of foreign exchange and divested businesses, as well as acquisitions until the anniversary date of the acquisition) increases in our Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen and International operating segments,segment, in each case compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Organic2019. Overall gross profit increased as the addition of Pinnacle's gross profit and cost synergies, along with supply chain realized productivity and improved pricing more than offset the reduction due to divested businesses, the decline in overall organic net sales, increased in our Foodservice 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, includinghigher transportation costs, inflation, and increased investments to drive brand saliency, enhanced distribution, and consumer trial of new innovation.in retailer marketing. Overall segment operating profit increased primarily due to the impact ofPinnacle acquisition. Corporate expenses were higher primarily due to items impacting comparability, as discussed below. In addition, there were increased costs within Corporate expense in connection with 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 increase in segment operating performance wasPinnacle acquisition, largely offset by higher corporate expenses, a decrease incost synergies as well as the benefit of timing of certain expenses. We recognized lower equity method investment earnings and higher interest expense, in each case compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Income2019. We recognized an income tax expensebenefit in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, primarily due to items impacting comparability. Excluding items impacting comparability, our effective tax rate was lower comparedcomparable to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

2019.

Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $0.36. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were $0.45. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $0.36. Diluted earnings per share were affected by fewermore shares outstanding in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the impact of the Tax Act, and2019, as well as several significant items affectaffecting 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 first quarter of fiscal 2020 included the following:

charges totaling $50.1 million ($38.6 million after-tax) in connection with our restructuring plans,

a charge of $31.4 million ($29.6 million after-tax) due to the impairment of a business held for sale,

charges totaling $19.3 million ($14.8 million after-tax) related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets,

a gain of $5.4 million ($4.1 million after-tax) related to the sale of an asset within the Ardent Mills joint venture, and

an income tax benefit of $51.0 million primarily related to the reorganization of various legacy Pinnacle legal entities and state tax planning strategies.


Items of note impacting comparability for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 included the following:

charges totaling $16.6 million ($14.3 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,
charges totaling $4.3 million ($3.2 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for integration activities related to the planned acquisition of Pinnacle,

charges totaling $16.6 million ($14.3 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

charges totaling $4.3 million ($3.2 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for integration activities related to the planned Pinnacle acquisition,

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 $4.8 million associated with a release of a Mexican tax reserve.
Items of note impacting comparability for

an income tax benefit of $4.8 million associated with a release of a Mexican tax reserve.

Acquisitions

On October 26, 2018, we completed 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 income tax charge of $27.8 million associated with the planned repatriation of cash from foreign subsidiaries and the tax expense relatedPinnacle acquisition. Pursuant to the earningsAgreement and Plan of foreign subsidiaries previously deemed to be permanently invested.


Acquisitions
OnMerger, dated as of June 26, 2018 we entered into(the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Pinnacle, and Patriot Merger Agreement with Pinnacle under which we will acquire allSub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that ceased to exist at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding sharesshare of Pinnacle common stock in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle's outstanding net debt. Underwas converted into the terms of the Merger Agreement, Pinnacle shareholders willright to receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of our common stock, for eachpar value $5.00 per share, of Pinnacle common stock held.the Company ("Company Shares") (together, the "Merger Consideration"), with cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of Company Shares. The plannedtotal amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition is expected to close by the endwas approximately $8.03 billion and consisted of: (1) cash 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,$5.17 billion ($5.12 billion, net of cash acquired.acquired); (2) 77.5 million Company Shares, with an approximate value of $2.82 billion, issued out of the Company's treasury to former holders of Pinnacle stock; and (3) replacement awards issued to former Pinnacle employees representing the fair value attributable to pre-combination service of $51.1 million. Approximately $57.8 million$7.02 billion of the purchase price has been classified asallocated to goodwill, pending determination of the final purchase price allocation. Approximately $3.52 billion has been allocated to brands, trademarks and $9.7other intangibles. Of the total goodwill, $236.7 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. Amortizable brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $668.7 million. Indefinite lived brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $2.85 billion.

Divestitures

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our DSD snacks business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.

On May 24, 2019, we completed the sale of our Italian-based frozen pasta business, isGelit, for proceeds net of cash divested of $77.5 million, subject to final working capital adjustments. The results of operations of the divested Gelit business are primarily included in theour Refrigerated & Frozen segment.

In October 2017, we acquired Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC, maker of Angie's®BOOMCHICKAPOP® ready-to-eat popcorn,segment for a cash purchase price of $249.8 million, net of cash 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 $10.3 millionthe periods preceding the completion of the purchase price have been allocated to non-amortizing and amortizing intangible assets, respectively.transaction.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we also completed the sale of our Wesson® oil business for net proceeds of $168.3 million. The results of operations of the divested Wesson® oil business isare primarily included in theour Grocery & Snacks segment.

Divestitures
segment, and to a lesser extent within the Foodservice and International segments, for the periods preceding the completion of the transaction.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Del Monte®processedfruit and 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.$32.2 million. The results of operations of the divested Del Monte® business are included in our International segment.

Duringsegment for 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"). Inperiods preceding the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Conagra Brands and Smucker terminated the agreement. This outcome followed the decisioncompletion of the Federal Trade Commission, announced on March 5, 2018, to challenge the pending sale. The Company is still actively marketing the Wesson® oil business and expects to sell it within the next twelve months.
transaction.

Restructuring Plans

In May 2013, we announcedDecember2018, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a restructuring and integration plan related to the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"), our plan to integrate and restructureongoing integration of the recently acquired operations of our Private Brands business, improve selling, generalPinnacle (the "Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan") for the purpose of achieving significant cost synergies between the companies, as a result of which we expect to incur material charges for exit and administrative ("SG&A") effectivenessdisposal activities under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We expect to incur up to $360.0 million ($285.0 million of cash charges 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$75.0 million of non-cash charges) in connection with operational expenditures under the SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring 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 SCAEPinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of cost expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately $260.9 million of charges ($251.8 million of cash charges and $9.1 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $27.7 million ($25.5 million of cash charges and $2.2 million of non-cash charges).


In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, management initiated a new restructuring plan (the "Conagra Restructuring Plan") for costs in connection with actions taken to improve selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense effectiveness and efficiencies and to optimize our supply chain network. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Conagra Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, 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 August 26, 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 $469.8$98.4 million of charges ($322.032.1 million of cash charges and $147.8$66.3 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations.Conagra Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018,2020, we recognized charges of $0.6$21.1 million ($4.9 million of cash charges and $16.2 million of non-cash charges) in connection with the Conagra Restructuring Plan.

As of August 25, 2019, we have substantially completed our restructuring activities related to the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"). In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized charges of $1.3 million and $11.4$0.6 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan. Our total pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations.operations are expected to be $471.9 million ($321.6 million of cash charges and $150.3 million of non-cash charges).

SEGMENT REVIEW

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle business into our legacy reporting segments in order to better reflect how the business is now being managed. We expect to incur costs related to the SCAE Plan over a multi-year period.


SEGMENT REVIEW

Wenow reflect our results of operations in four reporting segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice.
Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

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 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

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 in the United States.

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

Derivatives used to manage commodity price risk and foreign currency risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. We believe these derivatives provide economic hedges of certain forecasted transactions. As such, these derivatives 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

 

 

 

August 25, 2019

 

 

August 26, 2018

 

Gross derivative losses incurred

 

$

(7.3

)

 

$

(6.5

)

Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

 

$

(7.2

)

 

$

(6.4

)

Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.2

)

Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative gains allocated to International

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.3

 

Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit

 

$

(0.1

)

 

$

(0.1

)

 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) $(0.6)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen(0.1) 
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to International0.3
 (0.7)
Net derivative losses allocated to Foodservice(0.1) (0.1)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit$(0.1) $(1.4)

As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, 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 $3.2$5.8 million. This amount reflected net losses of $6.2$6.9 million incurred during the thirteen weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and net gains of $3.0$1.1 million incurred prior to fiscal 2019.2020. Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of $2.5 million in fiscal 2019 and losses of $0.7$4.7 million in fiscal 2020 and losses of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021 and thereafter.

Net Sales

 

 

Net Sales

($ in millions)

 

Thirteen weeks ended

Reporting Segment

 

August 25,

2019

 

August 26,

2018

 

% Inc

(Dec)

Grocery & Snacks

 

$977.6

 

$770.7

 

27%

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

959.1

 

635.2

 

51%

International

 

204.4

 

193.8

 

5%

Foodservice

 

249.6

 

234.7

 

6%

Total

 

$2,390.7

 

$1,834.4

 

30%

 Net Sales
($ in millions)Thirteen Weeks Ended
Reporting SegmentAugust 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
 
% Inc
(Dec)
Grocery & Snacks$771.1
 $745.8
 3 %
Refrigerated & Frozen635.2
 615.7
 3 %
International193.8
 190.9
 2 %
Foodservice234.3
 251.8
 (7)%
Total$1,834.4
 $1,804.2
 2 %


Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 were $1.83$2.39 billion, an increase of $30.2$556.3 million, or 2%30%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The increased net sales are principally due to the acquisition of Pinnacle on October 26, 2018.

Grocery & Snacks net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 were $771.1$977.6 million, an increase of $25.3$206.9 million, or 3%27%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Volume and price/mix2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were flat when2020 reflected a decrease in volumes of 3%, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in volumes reflected continued momentum and innovation successes in the snacks businesses, which was more than offset by declines in certain grocery businesses, particularly in our Chef Boyardee® and Hunt’s® brands, due primarily to the lingering effects of competitive dynamics experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Price/mix decreased by 1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2020 when compared to the prior-year period, reflecting favorable pricing and mix, which was more than offset by increases in brand building investments with retailers. The acquisition of Angie's Artisan Treats, LLCPinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 contributed $24.9$266.3 million, or 3%35%, to Grocery & Snacks net sales forduring the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $31.9 million of net sales related to our Wesson® oil business, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 were $635.2$959.1 million, an increase of $19.5$323.9 million, or 3%51%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for2019. Volume, excluding the impacts of acquisitions and divestitures, was flat and price/mix increased by 1% in 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 when2020 compared to the prior-year period.period, due to solid performance across multiple brands. The acquisition of the Sandwich Bros. of Wisconsin® businessPinnacle contributed $10.6$327.8 million, or 2%52%, to Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $13.2 million of net sales related to our Italian-based frozen pasta business, Gelit, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

International net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 were $193.8$204.4 million, an increase of $2.9$10.6 million, or 2%5%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, reflected a 4% increase5% decrease in volume, a 2% increase in price/mix, and a 3%1% decrease fromdue to unfavorable foreign exchange rates, in each case compared to the prior-year period. The volume increasedecrease in volumes was primarily due to unplanned softness in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was driven by snacking businesses in CanadaPuerto Rico export


market and Mexico. The increase in price/mix for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was driven by strategic choices to build investment grade volume through reduction in low margin promotion initiatives, removal of low margin products, and execution of price increases.Indian business. The acquisition of Angie's Artisan Treats, LLCPinnacle contributed $1.9$26.8 million, or 1%14%, to International net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019.2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 included $4.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, of net sales related to our Del Monte® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

The first quarter of fiscal 2019 also included $5.1 million of net sales related to our divested Wesson® oil business.

Foodservice net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 were $234.3$249.6 million, a decreasean increase of $17.5$14.9 million, or 7%6%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 reflected a 12%6% decrease in volume, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, compared to the prior-year period, largely related toperiod. The decline in volume reflected the salecontinued execution of our Trenton, Missouri production facilitythe segment's value-over-volume strategy. Price/mix increased by 3% 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 value over volume strategy. Price/mix increased by 5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020 compared to the prior-year period, reflecting favorable product and customer mix and the impactvalue-over-volume strategy. The acquisition of inflation-driven increases in pricing. NetPinnacle contributed $35.4 million, or 15%, to Foodservice net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected a 7% decrease compared to the prior-year periodincluded $11.6 million of net sales related to the saleour divested Wesson® oil business. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 also included net sales of $2.0 million related to our Trenton, Missouri production facility.

facility, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

SG&A Expenses (Includes(includes general corporate expenses)

SG&A expenses totaled $257.3$400.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, a decrease2020, an increase of $2.3$143.5 million, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018. 2019. SG&A expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected the following:

Items impacting comparability of earnings

expenses of $45.0 million in connection with our restructuring plans,

expense of $31.4 million related to the impairment of a business held for sale,

charges totaling $19.3 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets,

expenses of $1.9 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures, and

a loss of $1.7 million related to the divestiture of a business.

Other changes in expenses compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019

The increases in SG&A expenses below include the addition of expenses attributable to the Pinnacle business, partially offset by integration synergies:

an increase in salary and wage expense of $27.0 million,

an increase of $6.7 million of amortization of definite lived intangible assets,

an increase of $3.4 million in computer-related expenses,

an increase of $2.8 million related to short-term incentives,

an increase in advertising and promotion spending of $2.5 million, and  

an increase of $2.4 million related to contract services and professional fees.

SG&A expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflectedincluded the following:

Itemsfollowing items impacting the comparability of earnings
earnings:

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

expenses of $11.0 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,
expenses of $4.3 million related to costs associated with preparing for the integration of Pinnacle,

expenses of $11.0 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

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

expenses of $4.3 million related to costs associated with preparing for the integration of Pinnacle, and

Other changes in expenses compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018
a decrease in advertising and promotion spending of $12.2 million,
an increase in share-based payment expense of $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 first quarter of fiscal 2018 included the following items impacting the comparability of earnings:
expenses of $9.1 million in connection with our SCAE plan and
expenses of $0.8 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures.

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



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

 

($ in millions)

 

Thirteen weeks ended

 

Reporting Segment

 

August 25,

2019

 

 

August 26,

2018

 

 

% Inc

(Dec)

 

Grocery & Snacks

 

$

151.7

 

 

$

178.6

 

 

 

(15

)%

Refrigerated & Frozen

 

 

155.6

 

 

 

95.5

 

 

 

63

%

International

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

37.3

 

 

 

(34

)%

Foodservice

 

 

31.1

 

 

 

27.6

 

 

 

13

%

 Operating Profit
($ in millions)Thirteen Weeks Ended
Reporting SegmentAugust 26,
2018
 August 27,
2017
 
% Inc
(Dec)
Grocery & Snacks$178.7
 $176.2
 2 %
Refrigerated & Frozen95.5
 101.9
 (6)%
International37.3
 18.9
 97 %
Foodservice27.5
 23.2
 19 %

Grocery & Snacks operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 was $178.7$151.7 million, an increasea decrease of $2.5$26.9 million, or 2%15%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Gross profits were $4.9$46.1 million lowerhigher in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. The lowerhigher gross profit was driven by the addition of Pinnacle and the benefits of supply chain realized productivity, partially offset by the impacts of higher input costs and transportation inflation, which more than offseta reduction in profit associated with the profit contributiondivestiture of acquisitions and supply chain realized productivity. The acquisition of Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC contributed $7.5 million to Grocery & Snacks gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Advertising and promotion expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased by $4.5 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.our Wesson® oil business. Operating profit of the Grocery & Snacks segment was impacted by expense of $19.1 million and $0.1 million and $6.2 million in connection withrelated to our restructuring plans in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2020 included charges of $31.4 million related to the impairment of a business held for sale, $3.5 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets, and 2018, respectively.

$1.7 million related to the divestiture of our Wesson® oil business.

Refrigerated & Frozen operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 was $95.5$155.6 million, a decreasean increase of $6.4$60.1 million, or 6%63%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Gross profits were $8.9$97.5 million lowerhigher in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, thandriven by the addition of Pinnacle and supply chain realized productivity, partially offset by increased input costs. Operating profit of the Refrigerated & Frozen segment was impacted by charges of $15.8 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, driven by increased input costs and transportation inflation, partially offset by increased sales volumes and improved sales price/mix. Advertising and promotion expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased by $5.7 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

2020.

International operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 was $37.3$24.8 million, an increasea decrease of $18.4$12.5 million, or 97%34%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Gross profits were $5.9 million higherflat in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 than in2020 when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, due to an increase in volume,the addition of Pinnacle, improved price/mix, and strong realized productivity.productivity, which were offset by higher input costs and the sale of our Del Monte® Canadian business and our Wesson® oil business. Operating profit for the International segment included a gain of $13.3 million related to the sale of our Del Monte® processed fruit and vegetable Canadian business in Canada and expense of $2.9 million related to costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures.

divestitures in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Foodservice operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 was $27.5$31.1 million, an increase of $4.3$3.5 million, or 19%13%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. Gross profits were $4.8$5.6 million higher in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. The higher gross profit primarily reflected the benefitsaddition of favorablePinnacle, improved price/mix, and supply chain realized productivity, which more than offset higher input costs and transportation costs.

the sales of our Wesson® oil business and Trenton facility.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was $49.0$122.7 million and $36.4$49.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. The increase reflectsreflected the issuance of $500.0 million$7.025 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rateunsecured senior notes due 2020 duringand borrowings of $1.30 billion under our new unsecured term loan agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for a $650.0 million tranche of three-year term loans and a $650.0 million tranche of five-year term loans to the Company (the "Term Loan Agreement"), in each case in connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and2019. Since the borrowingacquisition, we have repaid $1.10 billion of $300.0 millionour borrowings 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. Term Loan Agreement.

In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2019 includesincluded $5.6 million of interest expense related to the amortization of costs incurred to secure $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing in connection with the pendingthen-pending Pinnacle acquisition, which hasacquisition. The bridge financing was subsequently been reduced by $1.3 billion as a resultterminated in connection with our incurrence of permanent financing to fund the term loan agreement entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Pinnacle acquisition.

Income Taxes

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized an income tax benefit of $11.5 million and 2018, our income tax expense from continuing operations wasof $57.4 million and $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 24%(7.0)% and 44%24.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.


The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected the following:

additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill related to assets held for sale, for which an impairment charge was recognized,

a tax benefit resulting from state law changes,

a benefit from the settlement of tax issues that were previously reserved,

additional benefit due to a change in the deferred state tax rates relating to the integration of Pinnacle activity for tax purposes, and

an income tax benefit associated with a tax planning strategy that will allow us to utilize certain state tax attributes.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected the following:

the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, 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 global intangible low-tax income inclusion,

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 global intangible low-tax income 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

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

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 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.
The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 reflected the following:
additional tax expense related to the repatriation of cash from foreign subsidiaries,
additional tax expense related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion was no longer made, 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.

Equity Method Investment Earnings

Equity method investment earnings were $16.2$12.3 million and $30.0$16.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Ardent Mills earnings were lower than they were in the prior-year period due to less favorable market conditions, which more than offset continued improvement in operating efficiencies.

Results of Discontinued Operations
Our discontinued operations generated an after-tax loss of $0.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.
2020 reflected unfavorable market conditions. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 included a gain of $5.4 million from the sale of an asset by the Ardent Mills joint venture.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $0.36. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018 were $0.45 and $0.36, respectively.


$0.45. See “Items Impacting Comparability” above as several significant items affected the comparability of year-over-year results of operations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources of Liquidity and Capital

Our primary financing objective is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. If necessary, we use short-term debt principally to finance ongoing operations, including our seasonal requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities), and a combination of equity and long-term debt to finance both our base working capital needs and our non-current assets. We are committed to maintaining an investment grade credit rating.

At August 26, 2018,25, 2019, we had a revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions that providesproviding for a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $1.6 billion (subject to increase to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion with the consent of the lenders). We have historically used a credit facility principally as a back-up for our commercial paper program. As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Facility.

As of August 26, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, we had $304.1$55.6 million outstanding under our commercial paper program. The highest level of borrowings during the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 was $408.1$145.0 million. As of May 27, 2018,26, 2019, we had $277.0 millionno amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.

In October 2018, we borrowed $1.30 billion under the Term Loan Agreement as part of the financing used to acquire Pinnacle. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we repaid $200.0 million of our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement. The remaining


balance under the Term Loan Agreement as of August 25, 2019, was $200.0 million, which consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans.

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement generally require that our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense be not less than 3.0 to 1.0 and our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA not to exceed certain decreasing specified levels, ranging from 5.875 through the first quarter of fiscal 2020 to 3.75 from the second quarter of fiscal 2023 and thereafter. Each ratio is to be calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis. As of August 25, 2019, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, our senior long-term debt ratings were all investment grade. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings would not affect our ability to borrow amounts under the Revolving Credit Agreement,Facility, although borrowing costs would increase. A downgrade of our short-term credit ratings would impact our ability to borrow under our commercial paper program by negatively impacting borrowing costs and causing shorter durations, as well as making access to commercial paper more difficult.

The Company has secured $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing from affiliates of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. in connection with the Merger. The commitments under the committed bridge financing were subsequently reduced by the amounts of a 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 $575 million of incremental cash proceeds from the issuance of equity and/difficult, or divestitures.
impossible.

We repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time after considering market conditions and in accordance with repurchase limits authorized by our Board of Directors.Board. Under the share repurchase authorization, we may repurchase our shares periodically over several years, depending on market conditions and other factors, and may do so in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase authorization has no expiration date. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we suspended share repurchase activity in light of the pending acquisition of Pinnacle. The Company plans to repurchase shares under its authorized program only at times and in amounts as are consistent with the prioritization of achieving its leverage targets. The Company's total remaining share repurchase authorization as of August 26, 201825, 2019, was $1.41 billion.

During the first quarter of fiscal

On August 29, 2019, the Board of Directors announcedCompany paid a quarterly dividend payment of $0.2125 per share which was paid on August 30, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 31, 2018.30, 2019.  Subject to market and other conditions and the approval of our Board, of Directors, we intend to maintain our quarterly dividend at the current annual rate of $0.85 per share during fiscal 2019. In the future, we expect modest dividend increases while we focus on de-leveraging, subject2020.

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the approvalend of our Board of Directors.

During the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal 2017,2020, we signed anentered into a definitive agreement to sell our Wesson® oilDSD snacks business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment. The purchase price under the agreement is $140.0 million in expected cash proceeds, subject to Smucker. Duringfinal working capital adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Conagra Brands and Smucker terminated the agreement. This outcome followed the decisionend of the Federal Trade Commission, announced on March 5, 2018, to challenge the pending transaction. The Company is still actively marketing the Wesson® oil business and expects to sell it within the next twelve months.
calendar year.

We have access to our $1.6 billion Revolving Credit Agreement,Facility, our commercial paper program, and the capital markets. We believe we also have access to additional bank loan facilities, if needed.

We expect to maintain or have access to sufficient liquidity to finance the cash portion of the Merger consideration as well as to retire or refinance seniorlong-term debt upon maturity, as market conditions warrant, from the aggregate $9.0 billion committed bridge facility and term loan agreement, operating cash flows, our commercial paper program, proceeds from any divestitures and other disposition transactions, access to capital markets, and our $1.6 billion Revolving Credit Agreement.

Facility.

Cash Flows

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, we used $53.2$171.9 million of cash, which was the net result of $94.7$207.0 million generated from operating activities, $38.5$107.5 million used in investing activities, $109.6$270.8 million used in financing activities, and an increasea decrease of $0.2$0.6 million due to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Cash generated from operating activities of continuing operations totaled $94.7$207.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, as compared to $141.5$94.7 million generated in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.2019. The decreaseincrease in operating cash flows was impacted by higher income tax and interest payments as well as acquisition-related expenditures, offset by an increase in equity method investment dividend payments received for the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

2019 was largely due to the inclusion of the additional operating results from the acquisition of Pinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. There were larger cash outflows associated with seasonal inventory purchases from the Pinnacle acquisition, which were largely offset by the timing of accounts receivable collections.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $38.5$107.5 million and $38.6$38.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 20192020 and fiscal 2018,2019, respectively.  Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 consisted primarily of capital expenditures totaling $106.6 million. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 consisted mainly of capital expenditures totaling $86.1 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our Del Monte® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada totaling $30.3 million.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $270.8 million and $109.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 consisted principally of the repayment of long-term debt totaling $205.8 million and cash dividends paid of $103.3 million, partially offset by net short-term borrowings primarily under our commercial paper program of $55.0 million. Financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 consisted primarily of capital expenditures totaling $86.1 million and the proceeds from the sale of our Del Monte®processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada totaling $30.3 million. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted mainly of capital expenditures totaling $42.6 million.cash


Cash used in financing activities totaled $109.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and $107.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 consisted principally of cash

dividends paid of $83.0 million, the payment of bridge financing and other fees totaling $35.1 million, and net short-term borrowings of $26.8 million (mainly under our commercial paper program). Cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 reflected common stock repurchases totaling $300.0 million, net short-term borrowings of $295.3 million and cash dividends paid of $83.3 million.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $74.8 million at August 26, 2018 and $128.0 million at May 27, 2018, of which $64.7 million at August 26, 201825, 2019 and $121.6$236.6 million at May 27, 201826, 2019, of which $40.9 million at August 25, 2019 and $144.8 million at May 26, 2019 was held in foreign countries. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company repatriated $91.2 million of cash balances, of which $13.7 million was previously deemed toWe believe that our foreign subsidiaries have invested or will invest any undistributed earnings indefinitely, or that any undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. We haveremitted in a tax-neutral transaction, and, therefore, do not provided anyprovide deferred taxes on the remainingcumulative undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. Deferred taxes will be provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies when we determine that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested and will result in a tax liability upon distribution.



Our estimate of capital expenditures for fiscal 20192020 is approximately $350 million, excluding any incremental amounts resulting from the pending acquisition of Pinnacle. For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we have funded $86.1 million of capital expenditures.

$400 million.

Management believes that existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our repayment of debt, including any repayment of debt or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, planned share repurchases, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We use off-balance sheet arrangements (e.g., leases accounted for as operating leases) where sound business principles warrant their use. We also periodically enter into guarantees and other similar arrangements as part of transactions in the ordinary course of business. These are described further in "Obligations and Commitments" below.
Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
We lease a certain office building from an entity that we have determined to be a variable interest entity. The lease agreement with this entity includes a fixed-price purchase option for the asset being leased. The lease agreement also contains a contingent put option (the "lease put option") that allows the lessor to require us to purchase the 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, this lease 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 the property over the remaining lease term within SG&A expenses. As of August 26, 2018 and May 27, 2018, the estimated amount by which the put option price exceeded the estimated fair value of the property was $8.2 million, of which we had accrued $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 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.

OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future payments under contracts such as lease agreements, debt agreements, and unconditional purchase obligations (i.e., obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts). The unconditional purchase obligation arrangements are entered into in our normal course of business in order to ensure adequate levels of sourced product are available. Of these items, debt, notes payable, and capitalfinance lease obligations, which totaled $3.83 billion as of August 26, 2018,and operating lease obligations were recognized as liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report. Operating lease obligations and unconditionalreport as of August 25, 2019. Unconditional purchase obligations, which totaled $1.22$1.40 billion as of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, were not recognized as liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A summary of our contractual obligations as of August 26, 201825, 2019 was as follows:

 

 

Payments Due by Period

(in millions)

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

 

Less than 1 Year

 

 

1-3 Years

 

 

3-5 Years

 

 

After 5 Years

 

Long-term debt

 

$

10,356.6

 

 

$

126.7

 

 

$

2,520.9

 

 

$

2,187.0

 

 

$

5,522.0

 

Finance lease obligations

 

 

160.9

 

 

 

20.1

 

 

 

40.3

 

 

 

28.5

 

 

 

72.0

 

Operating lease obligations

 

 

323.5

 

 

 

56.3

 

 

 

90.7

 

 

 

56.6

 

 

 

119.9

 

Purchase obligations1 and other contracts

 

 

1,433.7

 

 

 

1,281.4

 

 

 

92.6

 

 

 

19.3

 

 

 

40.4

 

Notes payable

 

 

56.0

 

 

 

56.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

12,330.7

 

 

$

1,540.5

 

 

$

2,744.5

 

 

$

2,291.4

 

 

$

5,754.3

 

1

Amount includes open purchase orders and agreements, some of which are not legally binding and/or may be cancellable. Such agreements are generally settleable in the ordinary course of business in less than one year.

 
Payments Due by Period
(in millions)
Contractual ObligationsTotal 
Less than
1 Year
 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 
After 5
Years
Long-term debt$3,431.6
 $300.0
 $822.6
 $1,087.0
 $1,222.0
Capital lease obligations96.0
 7.5
 14.8
 14.5
 59.2
Operating lease obligations206.4
 35.2
 51.0
 36.9
 83.3
Purchase obligations1 and other contracts
1,060.5
 931.6
 97.0
 30.6
 1.3
Notes payable304.1
 304.1
 
 
 
Total$5,098.6
 $1,578.4
 $985.4
 $1,169.0
 $1,365.8
1 Amount includes open purchase orders and agreements, some of which are not legally binding and/or may be cancellable. Such agreements are generally settleable in the ordinary course of business in less than one year.

We are also contractually obligated to pay interest on our long-term debt and capitalfinance lease obligations. The weighted average coupon interest rate of the long-term debt obligations outstanding as of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, was approximately 4.9%4.7%.

The operating lease obligations noted in the table above have not been reduced by non-cancellable sublease rentals of $0.3$5.4 million.



As of May 27, 2018,26, 2019, we had aggregate unfunded pension and postretirement obligations totaling $68.5 million. This amount is$131.7 million and $87.8 million, respectively. These amounts are not included in the table above. Inabove as the fourth quarterunfunded obligations are remeasured each fiscal year, thereby resulting in our inability to accurately predict the ultimate amount and timing of fiscal 2018, we made a voluntary pension plan contribution in the amount of $300.0 million.any future required contributions to such plans. Based on current statutory requirements, we are not obligated to fund any amount to our qualified pension plans during the next twelve months. We estimate that we will make payments of approximately $19.6$14.2 million and $10.8 million over the next twelve months to fund our nonqualified pension plans.and postretirement plans, respectively. See Note 14, Pension and Postretirement Benefits, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report and Note 19, Pension and Postretirement Benefits, to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Critical Accounting Estimates - Employment Related Benefits contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 27, 201826, 2019 for further discussion of our pension obligations and factors that could affect estimates of this liability.

As part of our ongoing operations, we also enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments only upon the occurrence of a future event (e.g., guarantees of debt or lease payments of a third party should the third party be unable to perform). In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the followingsuch commercial commitments are not recognized as liabilities in theour Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report. A summary of our commitments, including commitments associated with equity method investments, asSheets. As of August 26, 2018 was as follows:

 
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
(in millions)
Other Commercial CommitmentsTotal 
Less than
1 Year
 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 
After 5
Years
Standby repurchase obligations$0.7
 $0.5
 $0.2
 $
 $
Other commitments5.0
 3.7
 1.3
 
 
Total$5.7
 $4.2
 $1.5
 $
 $
25, 2019, we had other commercial commitments totaling $4.7 million, of which $3.1 million expire in less than one year and $1.6 million expire in one to three years.

In addition to the commitments included in the table above, as of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, we had $35.0$57.3 million of standby letters of credit issued on our behalf. These standby letters of credit are primarily related to our self-insured workers compensation programs and are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report.

In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. We guarantee certain leases resulting from the divestiture of the JM Swank business completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, the remaining terms of these arrangements did not exceed fivefour years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $2.2$1.0 million. In addition, we guarantee a certain lease resulting from an exited facility. As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, the remaining term of this arrangement did not exceed nineeight years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $21.1$18.5 million.

In certain limited situations, we

We also guarantee obligationsan obligation of the Lamb Weston business pursuant to a guarantee arrangementsarrangement that existed prior to the spinoff of the Lamb Weston business (the "Spinoff") and remained in place following completion of the Spinoff until such guarantee obligations areobligation is 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, thesethis guarantee arrangements arearrangement is deemed liabilitiesa liability of Lamb Weston that werewas 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,arrangement, 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 August 26, 2018, the amount of this guarantee, recorded in other noncurrent liabilities, was $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,Company, in the event that we were required to perform under the guaranty,guarantee, would be largely mitigated.

The obligations and commitments tables above do not include any reserves for uncertainties in income taxes, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes. The liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits at August 26, 201825, 2019 was $33.0$39.6 million. The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at August 26, 2018,25, 2019, that, if recognized,



would impact our effective tax rate was $28.2$33.8 million. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

A discussion of our critical accounting estimates can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section in Part I, Item 7, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018.






26, 2019.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The principal market risks affecting us are exposures to price fluctuations of commodity and energy inputs, interest rates, and foreign currencies.


Other than the changes noted below, there have been no material changes in our market risk during the thirteen weeks endedAugust 26, 2018.25, 2019. For additional information, refer to the "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018.

26, 2019.

Commodity Market Risk

We purchase commodity inputs such as wheat, corn, oats, soybean meal, soybean oil, meat, dairy products, nuts, sugar, natural gas, electricity, and packaging materials to be used in our operations. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. We enter into commodity hedges to manage this price risk using physical forward contracts or derivative instruments. We have policies governing the hedging instruments our businesses may use. These policies include limiting the dollar risk exposure for each of our businesses. We also monitor the amount of associated counter-party credit risk for all non-exchange-traded transactions.

Interest Rate Risk

We may use interest rate swaps to manage the effect of interest rate changes on the fair value of our existing debt as well as the forecasted interest payments for the anticipated issuance of debt.

During 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 forecasted issuance of long-term debt to help finance the acquisition of Pinnacle. The net notional amount of these interest rate derivatives at August 26, 2018 was $4.42 billion. The maximum potential loss associated with these interest rate swap contracts from a hypothetical decrease of 0.5% in interest rates is approximately $253.8 million. Any such gain or loss, to the extent the hedge was effective, would be deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings over the life of the forecasted interest payments associated with this debt issuance. At August 26, 2018, we had recognized an unrealized loss of $58.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive income for these derivative instruments.

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $3.54$10.47 billion as of August 26, 2018.25, 2019. Based on current market rates, the fair value of this debt at August 26, 201825, 2019 was estimated at $3.73$11.66 billion. As of August 26, 2018,25, 2019, a 1% increase in the interest rates would decrease the fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $162.0$700.8 million, while a 1% decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $178.7$802.0 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

In order to reduce exposures for our processing activities related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we may enter into forward exchange or option contracts for transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for certain of our operations. This activity primarily relates to economically hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

Value-at-Risk (VaR)

We employ various tools to monitor our derivative risk, including value-at-risk ("VaR") models. We perform simulations using historical data to estimate potential losses in the fair value of current derivative positions. We use price and volatility information for the prior 90 days in the calculation of VaR that is used to monitor our daily risk. The purpose of this measurement is to provide a single view of the potential risk of loss associated with derivative positions at a given point in time based on recent changes in market prices. Our model uses a 95% confidence level. Accordingly, in any given one dayone-day time period, losses greater than the amounts included in the table below are expected to occur only 5% of the time. We include commodity swaps, futures, and options and foreign exchange forwards, swaps, and options in this calculation. The following table provides an overview of our average daily VaR for our energy, agriculture, and foreign exchange positions (including discontinued operations) during the thirteen weeks ended August 26, 201825, 2019 and August 27, 2017.26, 2018.

 

 

Fair Value Impact

 

In Millions

 

Average

During Thirteen Weeks

Ended August 25, 2019

 

 

Average

During Thirteen Weeks

Ended August 26, 2018

 

Energy commodities

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

0.1

 

Agriculture commodities

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.7

 

Other commodities

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.8

 

 Fair Value Impact
In Millions
Average
During Thirteen Weeks
Ended August 26, 2018
 
Average
During Thirteen Weeks
Ended August 27, 2017
Energy commodities$0.1
 $0.4
Agriculture commodities0.7
 0.5
Foreign exchange0.8
 0.7


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of August 26, 2018.25, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.


Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report and determined that there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



Part II — OTHER INFORMATION


We are a party to certain litigation matters relating to our acquisition of Beatrice Company ("Beatrice") in fiscal 1991, including litigation proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of 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") as alleged 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 an alleged public 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. The Court of Appeal remanded the case to the trial court with directions to recalculate the amount of the abatement fund estimated to be necessary to cover the 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 review of the decision, which 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 inbut on October 15, 2018, the trial court may not be stayed pending the outcome of any further appeal. In light of the decision rendered by the California AppellateSupreme Court on November 14, 2017, and the California Supreme Court's decision on February 14, 2018 notdeclined 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.case. 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 remainAs of July 10, 2019, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve this matter, 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 enteredagreement was approved by the trial court upon remand, although it is unknown whetheron July 24, 2019, and the court would stay executionaction against ConAgra Grocery Products was dismissed with prejudice. Pursuant to the settlement, ConAgra Grocery Products will pay a total of any new judgment while$101.7 million in seven installments to be paid annually from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2026. ConAgra Grocery Products will further provide a subsequent appeal is pending.

Whileguarantee of up to $15.0 million in the ultimate amount of any loss and timing of payments related thereto remain uncertain and could change as further information is obtained, weevent co-defendant, NL Industries, Inc., defaults on its payment obligations.

We have accrued $136.0$25.0 million and $74.1 million, within other accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, for this matter as of August 26, 2018.25, 2019. The extent of insurance coverage is uncertain and the 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 our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

In June 2009, an accidental explosion occurred at our manufacturing facility

The Company, its directors, and several of its executive officers are defendants in Garner, North Carolina. This facility was the primary production facility for our Slim Jim® branded meat snacks. In June 2009, the U.S. Bureauseveral class actions alleging violations of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced its determinationfederal securities laws. The lawsuits assert that the explosion wasCompany's officers made material misstatements and omissions that caused the resultmarket to have an unrealistically positive assessment of an accidental natural gasthe Company's financial prospects in light of the acquisition of Pinnacle, thus causing the Company's securities to be overvalued prior to the release and not a deliberate act. Duringof the fourthCompany's consolidated financial results on December 20, 2018 for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we settled our property and business interruption claims related to the Garner accidentyear 2019. The first of these lawsuits, captioned West Palm Beach Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Conagra Brands, Inc., et al., 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 suitwhich subsequent lawsuits alleging similar facts have been consolidated, 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 usFebruary 22, 2019 in the amount of $108.9



million plus post-judgment interest. We filed our Notice of Appeal in September 2016, and the appeal was heard by the Nebraska Supreme Court in November 2017. On September 14, 2018, the Nebraska Supreme 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 the exposure in this case to be limited to the applicable insurance deductible.
We are involved in certain litigation matters in connection with our planned acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle") (see Note 2). On August 7, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey, captioned Alexander Rasmussen v. Pinnacle Foods Inc. et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12501. On AugustIllinois. In addition, on May 9, 2018,2019, a purported stockholder of Pinnacleshareholder filed a complaint in a putative classderivative action on behalf of the Company against the Company's directors captioned Klein v. Arora, et al. in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey,Illinois asserting harm to the Company due to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and mismanagement in connection with the Pinnacle acquisition. On July 9, 2019 and September 20, 2019, the Company received two separate demands from stockholders under Delaware law to inspect the Company's books and records related to the Board of Directors' review of the Pinnacle business, acquisition, and the Company's public statements related to them. On July 22, 2019 and August 6, 2019, respectively, two additional shareholder derivative lawsuits captioned Robert H. PaquetteOpperman v. Pinnacle Foods Inc.Connolly, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12578. On August 9, 2018, a purported stockholder of Pinnacle and Dahl v. Connolly, et al. were filed a complaint in a putative class action in the United StatesU.S. District Court for the Northern District of New Jersey, captioned Wesley LindquistIllinois asserting similar facts and claims as the Klein v. Pinnacle Foods Inc.Arora, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-12610. The Rasmussen Action, matter. While we cannot predict with certainty the Paquette Action, and the Lindquist Action allege that Pinnacle's preliminary proxy statement, filed with the SECresults of these or any other legal proceedings, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on July 25, 2018, omits material information with respect to the Merger, rendering it false and misleading and thus that Pinnacle and the directorsour financial condition, results 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 Mergeroperations, 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.business.


For additional information on legal proceedings, please refer to Part I, Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" and Note 17 "Contingencies" to the financial statements, in each case contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 27, 2018,26, 2019, and Note 13 "Contingencies" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A discussion of our risk factors can be found in Item 1A Risk Factors,“Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018,26, 2019, and our other filings with the SEC. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019,2020, there were no material changes to our previously disclosed risk factors.



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Conagra Brands, Inc. (file number 001-07275), unless otherwise noted.


EXHIBIT

DESCRIPTION

EXHIBIT

3.1

DESCRIPTION
*2.1


3.1



3.2

10.1

31.1


10.2

**10.3

**10.4

12
31.1

31.2

32

101

The following materials from Conagra Brands' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 26, 2018,25, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.


* Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule upon request by

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the SEC

** Management contract or compensatory plan.
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments with respect to long-term debt of Conagra Brands, Inc. are not filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company will furnish a copy of any such long-term debt agreement to the SEC upon request.


Inline XBRL document)

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments with respect to long-term debt of Conagra Brands, Inc. are not filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company will furnish a copy of any such long-term debt agreement to the SEC upon request.









SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

CONAGRA BRANDS, INC.

By:

/s/ DAVID S. MARBERGER


David S. Marberger

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

By:

/s/ ROBERT G. WISE


Robert G. Wise

Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller

Dated this 2nd1st day of October, 2018.


42
2019.

45