UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM10-Q

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED February 26, 2017

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED November 26, 2017

 

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROMTO

Commission file number:001-01185

 

 

GENERAL MILLS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 41-0274440

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Number One General Mills Boulevard

Minneapolis, Minnesota

 55426
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(763)764-7600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in RuleRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer ☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 14,December 11, 2017: 576,135,402569,043,789 (excluding 178,477,926185,569,539 shares held in the treasury).


General Mills, Inc.

Table of Contents

 

   Page 

PART I – Financial Information

  

Item 1.

Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the quarters and nine-monthsix-month periods ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and February 28,November 27, 2016

   3 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters and nine-monthsix-month periods ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and February 28,November 27, 2016

   4 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, and May  29, 201628, 2017

   5 

Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and the fiscal year ended May 29, 201628, 2017

   6 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and February 28,November 27, 2016

   7 

Item 2.

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

   24 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

43
Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

   44 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

45

PART II – Other Information

  

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

44
Item 6.

Exhibits

   45 

SignaturesItem 6. Exhibits

   46 

Signatures

47

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) (In Millions, Except per Share Data)

 

  Quarter Ended Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26, 2017   Nov. 27, 2016   Nov. 26, 2017   Nov. 27, 2016 

Net sales

  $    3,793.2   $    4,002.4  $    11,813.2   $    12,635.2   $4,198.7   $4,112.1   $7,967.9   $8,020.0 

Cost of sales

   2,485.5    2,644.9   7,569.1    8,182.5    2,755.7    2,592.6    5,214.8    5,083.6 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

   687.6    755.8   2,107.9    2,339.7    711.6    708.1    1,390.7    1,420.3 

Divestitures loss (gain)

       (1.5  13.5    (200.6

Divestiture loss

   —      13.5    —      13.5 

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs

   77.6    16.9   165.5    138.3    1.6    29.0    6.8    87.9 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating profit

   542.5    586.3   1,957.2    2,175.3    729.8    768.9    1,355.6    1,414.7 

Interest, net

   76.4    77.2   225.8    226.3    74.9    75.5    147.3    149.4 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Earnings before income taxes andafter-tax earnings from joint ventures

   466.1    509.1   1,731.4    1,949.0    654.9    693.4    1,208.3    1,265.3 

Income taxes

   107.0    157.6   511.0    667.7    234.9    227.4    403.4    404.0 

After-tax earnings from joint ventures

   11.1    16.2   65.1    65.1    23.8    29.8    47.5    54.0 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

   370.2    367.7   1,285.5    1,346.4    443.8    495.8    852.4    915.3 

Net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

   12.4    6.0   36.9    28.6    13.3    14.0    17.2    24.5 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

  $357.8   $361.7  $1,248.6   $1,317.8   $430.5   $481.8   $835.2   $890.8 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Earnings per share - basic

  $0.62   $0.61  $2.12   $2.20   $0.75   $0.82   $1.46   $1.50 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Earnings per share - diluted

  $0.61   $0.59  $2.08   $2.15   $0.74   $0.80   $1.43   $1.47 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Dividends per share

  $0.48   $0.44  $1.44   $1.32   $0.49   $0.48   $0.98   $0.96 
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) (In Millions)

 

  Quarter Ended Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
  Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
   Quarter Ended Six-Month
Period Ended
 
  Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

  $370.2  $367.7  $1,285.5  $1,346.4   $443.8  $495.8  $852.4  $915.3 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Foreign currency translation

   113.7   (39.9  88.4   (252.4   (42.0 (105.7  19.5  (25.3

Other fair value changes:

          

Securities

   0.5   (0.2  0.8   (0.2   0.5  (0.1  0.8  0.3 

Hedge derivatives

   (4.9)   19.0   42.4   29.4    (0.1 32.1   (8.9 47.3 

Reclassification to earnings:

          

Hedge derivatives

   (8.7)   (3.7  (19.3)   (3.3   0.8  (7.8  0.6  (10.6

Amortization of losses and prior service costs

   29.9   31.0   92.3   97.8    27.9  31.8   55.7  62.4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   130.5   6.2   204.6   (128.7   (12.9 (49.7  67.7  74.1 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total comprehensive income

   500.7   373.9   1,490.1   1,217.7    430.9  446.1   920.1  989.4 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

   16.4   20.1   (20.3)   4.1    12.8  (43.5  84.8  (36.7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to General Mills

  $484.3  $353.8  $1,510.4  $1,213.6   $418.1  $489.6  $835.3  $1,026.1 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


Consolidated Balance Sheets

GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In Millions, Except Par Value)

 

  Feb. 26,
2017
 May 29,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 May 28,
2017
 
  (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)   

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $899.1  $763.7   $962.1  $766.1 

Receivables

   1,427.5   1,360.8    1,510.5  1,430.1 

Inventories

   1,461.0   1,413.7    1,516.5  1,483.6 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   340.4   399.0    345.0  381.6 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   4,128.0   3,937.2    4,334.1  4,061.4 

Land, buildings, and equipment

   3,575.2   3,743.6    3,631.4  3,687.7 

Goodwill

   8,705.8   8,741.2    8,828.3  8,747.2 

Other intangible assets

   4,499.7   4,538.6    4,581.8  4,530.4 

Other assets

   761.6   751.7    815.9  785.9 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $21,670.3  $21,712.3   $22,191.5  $21,812.6 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

  $1,855.3  $2,046.5   $2,467.0  $2,119.8 

Current portion of long-term debt

   604.7   1,103.4    200.5  604.7 

Notes payable

   1,942.0   269.8    1,298.0  1,234.1 

Other current liabilities

   1,341.5   1,595.0    1,384.0  1,372.2 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   5,743.5   5,014.7    5,349.5  5,330.8 

Long-term debt

   7,176.4   7,057.7    8,228.3  7,642.9 

Deferred income taxes

   1,547.7   1,399.6    1,790.9  1,719.4 

Other liabilities

   1,930.0   2,087.6    1,439.7  1,523.1 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   16,397.6   15,559.6    16,808.4  16,216.2 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Redeemable interest

   869.2   845.6    793.4  910.9 

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock, 754.6 shares issued, $0.10 par value

   75.5   75.5    75.5  75.5 

Additionalpaid-in capital

   1,129.8   1,177.0    1,243.3  1,120.9 

Retained earnings

   13,008.8   12,616.5    13,408.9  13,138.9 

Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of 178.5 and 157.8

   (7,800.3  (6,326.6

Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of 186.0 and 177.7

   (8,252.6 (7,762.9

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (2,350.4  (2,612.2   (2,244.4 (2,244.5
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   4,063.4   4,930.2    4,230.7  4,327.9 

Noncontrolling interests

   340.1   376.9    359.0  357.6 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

   4,403.5   5,307.1    4,589.7  4,685.5 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $    21,670.3  $    21,712.3   $22,191.5  $21,812.6 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest

GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) (In Millions, Except per Share Data)

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

      
 $.10 Par Value Common Stock            $.10 Par Value Common Stock           
 (One Billion Shares Authorized)            (One Billion Shares Authorized)           
 Issued Treasury            Issued Treasury           
 Shares Par
Amount
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Shares Amount Retained
Earnings
 

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Non-

controlling
Interests

 

Total

Equity

 

Redeemable

Interest

  Shares Par Amount Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Shares Amount Retained
Earnings
 

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Non-

controlling
Interests

 

Total

Equity

 

Redeemable

Interest

 
  

Balance as of May 31, 2015

  754.6  $75.5  $1,296.7   (155.9 $(6,055.6 $11,990.8  $(2,310.7 $396.0  $5,392.7  $778.9 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

       1,697.4   (301.5  11.2   1,407.1   30.3 

Cash dividends declared ($1.78 per share)

       (1,071.7    (1,071.7 

Balance as of May 29, 2016

 754.6  $75.5  $1,177.0  (157.8 $(6,326.6 $12,616.5  $(2,612.2 $376.9  $5,307.1  $845.6 

Total comprehensive income

      1,657.5  367.7  13.8  2,039.0  17.2 

Cash dividends declared ($1.92 per share)

      (1,135.1   (1,135.1 

Shares purchased

     (10.7  (606.7     (606.7     (25.4 (1,651.5    (1,651.5 

Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $94.1)

    (46.3  8.8   335.7      289.4  

Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $64.1)

   3.6  5.5  215.2     218.8  

Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards

    (63.3       (63.3    (78.5      (78.5 

Earned compensation

    84.8        84.8     94.9       94.9  

Increase in redemption value of redeemable interest

    (91.5       (91.5  91.5    (75.9      (75.9 75.9 

Acquisition of interest in subsidiary

    (3.4      (1.1  (4.5    (0.2     0.1  (0.1 

Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders

  (29.2  (29.2  (55.1 (33.2 (33.2 (27.8

Balance as of May 29, 2016

  754.6   75.5   1,177.0   (157.8  (6,326.6  12,616.5   (2,612.2  376.9   5,307.1   845.6 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

       1,248.6   261.8   (5.0  1,505.4   (15.3

Cash dividends declared ($1.44 per share)

       (856.3    (856.3 

Balance as of May 28, 2017

 754.6  75.5  1,120.9  (177.7 (7,762.9 13,138.9  (2,244.5 357.6  4,685.5  910.9 

Total comprehensive income

      835.2  0.1  28.1  863.4  56.7 

Cash dividends declared ($0.98 per share)

      (565.2   (565.2 

Shares purchased

     (25.4  (1,650.9     (1,650.9     (10.9 (600.5    (600.5 

Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $65.1)

    20.9   4.7   177.2      198.1  

Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $20.2)

   (20.6 2.6  110.8     90.2  

Unearned compensation related to restricted stock unit awards

    (77.9       (77.9    (61.2      (61.2 

Earned compensation

    76.4        76.4     48.6       48.6  

Increase in redemption value of redeemable interest

    (66.6       (66.6  66.6 

Decrease in redemption value of redeemable interest

   155.6       155.6  (155.6

Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders

  (31.8  (31.8  (27.7 (26.7 (26.7 (18.6

Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017

  754.6  $75.5  $1,129.8   (178.5 $(7,800.3 $13,008.8  $(2,350.4 $340.1  $4,403.5  $869.2 

Balance as of Nov. 26, 2017

  754.6  $75.5  $1,243.3   (186.0 $(8,252.6 $13,408.9  $(2,244.4 $359.0  $4,589.7  $793.4 
   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Unaudited) (In Millions)

 

  Nine-Month Period Ended   Six-Month Period Ended 
  Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 

Cash Flows - Operating Activities

      

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

  $1,285.5  $1,346.4   $852.4  $915.3 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   448.3   441.2    290.8  301.1 

After-tax earnings from joint ventures

   (65.1)   (65.1   (47.5 (54.0

Distributions of earnings from joint ventures

   43.7   38.6    45.1  31.9 

Stock-based compensation

   76.4   71.7    48.2  56.2 

Deferred income taxes

   140.1   37.7    70.2  94.6 

Tax benefit on exercised options

   (65.1)   (57.2

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions

   (34.0)   (35.2   (12.6 (22.6

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs

   26.9   88.2    2.4  17.9 

Divestitures loss (gain)

   13.5   (200.6

Divestiture loss

   —    13.5 

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs

   141.1   83.0    (7.4 71.0 

Changes in current assets and liabilities

   (404.0)   206.0    362.3  (340.9

Other, net

   (48.6)   (92.2   (37.1 (5.3
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   1,558.7   1,862.5    1,566.8  1,078.7 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows - Investing Activities

      

Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment

   (475.2)   (477.6   (260.0 (318.3

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

      (84.0

Investments in affiliates, net

   4.8   63.7    (7.4 (7.7

Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment

   1.2   4.5    0.6  0.4 

Proceeds from divestitures

   17.5   825.8 

Proceeds from divestiture

   —    17.5 

Exchangeable note

   13.0   19.5    —    13.0 

Other, net

   14.7   (16.8   (3.9 15.1 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

   (424.0)   335.1 
  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

   (270.7 (280.0
  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows - Financing Activities

      

Change in notes payable

   1,681.3   54.8    53.1  1,164.5 

Issuance of long-term debt

   750.0   542.9    500.0   —   

Payment of long-term debt

   (1,003.0)   (1,000.3   (500.1 (0.1

Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options

   90.5   103.0    50.6  77.0 

Tax benefit on exercised options

   65.1   57.2 

Purchases of common stock for treasury

   (1,650.9)   (601.8   (600.5 (1,349.9

Dividends paid

   (856.3)   (794.6   (565.2 (575.5

Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders

   (59.5)   (81.7   (45.3 (4.6
  

 

  

 

 

Other, net

   (23.6 (31.4
  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used by financing activities

   (982.8)   (1,720.5   (1,131.0 (720.0
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (16.5  (28.6   30.9  (32.7
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   135.4   448.5    196.0  46.0 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

   763.7   334.2    766.1  763.7 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

  $899.1  $782.7   $962.1  $809.7 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flow from changes in current assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables

  $(75.1 $(48.7  $(53.9 $(45.3

Inventories

   (42.1)   (89.3   (15.6 (120.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   53.3   (2.6   42.3  (2.3

Accounts payable

   (100.4)   75.9    377.0  (19.9

Other current liabilities

   (239.7)   270.7    12.5  (152.7
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Changes in current assets and liabilities

  $(404.0 $206.0   $362.3  $(340.9
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(1) Background

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of General Mills, Inc. (we, us, our, General Mills, or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and disclosures required for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature, including the elimination of all intercompany transactions and any noncontrolling and redeemable interests’ share of those transactions. Operating results for the quarter ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 28, 2017.27, 2018.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016.28, 2017. The accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in that Form10-K.10-K with the exception of the new accounting requirements adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 for stock-based payments and goodwill impairment testing. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in the “Glossary” section below.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded an adjustment related to a prior year which increased income tax expense and total liabilities by $42.2 million in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We determined the adjustment to be immaterial to our estimated Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018.

(2) DivestituresDivestiture

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold our Martel, Ohio manufacturing facility in our Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment and simultaneously entered into aco-packing arrangement with the purchaser. We received $17.5 million in cash, and recorded apre-tax loss of $13.5 million.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we sold our North American Green Giant product lines for $822.7 million in cash, and we recorded apre-tax gain of $199.1 million. We received net cash proceeds of $788.0 million after transaction-related costs. After the divestiture, we retained a brand intangible asset on our Consolidated Balance Sheets of $30.1 million related to our continued use of theGreen Giant brand in certain markets outside of North America.

8


(3) Restructuring Initiatives

We are currently pursuing several multi-year restructuring initiatives designed to increase our efficiency and focus our business behind our key growth strategies. Charges related to these activities were as follows:

 

 Quarter Ended
Feb. 26, 2017
 Quarter Ended
Feb. 28, 2016
 
In Millions Severance Asset
Write-
offs
 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total Severance Asset
Write-
offs
 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total 

Global reorganization

 $67.4  $  $  $5.7  $73.1  $  $  $  $  $ 

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

        5.6   0.1   5.7                

Restructuring of certain international product lines

  0.6   1.6      0.1   2.3                

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

     0.4   7.1   0.2   7.7                

Project Compass

  (1.4           (1.4  (0.9        0.1   (0.8

Project Century

  0.2   1.7   3.4   1.8   7.1   7.4   10.4   17.0   9.1   43.9 

Project Catalyst

                 (8.9           (8.9

Combination of certain operational facilities

  (0.5           (0.5               

Total

 $66.3  $3.7  $16.1  $7.9  $94.0  $(2.4 $10.4  $17.0  $9.2  $34.2 
 
           Quarter Ended Quarter Ended 
 Nine-Month Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017
 Nine-Month Period Ended
Feb. 28, 2016
  Nov. 26, 2017 Nov. 27, 2016 
In Millions Severance Asset
Write-
offs
 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total Severance Asset
Write-
offs
 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total  Severance 

Asset
Write-

offs

 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total Severance 

Asset
Write-

offs

 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total 

Global reorganization

 $67.4  $  $  $5.7  $73.1  $  $  $  $  $  $0.2  $0.5  $—    $(0.1 $0.6  $—    $—    $—    $—    $—   

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

  11.3      6.3   0.1   17.7                  —     —     0.6   2.2   2.8  11.3   —    0.7   —    12.0 

Restructuring of certain international product lines

  7.0   37.4   (0.3  1.5   45.6                  —     —     —     —     —    4.1  2.2  (0.3 0.9  6.9 

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

  12.3   5.4   16.1   1.8   35.6                  (2.4  8.8   —     (7.7  (1.3 (0.1  —    7.0  0.1  7.0 

Project Compass

  (1.4     0.2   0.8   (0.4  46.2         6.6   52.8   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

Project Century

  0.7   9.8   18.0   8.7   37.2   35.5   22.9   59.6   37.1   155.1   —     4.8   —     (4.7  0.1  0.2  5.0  5.4  5.3  15.9 

Project Catalyst

                 (8.7           (8.7

Combination of certain operational facilities

  (0.5           (0.5               

Total

 $96.8  $52.6  $40.3  $18.6  $208.3  $73.0  $22.9  $59.6  $43.7  $199.2  $(2.2 $14.1  $0.6  $(10.3 $2.2  $15.5  $7.2  $12.8  $6.3  $41.8 
  
 Six-Month Period Ended Six-Month Period Ended 
 Nov. 26, 2017 Nov. 27, 2016 
In Millions Severance 

Asset
Write-

offs

 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total Severance Asset
Write-
offs
 Accelerated
Depreciation
 Other Total 

Global reorganization

 $0.6  $0.6  $—    $0.2  $1.4  $—    $—    $—    $—    $—   

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

  0.6   —     2.1   2.2   4.9  11.3   —    0.7   —    12.0 

Restructuring of certain international product lines

  —     —     —     —     —    6.4  35.8  (0.3 1.4  43.3 

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

  (2.2  8.9   10.6   (5.2  12.1  12.3   —    14.0  1.6  27.9 

Project Compass

  (0.2  —     —     —     (0.2  —     —    0.2  0.8  1.0 

Project Century

  0.1   5.7   —     (4.3  1.5  0.5  8.1  14.6  6.9  30.1 

Total

 $(1.1 $15.2  $12.7  $(7.1 $19.7  $30.5  $43.9  $29.2  $10.7  $114.3 
 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we approved restructuring actions designed to better align our organizational structure with our strategic initiatives. In connection with these actions,This action will affect approximately 600 positions and we expect to eliminate approximately 400 to 600 positions. We expect to incur approximately $80$76 million of net expenses relating to these actions, all of which will be cash. We recorded $73.1$0.6 million of restructuring charges in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2018 and $1.4 million in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017 relating to these actions. We expect these actions to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we notified the employees and their representatives of our decision to close our pasta manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia in our Europe & Australia segment to improve our margin structure. This action will affect approximately 350 positions, and we expect to incur approximately $34 million of net expenses relating to this action, most of which approximately $3 million will benon-cash. cash. We recorded $5.7$2.8 million of restructuring charges in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 and $17.7$4.9 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 relating to this action. We recorded $12.0 million of restructuring charges in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $12.0 million in thesix-month period ended November 27, 2016. We expect these actionsthis action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2019.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a plan to restructure certain product lines in our Asia & Latin America segment. To eliminate excess capacity, we closed our snacks manufacturing facility in Marília, Brazil and ceased production operations for meals and snacks at our facility in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. We also ceased production of certain underperforming snack products at our facility in Nanjing, China. These and other actions will affect approximately 420 positions in our Brazilian operations and approximately 440 positions in our Greatergreater China operations. We expect to incur approximately $38$42 million of net expenses related to these actions, most of which approximately $4 million will be cash.non-cash. There have been no restructuring charges in fiscal 2018 relating to these actions. We recorded $2.3$6.9 million of restructuring charges in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017 and $45.6

9


$43.3 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action.November 27, 2016. We expect these actions to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018.2019.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we approved a plan to close our Vineland, New Jersey facility to eliminate excess soup capacity in our North America Retail segment. This action will affect approximately 370affected 380 positions, and we expect to incur approximately $65 million of net expenses, of which approximately $18 million will be cash. We recorded $7.7 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and $35.6 million in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2019.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved Project Compass, a restructuring plan designed to enable our international operations to accelerate long-term growth through increased organizational effectiveness and reduced administrative expense. In connection with this project, we eliminated 749 positions. We incurred $54.3 million of net expenses, all of which was cash. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we reduced the estimate of charges related to this action by $1.4 million. We recorded $52.8 million of restructuring charges in the nine-month period ended February 28, 2016 related to this action. This action was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

Project Century (Century) began in fiscal 2015 and was a review of our manufacturing and distribution network to streamline operations and identify potential capacity reductions. As part of Century, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we notified the employees and their representatives of our decision to close the dough and dry mix manufacturing facility in our Europe & Australia segment supply chain located in Berwick, United Kingdom. This action affected 265 positions, and we incurred $32 million of net expenses related to this action, of which $12 million was cash. We recorded $1.2 million of restructuring charges in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 and $17.7 million in the nine-month period ended February 28, 2016 related to this action. This action was completed in fiscal 2017.

As part of Century, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a restructuring plan to close our cereal and dry dinner manufacturing plant in West Chicago, Illinois in our North America Retail segment supply chain. This action will affect approximately 500 positions, and we expect to incur approximately $105$54 million of net expenses relating to this action, of which approximately $44$11 million will be cash. We recorded $6.7a net gain of $1.3 million primarily related to the sale of assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and $12.1 million of restructuring charges in the thirdsix-month period ended November 26, 2017. We recorded $7.0 million of restructuring expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $19.6$27.9 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 26, 2017 relating to this action. We recorded $8.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $72.2 million in the nine-month period ended February 28, 2016 relating to this action.November 27, 2016. We expect this action to be completed by the end of fiscal 2018.

As part of Century, inDuring the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we approved a restructuring plan to close our snacks manufacturing facility in Joplin, Missouri in our North America Retail segment supply chain. This action affected approximately 120 positions, and we incurred $6.6 million of net expenses relating to this action, including $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $8.4 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 28, 2016, of which less than $1 million was cash. This action was completed in fiscal 2016.

In addition, we recorded restructuring charges of $0.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, $17.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, $16.4 million in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, and $56.8 million in the nine-month period ended February 28, 2016 relating to other Century actions previously announced.

During the nine-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we paid $67.1$27.1 million in cash relating to restructuring initiatives.initiatives and $43.3 million in thesix-month period ended November 27, 2016.

In addition to restructuring charges, we recorded $11.5$4.2 million of project-related costs in cost of sales in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017, $10.12018 and $5.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, $36.4 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and $39.4 million in the nine-month period ended February 28, 2016.2017. We paid $11.5$5.0 million in cash in the third quarter of fiscalsix-month period ended November 26, 2017 for project-related costs. We expect to incur approximately $17.1$8 million of project-related costs in future periods related to our restructuring initiatives.

Restructuring charges and project-related costs are recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016   Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016 

Cost of sales

  $16.4   $17.3   $42.8   $60.9 

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs

   77.6    16.9    165.5    138.3 

Total restructuring charges

   94.0    34.2    208.3    199.2 
                     

Project-related costs classified in cost of sales

  $11.5   $10.1   $36.4   $39.4 
                     

10


   Quarter Ended   Six-Month Period Ended 
In Millions  Nov. 26, 2017   Nov. 27, 2016   Nov. 26, 2017   Nov. 27, 2016 

Cost of sales

  $0.6   $12.8   $12.9   $26.4 

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs

   1.6    29.0    6.8    87.9 

Total restructuring charges

   2.2    41.8    19.7    114.3 

Project-related costs classified in cost of sales

  $4.2   $11.1   $5.4   $24.9 

The roll forward of our restructuring and other exit cost reserves, included in other current liabilities, is as follows:

 

In Millions  Severance  

Contract

Termination

  

Other

Exit Costs

  Total 

Reserve balance as of May 29, 2016

  $73.6  $1.5  $1.5  $76.6 

Fiscal 2017 charges, including foreign currency translation

   97.4   0.9   8.3   106.6 

Utilized in fiscal 2017

   (54.5  (1.6  (6.5  (62.6

Reserve balance as of Feb. 26, 2017

  $116.5  $0.8  $3.3  $120.6 
                  
In Millions  Severance  

Contract

Termination

  

Other

Exit Costs

  Total 

Reserve balance as of May 28, 2017

  $81.8  $0.7  $2.5  $85.0 

Fiscal 2018 charges, including foreign currency translation

   (2.0  0.2   0.4   (1.4

Utilized in fiscal 2018

   (35.5  (0.7  (0.8  (37.0

Reserve balance as of Nov. 26, 2017

  $44.3  $0.2  $2.1  $46.6 

The charges recognized in the roll forward of our reserves for restructuring and other exit costs do not include items charged directly to expense (e.g., asset impairment charges, accelerated depreciation, the gain or loss on the sale of restructured assets, and thewrite-off of spare parts) and other periodic exit costs recognized as incurred, as those items are not reflected in our restructuring and other exit cost reserves on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The components of goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows:

 

In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   May 29,
2016
   

Nov. 26,

2017

 

May 28,

2017

 
 

Goodwill

  $8,705.8   $8,741.2   $8,828.3  $8,747.2 

Other intangible assets:

       

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

       

Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles

   4,143.7    4,147.5    4,203.4  4,161.1 

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

       

Franchise agreements, customer relationships, and other finite-lived intangibles

   514.4    536.9    555.2  524.8 

Less accumulated amortization

   (158.4   (145.8   (176.8 (155.5

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net

   356.0    391.1    378.4  369.3 

Other intangible assets

   4,499.7    4,538.6    4,581.8  4,530.4 

Total

  $13,205.5   $13,279.8   $13,410.1  $13,277.6 
        
 

Based on the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, annual amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is estimated to be approximately $27 million.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. As a result of this global reorganization, we reassessed our operating segments as well as our reporting units. Under our new organization structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments at the North America Retail, Convenience Stores & Foodservice, Europe & Australia, and Asia & Latin America operating segment level. See Note 15 for additional information on our operating segments. Our reporting units were unchanged with the exception of combining our former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units into a single reporting unit.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 20172018 were as follows:

 

In Millions  North
America
Retail
  Convenience Stores
& Foodservice
  Europe &
Australia
  Asia &��Latin
America
   Joint
Ventures
  Total 

Balance as of May 29, 2016

  $6,410.3  $921.1  $716.5  $287.1   $406.2  $8,741.2 

Divestiture

      (2.3            (2.3

Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation

   (0.6     (50.2  37.9    (20.2  (33.1

Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017

  $6,409.7  $918.8  $666.3  $325.0   $386.0  $8,705.8 
                           

11


In Millions  

North

America

Retail

   

Convenience Stores

& Foodservice

   

Europe &

Australia

   

Asia & Latin

America

   

Joint

Ventures

   Total 
  

Balance as of May 28, 2017

  $6,406.5   $918.8   $700.8   $312.4   $408.7   $8,747.2 

Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation

   6.5    —      43.5    3.7    27.4    81.1 
  

Balance as of Nov. 26, 2017

  $6,413.0   $918.8   $744.3   $316.1   $436.1   $8,828.3 
  
  

The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets during fiscal 20172018 were as follows:

 

In Millions  Total   Total 

Balance as of May 29, 2016

  $4,538.6 
 

Balance as of May 28, 2017

  $4,530.4 

Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation

   (38.9   51.4 

Balance as of Feb. 26, 2017

  $4,499.7 
     

Balance as of Nov. 26, 2017

  $4,581.8 
 
 

Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assetassets impairment test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 and we determined there was no impairment of our goodwill intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for theYoki andProgresso brand intangible assets and the Latin America reporting unit. We did not consider the new organization structure to be a triggering event requiring a subsequent goodwill impairment test as our reporting units remain unchanged, with the exception of combining the former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units.

Our indefinite-lived intangible asset test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2017. As of the assessment date, there was no impairment of any of our indefinite-lived intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for theImmaculate Baking brand intangible asset.

The excess fair value aboveas of the carrying valuefiscal 2018 test date of theYoki andProgresso brand intangible assets and the Latin America reporting unit and theImmaculate Baking brand intangible asset is as follows:

 

In Millions  Carrying
Value
   Excess Fair Value
Above Carrying
Value
   

Carrying Value

of Intangible

Asset

   

Excess Fair Value as of

Fiscal 2018 Test Date

 
 

Yoki

  $138.2    1

Progresso

   462.1    6

Latin America

  $523.0    15  $272.0    21

Immaculate Baking

  $12.0    17
        
 

In addition, while having significant coverage as of our fiscal 20172018 assessment date, the ProgressoFood,ShouldTasteGood andGreenGiantandFood Should Taste Goodbrand intangible assets and the U.S. Yogurt reporting unit had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.

(5) Inventories

The components of inventories were as follows:

 

In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   May 29,
2016
   

Nov. 26,

2017

 

May 28,

2017

 
 

Raw materials and packaging

  $369.3   $397.3   $400.7  $395.4 

Finished goods

   1,191.1    1,163.1    1,211.6  1,224.3 

Grain

   93.3    72.6    118.9  73.0 

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost

   (192.7   (219.3   (214.7 (209.1
 

Total

  $1,461.0   $1,413.7   $1,516.5  $1,483.6 
        
 

(6) Risk Management Activities

Many commodities we use in the production and distribution of our products are exposed to market price risks. We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for our principal ingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils (principally soybean),non-fat dry milk, dairy products, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Our primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. We manage our exposures through a combination of purchase orders, long-term contracts with suppliers, exchange-traded futures and options, andover-the-counter options and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as close to our planned cost as possible.

We use derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

12


Although we do not meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, we believe that these instruments are effective in achieving our objective of providing certainty in the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. Accordingly, for purposes of measuring segment operating performance, certain gains and losses are reported in unallocated corporate items outside of segment operating results until such time that the exposure we are managing affects earnings. At that time we reclassify the gain or loss from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit, allowing our operating segments to realize the economic effects of the derivative without experiencing the resultingmark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate items.

Unallocated corporate items for the quarters and nine-month periods ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and February 28,November 27, 2016 included:

 

  Quarter Ended Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 
 

Net gain (loss) onmark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions

  $—     $(42.7 $(15.9 $(96.7  $(0.6 $3.0   $(8.4 $(15.9

Net loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit

   4.0    39.8   27.7   101.9    2.5  14.4    6.1  23.7 

Netmark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories

   4.2    (4.4  8.9   (2.1   2.6  11.7    8.6  4.7 
 

Netmark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items

  $8.2   $(7.3 $20.7  $3.1   $4.5  $29.1   $6.3  $12.5 
        

As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $279.1$96.9 million, of which $57.9$36.6 million related to energy inputs and $221.2$60.3 million related to agricultural inputs. These contracts relate to inputs that generally will be utilized within the next 12 months.

In advance of planned debt financing, in fiscal 2018, we entered into $500.0 million of treasury locks due October 15, 2017 with an average fixed rate of 1.8 percent. All of these treasury locks were cash settled for $3.7 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, concurrent with the issuance of our $500.0 million5-year fixed-rate notes.

In advance of planned debt financing, during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we entered into $400$400.0 million and $100$100.0 million, respectively, of treasury locks due February 15, 2017 with an average fixed rate of 2.0 percent. All of these treasury locks were cash settled for $17.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, concurrent with the issuance of our $750.0 million10-year fixed-rate notes.

As of February 26, 2017, the net notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was $871.0 million.

The fair values of the derivative positions used in our risk management activities and other assets recorded at fair value were not material as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, and were Level 1 or Level 2 assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy. We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.

We offer certain suppliers access to a third party serviceservices that allowsallow them to view our scheduled payments online. The third party serviceservices also allowsallow 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,parties, or any financial institutions concerning this service.these services. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, $563.0$873.5 million of our total accounts payable were payable to suppliers who utilize thisthese third party service.services.

(7) Debt

The components of notes payable were as follows:

 

In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   May 29,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   May 28,
2017
 

U.S. commercial paper

  $1,637.9   $   $997.7   $954.7 

Financial institutions

   304.1    269.8    300.3    279.4 

Total

  $1,942.0   $269.8   $1,298.0   $1,234.1 
            

To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines sufficient to cover our outstanding notes payable. Commercial paper is a continuing source of short-term financing. We have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We also have committed, uncommitted, and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations.

13


The following table details thefee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017:

 

In Billions  Facility
Amount
   Borrowed
Amount
 

Credit facility expiring:

    

May 2021

  $2.7   $ 

June 2019

   0.2    0.2 

Total committed credit facilities

   2.9    0.2 

Uncommitted credit facilities

   0.5    0.1 

Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities

  $3.4   $0.3 
           

In fiscal 2016, we entered into a $2.7 billionfee-paid committed credit facility that is scheduled to expire in May 2021. Concurrent with the execution of this credit facility, we terminated our $1.7 billion and $1.0 billion credit facilities.

In Billions  Facility
Amount
   Borrowed
Amount
 

Credit facility expiring:

    

May 2022

  $2.7   $—   

June 2019

   0.2    0.1 

Total committed credit facilities

   2.9    0.1 

Uncommitted credit facilities

   0.5    0.2 

Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities

  $3.4   $0.3 
           

The credit facilities contain covenants, including a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 times. We were in compliance with all credit facility covenants as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017.

Long-Term Debt

The fair values and carrying amounts of long-term debt, including the current portion, were $8,107.5$8,735.5 million and $7,781.1$8,428.8 million, respectively, as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash flows based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. Long-term debt is a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy.

In October 2017, we issued $500.0 million principal amount of 2.6 percent fixed-rate notes due October 12, 2022. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. We may redeem the notes in whole, or in part, at any time at the applicable redemption price. The notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds, together with cash on hand, were used to repay $500.0 million of 1.4 percent fixed-rate notes.

In March 2017, subsequent to the end of our fiscal third quarter, we issued €300.0 million principal amount of floating-rate notes due March 20, 2019. Interest on the notes is payable quarterly in arrears. We may redeem theThe notes if certain tax laws change and we would be obligatedare not generally redeemable prior to pay additional amounts on the notes.maturity. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper.

In February 2017, we repaid $1.0 billion of 5.7 percent fixed-rate notes.

In January 2017, we issued $750.0 million principal amount of 3.2 percent fixed-rate notes due February 10, 2027. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. We may redeem the notes in whole, or in part, at any time at the applicable redemption price. The notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our maturing long-term debt.

In January 2016, we issued €500.0 million principal amount of floating-rate notes due January 15, 2020. Interest on the notes is payable quarterly in arrears. We may redeem the notes if certain tax laws change and we would be obligated to pay additional amounts on the notes. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our maturing long-term debt.

In January 2016, we repaid $250 million of 0.875 percent fixed-rate notes and $750 million of floating-rate notes.

Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

(8) Redeemable and Noncontrolling Interests

We have a 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and a 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl. Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) holds the remaining interests in each of the entities. On the acquisition date, we recorded the $904.4 million fair value of Sodiaal’s 49 percent euro-denominated interest in Yoplait SAS as a redeemable interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sodiaal has the ability to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year, up to three times before December 2024. We adjust the value of the redeemable interest through additionalpaid-in capital on our Consolidated Balance Sheets quarterly to the redeemable interest’s redemption value, which approximates its fair value. Yoplait SAS pays dividends annually if it meets certain financial metrics set forth in its shareholders’ agreement. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, the redemption value of the euro-denominated redeemable interest was $869.2$793.4 million.

14


A subsidiary of Yoplait SAS has an exclusive milk supply agreement for its European operations with Sodiaal through July 1, 2021. Net purchases totaled $189.5$112.3 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and $213.5$86.2 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 28,November 27, 2016.

On the acquisition dates, we recorded the $281.4 million fair value of Sodiaal’s 50 percent euro-denominated interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and 50 percent Canadian dollar-denominated interest in Liberté Marques Sàrl as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Yoplait Marques SNC earns a royalty stream through a licensing agreement with Yoplait SAS for the rights toYoplaitand related trademarks. Liberté Marques Sàrl earns a royalty stream through licensing agreements with certain Yoplait group companies for the rights toLibertéand related trademarks. These entities pay dividends annually based on their available cash as of their fiscal year end.

The third-party holder of the Class A Interests in our General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) consolidated subsidiary receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recentmark-to-market valuation (currently $251.5 million). The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction. On June 1, 2015, the floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A Interests was reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 125 basis points.

Our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

15


(9) Stockholders’ Equity

The following tables provide details of total comprehensive income:

 

  Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended 
  Feb. 26, 2017  Feb. 28, 2016 
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
 
In Millions Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net  Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

         $357.8  $2.9  $9.5          $361.7  $1.7  $4.3 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Foreign currency translation

 $109.0  $   109.0   (0.5  5.2  $(50.4 $   (50.4  9.5   1.0 

Other fair value changes:

          

Securities

  0.7   (0.2  0.5         (0.3  0.1   (0.2      

Hedge derivatives

  (6.2  1.3   (4.9        15.7   (0.2  15.5      3.5 

Reclassification to earnings:

          

Hedge derivatives (a)

  (9.8  1.8   (8.0     (0.7  (4.7  0.9   (3.8     0.1 

Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b)

  48.0   (18.1  29.9         49.7   (18.7  31.0       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 $141.7  $(15.2  126.5   (0.5  4.5  $10.0  $(17.9  (7.9  9.5   4.6 

Total comprehensive income

         $484.3  $2.4  $14.0          $353.8  $11.2  $8.9 
                                         

  Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended 
  Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016 
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
 
In Millions Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net  Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

         $430.5  $4.5  $8.8          $481.8  $6.0  $8.0 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Foreign currency translation

 $(43.3 $—     (43.3  0.6   0.7  $(49.6 $—     (49.6  (18.0  (38.1

Other fair value changes:

          

Securities

  0.9   (0.4  0.5   —     —     (0.1  —     (0.1  —     —   

Hedge derivatives

  3.5   (2.5  1.0   —     (1.1  48.5   (16.0  32.5   —     (0.4

Reclassification to earnings:

          

Hedge derivatives (a)

  2.5   (1.0  1.5   —     (0.7  (7.0  0.2   (6.8  —     (1.0

Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b)

  43.8   (15.9  27.9   —     —     51.4   (19.6  31.8   —     —   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 $7.4  $(19.8  (12.4  0.6   (1.1 $43.2  $(35.4  7.8   (18.0  (39.5

Total comprehensive income (loss)

         $418.1  $5.1  $7.7          $489.6  $(12.0 $(31.5
                                         
(a)(Gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(b)Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses.

16


  Nine-Month Period Ended  Nine-Month Period Ended 
  Feb. 26, 2017  Feb. 28, 2016 
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
 
In Millions Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net  Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

         $1,248.6  $10.7  $26.2          $1,317.8  $8.2  $20.4 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Foreign currency translation

 $146.0  $   146.0   (15.7  (41.9 $(223.1 $   (223.1  (2.7  (26.6

Other fair value changes:

          

Securities

  1.2   (0.4  0.8         (0.3  0.1   (0.2      

Hedge derivatives

  52.5   (12.8  39.7      2.7   31.0   (4.4  26.6      2.8 

Reclassification to earnings:

          

Hedge derivatives (a)

  (18.4  1.4   (17.0     (2.3  (7.0  1.7   (5.3     2.0 

Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b)

  148.8   (56.5  92.3         157.1   (59.3  97.8       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 $330.1  $(68.3  261.8   (15.7  (41.5 $(42.3 $(61.9  (104.2  (2.7  (21.8

Total comprehensive income (loss)

         $1,510.4  $(5.0 $(15.3         $1,213.6  $5.5  $(1.4
                                         

  Six-Month Period Ended  Six-Month Period Ended 
  Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016 
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
  General Mills  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Redeemable
Interest
 
In Millions Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net  Pretax  Tax  Net  Net  Net 

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests

         $835.2  $6.0  $11.2          $890.8  $7.8  $16.7 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Foreign currency translation

 $(48.6 $—     (48.6  22.1   46.0  $37.0  $—     37.0   (15.2  (47.1

Other fair value changes:

          

Securities

  1.3   (0.5  0.8   —     —     0.5   (0.2  0.3   —     —   

Hedge derivatives

  (12.2  2.7   (9.5  —     0.6   58.7   (14.1  44.6   —     2.7 

Reclassification to earnings:

          

Hedge derivatives (a)

  3.3   (1.6  1.7   —     (1.1  (8.6  (0.4  (9.0  —     (1.6

Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b)

  87.6   (31.9  55.7   —     —     100.8   (38.4  62.4   —     —   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 $31.4  $(31.3  0.1   22.1   45.5  $188.4  $(53.1  135.3   (15.2  (46.0

Total comprehensive income (loss)

         $835.3  $28.1  $56.7          $1,026.1  $(7.4 $(29.3
  
(a)(Gain) loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(b)Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in SG&A expenses.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows:

 

In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   May 29,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   May 28,
2017
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  $(498.2  $(644.2  $(673.3  $(624.7

Unrealized gain (loss) from:

        

Securities

   4.6    3.8    5.4    4.6 

Hedge derivatives

   (2.8   (25.5   (6.3   1.5 

Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:

        

Net actuarial loss

   (1,867.7   (1,958.2   (1,588.8   (1,645.4

Prior service costs

   13.7    11.9 

Prior service credits

   18.6    19.5 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $(2,350.4  $(2,612.2  $(2,244.4  $(2,244.5
        

17


(10) Stock Plans

We have various stock-based compensation programs under which awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance awards, may be granted to employees andnon-employee directors. These programs and related accounting are described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016.28, 2017, and Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Compensation expense related to stock-based payments

  $20.1   $19.1   $77.7   $73.4   $19.3   $18.6   $48.9   $57.6 
              

Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings includes amounts recognized in restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs in fiscal 2016.2017 and fiscal 2018.

As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related tonon-vested stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units was $117.1$128.4 million. This expense will be recognized over 2125 months, on average.

Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of options exercised were as follows:

 

  Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net cash proceeds

  $90.5   $103.0   $50.6   $77.0 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

  $153.1   $141.7   $46.0   $131.9 
        

We estimate the fair value of each stock option on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Black-Scholes option-pricing models require us to make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility, employee exercise behavior, and dividend yield. We estimate our future stock price volatility using the historical volatility over the expected term of the option, excluding time periods of volatility we believe a marketplace participant would exclude in estimating our stock price volatility. We also have considered, but did not use, implied volatility in our estimate, because trading activity in options on our stock, especially those with tenors of greater than 6 months, is insufficient to provide a reliable measure of expected volatility. Our method of selecting the other valuation assumptions is explained in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016.28, 2017.

The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows:

 

  Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Six-Month Period Ended 
  Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 

Estimated fair values of stock options granted

  $8.80  $7.24   $6.18  $8.80 

Assumptions:

      

Risk-free interest rate

   1.7  2.4   2.2 1.7

Expected term

   8.5 years   8.5 years    8.2 years  8.5 years 

Expected volatility

   17.8  17.6   15.8 17.8

Dividend yield

   2.9  3.2   3.6 2.9
   

18


Information on stock option activity follows:

 

  

Options

Outstanding

(Thousands)

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise

Price Per
Share

   

Weighted-

Average
Remaining
Contractual

Term
(Years)

   

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

(Millions)

   

Options

Outstanding

(Thousands)

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

   

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term (Years)

   

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

(Millions)

 

Balance as of May 29, 2016

   32,401.6  $37.09     

Balance as of May 28, 2017

   29,834.4   $40.47     

Granted

   2,446.0   66.52        2,816.7    55.52     

Exercised

   (3,980.2  30.43        (1,930.2   31.13     

Forfeited or expired

   (103.9  57.44          (85.4   58.11       

Outstanding as of Feb. 26, 2017

   30,763.5  $40.22    4.37   $662.9 

Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017

   21,816.9  $33.75    2.96   $602.6 

Outstanding as of Nov. 26, 2017

   30,635.5   $42.40    4.47   $384.7 

Exercisable as of Nov. 26, 2017

   21,551.0   $35.81    2.88   $384.7 
           

Information on restricted stock and performance share unit activity follows:

 

  Equity Classified   Liability Classified   Equity Classified   Liability Classified 
  Share-Settled
Units
(Thousands)
 

Weighted-
Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

   Share-Settled
Units
(Thousands)
 

Weighted-
Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

   

Share-

Settled
Units
(Thousands)

   

Weighted-

Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

   

Share-

Settled
Units
(Thousands)

   

Weighted-

Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

 

Non-vested as of May 29, 2016

   5,100.4  $48.60    211.4  $48.37 

Non-vested as of May 28, 2017

   4,491.2   $56.08    123.3   $56.93 

Granted

   1,387.9   67.08    49.1   66.92    1,448.4    55.34    43.0    55.49 

Vested

   (1,610.1  41.75    (89.6  38.77    (1,509.5   49.80    (35.8   49.36 

Forfeited

   (272.4  57.25    (8.6  57.18    (330.0   63.98    (8.2   58.91 

Exercisable as of Feb. 26, 2017

   4,605.8  $56.07    162.3  $55.99 

Non-vested as of Nov. 26, 2017

   4,100.1   $57.49    122.3   $58.34 
        

The total grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested during the period follows:

 

  Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Six-Month Period Ended 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   

Nov. 26,

2017

   

Nov. 27,

2016

 

Total grant date fair value

  $71.2   $98.4   $77.0   $59.6 
        

19


(11) Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were calculated using the following:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions, Except per Share Data  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

  $357.8   $361.7   $1,248.6   $1,317.8 
                     

Average number of common shares - basic EPS

   580.7    595.6    589.8    599.1 

Incremental share effect from: (a)

        

Stock options

   7.8    9.6    8.5    9.9 

Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other

   2.9    3.3    2.8    3.2 
                     

Average number of common shares - diluted EPS

   591.4    608.5    601.1    612.2 
                     

Earnings per share - basic

  $0.62   $0.61   $2.12   $2.20 

Earnings per share - diluted

  $0.61   $0.59   $2.08   $2.15 
                     

   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions, Except per Share Data  Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

  $430.5   $481.8   $835.2   $890.8 
  

Average number of common shares - basic EPS

   571.3    588.8    574.0    594.4 

Incremental share effect from: (a)

        

Stock options

   7.0    8.1    7.6    8.8 

Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other

   2.0    2.8    2.0    2.8 

Average number of common shares - diluted EPS

   580.3    599.7    583.6    606.0 
  

Earnings per share - basic

  $0.75   $0.82   $1.46   $1.50 

Earnings per share - diluted

  $0.74   $0.80   $1.43   $1.47 
  
(a)Incremental shares from stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock method. Stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units excluded from our computation of diluted EPS because they were not dilutive were as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units

   2.4    1.2    2.2    2.7    9.2    2.5    7.5    2.2 
              

(12) Share Repurchases

Share repurchases were as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Shares of common stock

   4.9    1.1    25.4    10.6    —      14.9    10.9    20.5 

Aggregate purchase price

  $301.0   $64.5   $1,650.9   $601.8   $0.2   $950.2   $600.5   $1,349.9 
              

(13) Statements of Cash Flows

Our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows include the following:

 

  Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Six-Month Period Ended 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net cash interest payments

  $263.8   $269.6   $133.7   $141.9 

Net income tax payments

�� $394.3   $421.1   $333.0   $290.8 
        

20


(14) Retirement and Postemployment Benefits

Beginning inIn fiscal 2017, we changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of our international defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans. We adopted a full yield curve approach to estimate service cost and interest cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This method provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by correlating the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding rate on the yield curve. Previously, we estimated service cost and interest cost using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. This change does not affect the measurement of our benefit obligations related to these plans. We have accounted for this change prospectively as a change in accounting estimate beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The change in methodology resulted in a decrease in service and interest cost of approximately $17 million in the three months ended February 26, 2017 and approximately $51 million in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 compared to what our costs would have been under the previous method. We expect this change to result in a reduction in our service and interest cost of approximately $68 million for fiscal 2017 compared to our previous methodology. The fiscal 2017 reduction in our net periodic benefit expense as a result of this change in methodology is partially offset by a reduction in our weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets for our principal defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the United States to 8.25 percent as a result of asset changes that decreased investment risk in the portfolio.

Components of net periodic benefit expense are as follows:

 

  Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
 Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
 Postemployment
Benefit Plans
   Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
 Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
 Postemployment
Benefit Plans
 
  Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended   Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Service cost

  $29.9  $33.5  $3.2  $4.7  $2.2   $1.9   $25.7  $30.0  $2.9  $3.1  $2.2   $2.2 

Interest cost

   54.1   66.9   8.2   11.0   0.7    1.0    54.5  54.1   7.6  7.9   0.5    0.7 

Expected return on plan assets

   (121.6  (124.2  (12.1  (11.5          (120.1 (121.7  (13.1 (12.1  —      —   

Amortization of losses

   47.2   47.6   0.6   1.7   0.4    0.1    44.1  47.6   0.2  0.7   0.2    0.5 

Amortization of prior service costs (credits)

   0.6   1.2   (1.5  (1.4  0.2    0.6    0.5  0.6   (1.3 (1.3  0.1    0.1 

Other adjustments

      0.1         3.4    2.8    —    2.1   —    1.3   3.4    3.4 

Settlement or curtailment losses

   —    2.9   —    0.7   —      —   

Net expense (income)

  $10.2  $25.1  $(1.6 $4.5  $6.9   $6.4   $4.7  $15.6  $(3.7 $0.3  $6.4   $6.9 
            
  Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
 Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
 Postemployment
Benefit Plans
   Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
 Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
 Postemployment
Benefit Plans
 
  Nine-Month
Period Ended
 Nine-Month
Period Ended
 Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Six-Month
Period Ended
 Six-Month
Period Ended
 Six-Month
Period Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
 Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 Nov. 26,
2017
 Nov. 27,
2016
 Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Service cost

  $89.9  $100.9  $9.4  $14.2  $6.6   $5.7   $51.4  $60.0  $5.8  $6.2  $4.3   $4.4 

Interest cost

   162.4   200.9   24.2   33.0   2.1    3.0    108.9  108.3   15.2  16.0   1.1    1.4 

Expected return on plan assets

   (365.1  (372.8  (36.3  (34.6          (240.0 (243.5  (26.1 (24.2  —      —   

Amortization of losses

   142.2   142.3   1.9   5.0   1.3    0.5    88.2  95.0   0.4  1.3   0.4    0.9 

Amortization of prior service costs (credits)

   1.8   3.6   (4.1  (4.1  0.5    1.8    1.0  1.2   (2.7 (2.6  0.3    0.3 

Other adjustments

   2.1   5.1   1.3   2.4   10.2    9.3    —    2.1   —    1.3   6.8    6.8 

Settlement or curtailment losses

   4.4   11.3   0.7   0.2           —    4.4   —    0.7   —      —   

Net expense (income)

  $37.7  $91.3  $(2.9 $16.1  $20.7   $20.3   $9.5  $27.5  $(7.4 $(1.3 $12.9   $13.8 
            

21


(15) Business Segment Information

We operate in the consumer foods industry. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. This global reorganization required us to reevaluate our operating segments. Under our new organization structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our operating segments as follows: North America Retail; Convenience Stores & Foodservice; Europe & Australia; and Asia & Latin America.

We have restated our net sales by segment and segment operating profit to reflect our new operating segments. These segment changes had no effect on previously reported consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or earnings per share.

Our North America Retail operating segment consists of our former U.S. Retail operating units and our Canada region. Within our North America Retail operating segment, our former U.S. Meals operating unit and U.S. Baking operating unit have been combined into one operating unit: U.S. Meals & Baking. The segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains, ande-commerce grocery providers. Our product categories in this business segment areready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, grain, fruit and savory snacks, and a wide variety of organic products including refrigerated yogurt, nutrition bars, meal kits, granola bars, andsalty snacks,ready-to-eat cereal.cereal, and grain snacks.

Our Europe & Australia operating segment consists of our former Europe region. The segment reflects retail and foodservice businesses in the greater Europe and Australia regions. Our product categories include refrigerated yogurt, meal kits, super-premium ice cream, refrigerated and frozen dough products, shelf stable vegetables, grain snacks, and dessert and baking mixes. We also sell super-premium ice cream directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Revenues from franchise fees are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located.

Our Convenience Stores & Foodservice operating segment was unchanged. Our major product categories in this segment areready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated yogurt, frozen meals, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, and baking mixes. Many products we sell are branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators in many customer channels including foodservice, convenience stores, vending, and supermarket bakeries in the United States.

Our Europe & Australia operating segment consists of our former Europe region. The segment reflects retail and foodservice businesses in the greater Europe & Australia regions. Our product categories include refrigerated yogurt, meal kits, super-premium ice cream, refrigerated and frozen dough products, shelf stable vegetables, grain snacks, and dessert and baking mixes. We also sell super-premium ice cream directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Revenues from franchise fees are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located.

Our Asia & Latin America operating segment consists of our former Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions. The segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses in the greater Asia and South America regions. Our product categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, meal kits, salty and grain snacks, wellness beverages, and refrigerated yogurt. We also sell super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts directly to consumers through owned retail shops. Our Asia & Latin America segment also includes products manufactured in the United States for export, mainly to Caribbean and Latin American markets, as well as products we manufacture for sale to our international joint ventures. Revenues from export activities are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located.

Operating profit for these segments excludes unallocated corporate items, gain or loss on divestitures, and restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs. Unallocated corporate items include corporate overhead expenses, variances to planned domestic employee benefits and incentives, contributions to the General Mills Foundation, asset and liability remeasurement impact of hyperinflationary economies, restructuring initiative project-related costs, and other items that are not part of our measurement of segment operating performance. These include gains and losses arising from the revaluation of certain grain inventories and gains and losses frommark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions until passed back to our operating segments. These items affecting operating profit are centrally managed at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by executive management. Under our supply chain organization, our manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution activities are substantially integrated across our operations in order to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, fixed assets and depreciation and amortization expenses are neither maintained nor available by operating segment.

22


Our operating segment results were as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended Nine-Month
Period Ended
   Quarter Ended   Six-Month Period
Ended
 
In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
 Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales:

               

North America Retail

  $2,499.0   $2,686.6  $7,804.8   $8,460.7   $2,771.8   $2,748.8   $5,210.0   $5,305.8 

Convenience Stores & Foodservice

   448.5    453.7   1,382.3    1,437.2    512.2    487.5    959.3    933.8 

Europe & Australia

   424.5    439.4   1,338.0    1,431.3    466.7    435.1    958.6    913.5 

Asia & Latin America

   421.2    422.7   1,288.1    1,306.0    448.0    440.7    840.0    866.9 
         

Total

  $3,793.2   $4,002.4  $11,813.2   $12,635.2   $4,198.7   $4,112.1   $7,967.9   $8,020.0 
         

Operating profit:

               

North America Retail

  $516.7   $552.7  $1,795.9   $1,886.0   $622.9   $651.0   $1,156.1   $1,279.2 

Convenience Stores & Foodservice

   93.6    90.6   295.4    273.2    106.5    109.1    191.3    201.8 

Europe & Australia

   42.0    33.6   127.2    143.9    26.9    41.3    57.5    85.2 

Asia & Latin America

   10.0    2.5   61.3    42.2    16.7    29.0    32.2    51.3 
         

Total segment operating profit

   662.3    679.4   2,279.8    2,345.3    773.0    830.4    1,437.1    1,617.5 

Unallocated corporate items

   42.2    77.7   143.6    232.3    41.6    19.0    74.7    101.4 

Divestitures loss (gain)

       (1.5  13.5    (200.6

Divestiture loss

   —      13.5    —      13.5 

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs

   77.6    16.9   165.5    138.3    1.6    29.0    6.8    87.9 
         

Operating profit

  $542.5   $586.3  $1,957.2   $2,175.3   $729.8   $768.9   $1,355.6   $1,414.7 
                     

(16) New Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we adopted new requirements for the accounting and presentation of stock-based payments. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the prospective recognition of realized windfall and shortfall tax benefits related to the exercise or vesting of stock-based awards in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings instead of additionalpaid-in capital within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognized a windfall tax benefit in income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings of $2.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and $20.2 million in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017. We retrospectively adopted the guidance related to reclassification of realized windfall tax benefits in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This resulted in reclassifications of $20.2 million and $59.7 million of cash provided by financing activities to operating activities for thesix-month periods ended November 26, 2017 and November 27, 2016, respectively. Additionally, we retrospectively adopted the guidance related to reclassification of employee tax withholdings in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This resulted in reclassifications of $21.4 million and $31.4 million of cash used by operating activities to financing activities for thesix-month periods ended November 26, 2017 and November 27, 2016, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense continues to reflect estimated forfeitures.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we adopted new accounting requirements forwhich permit reporting entities to measure a goodwill impairment loss by the presentation of certain investments usingamount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds the net asset value, providing a practical expedientreporting unit’s fair value. Previously, goodwill impairment losses were required to exclude such investments from categorization withinbe measured by determining the implied fair value hierarchyof goodwill. Our annual goodwill impairment test was performed as of the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and separate disclosure. Thethe adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted new accounting requirements which permit reporting entities with a fiscalyear-end that does not coincide with amonth-end to apply a practical expedient that permits the entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using themonth-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscalyear-end and apply such practical expedient consistently to all plans. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

23


Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

INTRODUCTION

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 201628, 2017 for important background regarding, among other things, our key business drivers. Significant trademarks and service marks used in our business are set forth initalicsherein. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in the “Glossary” section below.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ThirdSecond Quarter Results

In the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017, operating results reflected challenging2018, net sales performance. However, we continued progress against our cost savings and margin expansion initiatives. The net sales decline of 5increased 2 percent wascompared to the same period last year, driven by decliningfavorable foreign currency exchange and favorable net price realization and mix. Increased contributions from volume growth in the North America Retail, segment whichConvenience Stores & Foodservice and Europe & Australia segments were partially offset by positivelower contributions from volume growth in the Asia & Latin America segment. In the second quarter, increased sales from innovation, higher brand-building investment, and more effective merchandising contributed to organic net price realizationsales growth of 1 percent and mix.market share gains in the majority of our key global platforms. Operating profit margin of 14.317.4 percent was down 30130 basis points fromyear-ago levels primarily driven by an increaselower segment operating profit results and lowermark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions, partially offset by a decrease in restructuring expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin increased 100decreased 220 basis points to 16.917.4 percent, primarily driven by the impact ofhigher input costs including currency-driven inflation on imported products in certain markets, unfavorable trade expense phasing and higher media and advertising expense, partially offset by benefits from cost savings and spending optimization initiatives. Diluted earnings per share of $0.61 increased 3$0.74 decreased 8 percent compared to the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.82, which excludes certain items affecting comparability, on a constant-currency basis increased 8decreased 5 percent compared to the thirdsecond quarter last year (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

A summary of our consolidated financial results for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 follows:

 

Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017  In millions, except
per share
   

Quarter Ended
Feb. 26, 2017 vs.

Feb. 28, 2016

  Percent of Net
Sales
  Constant-
Currency
Growth (a)
 

Net sales

  $3,793.2    (5)%   

Operating profit

   542.5    (7)%   14.3 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

   357.8    (1)%   

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.61    3  

Organic net sales growth rate (a)

     (5)%   

Total segment operating profit (a)

   662.3    (2)%    (2)% 

Adjusted operating profit margin (a)

      16.9 

Diluted earnings per share,

    excluding certain items affecting comparability (a)

  $0.72    11      8
                   

Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017  In millions, except
per share
��  Quarter Ended
Nov. 26, 2017 vs.
Nov. 27, 2016
  Percent of Net
Sales
  

Constant-

Currency
Growth (a)

 

Net sales

  $4,198.7    2  

Operating profit

   729.8    (5)%   17.4 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

   430.5    (11)%   

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.74    (8)%   

Organic net sales growth rate (a)

     1  

Total segment operating profit (a)

   773.0    (7)%    (8)% 

Adjusted operating profit margin (a)

      17.4 

Diluted earnings per share,

excluding certain items affecting comparability (a)

  $0.82    (4)%       (5)% 
  
(a)See the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

Consolidatednetsales were as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 26, 2017 vs
Feb. 28, 2016
  Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $3,793.2   (5)     %  $4,002.4 
    

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

    (6)    pts  

Net price realization and mix

    1      pt  

Foreign currency exchange

       Flat               
                 

   Quarter Ended 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $4,198.7    2 $4,112.1 
    

 

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     Flat  

Net price realization and mix

     1pt  

Foreign currency exchange

        1pt     
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 52 percent declineincrease in net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was primarily reflected lower organicdriven by favorable foreign currency exchange and favorable net sales.

price realization and mix. All four segments contributed to the increase in net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period last year.

24


Organic net sales declined 5increased 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 primarily driven by favorable organic volume declines in the North America Retail and Asia & Latin America segments, which were partially offset by positive net price realization and mix. To improve comparability of results from period to period, organic net sales exclude the impacts of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as well as acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week of results, when applicable.

Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter Ended Feb.Nov. 26, 2017 vs.

Quarter Ended Feb. 28,Nov. 27, 2016

     

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

   (7)   ptsFlat 

Organic net price realization and mix

   2    pts1

pt 

Organic net sales growth

   (5)   pts1pt 

Foreign currency exchange

   Flat        1pt 

Acquisitions and divestitures

   Flat
 

Net sales growth

   (5)   pts2pts 
  

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Costofsalesdecreased $159 increased $163 million from the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 to $2,486$2,756 million. The decreaseincrease included a $152 million decrease attributable to lower volume and a $7$148 million increase attributable to product rate and mix.mix and a $9 million increase attributable to higher volume. We recorded an $8a $4 million net decrease in cost of sales related to themark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to a net increasedecrease of $7$29 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016.2017. We recorded $16$1 million of restructuring charges in cost of sales in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $17$13 million in the same period last year. We also recorded $12$4 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $10$11 million in the same period last year (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

Selling,general,andadministrative(SG&A)expensesdecreased $68 increased $4 million to $688$712 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the same period in fiscal 2016.2017. The decreaseincrease in SG&A expenses primarily reflects a 7 percentage point increase in media and advertising expense partially offset by savings from cost management initiatives and an 8 percentage point decrease in media and advertising expense.initiatives. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 decreased 7630 basis points compared with the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016.2017.

DivestitureLoss totaled $14 million from the sale of our Martel, Ohio manufacturing facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Restructuring,impairment,andotherexitcoststotaled $78$2 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $17$29 million in the same period last year.

Total charges associated with our current restructuring initiatives were as follows:

 

   As Reported 
   Quarter Ended 
   Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016 
In Millions  Charge   Cash   Charge   Cash 

Global reorganization

  $73.1   $9.2   $   $ 

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

   5.7    0.1         

Restructuring of certain international product lines

   2.3    0.2         

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

   7.7    0.3         

Project Compass

   (1.4   3.4    (0.8   3.6 

Project Century

   7.1    8.9    43.9    24.9 

Project Catalyst

       0.6    (8.9   11.3 

Combination of certain operational facilities

   (0.5   1.1        1.2 
                     

Total restructuring charges (a)

   94.0    23.8    34.2    41.0 

Project-related costs

   11.5    11.5    10.1    10.5 
                     

Restructuring charges and project-related costs

  $105.5   $35.3   $44.3   $51.5 
                     

   Quarter Ended 
In Millions  Nov. 26, 2017   Nov. 27, 2016 
   Charge   Cash   Charge   Cash 

Global reorganization

  $0.6   $11.1   $—     $—   

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

   2.8    2.6    12.0    —   

Restructuring of certain international product lines

   —      —      6.9    7.1 

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

   (1.3   (9.1   7.0    1.2 

Project Compass

   —      0.6    —      3.7 

Project Century

   0.1    (5.0   15.9    13.0 

Project Catalyst

   —      —      —      0.9 

Combination of certain operational facilities

   —      0.2    —      1.5 

Total restructuring charges (a)

   2.2    0.4    41.8    27.4 

Project-related costs

   4.2    2.3    11.1    11.9 

Restructuring charges and project-related costs

  $6.4   $2.7   $52.9   $39.3 
  
(a)Includes $16.4$0.6 million of restructuring charges recorded in cost of sales in the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 and $17.3$12.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.2017.

For further information on these restructuring initiatives, please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

Interest,netfor the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 totaled $76$75 million, down $1 million from fiscal 2016.

2017, driven primarily by lower rates and changes in the mix of debt, partially offset by higher average debt balances.

25


Theeffectivetaxrate for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 was 23.035.9 percent compared to 31.032.8 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016.2017. The 8.03.1 percentage point decreaseincrease was primarily due to favorable impacts of French tax legislation and other favorable discrete tax items that occurred duringa $42 million prior year adjustment recorded in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017.2018 (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report), partially offset by favorable impacts from certain changes in French tax law and the prospective adoption of the new accounting standard related to windfall tax benefits from stock-based payments (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report). Our effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability was 24.729.3 percent in the third quarter of fiscalended November 26, 2017 compared to 30.832.4 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2016same period last year (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

The United States Congress is currently working on enacting a tax reform bill, which would result in significant changes to the U.S. tax system. We expect that if a bill is enacted, it could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. We continue to monitor developments and assess the impact to General Mills.

After-taxearningsfromjointventures decreased $6 million to $24 million for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased to $11 million2018 compared to $16 million in the same quarterperiod last fiscal year, primarily driven by an assetwrite-offlower volume and higher input costs for Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW) and lower volume growthunfavorable foreign currency exchange and unfavorable product mix forHäagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ). On a constant-currency basis,after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 3519 percent (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017 vs.

Quarter Ended Feb. 28, 2016

CPWHDJ

Contributions from volume growth (a)

3     pts(6)    pts

Net price realization and mix

1       pt1       pt

Foreign currency exchange

(2)    pts3     pts

Net sales growth

2     pts(2)    pts

Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017 vs.

Quarter Ended Nov. 27, 2016

  CPW  HDJ 

Contributions from volume growth (a)

   (2)pts   (1)pt 

Net price realization and mix

   Flat   (2)pts 

Foreign currency exchange

   4pts   (7)pts 

Net sales growth

   2pts   (10)pts 
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The change in net sales for each joint venture on a constant-currency basis is set forth in the following table:

 

  Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017  Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017 
  

Percentage Change in
Joint Venture

Net Sales

as Reported

   Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
   

Percentage Change in
Joint Venture

Net Sales on Constant-
Currency Basis

  

Percentage Change in Joint

Venture Net Sales as Reported

 

Impact of Foreign

Currency

Exchange

 

Percentage Change in Joint

Venture Net Sales on Constant-

Currency Basis

 

CPW

   2 %    (2)    pts    4 %  2 4pts  (2)% 

HDJ

   (2)%    3     pts    (5)%  (10)%  (7)pts  (3)% 

Joint Ventures

   1 %    (1)     pt    2 %  (1)%  1pt  (2)% 
           

Averagedilutedsharesoutstandingdecreased by 1719 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 from the same period a year ago due to the impact of share repurchases, partially offset by option exercises.

Nine-MonthSix-Month Results

In the nine-monthssix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, operating results reflected challenging net sales performance. However, we continued progress against our cost savings and margin expansion initiatives. The 7declined 1 percent, decline in net sales wasprimarily driven by declining contributions from volume growth in the North America Retail and EuropeAsia & AustraliaLatin America segments includingpartially offset by increasing contributions from volume growth in the impactConvenience Stores & Foodservice segment. Increased sales from innovation, higher brand-building investment, and more effective merchandising contributed to an improvement in organic net sales trends versus the same period a year ago as well as market share gains in the majority of the divestiture of the North American Green Giant product lines (Green Giant).our key global platforms. Operating profit margin of 16.617.0 percent was down 60 basis points fromyear-ago levels primarily driven by lower segment operating profit results and lowermark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions, partially offset by a gain from the Green Giant divestituredecrease in fiscal 2016. In the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, we made progress toward our revised fiscal 2017 adjustedrestructuring expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin goal of 18 percent with an increase of 110decreased 220 basis points over the same period in the prior year to 18.617.2 percent, primarily driven by the impact of cost savingshigher input costs including currency-driven inflation on imported products in certain markets, and spending optimization initiatives. For the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, dilutedunfavorable trade expense phasing. Diluted earnings per share of $2.08$1.43 decreased 3 percent compared to the samesix-month period in fiscalended November 27, 2016, which included the gain from the Green Giant divestiture. Adjustedand adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes certain items affecting comparability, on a constant-currency basis for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, increased 4decreased 7 percent compared to the same period of fiscal 2016a year ago (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

26


A summary of our consolidated financial results for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, follows:

 

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 In millions, except
per share
  Nine-Month
Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017 vs.
Feb. 28, 2016
  Percent of Net
Sales
  Constant-
Currency
Growth (a)
 

Net sales

 $11,813.2   (7)%   

Operating profit

  1,957.2   (10)%   16.6 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

  1,248.6   (5)%   

Diluted earnings per share

 $2.08   (3)%   
    

Organic net sales growth rate (a)

   (5)%   

Total segment operating profit (a)

  2,279.8   (3)%    (2)% 

Adjusted operating profit margin (a)

    18.6 

Diluted earnings per share, excluding certain items affecting comparability (a)

 $2.35         4
                 

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 26, 2017  

In millions, except

per share

   

Six-Month

Period Ended

Nov. 26, 2017

vs. Nov. 27,

2016

  

Percent of Net

Sales

  

Constant-

Currency

Growth (a)

 

Net sales

  $7,967.9    (1)%   

Operating profit

   1,355.6    (4)%   17.0 

Net earnings attributable to General Mills

   835.2    (6)%   

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.43    (3)%   

Organic net sales growth rate (a)

     (1)%   

Total segment operating profit (a)

   1,437.1    (11)%    (12)% 

Adjusted operating profit margin (a)

      17.2 

Diluted earnings per share,

excluding certain items affecting comparability (a)

  $1.53    (6)%       (7)% 
  
(a)See the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

Consolidatednetsales were as follows:

 

   Nine-Month Period Ended 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 26, 2017 vs
Feb. 28, 2016
   Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $11,813.2    (7)  %   $12,635.2 
    

 

 

   

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     (8) pts   

Net price realization and mix

     2  pts   

Foreign currency exchange

        (1)  pt      
                

   Six-Month Period Ended 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $7,967.9    (1)%  $8,020.0 
    

 

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     (1)pt  

Net price realization and mix

     Flat  

Foreign currency exchange

        Flat     
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 71 percent decline in net sales for thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017 primarily reflectedreflects lower organic net sales and the Green Giant divestiture in fiscal 2016.sales.

Organic net sales declined 51 percent in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017, driven by declining contributions from organic volume declinesgrowth in the North America Retail Europe & Australia, and Asia & Latin America segments which were partially offset by positive net price realization and mix.increasing contributions from organic volume growth in the Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment. To improve comparability of results from period to period, organic net sales exclude the impacts of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as well as acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week of results, when applicable.

Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Nine-MonthSix-Month Period Ended Feb.Nov. 26, 2017 vs.

Nine-MonthSix-Month Period Ended Feb. 28,Nov. 27, 2016

     

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

   (7)  pts(1)pt 

Organic net price realization and mix

   2   pts

Flat
 

Organic net sales growth

   (5)  pts(1)pt 

Foreign currency exchange

   (1)   ptFlat 

Acquisitions and divestitures (b)

   (1)   ptFlat 

Net sales growth

   (7)  pts(1)pt 
  

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(b)Primarily the Green Giant divestiture in fiscal 2016.

27


Costofsalesdecreased $613 increased $131 million from the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 28,November 27, 2016, to $7,569$5,215 million. The decreaseincrease included a $639 million decrease attributable to lower volume and a $65 million$240 increase attributable to product rate and mix. The impact from both volume and product rate and mix included the effects of the divestiture of Green Giant.partially offset by an $82 million decrease attributable to lower volume. We recorded $43$13 million of restructuring charges in cost of sales in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to $61$26 million in the same period last year. We also recorded $36$5 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to $39$25 million in the same period last year (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report). We recorded a $21$6 million net decrease in cost of sales related to themark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to a net decrease of $3$12 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 28,November 27, 2016.

SG&Aexpensesdecreased $232$29 million to $2,108$1,391 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to the same period in fiscal 2016.2017. The decrease in SG&A expenses primarily reflects savings from cost management initiatives partially offset by a 174 percentage point decreaseincrease in media and advertising expense and savings from cost management initiatives.expense. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 decreased 6730 basis points compared with the same period of fiscal 2016.2017.

Divestitureloss totaled $14 million from the sale of our Martel, Ohio manufacturing facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Divestiture gain totaled $201 million, primarily from the sale of our Green Giant product lines during the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Restructuring,impairment,andotherexitcosts totaled $165$7 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to $138$88 million in the same period last year.

Total charges associated with our restructuring initiatives consisted of the following:

 

   Nine-Month Period Ended   Fiscal 2016 and 2015   Estimated 
   Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016   Total   Future  Total     
In Millions  Charge  Cash   Charge  Cash   Charge   Cash   Charge   Cash  Charge   Cash   Savings (b) 

Global reorganization

  $73.1  $9.2   $  $   $   $   $7   $71  $80   $80   

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

   17.7   0.1                   16       34       

Restructuring of certain international product lines

   45.6   10.6                       (7  38    4   

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

   35.6   1.5                   30    16   65    18   

Project Compass

   (0.4  11.4    52.8   29.1    54.7    36.1        7   55    55   

Project Century

   37.2   29.5    155.1   38.0    364.4    46.3    15    66   417    142   

Project Catalyst

      1.1    (8.7  46.9    140.9    92.8        25   141    94   

Combination of certain operational facilities

   (0.5  3.7       2.2    13.3    11.0           13    15      

Total restructuring charges (a)

   208.3   67.1    199.2   116.2    573.3    186.2    68    178   843    408   

Project-related costs

   36.4   40.2    39.4   37.7    70.7    64.2    17    20   124    124      

Restructuring charges and project-related costs

  $244.7  $107.3   $238.6  $153.9   $644.0   $250.4   $85   $198  $967   $532   $700 
                                                     

  As Reported                
  Six-Month Period Ended  

Fiscal 2017, 2016 and

2015

  Estimated     
In Millions Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016  Total  Future  Total     
  Charge  Cash  Charge  Cash  Charge  Cash  Charge  Cash  Charge  Cash  Savings (b) 

Global reorganization

 $1.4  $26.7  $—    $—    $72.1  $20.0  $2  $29  $76  $76  

Closure of Melbourne, Australia plant

  4.9   3.4   12.0   —     21.9   1.6   7   (2  34   3  

Restructuring of certain international product lines

  —     —     43.3   10.4   45.1   10.3   (3  (10  42   —    

Closure of Vineland, New Jersey plant

  12.1   (3.1  27.9   1.2   41.4   7.3   1   7   54   11  

Project Compass

  (0.2  3.0   1.0   8.0   54.3   48.9   —     2   54   54  

Project Century

  1.5   (3.4  30.1   20.6   408.4   95.5   4   51   414   143  

Project Catalyst

  —     —     —     0.5   140.9   94.1   —     —     141   94  

Combination of certain operational facilities

  —     0.5   —     2.6   13.3   16.3   2   (3  15   14  

Total restructuring charges (a)

  19.7   27.1   114.3   43.3   797.4   294.0   13   74   830   395  

Project-related costs

  5.4   5.0   24.9   28.6   114.6   111.1   8   14   128   130     

Restructuring charges and project-related costs

 $25.1  $32.1  $139.2  $71.9  $912.0  $405.1  $21  $88  $958  $525  $700 
(a)Includes $42.8$12.9 million of restructuring charges recorded in cost of sales during fiscal 20172018 and $60.9$26.4 million in fiscal 2016.2017.

(b)Cumulative annual savings versus fiscal 2015 base targeted by fiscal 2018. Includes savings from SG&A cost reduction projects.

For further information on these restructuring initiatives, please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

Interest,netfor the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, totaled $226decreased $2 million flatto $147 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2016.2017, primarily driven by lower rates and changes in the mix of debt, partially offset by higher average debt balances.

Theeffectivetaxratefor the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was 29.533.4 percent compared to 34.331.9 percent for the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 28,November 27, 2016. The 4.81.5 percentage point decreaseincrease was primarily due to significantnon-deductible expenses related to the Green Giant divestiturea $42 million prior year adjustment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, as well as favorable impacts2018 (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of Frenchthis report), partially offset by the prospective adoption of the new accounting standard related to windfall tax legislation and other favorable discrete tax items that occurred duringbenefits from stock-based payments (see Note 16 to the third quarterConsolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of fiscal 2017.this report). Our effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability was 29.829.9 percent forin the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to 31.9 percent in the nine-monthsame period ended February 28, 2016last year (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

The United States Congress is currently working on enacting a tax reform bill, which would result in significant changes to the U.S. tax system. We expect that if a bill is enacted, it could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. We continue to monitor developments and assess the impact to General Mills.

After-taxearningsfromjointventures decreased $6 million to $48 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, were $65 million, flatcompared to the same period in fiscal 2016, as2017, primarily driven by higher input costs partially offset by favorable foreign currency exchange and lower input costs for HDJ were offset by an assetwrite-offCPW, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange and higher input costs partially offset by favorable product mix for CPW.HDJ. On a constant-currency basis,after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 3

28


11 percent (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017 vs.

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 28, 2016

CPWHDJ

Contributions from volume growth (a)

3  pts3   pts

Net price realization and mix

Flat       2   pts

Foreign currency exchange

(4)  pts12   pts

Net sales growth

(1)    pt17   pts

Six-month Period Ended November 26, 2017 vs.

Six-month Period Ended November 27, 2016

  CPW  HDJ 

Contributions from volume growth (a)

   Flat   5pts 

Net price realization and mix

   Flat   (1)pt 

Foreign currency exchange

   3pts   (7)pts 

Net sales growth

   3pts   (3)pts 
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The change in net sales for each joint venture on a constant-currency basis is set forth in the following table:

 

  Nine-Month Period Ended February 26, 2017   Six-Month Period Ended November 26, 2017 
  Percentage Change in
Joint Venture
Net Sales
as Reported
 Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
  Percentage Change in
Joint Venture
Net Sales on  Constant-
Currency Basis
   

Percentage Change in Joint

Venture Net Sales as Reported

 

Impact of Foreign

Currency

Exchange

 

Percentage Change in Joint

Venture Net Sales on Constant-

Currency Basis

 

CPW

   (1)%  (4)    pts   3   3 3pts  Flat 

HDJ

   17 12     pts   5   (3)%  (7)pts  4

Joint Ventures

   2 (1)      pt   3   2 1pt  1
         

Averagedilutedsharesoutstandingdecreased by 1122 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to the same period a year ago due to the impact of share repurchases, partially offset by option exercises.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. As a result of this global reorganization, beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we are reporting results for our four operating segments as follows: North America Retail; Convenience Stores & Foodservice; Europe & Australia; and Asia & Latin America. We have restated our net sales by segment and segment operating profit amounts to reflect our new operating segments. These segment changes had no effect on previously reported consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or earnings per share.

Our North America Retail operating segment consists of our former U.S. Retail operating units and our Canada region. Within our North America Retail operating segment, our former U.S. Meals operating unit and U.S. Baking operating unit have been combined into one operating unit: U.S. Meals & Baking. Our Europe & Australia operating segment consists of our former Europe region. Our Asia & Latin America operating segment consists of our former Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions. Our Convenience Stores & Foodservice operating segment was unchanged. For further information on our operating segments, please refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

North America Retail Segment Results

North America Retail net sales were as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month Period Ended 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   

Feb. 26, 2017 vs

Feb. 28, 2016

  Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   

Feb. 26, 2017 vs

Feb. 28, 2016

  Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $2,499.0   (7)     %  $2,686.6   $7,804.8   (8)     %  $8,460.7 
    

 

      

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

 

  (9)    pts      (12)    pts  

Foreign currency exchange

    Flat               Flat           

Net price realization and mix

       2    pts            4    pts     
                                 

   Quarter Ended   Six-Month Period Ended 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $2,771.8    1 $2,748.8   $5,210.0    (2)%  $5,305.8 
    

 

 

      

 

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     1pt       (1)pt  

Net price realization and mix

     (1)pt       (1)pt  

Foreign currency exchange

        1pt             Flat     
                             
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

29


The 71 percent decreaseincrease in North America Retail net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was driven by growth in the U.S. Cereal, Canada and U.S. Snacks operating units partially offset by declines in the U.S. Yogurt and U.S. Meals & Baking operating units.

The 2 percent decrease in net sales for the quartersix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was driven by declines in the U.S. Yogurt and U.S. Meals & Baking U.S. Yogurt, U.S. Snacks, and U.S. Cereal operating units partially offset by growth in the Canada operating unit.

The 8 percent decline in North America Retail net sales for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 was driven by declines in theand U.S. Meals & Baking, U.S. Yogurt, U.S. Cereal, and CanadaSnacks operating units. The decline in net sales also includes the impact of the Green Giant divestiture from the U.S. Meals & Baking and Canada operating units in fiscal 2016.

The components of North America Retail organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter EndedNine-Month
Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017Feb. 26, 2017

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

(10)    pts(9)   pts

Organic net price realization and mix

2     pts3    pts

Organic net sales growth

(8)    pts(6)   pts

Foreign currency exchange

Flat         Flat        

Acquisitions and divestitures (b)

1     pt(2)   pts

Net sales growth

(7)    pts(8)   pts

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period Ended 
    Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 26, 2017 

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

   1pt   (1)pt 

Organic net price realization and mix

   (1)pt   (1)pt 

Organic net sales growth

   Flat   (2)pts 

Foreign currency exchange

   1pt   Flat 

Net sales growth

   1pt   (2)pts 
          
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

North America Retail organic net sales were flat in the three-month period ended November 26, 2017, compared to the same period in fiscal 2017.

(b)Primarily the Green Giant divestiture in fiscal 2016.

North America Retail organic net sales decreased 82 percentage points forin the quarter ended February 26, 2017 and decreased 6 percentage points for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2017, driven primarily by volume declines in the prior year, which reflectU.S. Yogurt operating unit partially offset by increases in the impact of reduced marketingU.S. Snacks and trade supportU.S. Cereal operating units, and increased competition in key categories.trade expense.

North America Retail net sales percentage change by operating unit are shown in the following table:

 

   Quarter Ended  Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
    Feb. 26, 2017  Feb. 26, 2017 

U.S. Meals & Baking

   (10)%   (12)% 

U.S. Yogurt

   (20  (17

U.S. Snacks

   (4  Flat 

U.S. Cereal

   (1  (3

Canada (a)

   4   (3

Total

   (7)%   (8)% 
          

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month
Period Ended
 

 

  Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 26, 2017 

U.S. Cereal

   7  Flat 

Canada (a)

   7   3 

U.S. Snacks

   5   1 

U.S. Meals & Baking

   (2  (1

U.S. Yogurt

   (11  (17

Total

   1  (2)% 
  
(a)On a constant currency basis, Canada net sales decreasedincreased 1 percent for the quarter ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 and decreased 41 percent for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017. See the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP.

Segment operating profit decreased 74 percent to $517$623 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $553$651 million in the same period of fiscal 2016,2017, driven primarily driven by volume declines, partially offset by a decline in mediaunfavorable trade expense phasing and advertising expense and benefits from cost savings initiatives.higher input costs. Segment operating profit decreased 75 percent on a constant-currency basis in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 510 percent to $1,796$1,156 million in the nine-month periodsix-months ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to $1,886$1,279 million in the same period of fiscal 2016,2017, driven primarily driven by volume declines, currency-driven inflation on products imported into Canada,lower net sales, including unfavorable trade expense phasing and the impact of the Green Giant divestiture, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses, including a decline in media and advertising expense and benefits from cost savings initiatives.higher input costs. Segment operating profit for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, decreased 510 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first six months of fiscal 2018 compared to the same periodfirst six months of fiscal 20162017 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

30


Convenience Stores & Foodservice Segment Results

Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales were as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 26, 2017
vs Feb. 28, 2016
  Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   

Feb. 26, 2017 vs

Feb. 28, 2016

  Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $448.5   (1)     %  $453.7   $1,382.3   (4)      %  $1,437.2 
    

 

      

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

    1       pt      Flat           

Net price realization and mix

       (2)    pts            (4)    pts     
                                 

   Quarter Ended   Six-Month
Period Ended
 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $512.2    5 $487.5   $959.3    3 $933.8 
    

 

 

      

 

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     3pts       2pts  

Net price realization and mix

        2pts             1pt     
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 1 percent decline in Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales inincreased 5 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017 was driven by a decline innon-Focus 6 platforms, partially offset by an increase in the2018, reflecting higher net sales across Focus 6 platforms.categories and benefits from market index pricing on bakery flour.

The 4 percent decline in Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales inincreased 3 percent for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was driven primarily byreflecting higher net sales across Focus 6 categories and benefits from market index pricing on bakery flour, partially offset by an increase in the Focus 6 platforms.flour.

The components of Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter EndedNine-Month
Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017Feb. 26, 2017

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

1      ptFlat

Organic net price realization and mix

(2)   pts(4)    pts

Organic net sales growth

(1)     pt(4)    pts

Acquisitions and divestitures

NM        NM        

Net sales growth

(1)     pt(4)    pts

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period
Ended
 
    Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 26, 2017 

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

   3 pts   2 pts 

Organic net price realization and mix

   2 pts   1 pt 

Organic net sales growth

   5 pts   3 pts 

Net sales growth

   5 pts   3 pts 
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Segment operating profit increased 3declined 2 percent to $94$106 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $109 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $91 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily driven by benefits from cost savings initiatives and lowerhigher input costs.costs, partially offset by higher net sales.

Segment operating profit increased by 8decreased 5 percent to $295$191 million for the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, from $273compared to $202 million in the same period last year. The increase wasof fiscal 2017, primarily driven by benefits from cost savings initiatives, lowerhigher input costs, andpartially offset by higher grain merchandise earnings.net sales.

Europe & Australia Segment Results

Europe & Australia net sales were as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   

Feb. 26, 2017 vs.

Feb. 28, 2016

  Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   

Feb. 26, 2017 vs.

Feb. 28, 2016

  Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $424.5   (3)     %  $439.4   $1,338.0   (7)     %  $1,431.3 
    

 

      

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

    1       pt      (3)    pts  

Net price realization and mix

    1       pt      1       pt  

Foreign currency exchange

       (5)    pts            (5)    pts     
                                 

   Quarter Ended   Six-Month Period
Ended
 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs.
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs.
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $466.7    7 $435.1   $958.6    5 $913.5 
    

 

 

      

 

 

  

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     1pt       Flat  

Net price realization and mix

     Flat       2pts  

Foreign currency exchange

        6pts             3pts     
           
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 37 percent declineincrease in Europe & Australia net sales forin the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 was driven by unfavorablefavorable foreign currency exchange partially offset by favorableand higher net price realization and mix and contributions from volume growth.sales in the U.K. market.

31


The 75 percent declineincrease in Europe & Australia net sales forin the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was driven by unfavorablefavorable foreign currency exchange and contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorablehigher net price realization and mix.sales in the U.K. market.

The components of Europe & Australia organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter EndedNine-Month
Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017Feb. 26, 2017

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

1      pt(3)    pts

Organic net price realization and mix

1      pt1      pt

Organic net sales growth

2    pts(2)   pts

Foreign currency exchange

(5)   pts(5)   pts

Net sales growth

(3)   pts(7)   pts

  Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period
Ended
 
   Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 26, 2017 

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

  1pt   Flat 

Organic net price realization and mix

  Flat   2pts 

Organic net sales growth

  1pt   2pts 

Foreign currency exchange

  6pts   3pts 

Net sales growth

  7pts   5pts 
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 1 percent increase in Europe & Australia organic net sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was driven by favorable contributions from organic volume growth.

The 2 percent increase in Europe & Australia organic net sales growth forin the third quarter of fiscalsix-month period ended November 26, 2017 was driven by a 1 percentage point increase from contributions from organic volume growth and a 1 percentage point increase fromfavorable organic net price realization.realization and mix.

The 2 percent decrease in Europe & Australia organic net sales growth for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 was primarily driven by a 3 percentage point decline from contributions from organic volume growth, which primarily reflects increased competition in key categories.

Segment operating profit increased 25decreased 35 percent to $42$27 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $34$41 million in the same period of fiscal 2016. These results were2017 primarily driven by favorable mix and benefits from cost savings initiatives, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange and input cost inflation. Europe & Australia segment operating profit increased 39 percent on a constant-currency basis in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 12 percent to $127 million in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, compared to $144 million in the same period of fiscal 2016. These results were primarily driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange and input cost inflation, including currency-driven inflation on imported products in certain markets. Europe & Australia segment operating profit for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017, decreased 340 percent on a constant-currency basis in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same periodsecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 32 percent to $58 million in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017, compared to $85 million in the same period of fiscal 2017 primarily driven by input cost inflation, including currency-driven inflation on imported products in certain markets. Europe & Australia segment operating profit decreased 35 percent on a constant-currency basis in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017, compared to the same period of fiscal 2017 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Asia & Latin America Segment Results

Asia & Latin America net sales were as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine-Month Period Ended 
    Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 26, 2017 vs.
Feb. 28, 2016
   Feb. 28,
2016
   Feb. 26,
2017
   Feb. 26, 2017 vs.
Feb. 28, 2016
   Feb. 28,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $421.2    Flat            $422.7   $1,288.1    (1)     %   $1,306.0 
    

 

 

       

 

 

   

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     Flat                 Flat            

Net price realization and mix

     (3)    pts        Flat            

Foreign currency exchange

        3     pts              (1)    pt      
                               

   Quarter Ended   Six-Month Period
Ended
 
    Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs.
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 26, 2017 vs.
Nov. 27, 2016
  Nov. 27,
2016
 

Net sales (in millions)

  $448.0    2 $440.7   $840.0    (3)%  $866.9 

Contributions from volume growth (a)

     (7)pts       (12)pts  

Net price realization and mix

     7pts       8pts  

Foreign currency exchange

        2pts             1pt     
           
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Asia & Latin America net sales were flatincreased 2 percent in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the same period in the prior year, as favorable foreign currency exchange and the impact of the acquisition of Laticinios Carolina Ltda. (Carolina) in fiscal 2016 werewith higher net sales across Asia markets partially offset by the impact of the divestitures of our Venezuela subsidiary and Argentina foodservice business in fiscal 2016.lower net sales across Latin America markets.

Asia & Latin America net sales declined 13 percent in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, primarily drivencompared to the same period of fiscal 2017, which reflects lower net sales in Latin America markets due to the shift in reporting period in fiscal 2017 and challenges related to an enterprise reporting system implementation at our General Mills Brasil Alimentos Ltda subsidiary, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange.higher net sales in Asia markets.

32


The components of Asia & Latin America organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

 

Quarter EndedNine-Month
Period Ended
Feb. 26, 2017Feb. 26, 2017

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

(3)    pts(4)    pts

Organic net price realization and mix

1      pt5     pts

Organic net sales growth

(2)    pts1       pt

Foreign currency exchange

3     pts(1)      pt

Acquisitions and divestitures (b)

(1)     pt(1)      pt

Net sales growth

Flat         (1)      pt

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period
Ended
 
    Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 26, 2017 

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)

   (7)pts   (12)pts 

Organic net price realization and mix

   7pts   8pts 

Organic net sales growth

   Flat   (4)pts 

Foreign currency exchange

   2pts   1pt 

Net sales growth

   2pts   (3)pts 
  
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
(b)Primarily the Venezuela subsidiary divestiture, Argentina foodservice divestiture, and Carolina acquisition in fiscal 2016.

Asia & Latin America organic net sales were flat for the quarter ended November 26, 2017, reflecting a 7 percent decrease in contributions from organic volume growth offset by a 7 percent increase in organic net price realization and mix.

The 24 percent decrease in Asia & Latin America organic net sales for the quartersix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was primarily driven by a 3 percentage point decline12 percent decrease in contributions from organic volume which reflects the impact of macro-economic challenges in Latin America and the restructuring of our snacks business in China.

The 1growth, partially offset by an 8 percent increase in Asia & Latin America organic net sales for the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 was primarily driven by a 5 percentage point increase from organic net price realization and mix primarily driven by pricing actions in the Latin America region, partially offset by a 4 percentage point decline in contributions from organic volume which reflects the impact of macro-economic challenges in Latin America and the restructuring of our snacks business in China.mix.

Segment operating profit increaseddecreased 42 percent to $10$17 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $2$29 million in the same period of fiscal 2016. Segment operating profit increased 45 percent to $61 million in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 compared to $42 million in the same period of fiscal 2016. These results were primarily driven by favorable foreigninput cost inflation, including currency exchange, including currency-driven deflationdriven inflation on imported raw materialsproducts in certain markets, and the impact of the divestituresan increase in fiscal 2016.media and advertising expense. Asia & Latin America segment operating profit increased 316decreased 46 percent on a constant-currency basis in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2016, and increased 48 percent on a constant-currency basis in the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 compared to the same period in fiscal 2016 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 37 percent to $32 million in thesix-month period ended November 26, 2017, compared to $51 million in the same period of fiscal 2017 primarily driven by input cost inflation, including currency driven inflation on imported products in certain markets. Asia & Latin America segment operating profit decreased 40 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first six months of fiscal 2018 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2017 (see the“Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

UNALLOCATED CORPORATE ITEMS

Unallocated corporate expense totaled $42 million in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to $78$19 million in the same period in fiscal 2016.2017. In the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017,2018, we recorded $16$1 million of restructuring charges and $12$4 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in cost of sales compared to $17$13 million of restructuring charges and $10$11 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in cost of sales in the same period last year. In addition, we recorded an $8a $4 million net decrease in expense related to themark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to a $7$29 million net increasedecrease in expense in the same period last year. We also recorded a decrease in incentive expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period last year.

Unallocated corporate expense totaled $144$75 million in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to $232$101 million in the same period last year. In the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we recorded $43$13 million of restructuring charges and $36$5 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in cost of sales compared to $61$26 million of restructuring charges and $39$25 million of restructuring initiative project-related costs in cost of sales in the same period last year. In addition, we recorded a $21$6 million net decrease in expense related to themark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, compared to a $3$12 million net decrease in expense in the same period a year ago. We also recorded a decrease in incentive expense in

LIQUIDITY

During the nine-monthsix-month period ended February 26, 2017, compared to the same period last year.

LIQUIDITY

During the nine-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, cash provided by operations was $1,559$1,567 million compared to $1,862$1,079 million in the same period last year. The $303$488 million decreaseincrease is primarily driven by a $610$703 million change in current assets and liabilities. The $610$703 million change in current assets and liabilities is primarily due to changes in the timing of accounts payable, including the impact of extended payment terms, and changes in other current liabilities, which were largely driven by changes in trade and advertising accruals due to reduced spending and income taxes payable primarily related to the Green Giant divestiture in fiscal 2016. Additionally, we recorded a $14 million loss on a divestiture during the nine-month period ended February 26, 2017 compared to a $201 million gain on divestiture during the same period last year and classified the related cash flows as investing activities.    incentive accruals.

33


Cash used by investing activities during the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was $424$271 million, compared to cash providedused by investing activities of $335$280 million in the same period in fiscal 2016.2017. Investments of $475$260 million in land, buildings and equipment in the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, decreased $3$58 million compared to the same period a year ago. Additionally, we recordedWe received proceeds of $823$18 million related to the sale of our Green Giant product lines duringMartel, Ohio facility in the nine-month period ended 2016.second quarter of fiscal 2017. In addition, we received the final payment of $13 million from Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) in the first six months of fiscal 2017 to fully repay the exchangeable note we purchased in fiscal 2012.

Cash used by financing activities during the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, was $983$1,131 million compared to $1,720$720 million in the same period last year. We had $1,428$53 million of net debt issuances in the first ninesix months of fiscal 20172018 compared to $403$1,164 million of net debt paymentsissuances in the same period a year ago. We paid $1,651$600 million in cash to repurchase common stock and paid $856$565 million of dividends in the first nine monthssix-months of fiscal 20172018 compared to $602$1,350 million and $795$576 million, respectively, in the same period last year.

As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we had $862$898 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions which will be used to fund foreign operations and potential acquisitions. There is currently no need to repatriate these funds in order to meet domestic funding obligations or scheduled cash distributions. If we choose to repatriate historical earnings from foreign jurisdictions, we intend to do so only in atax-neutral manner.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our capital structure was as follows:

 

In Millions  Feb. 26,
2017
   May 29,
2016
   Nov. 26,
2017
   May 28,
2017
 

Notes payable

  $1,942.0   $269.8   $1,298.0   $1,234.1 

Current portion of long-term debt

   604.7    1,103.4    200.5    604.7 

Long-term debt

   7,176.4    7,057.7    8,228.3    7,642.9 

Total debt

   9,723.1    8,430.9    9,726.8    9,481.7 

Redeemable interest

   869.2    845.6    793.4    910.9 

Noncontrolling interests

   340.1    376.9    359.0    357.6 

Stockholders’ equity

   4,063.4    4,930.2    4,230.7    4,327.9 

Total capital

  $14,995.8   $14,583.6   $15,109.9   $15,078.1 
        

To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines sufficient to cover our outstanding notes payable. Commercial paper is a continuing source of short-term financing. We have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We also have committed, uncommitted, and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations.

The following table details thefee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017:

 

In Billions  Facility
Amount
   Borrowed
Amount
   Facility
Amount
   Borrowed
Amount
 

Credit facility expiring:

        

May 2021

  $2.7   $ 

May 2022

  $2.7   $—   

June 2019

   0.2    0.2    0.2    0.1 
  

 

   

 

 

Total committed credit facilities

   2.9    0.2    2.9    0.1 

Uncommitted credit facilities

   0.5    0.1    0.5    0.2 

Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities

  $3.4   $0.3   $3.4   $0.3 
        

The third-party holder of the General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recentmark-to-market valuation (currently $252 million). On June 1, 2015, the floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A Interests was reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 125 basis points. The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction.

We have an option to purchase the Class A Interests for consideration equal to the then current capital account value, plus any unpaid preferred return and the prescribed make-whole amount. If we purchase these interests, any change in the third-party holder’s capital

34


account from its original value will be charged directly to retained earnings and will increase or decrease the net earnings used to calculate EPS in that period.

We have a 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and a 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl. Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) holds the remaining interests in each of these entities. We consolidate these entities into our consolidated financial statements. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we recorded Sodiaal’s 50 percent interests in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl as noncontrolling interests, and the redemption value of its 49 percent interest in Yoplait SAS as a redeemable interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These euro- and Canadian dollar-denominated interests are reported in U.S. dollars on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sodiaal has the ability to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year, up to three times before December 2024. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, the redemption value of the redeemable interest was $869$793 million, which approximates its fair value.

Certain of our long-term debt agreements, our credit facilities, and our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

We have $605$200 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current, including $500 million of 1.4 percent notes due October 2017 and $100 million of 6.39 percent fixed rate medium term notes due for remarketing in February 2018 and $100 million of 6.59 percent fixed rate medium term notes due for remarketing in October 2018. We believe that cash flows from operations, together with available short- and long-term debt financing, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business in our contractual obligations oroff-balance sheet arrangements during the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017.2018.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016.28, 2017. The accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal 20172018 Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form10-K.10-K with the exception of the new accounting requirements adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 for stock-based payments and goodwill impairment testing. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information.

Our significant accounting estimates are those that have meaningful impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for promotional expenditures, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets, redeemable interest, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans. The assumptions and methodologies used in the determination of those estimates as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016, except as described28, 2017, with the exception of the new accounting requirements adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 for stock-based payments and goodwill impairment testing. See Note 1416 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we announced a new global organization structure to streamline our leadership, enhance global scale, and drive improved operational agility to maximize our growth capabilities. As a result of this global reorganization, we reassessed our operating segments as well as our reporting units.    Under our new organization structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments at the North America Retail, Convenience Stores & Foodservice, Europe & Australia, and Asia & Latin America operating segment level. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report for additional informationinformation.

We tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on our operating segments. Our reporting units were unchanged with the exception of combining our former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units into a single reporting unit.

Our annual goodwill intangible asset test was performedassessment date on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and we determined2018. As of our annual impairment assessment date, there was no impairment of our goodwill intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for theYoki andProgresso brand intangible assets and the Latin America reporting unit. We did not consider the new organization structure to be a triggering event requiring a subsequent goodwill impairment test as our reporting units remain unchanged, with the exception of combining the former U.S. Meals and U.S. Baking reporting units.

35


Our indefinite-lived intangible asset test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2017. As of the assessment date, there was no impairment of any of our indefinite-lived intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for theImmaculate Baking brand intangible asset.

The excess fair value aboveas of the carrying valuefiscal 2018 test date of theYoki andProgresso brand intangible assets and the Latin America reporting unit and theImmaculate Baking brand intangible asset iswas as follows:

 

In Millions  Carrying
Value
   Excess Fair Value
Above Carrying
Value
   Carrying Value
of Intangible
Asset
   Excess Fair Value as of
Fiscal 2018 Test Date
 

Yoki

  $138.2    1

Progresso

   462.1    6

Latin America

  $523.0    15  $272.0    21

Immaculate Baking

  $12.0    17
        

In addition, while having significant coverage as of our fiscal 20172018 assessment date, the ProgressoFood,ShouldTasteGood andGreenGiantandFood Should Taste Goodbrand intangible assets and the U.S. Yogurt reporting unit had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In JanuaryAugust 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new hedge accounting requirements related to goodwill impairment testing.requirements. The new standard eliminatesamends the requirementhedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements to measure a goodwill impairment loss by determiningbetter align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting. The new standard also simplifies the implied fair valueapplication of goodwill. Instead, goodwill impairment losses will be measured by the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.hedge accounting guidance. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal yearsreporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019,2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2021.2020. Early adoption is permitted. We intend to adoptare in the process of analyzing the impact of this standard in fiscal 2018 and do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations orand financial position.

In March 2017, the FASB issued new accounting requirements related to the presentation of net periodic defined benefit pension expense, net periodic postretirement benefit expense, and net periodic postemployment benefit expense. The new standard requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit expense to be recorded in the same line items as other employee compensation costs within our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Other components of net periodic benefit expense must be presented separately outside of operating profit in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In addition, the new standard requires that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit expense is eligible for capitalization. We recognized net periodic benefit expense of $56 million in fiscal 2017, $163 million in fiscal 2016, and $153 million in fiscal 2015 of which $141 million, $161 million, and $167 million, respectively, related to service cost. These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of this new standard. 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. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new accounting requirements related to the recognition of income taxes resulting from intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This will result in the recognition of the income tax consequences resulting from the intra-entity transfer of assets in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period of the transfer. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are in the process of analyzing theBased on our assessment to date, we do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations andor financial position.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting requirements for the accounting and presentation of stock-based payments. This will result in realized windfall and shortfall tax benefits upon exercise or vesting of stock-based awards being recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings instead of additionalpaid-in capital within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, realized windfall and shortfall tax benefits will be reclassified from financing activities to operating activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We recognized windfall tax benefits of $94 million in fiscal 2016, $75 million in fiscal 2015, and $69 million in fiscal 2014. These amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of this new standard as windfall and shortfall tax benefits are dependent upon future stock prices, employee exercise behavior, and applicable tax rates. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting requirements for accounting, presentation and classification of leases. This will result in most leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The requirements of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2020. We are in the process of evaluatingimplementing lease accounting software as well asand analyzing the impact of this standard on our results of operations and financial position. Based on our assessment to date, we expect this guidance will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the amount of our lease commitments.

commitments but we are unable to quantify the impact at this time.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting requirements for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The requirements of the new standard and its subsequent amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We are in the process of documenting the impact of the guidance on our current accounting policies and practices in order to identify material differences, if any, that would result from applying the new requirements to our revenue contracts. We continue to make progress on our revenue recognition review and are also in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, on changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new guidance. In addition, we continue to assess our adoption approach. Based on our assessment to date, we do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

36


NON-GAAP MEASURES

We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. We believe that these measures provide useful information to investors and include these measures in other communications to investors.

For each of thesenon-GAAP financial measures, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between thenon-GAAP measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure, an explanation of why we believe thenon-GAAP measure provides useful information to investors, and any additional purposes for which we use thenon-GAAP measure. Thesenon-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.

Our fiscal 2017 outlook for adjusted operating profit margin is anon-GAAP financial measure that excludes, or has otherwise been adjusted for, items impacting comparability, including the effect of restructuring charges, project-related costs,mark-to-market effects, and divestitures. We are not able to reconcile this forward-lookingnon-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure without unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the actual impact of changes in commodity prices or the timing of divestitures, and restructuring actions throughout fiscal 2017. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our fiscal 2017 GAAP financial results.

Organic Net Sales Growth Rates

This measure is used in reporting to our executive management and as a component of the Board of Directors’ measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as well as acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week, when applicable, have onyear-to-year comparability. A reconciliation of these measures to reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in our Consolidated Results of Operations and Segment Operating Results discussions in the MD&A above.

Total Segment Operating Profit and Related Constant-Currency Growth Rate

This measure is used in reporting to our executive management and as a component of the Board of Directors’ measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate segment performance. A reconciliation of this measure to operating profit, the relevant GAAP measure, is included in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Constant-currency total segment operating profit growth is calculated as follows:

 

    Percentage Change in Total
Segment Operating Profit
as Reported
  Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
  Percentage Change in Total
Segment Operating Profit on
a Constant-Currency Basis
 

Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   (2)%   Flat   (2)% 

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   (3)%   (1)pt   (2)% 
              
    Percentage Change in
Total Segment
Operating Profit as
Reported
  Impact of
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
  

Percentage Change in
Total Segment Operating
Profit on a  Constant-

Currency Basis

 

Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   (7)%   1pt   (8)% 

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   (11)%   1pt   (12)% 
              

37


Adjusted Operating Profit as a Percent of Net Sales (Adjusted Operating Profit Margin) Excluding Certain Items Affecting Comparability

We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing our operating profit margin on a comparable basis. The adjustments are either items resulting from infrequently occurring events or items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the year-over-year assessment of operating results.

 

   Quarter Ended 
   Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016 
In Millions  Value  Percent of
Net Sales
   Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

 

Operating profit as reported

  $542.5   14.3%   $586.3   14.6% 

Mark-to-market effects (a)

   (8.2  (0.2)%    7.3   0.2% 

Restructuring charges (b)

   94.0   2.5%    34.2   0.8% 

Project-related costs (b)

   11.5   0.3%    10.1   0.3% 

Divestitures loss (gain) (c)

      —%    (1.5  —% 

Adjusted operating profit

  $639.8   16.9%   $636.4   15.9% 
                   
      
   Nine-Month Period Ended 
   Feb. 26, 2017   Feb. 28, 2016 
In Millions  Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

   Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

 

Operating profit as reported

  $1,957.2   16.6%   $2,175.3   17.2% 

Mark-to-market effects (a)

   (20.7  (0.2)%    (3.1  —% 

Restructuring costs (b)

   208.3   1.8%    199.2   1.6% 

Project-related costs (b)

   36.4   0.3%    39.4   0.3% 

Divestitures loss (gain) (c)

   13.5   0.1%    (200.6  (1.6)% 

Adjusted operating profit

  $2,194.7   18.6%   $2,210.2   17.5% 
                   

   Quarter Ended 
   Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016 
In Millions  Value  Percent of Net
Sales
  Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

 

Operating profit as reported

  $729.8   17.4 $768.9   18.7

Mark-to-market effects (a)

   (4.5  (0.1)%   (29.1  (0.7)% 

Restructuring charges (b)

   2.2   —    41.8   1.0

Project-related costs (b)

   4.2   0.1  11.1   0.3

Divestiture loss (c)

   —     —    13.5   0.3
                  

Adjusted operating profit

  $731.7   17.4 $806.2   19.6
                  
   Six-Month Period Ended 
   Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016 
In Millions  Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

  Value  

Percent of

Net Sales

 

Operating profit as reported

  $1,355.6   17.0 $1,414.7   17.6

Mark-to-market effects (a)

   (6.3  (0.1)%   (12.5  (0.1)% 

Restructuring costs (b)

   19.7   0.2  114.3   1.4

Project-related costs (b)

   5.4   0.1  24.9   0.3

Divestiture loss (c)

   —     —    13.5   0.2
                  

Adjusted operating profit

  $1,374.4   17.2 $1,554.9   19.4
                  
(a)See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(b)See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(c)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

38


Diluted EPS Excluding Certain Items Affecting Comparability and Related Constant-Currency Growth Rate

This measure is used in reporting to our executive management and as a component of the Board of Directors’ measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate earnings performance on a comparable year-over-year basis. The adjustments are either items resulting from infrequently occurring events or items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the year-over-year assessment of operating results.

The reconciliation of our GAAP measure, diluted EPS, to diluted EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability and the related constant-currency growth rate follows:

 

   Quarter Ended  Nine-Month
Period Ended
 
Per Share Data  Feb. 26,
2017
  Feb. 28,
2016
   Change  Feb. 26,
2017
  Feb. 28,
2016
  Change 

Diluted earnings per share, as reported

  $0.61  $0.59    3 $2.08  $2.15   (3)% 

Mark-to-market effects (a)

   (0.01       (0.02  (0.01 

Divestitures loss (gain) (b)

           0.01   (0.14 

Restructuring costs (c)

   0.11   0.05     0.24   0.22  

Project-related costs (c)

   0.01   0.01     0.04   0.04  
        
  

 

 

    

 

 

  

Diluted earnings per share, excluding certain items affecting comparability

  $0.72  $0.65    11 $2.35  $2.26   4
        

 

    

 

 

  

Foreign currency exchange impact

      3    Flat 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share growth, excluding certain items affecting comparability, on a constant-currency basis

      8    4

 

 

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month
Period Ended
 
Per Share Data  Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
  Change  Nov. 26,
2017
   Nov. 27,
2016
  Change 

Diluted earnings per share, as reported

  $0.74   $0.80   (8)%  $1.43   $1.47   (3)% 

Tax adjustment (a)

   0.07    —      0.07    —    

Mark-to-market effects (b)

   —      (0.03   —      (0.01 

Divestiture loss (c)

   —      0.01    —      0.01  

Restructuring costs (d)

   —      0.05    0.02    0.13  

Project-related costs (d)

   0.01    0.02    0.01    0.03  

 

   

 

 

  

Diluted earnings per share, excluding certain items affecting comparability

  $0.82   $0.85   (4)%  $1.53   $1.63   (6)% 

 

   

 

 

  

Foreign currency exchange impact

      1pt      1pt 
                            

Diluted earnings per share growth, excluding certain items affecting comparability, on a constant-currency basis

            (5)%            (7)% 
                            
(a)See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
(b)See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(b)(c)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, , Item 1 of this report.

(c)(d)See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, , Item 1 of this report.

See our reconciliation below of the effective income tax rate as reported to the effective income tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability for the tax impact of each item affecting comparability.

Constant-CurrencyAfter-tax Earnings from Joint Ventures Growth Rates

We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our joint ventures by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have onyear-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

After-tax earnings from joint ventures growth rate on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:

 

    

Percentage Change in After-

tax Earnings from Joint
Ventures

as Reported

  Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
   

Percentage Change in After-

tax Earnings from Joint
Ventures on Constant-
Currency Basis

 

Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   (32)%   3 pts    (35)% 

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   Flat   3 pts    (3)% 
               

    

Percentage Change in After-

tax Earnings from Joint
Ventures

as Reported

  Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
  Percentage Change in After-tax
Earnings from Joint Ventures
on Constant-Currency Basis
 

Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   (20)%   (1)pt   (19)% 

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   (12)%   (1)pt   (11)% 
              

39


Net Sales Growth Rates for Our Canada Operating Unit on Constant-Currency Basis

We believe that this measure of our Canada operating unit net sales provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to the underlying performance for the Canada operating unit within our North America Retail segment by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have onyear-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

Net sales growth rates for our Canada operating unit on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:

 

    

Percentage Change in

Net Sales

as Reported

  Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
   Percentage Change in
Net Sales on Constant-
Currency Basis
 

Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   4  5  pts    (1)% 

Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017

   (3)%   1    pt    (4)% 
               
  

 

 

 
    

Percentage Change in
Net Sales

as Reported

  Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
  

Percentage Change in
Net Sales on Constant-

Currency

Basis

 

Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   7  6pts   1

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 26, 2017

   3  4pts   (1)% 
  

Constant-Currency Segment Operating Profit Growth Rates

We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our segments by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have onyear-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

Our segments’ operating profit growth rates on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended Feb. 26, 2017  Quarter Ended Nov. 26, 2017 
  

Percentage Change in
Operating Profit

as Reported

 Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
 Percentage Change in
Operating Profit on Constant-
Currency Basis
   

Percentage Change in
Operating Profit

as Reported

 Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
 Percentage Change in Operating
Profit on Constant-Currency
Basis
 

North America Retail

   (7)%   Flat   (7)%   (4)%  1pt  (5)% 

Europe & Australia

   25   (14)  pts   39   (35)%  5pts  (40)% 

Asia & Latin America

   302  (14)  pts   316   (42)%  4pts  (46)% 
     
  Nine-Month Period Ended Feb. 26, 2017  Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 26, 2017 
  

Percentage Change in
Operating Profit

as Reported

 Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
 Percentage Change in
Operating Profit on Constant-
Currency Basis
   

Percentage Change in
Operating Profit

as Reported

 

Impact of Foreign
Currency

Exchange

 Percentage Change in Operating
Profit on Constant-Currency
Basis
 

North America Retail

   (5)%   Flat   (5)%   (10)%  Flat  (10)% 

Europe & Australia

   (12  (9)  pts   (3  (32)%  3pts  (35)% 

Asia & Latin America

   45  (3)  pts   48   (37)%  3pts  (40)% 
     

40


Effective Income Tax Rate Excluding Certain Items Affecting Comparability

We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing the effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability and presents the income tax effects of certain items affecting comparability.

Effective income tax rates excluding certain items affecting comparability are calculated as follows:

 

  Quarter Ended  Nine-Month Period Ended 
  Feb. 26, 2017  Feb. 28, 2016  Feb. 26, 2017  Feb. 28, 2016 
In Millions (Except Per Share Data) Pretax
Earnings (a)
  Income
Taxes
  Pretax
Earnings (a)
  Income
Taxes
  Pretax
Earnings (a)
  Income
Taxes
  Pretax
Earnings (a)
  Income
Taxes
 

As reported

 $466.1  $107.0  $509.1  $157.6  $1,731.4  $511.0  $1,949.0  $667.7 

Mark-to-market effects (b)

  (8.2)   (3.1)   7.3   2.7   (20.7)   (7.7)   (3.1  (1.1

Restructuring charges (c)

  94.0   31.0   34.2   8.0   208.3   66.7   199.2   62.0 

Project-related costs (c)

  11.5   4.1   10.1   3.8   36.4   13.1   39.4   14.6 

Divestitures loss (gain) (d)

        (1.5     13.5   4.3   (200.6  (111.0
                                 

As adjusted

 $563.4  $139.0  $559.2  $172.1  $1,968.9  $587.4  $1,983.9  $632.2 
                                 

Effective tax rate:

        

As reported

   23.0%    31.0   29.5%    34.3

As adjusted

   24.7%    30.8   29.8%    31.9
                                 

Sum of adjustment to income taxes

     $32.0      $14.5      $76.4      $(35.5

Average number of common shares - diluted EPS

      591.4       608.5       601.1       612.2 

Impact of income tax adjustments on diluted EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability

     $0.05      $0.02      $0.13      $(0.06
                              

   Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period Ended 
   Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016  Nov. 26, 2017  Nov. 27, 2016 
In Millions (Except Per Share Data)  Pretax
Earnings
(a)
  Income
Taxes
  Pretax
Earnings (a)
  Income
Taxes
  

Pretax
Earnings

(a)

  Income
Taxes
  Pretax
Earnings
(a)
  Income
Taxes
 

As reported

  $654.9  $234.9  $693.4  $227.4  $1,208.3  $403.4  $1,265.3  $404.0 

Mark-to-market effects (b)

   (4.5  (1.6  (29.1  (10.7  (6.3  (2.3  (12.5  (4.6

Restructuring charges (c)

   2.2   —     41.8   11.5   19.7   5.9   114.3   35.7 

Project-related costs (c)

   4.2   1.5   11.1   4.0   5.4   1.8   24.9   9.0 

Divestiture loss (d)

   —     —     13.5   4.3   —     —     13.5   4.3 

Tax adjustment (e)

   —     (42.2  —     —     —     (42.2  —     —   

As adjusted

  $656.8  $192.6  $730.7  $236.5  $1,227.1  $366.6  $1,405.5  $448.4 

Effective tax rate:

         

As reported

    35.9   32.8   33.4   31.9

As adjusted

       29.3      32.4      29.9      31.9

Sum of adjustment to income taxes

      $(42.3     $9.1      $(36.8     $44.4 

Average number of common shares - diluted EPS

       580.3       599.7       583.6       606.0 

Impact of income tax adjustments on diluted EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability

      $(0.07     $0.02      $(0.06     $0.07 
                  
(a)Earnings before income taxes andafter-tax earnings from joint ventures.

(b)See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(c)See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(d)See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
(e)See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

GLOSSARY

Accelerateddepreciationassociatedwithrestructuredassets.The increase in depreciation expense caused by updating the salvage value and shortening the useful life of depreciable fixed assets to coincide with the end of production under an approved restructuring plan, but only if impairment is not present.

Adjustedoperatingprofitmargin.Operating profit adjusted for certain items affecting year-over-year comparability, divided by net sales.

AOCI. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Constantcurrency. Financial results translated to U.S. dollars using constant foreign currency exchange rates based on the rates in effect for the comparable prior-year period. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. Therefore, the foreign currency impact is equal to current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

Derivatives.Financial instruments such as futures, swaps, options, and forward contracts that we use to manage our risk arising from changes in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and stock prices.

Euribor. Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

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Fairvaluehierarchy.For purposes of fair value measurement, we categorize assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions (inputs) used in valuing the asset or liability. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1:  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:  Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3:  Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

Fixedchargecoverageratio. The sum of earnings before income taxes and fixed charges (before tax), divided by the sum of the fixed charges (before tax) and interest.

Focus6platforms. The Focus 6 platforms for the Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment consist of cereal, yogurt, snacks, frozen meals, biscuits, and baking mixes.

Foundationbusinesses. Foundation businesses consist primarily of refrigerated dough, desserts, and soup in our North America Retail segment and bakery flour and frozen dough products in our Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment, as well as other product lines not included in Growth businesses.

GenerallyAcceptedAccountingPrinciples(GAAP).Guidelines, procedures, and practices that we are required to use in recording and reporting accounting information in our financial statements.

Goodwill.The difference between the purchase price of acquired companies plus the fair value of any noncontrolling and redeemable interests and the related fair values of net assets acquired.

Growthbusinesses. Growth businesses include cereal, snack bars, the natural and organic portfolio, hot snacks, Mexican products, and yogurt in our North America Retail segment; our Europe & Australia segment; our Asia & Latin America segment; and our Focus 6 platforms in our Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment.

Hedgeaccounting.Accounting for qualifying hedges that allows changes in a hedging instrument’s fair value to offset corresponding changes in the hedged item in the same reporting period. Hedge accounting is permitted for certain hedging instruments and hedged items only if the hedging relationship is highly effective, and only prospectively from the date a hedging relationship is formally documented.

Interestbearinginstruments.Notes payable, long-term debt, including current portion, cash and cash equivalents, and certain interest bearing investments classified within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.

LIBOR.London Interbank Offered Rate.

Mark-to-market.The act of determining a value for financial instruments, commodity contracts, and related assets or liabilities based on the current market price for that item.

Netmark-to-marketvaluationofcertaincommoditypositions.Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts that will be allocated to segment operating profit when the exposure we are hedging affects earnings.

Netpricerealization.The impact of list and promoted price changes, net of trade and other price promotion costs.

Noncontrollinginterests.Interests of subsidiaries held by third parties.

Notionalprincipalamount.The principal amount on which fixed-rate or floating-rate interest payments are calculated.

OCI.Other Comprehensive Income.

Organicnetsalesgrowth. Net sales growth adjusted for foreign currency translation, as well as acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week impact, when applicable.

Project-relatedcosts.Costs incurred related to our restructuring initiatives not included in restructuring charges.

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Redeemableinterest.Interest of subsidiaries held by a third party that can be redeemed outside of our control and therefore cannot be classified as a noncontrolling interest in equity.

Totaldebt.Notes payable and long-term debt, including current portion.

Translationadjustments.The impact of the conversion of our foreign affiliates’ financial statements to U.S. dollars for the purpose of consolidating our financial statements.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations and assumptions. We also may make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our reports to stockholders.

The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or similar expressions identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those currently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important factors that could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from any current opinions or statements.

Our future results could be affected by a variety of factors, such as: competitive dynamics in the consumer foods industry and the markets for our products, including new product introductions, advertising activities, pricing actions, and promotional activities of our competitors; economic conditions, including changes in inflation rates, interest rates, tax rates, or the availability of capital; product development and innovation; consumer acceptance of new products and product improvements; consumer reaction to pricing actions and changes in promotion levels; acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets; changes in capital structure; changes in the legal and regulatory environment, including tax reform legislation, labeling and advertising regulations, and litigation; impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets; changes in accounting standards and the impact of significant accounting estimates; product quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liability; changes in consumer demand for our products; effectiveness of advertising, marketing, and promotional programs; changes in consumer behavior, trends, and preferences, including weight loss trends; consumer perception of health-related issues, including obesity; consolidation in the retail environment; changes in purchasing and inventory levels of significant customers; fluctuations in the cost and availability of supply chain resources, including raw materials, packaging, and energy; disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain; effectiveness of restructuring and cost saving initiatives; volatility in the market value of derivatives used to manage price risk for certain commodities; benefit plan expenses due to changes in plan asset values and discount rates used to determine plan liabilities; failure or breach of our information technology systems; foreign economic conditions, including currency rate fluctuations; and political unrest in foreign markets and economic uncertainty due to terrorism or war.

You should also consider the risk factors that we identify in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016,28, 2017, which could also affect our future results.

We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of those statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The estimated maximum potentialvalue-at-risk arising from aone-day loss in fair value for our interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity, and equity market-risk-sensitive instruments outstanding as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 was $27 million, $21 million, $2$25 million, $1 million, and $1 million, respectively. During the nine-monthsix-month period ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, the interest rate foreign exchange, and commodityvalue-at-risk decreased by $7 million, $6$4 million and $1$2 million, respectively, while the foreign exchangevalue-at-risk increased by $1 million, and the equityvalue-at-risk was flat compared to this measure as of May 29, 2016.28, 2017. Thevalue-at-risk for interest rate and foreign exchange decreased due to lower volatility, whilevalue-at-risk for commodity positions decreased due to lower market volatility and smaller portfolios. Thevalue-at-risk for foreign exchange instruments increased due to the higher translated value of Euro-denominated debt, partially offset by lower notional amount of outstanding derivative positions.observed foreign exchange and interest rate market volatility. For additional information, see Item 7A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2016.28, 2017.

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Item 4.Controls and Procedures.

We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in RuleRule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we purchased during the quarter ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017:

 

Period  

Total Number

of Shares
Purchased (a)

   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   

Total Number of

Shares Purchased as
Part of a Publicly
Announced Program (b)

   Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet be
Purchased Under the
Program (b)
 

November 28, 2016-

        

January 1, 2017

   253,143   $60.49    253,143    55,050,226 
                     

January 2, 2017-

        

January 29, 2017

   4,618,004    61.80    4,618,004    50,432,222 
                     

January 30, 2017-

        

February 26, 2017

   4,731    61.37    4,731    50,427,491 
                     

Total

   4,875,878   $61.73    4,875,878    50,427,491 
                     

Period  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased (a)

   

Average

Price Paid

Per Share

   

Total Number of

Shares Purchased as

Part of a Publicly

Announced Program (b)

   

Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet be

Purchased Under the

Program (b)

 

August 28, 2017-October 1, 2017

   306   $53.72    306    39,539,317 

October 2, 2017-October 29, 2017

   2,468    51.76    2,468    39,536,849 

October 30, 2017-November 26, 2017

   —      —      —      39,536,849 

Total

   2,774   $51.98    2,774    39,536,849 
  
(a)The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) shares purchased on the open market; and (ii) shares withheld for the payment of withholding taxes upon the distribution of deferred option units.

(b)

On May 6, 2014, our Board of Directors approved an authorization for the repurchase of up to 100,000,000 shares of our common stock. Purchases can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including the use of call options and other derivative instruments, Rule10b5-1 trading plans, and accelerated repurchase programs. The Board did not specify an expiration date for the authorization.

Item 6.Exhibits.

 

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Item 6.  10.1  Deferred Compensation Plan forNon-Employee Directors.Exhibits.
  10.22017 Stock Compensation Plan.
12.1  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101  Financial Statements from the Quarterly Report on Form10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended FebruaryNovember 26, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

45


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.

 

 

GENERAL MILLS, INC.

 (Registrant)
Date March 21,December 20, 2017 

/s/ JeraldKofi A. YoungBruce

 JeraldKofi A. YoungBruce
 Vice President, Controller
 (Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

46


Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.

Description

12.1Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101Financial Statements from the Quarterly Report on Form10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended February 26, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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