Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Jul. 28, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

The company is a party to legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business.

Management assesses the probability of loss for all legal proceedings and claims and has recognized liabilities for such contingencies, as appropriate. Although the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in management’s opinion, the final outcome of legal proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial condition of the company.

The company has certain operating lease commitments, primarily related to warehouse and office facilities, and certain equipment. Rent expense under operating lease commitments was $54 in 2013, $48 in 2012, and $50 in 2011. These amounts included $8 in 2013 and $9 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to discontinued operations. Future minimum annual rental payments under these operating leases as of July 28, 2013 are as follows:

2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	Thereafter
$45	$36	$32	$25	$19	$47

Future minimum annual rental payments related to discontinued operations include $8 in 2014; $6 in 2015 and 2016; $3 in 2017; $2 in 2018; and a total of $2 for periods beyond 2018.

The company guarantees approximately 2,000 bank loans made to Pepperidge Farm independent sales distributors by third party financial institutions for the purchase of distribution routes. The maximum potential amount of future payments the company could be required to make under the guarantees is $165. The company’s guarantees are indirectly secured by the distribution routes. The company does not believe it is probable that it will be required to make guarantee payments as a result of defaults on the bank loans guaranteed. The amounts recognized as of July 28, 2013, and July 29, 2012, were not material.

The company has provided certain standard indemnifications in connection with divestitures, contracts and other transactions. Certain indemnifications have finite expiration dates. Liabilities recognized based on known exposures related to such matters were not material at July 28, 2013, or July 29, 2012.