-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UR5UjO3Ifzy9Hmg2Fk77MX2V6yR4DEHyGYpQoGPxFIMWhQEw2isPs1eidedZufg4 ahmk8TZr5s6G0zDU56rdMg== /in/edgar/work/20000825/0000912057-00-039144/0000912057-00-039144.txt : 20000922 0000912057-00-039144.hdr.sgml : 20000922 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-00-039144 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20000528 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000825 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CONAGRA INC /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000023217 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [2011 ] IRS NUMBER: 470248710 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0531 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-07275 FILM NUMBER: 709936 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE CONAGRA DR CITY: OMAHA STATE: NE ZIP: 68102 BUSINESS PHONE: 4025954000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NEBRASKA CONSOLIDATED MILLS CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19721201 10-K 1 a10-k.txt FORM 10-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended MAY 28, 2000 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ______________ to _______________ Commission File No. 1-7275 CONAGRA, INC. ----------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant, as specified in its charter) A Delaware Corporation 47-0248710 - ---------------------- ------------------------ (State of incorporation or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Number) of incorporation or organization) One ConAgra Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001 - ---------------------- ------------------------ (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (402) 595-4000 ------------- Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange Title of each class on which registered - ---------------------- ------------------------ Common Stock, $5.00 par value New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: - ----------------------------------------------------------- None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __X__ No _____ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] At July 31, 2000, 492,326,241 common shares were outstanding. The aggregate market value of the voting common stock of ConAgra, Inc. held by non-affiliates on July 31, 2000, was approximately $10.1 billion. Documents incorporated by reference are listed on page 2. Documents Incorporated by Reference 1. Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000 are incorporated into Part I, Item 1; Part II, Items 5, 7, 7A and 8; and Part IV, Item 14. 2. Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement filed for Registrant's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, and 13. 2 PART I This Form 10-K report contains certain forward-looking statements, including such statements in the documents incorporated herein by reference. The statements reflect management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors including availability and prices of raw materials, product pricing, competitive environment and related market conditions, operating efficiencies, access to capital and actions of governments. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. ITEM 1. BUSINESS a) General Development of Business Nebraska Consolidated Mills Company, which was originally incorporated in Nebraska on September 29, 1919, changed its name to ConAgra, Inc. ("ConAgra" or the "Company") on February 25, 1971, and since December 5, 1975, has been incorporated in Delaware. Acquisitions have contributed substantially to ConAgra's sales and earnings growth, both in the years of acquisition and in subsequent years. Major acquisitions have included United Agri Products, Banquet Foods, Country Pride Foods, Peavey Company, Monfort of Colorado, Morton, Chun King and Patio frozen foods businesses, SIPCO (formerly Swift Independent Packing Company), the assets of Armour Food Company, Pillsbury's grain merchandising business, eight U.S. flour mills acquired from International Multifoods, Beatrice Company, the assets of Elders' beef, malt and wool businesses in Australia, Golden Valley Microwave Foods, Universal Frozen Foods, MC Retail Foods, Van Camp's canned bean and Wolf Brand Chili businesses, Canada Malting Company, Gilroy Foods, GoodMark Foods, Nabisco's margarine and egg alternative businesses, and Seaboard Poultry. On August 24, 2000, ConAgra acquired International Home Foods for approximately 41 million shares of ConAgra common stock and $825 million cash and the assumption of approximately $1.3 billion in International Home Foods' debt. International Home Foods' significant established brands include Chef Boyardee pasta products, PAM cooking spray, Bumble Bee seafood and Gulden's mustard. b) Financial Information about Reporting Segments The Company's businesses are classified into three reporting segments: Packaged Foods, Refrigerated Foods and Agricultural Products. The contributions of each industry segment to net sales and operating profit, and the identifiable assets attributable to each industry segment set forth in Note 19 "Business Segments and Related Information" on pages 53 through 55 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference. c) Narrative Description of Business General ConAgra is one of the world's largest food companies. The Company competes in multiple segments of the food business and focuses on adding value for customers in the retail food, foodservice, and agricultural product channels. ConAgra's reporting segments are described below. The ConAgra companies and locations, including distribution facilities, within each reporting segment are described in Item 2. 3 ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued) Packaged Foods In its Packaged Foods segment, ConAgra produces shelf-stable foods, frozen foods, dairy case products, and foodservice products for retail, foodservice and specialty markets. Shelf-stable products include tomato products, cooking oils, popcorn, soup, puddings, meat snacks, canned beans, canned pasta, canned chili, cocoa mixes, and peanut butter. Shelf-stable major brands include Hunt's, Healthy Choice, Wesson, Orville Redenbacher's, Slim Jim, Act II, Peter Pan, Van Camp's, Beanee Weenee, Manwich, Hunt's Snack Pack, Swiss Miss, Knott's Berry Farm, Chun King, La Choy, Gebhardt, Wolf Brand, Pemican, Penrose, and Andy Capp's. Frozen foods' products include dinners, entrees, snacks, ice cream, and seafood. Frozen food major brands include Healthy Choice, Banquet, Marie Callender's, Kid Cuisine, MaMa Rosa's, Papa G's, Gilardi's, The Max, Morton, Patio, Chun King, and La Choy. Dairy case products include tablespreads, cheeses, egg alternatives and dessert toppings. Dairy case major brands include Parkay, Blue Bonnet, Fleischmann's, Move Over Butter, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, County Line, Reddi-wip, and Treasure Cave. Foodservice products include potato products, ethnic food products, hand-held dough-based products and other products primarily for foodservice markets. Foodservice major brands are Lamb Weston, Fernando's, Casa de Oro, Holly Ridge, and Rosarita. Refrigerated Foods In its Refrigerated Foods segment, ConAgra produces and markets fresh and branded processed meats, beef and pork products, chicken, and turkey products for retail, foodservice, institutional and specialty markets. The processed meat products include hot dogs, bacon, ham, sausages, cold cuts, turkey products and kosher products. Fresh meat products include beef, pork and lamb. The poultry businesses include chicken and turkey products. Refrigerated Foods' major brands include Armour, Butterball, Cook's, Country Pride, Decker, Monfort, Eckrich, Healthy Choice, To-Ricos, Texas BBQ, Ready Crisp, Hebrew National, Brown 'N Serve, Golden Star, National Deli and Swift Premium. In addition, the Company owns Australia Meat Holdings Pty Ltd., a major Australian beef processor and exporter. Agricultural Products Through its Agricultural Products segment, ConAgra distributes crop protection chemicals, fertilizers, seeds and information systems at wholesale and retail levels. Major agricultural brands include Clean Crop, ACA, Awaken, mPower(3) (e-merge), Savage, Shotgun, Saber, Signature, and Loveland Industries. ConAgra markets these agricultural products in Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Peru, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe. In the food ingredients sector, ConAgra primarily processes and distributes ingredients for food and beverage products and meat and poultry production. The ingredient processing businesses include flour milling, specialty food ingredients and manufacturing, oat and corn milling, dry edible bean processing and merchandising, and barley malting. ConAgra also markets bulk agricultural commodities throughout the world through its grain procurement and merchandising, food-related commodity trading and commodity services. The Agricultural Products businesses experience some seasonality. This seasonality coincides with normal agricultural growing seasons. 4 ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued) The following comments pertain to each of the Company's reporting segments. ConAgra is a food company that operates in many different areas of the food business, from basic agricultural inputs to production and sale of branded consumer products. As a result, ConAgra uses many different raw materials, the bulk of which are commodities. Raw materials are generally available from several different sources and ConAgra presently believes that it can obtain these as needed. The Company experiences intense competition for sales of its principal products in its major markets. The Company's products compete with widely advertised, well-known, branded products, as well as private label products. The Company has major competitors in all of its reporting segments. Quality control processes at principal manufacturing locations emphasize applied research and technical services directed at product improvement and quality control. In addition, the Refrigerated Foods and the Packaged Foods segments conduct research activities related to the development of new products. Many of ConAgra's facilities and products are subject to various laws and regulations administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, and other federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies relating to the quality of products, sanitation, safety and environmental control. The Company believes that it complies with such laws and regulations in all material respects, and that continued compliance with such regulations will not have a material effect upon capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position of the Company. ConAgra and its subsidiaries have more than 85,000 employees, primarily in the United States. d) Foreign Operations The information, with respect to foreign operations, set forth in Note 19 "Business Segments and Related Information" on pages 53 through 55 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska. The headquarters and principal operating locations of each business are set forth on the following list of "ConAgra Locations." The Company maintains a number of distribution facilities, in addition to distribution facilities and warehouse space available at substantially all of its manufacturing facilities. Utilization of manufacturing capacity varies by type of product manufactured, plant and week. In general, ConAgra operates most of its manufacturing facilities in excess of 80% of standard industry capacity. Standards vary by industry from 40 hours per week to 144 hours per week. Most principal manufacturing facilities are held in fee. However, certain parcels of land, machinery and buildings, and substantially all of ConAgra's transportation equipment used in its processing and merchandising operations, are leased. 5 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) PACKAGED FOODS CONAGRA FROZEN PREPARED FOODS Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. CONAGRA FROZEN FOODS Headquarters and Corporate sales office in Omaha, Nebraska. Six plants in Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri and Virginia. Two broiler growing and processing complexes in Arkansas. Product development facility in Omaha, Nebraska. GILARDI FOODS Headquarters and sales office in Sidney, Ohio. Three processing plants in Ohio and Oklahoma. CONAGRA GROCERY PRODUCTS COMPANIES Headquarters in Irvine, California. CONAGRA GROCERY PRODUCTS COMPANY Headquarters in Irvine, California. Product development facility in Irvine. 13 manufacturing plants, 8 distribution centers and over 20 grocery and foodservice sales offices serving the U.S. and Canada: CONAGRA GROCERY PRODUCTS COMPANY INTERNATIONAL CONAGRA GROCERY PRODUCTS COMPANY-GROCERY BRANDS HUNT-WESSON FOODSERVICE COMPANY HUNT-WESSON GROCERY PRODUCTS SALES COMPANY CONAGRA FOODS LTD. Headquarters in Manchester, England. Manufacturer of microwave meals and snacks, supplying UK and other European countries. GOLDEN VALLEY MICROWAVE FOODS Headquarters in Edina, Minnesota. Six plants in Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio. Popcorn storage warehouse in Nebraska, product development facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and microwave packaging production facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota. GOODMARK FOODS, INC. Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina Manufacturer of branded meat snacks, specialty snacks and other convenient food products, supplying mass-merchandisers, vending machines and grocery, drug, club, convenience and video stores. Plants in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and California. 6 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) CONAGRA FOODSERVICE COMPANY Headquarters in Boise, Idaho LAMB-WESTON, INC. Headquarters in Tri-Cities, Washington. 13 plants in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota (50-percent owned) and Alberta, Canada. Three plants in The Netherlands (50-percent owned) and one plant in Turkey (50-percent owned). Product development facility in Richland, Washington. International business development center in Boise, Idaho. FERNANDO'S FOODS CORPORATION Headquarters in Los Angeles, California One Mexican food processing facility in California. CASA DE ORO Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska Flour and corn tortilla processing facilities in Nebraska and Kentucky. CONAGRA SIGNATURE MEATS GROUP Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado CHOICE ONE FOODS Headquarters in Los Angeles, California One meat processing facility in California CONAGRA SIGNATURE MEATS - MONTGOMERY Headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama One meat processing facility in Alabama CONAGRA SIGNATURE MEATS - ORLANDO Headquarters in Sanford, Florida One meat processing facility in Florida CONAGRA SIGNATURE MEATS- SAN ANTONIO Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas One meat processing facility in Texas ZOLL FOODS Headquarters in South Holland, Illinois One meat processing facility in Illinois CONAGRA SEAFOOD COMPANIES SINGLETON SEAFOOD Headquarters in Tampa, Florida One seafood processing facility in Florida. MERIDIAN PRODUCTS Headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California Seafood trading company with facilities in New Jersey, Texas and Washington. O'DONNELL-USEN U.S.A. Headquarters and sales office in Tampa, Florida. 7 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) DAIRY CASE Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana BEATRICE CHEESE COMPANY Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Six facilities located in six states include natural cheese manufacturing, direct and indirect retail sales, foodservice sales, cheese importing and aerosol. BEATRICE FOODS Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana Two facilities in two states include margarine and egg product manufacturing, direct and indirect retail sales and foodservice sales. REFRIGERATED FOODS PROCESSED MEATS COMPANIES Headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. ARMOUR SWIFT-ECKRICH Product development in Downers Grove and 25 plants in 16 states, processed meat plant in Panama, and a food distribution center in Puerto Rico, serving: ASE CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY ASE DELI/FOODSERVICE COMPANY BUTTERBALL TURKEY COMPANY DECKER FOOD COMPANY NATIONAL FOODS, INC. COOK FAMILY FOODS, LTD. Headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska. Three plants in Nebraska, Kentucky and Missouri. CONAGRA BEEF COMPANIES Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado AUSTRALIA MEAT HOLDINGS PTY LTD. Headquarters in Dinmore, Australia. Eight plants and feedlots in Australia. CONAGRA CATTLE FEEDING COMPANY Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Three feedlots in Colorado. One feedlot in Texas. CONAGRA REFRIGERATED FOODS INTERNATIONAL SALES CORPORATION Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. E. A. MILLER, INC. Headquarters in Hyrum, Utah. Processing facilities in Utah and a feedlot in Idaho. 8 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) MONFORT BEEF AND LAMB COMPANY Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Ten plants in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Indiana. MONFORT FOOD DISTRIBUTION CO. Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Eight sales and distribution branches in eight states. MONFORT FRESH MEATS COMPANY Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Two plants in Idaho & Nebraska. CONAGRA POULTRY COMPANY Headquarters in Duluth, Georgia. CONAGRA BROILER COMPANY Headquarters in Duluth, Georgia. 12 broiler growing and processing divisions in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Four further processing cookplants in Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Louisiana. PROFESSIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS Headquarters in El Dorado, Arkansas. 13 sales and distribution units in nine states. SWIFT & COMPANY Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Three pork processing plants in Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky. One further processing plant in California. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CONAGRA AGRI PRODUCTS COMPANIES Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS COMPANIES Headquarters in Greeley, Colorado. Over 470 field sales, administration, warehouse, rail, formulation and joint venture locations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, France, Peru, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Zimbabwe. Businesses are involved with crop protection products, seed, liquid and dry fertilizer operations and one terminal facility. CONAGRA TRADE GROUP Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. AGRICULTURAL DIVISION Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. The Agricultural Division consists of an extensive network of grain merchandising offices and grain elevators in the United States and Canada. International marketing is facilitated through offices in Mexico, Italy, Hong Kong and Australia, and with representative agents throughout the world. KBC EDIBLE BEANS Headquarters in Stockton, California. KBC Edible Beans operates an extensive network of facilities in the United States and a facility in Argentina. International marketing is facilitated through offices in Argentina, Chile, Switzerland and Hong Kong, and with representative agents throughout the world. 9 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (Continued) CONAGRA INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER Headquarters in Savannah, Georgia. ConAgra International Fertilizer operations are facilitated through offices in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singapore. CONAGRA ENERGY SERVICES AND FINANCIAL PRODUCTS Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. CONAGRA FOOD INGREDIENTS COMPANIES Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. GRAIN PROCESSING Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. 25 flour mills in 14 states. Eight country elevators in South Dakota. Two joint ventures in the U.S., one flour mill and one elevator. Corn merchandising and processing facility in Kansas. Two oat processing facilities in Nebraska and Canada. A flour mill, a dry corn mill and grain trading in Puerto Rico. INTERNATIONAL Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Poultry, animal feed and processed meat facilities in Portugal and feed plants in Spain. Four malt joint ventures with barley malting facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and China, doing business as ConAgra Malt. A food products distribution joint venture in Mexico doing business as Verde Valle. Edible oil processing and grain trading joint venture in India, doing business as Agro Tech Foods Limited. Joint venture oilseed processing plant in Argentina, doing business as Pecom Agra. A specialty marketing business with processed eggs, Mexican food products, and food oils business headquartered in Texas. Two animal feed plants in Georgia and Alabama. INGREDIENTS Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. A food processing plant and research and development facility in Kentucky. A dehydrated food ingredients plant and animal feed ingredients plant in Minnesota. A spice plant and research and development facility in Illinois. A seasoning plant and research and development facility in New Jersey. Flavorings plants in New Jersey and Utah. Food ingredients distribution business headquartered in Iowa with distribution centers in Texas, Illinois and Colorado. A distributor of supplies and equipment for the food processing industry in Texas. Chili products plants located in California, New Mexico, and Santiago, Chile, with a research and development facility in California. A garlic and onion dehydration and processing facility with a supporting research and development facility in California and dehydration and processing plants in Nevada and Oregon. SERGEANT'S PET PRODUCTS COMPANY Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Distribution centers in Tennessee, Colorado and Canada. 10 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In fiscal 1991, ConAgra acquired Beatrice Company ("Beatrice"). As a result of the acquisition and the significant pre-acquisition contingencies of the Beatrice businesses and its former subsidiaries, the consolidated post-acquisition financial statements of ConAgra reflect significant liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. These include various litigation and environmental proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to its acquisition by ConAgra. The environmental proceedings include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's status as a potentially responsible party at 40 Superfund, proposed Superfund or state-equivalent sites. Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 34 of these sites. Substantial reserves for these matters have been established based on the Company's best estimate of its undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required cleanup, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties and its experience in remediating sites. ConAgra is party to a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of its businesses. After taking into account liabilities recorded for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on ConAgra's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable. 11 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF AUGUST 25, 2000
Year Assumed Name Title & Capacity Age Present Office - ---- ---------------- --- -------------- Bruce C. Rohde Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President 51 1998 James P. O'Donnell Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary 52 1997 Jay D. Bolding Senior Vice President and Controller 40 1999 Kenneth W. Gerhardt Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer 50 1998 Dwight J. Goslee Senior Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions 50 1997 Owen C. Johnson Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration 54 1998 Timothy P. McMahon Senior Vice President, Communication and Marketing 46 2000 Stephen J. Tibey Senior Vice President, Supply Chain 52 1999 Kevin W. Tourangeau Senior Vice President, Operational Effectiveness 48 1999 Michael D. Walter Senior Vice President, Commodity Procurement and Economic Strategy 50 2000 Linda S. Harty Vice President and Treasurer 40 1999
The foregoing have held executive officer positions with ConAgra for the past five years, except as follows: Bruce C. Rohde became Vice Chairman of the Board and President in August 1996, was named President and Chief Executive Officer in September 1997, and was named Chairman of the Board in September 1998. He previously had been ConAgra's general counsel since 1984. He was president of the Omaha-based law firm McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C. from 1984 to 1996. Jay D. Bolding joined ConAgra in 1997 as Vice President, Business Processes and Financial Analysis. He became Vice President, Controller in February 1999 and was named Senior Vice President in June 2000. He was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Allen & O'Hara, Inc., a construction and property management company from 1995 to 1997. He was named to his current position in May 1999. Kenneth W. Gerhardt was Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Ameriserve Distribution, Inc. from 1997 to 1998. Prior to 1997, he worked for Pepsico, Inc. in various capacities, including Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Pepsico Food Services from 1996 to 1997; and Senior Director, Information Technology for Pepsi Cola North American from 1994 to 1996. Owen C. Johnson was Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Communications and Administration of NISOURCE from 1990 to 1998. He joined ConAgra in his current position in June 1998. Timothy P. McMahon was Vice President, Marketing for ConAgra Trading and Processing Companies from June 1997 to October 1997. Prior to that, he was President of McMahon Marketing Communications Company for ten years. He became Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing Development in October 1997 and was named to his current position in 2000. 12 Stephen J. Tibey joined ConAgra in November 1999 as Senior Vice President Supply Chain. Prior to his joining the Company, Mr. Tibey was with Kraft where he served as Vice President, Operation Services from 1998 to 1999 and Vice President, Distribution Operations from 1994 to 1998. Kevin W. Tourangeau joined ConAgra in his current position in March 1999. Previously he was with Randol Management Consultants, which he founded in 1998, where he worked with major corporations, including ConAgra, to improve operations and profitability. Michael D. Walter joined ConAgra in 1989 as President of ConAgra Specialty Grain Products. He was named to his current position in October 1996. Linda S. Harty became Vice President and Treasurer in April 1999. Prior to her joining the Company in April 1999, she worked for Kimberly-Clark where she served as Assistant Treasurer from 1997 to 1999 and Manager, Accounting from 1992 to 1997.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF AUGUST 25, 2000 Year Assumed Name Title & Capacity Age Present Office - ---- ---------------- --- -------------- Larry A. Carter President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Food Ingredients 48 2000 Raymond J. De Riggi President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Grocery Products Companies 52 1998 Timothy M. Harris President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Refrigerated Prepared Foods 44 1997 Gregory A. Heckman President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Trade Group 38 1996 R. Dean Hollis President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Frozen Prepared Foods 40 2000 Blake D. Lovette President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Poultry Company 57 1998 Floyd McKinnerney Chairman, United Agri Products Companies 63 1998 Richard A. Porter President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Foodservice Company 51 1998 Richard G. Scalise President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Dairy Case Companies 45 2000 John S. Simons President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Beef Companies 39 1999
Larry A. Carter joined the Company in 1994 as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ConAgra's Trading and Processing Companies. He was named to his current position in 2000. Raymond J. De Riggi was President of United Specialty Food Ingredients Cos. since 1995. He was named to his current position in June 1998. 13 Timothy M. Harris was President of ConAgra Refrigerated Prepared Foods from 1995 to 1997. He was named to his current position in 1997. Gregory A. Heckman joined the Company in 1984 and was named Vice President and General Manager of ConAgra Commodity Services in 1995. He was named to his current position in 1996. R. Dean Hollis was Vice President, Trade Development ConAgra Frozen Foods from 1995 to 1998 and President of Gilardi Foods from 1998 to March 2000. He was named to his current position in March 2000. Blake D. Lovette was named to his current position upon joining the Company in 1998. Prior to joining the Company he owned and operated The Lovette Company, a transportation and distribution company located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Floyd McKinnerney was named to his current position in 1998. From 1987 to 1998 Mr. McKinnerney served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ConAgra Agri Products Companies. Richard A. Porter was President of Lamb Weston, Inc. from 1990 to 1998. He was named to his current position in June 1998. Richard G. Scalise joined the Company in 1997 as President of the ASE Deli/Foodservice Company. He was named to his current position during 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Scalise served as President and Chief Executive Officer of H&M Corporation. John S. Simons was Vice President, Red Meat Business Development with Excel, Inc. (owned by Cargill, Inc.) from 1996 to 1999. He was Vice President and General Manager, Canada for Excel from 1993 to 1996. He was named to his current position in May 1999. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS ConAgra's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Ticker symbol: CAG. At the end of fiscal 2000, 492.2 million shares of common stock were outstanding, including 15.2 million shares held in the Company's Employee Equity Fund. There were 34,000 shareholders of record, 31,000 holders via ConAgra's 401(k) plan for employees and more than 160,000 "street-name" beneficial holders whose shares are held in names other than their own. During fiscal 2000, 297 million shares were traded, a daily average of approximately 1.2 million shares. Quarterly information is incorporated herein by reference to Note 21 "Quarterly Results (Unaudited)" on page 55 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. 14 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the Company for each of the five fiscal years 1996 through 2000. All amounts are in millions except per share data. Fiscal years 1996 through 1998 have been restated to give effect to acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. Prior years per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split which was effective October 1, 1997.
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED MAY 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 For the Year Net sales $ 25,385.8 $ 24,594.3 $ 24,219.5 $ 24,445.2 $ 24,321.3 After-tax income from continuing operations and before cumulative effect of changes in accounting 413.0* 358.4** 641.8 637.9 211.8*** Net income 413.0* 358.4** 627.0 637.9 211.8*** Basic income per share Continuing operations and before cumulative effect of changes in accounting $ .87* $ .76** $ 1.38 $ 1.36 $ .43*** Net income $ .87* $ .76** $ 1.35 $ 1.36 $ .43*** Diluted income per share Continuing operations and before cumulative effect of changes in accounting $ .86* $ .75** $ 1.35 $1.34 $ .43*** Net income $ .86* $ .75** $ 1.32 $1.34 $ .43*** Cash dividends declared per share of common stock $ .7890 $ .6918 $ .6050 $ .5275 $ .4600 At Year End Total assets $ 12,295.8 $ 12,146.1 $ 11,808.5 $ 11,451.8 $ 11,364.2 Senior long-term debt (noncurrent) 1,816.8 1,793.1 1,753.5 1,628.5 1,536.3 Subordinated long-term debt (noncurrent) 750.0 750.0 750.0 750.0 750.0 Preferred securities of subsidiary company 525.0 525.0 525.0 525.0 525.0 Redeemable preferred stock -- -- -- -- --
* 2000 amounts include restructuring and restructuring-related charges: before tax, $621.4 million; after tax, $385.3 million. Excluding the charges, basic earnings per share were $1.68 and diluted earnings per share were $1.67. ** 1999 amounts include restructuring charges: before tax, $440.8 million; after tax, $337.9 million. Excluding the charges, basic earnings per share were $1.48 and diluted earnings per share were $1.46. *** 1996 amounts include restructuring charges: before tax, $507.8 million; after tax, $356.3 million. Excluding the charges, basic earnings per share were $1.19 and diluted earnings per share were $1.17. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Incorporated herein by reference to "Management's Discussion & Analysis" on pages 32 through 39 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Incorporated herein by reference to the subsection "Market Risk" in "Management's Discussion & Analysis" on pages 38 and 39 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. 15 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The following consolidated financial statements of ConAgra, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Independent Auditors' Report set forth on pages 40 through 56 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference: Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999 and May 31, 1998 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999 and May 31, 1998 Consolidated Balance Sheets - May 28, 2000, and May 30, 1999 Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity - Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999 and May 31, 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999 and May 31, 1998 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements The supplementary data regarding quarterly results of operations set forth in Note 21 "Quarterly Results (Unaudited)" on page 55 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference. Independent Auditors' Report ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Incorporated herein by reference to "Board of Directors and Election" on pages 3 and 4 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 28, 2000. Information concerning all Executive Officers of the Company is included in Part I above. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Incorporated herein by reference to (i) "Executive Compensation" through "Benefit Plans and Retirement Programs" on pages 5 through 9 of the Company's Proxy Statement, and (ii) information on director compensation on page 4 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 28, 2000. 16 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Incorporated herein by reference to "Voting Securities and Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Voting Securities Owned by Executive Officers and Directors" on page 2 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 28, 2000. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Incorporated herein by reference to (i) the last paragraph of "Directors' Meetings and Compensation" on page 4 of the Company's Proxy Statement, and (ii) the last paragraph of "Benefit Plans and Retirement Programs" on page 9 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 28, 2000. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a) List of documents filed as part of this report: 1. Financial Statements All financial statements of the Company as set forth under Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K. 2. Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule Page Number Description Number -------- ----------- ------ II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 18
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements, notes thereto. 3. Exhibits All exhibits as set forth on the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference. b) Reports on Form 8-K None. 17 Schedule II CONAGRA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the Fiscal Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999 and May 31, 1998 (in millions)
Additions Balance at ----------------- Deductions Balance at Beginning Charged from Close of Description of Period to Income Other Reserves Period - ----------- ---------- --------- ----- ---------- ---------- Year ended May 28, 2000: Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 60.0 44.4 .4(2) 42.0(1) $ 62.8 Year ended May 30, 1999: Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 68.2 29.9 .2(2) 38.3(1) $ 60.0 Year ended May 31, 1998: Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 67.9 29.1 .4(2) 29.2(1) $ 68.2
(1) Bad debts charged off, less recoveries. (2) Primarily reserve accounts of acquired businesses less reserve accounts of divested businesses and foreign currency translation adjustments. 18 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Stockholders and Board of Directors ConAgra, Inc. Omaha, Nebraska We have audited the consolidated financial statements of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 28, 2000, and May 30, 1999, and for each of the three years in the period ended May 28, 2000, and have issued our report thereon dated July 14, 2000; such financial statements and report are included in your 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries, listed in Item 14. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Omaha, Nebraska July 14, 2000 19 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ConAgra, Inc. has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 25th day of August, 2000. CONAGRA, INC. /s/ Bruce C. Rohde ------------------------------------------------- Bruce C. Rohde Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President /s/ James P. O'Donnell ------------------------------------------------- James P. O'Donnell Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ Jay D. Bolding ------------------------------------------------- Jay D. Bolding Senior Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 25th day of August, 2000. /s/ Bruce C. Rohde Director - -------------------------------- Bruce C. Rohde Mogens C. Bay* Director Charles M. Harper* Director Robert A. Krane* Director Carl E. Reichardt* Director Ronald W. Roskens* Director Marjorie M. Scardino* Director Walter Scott, Jr.* Director Kenneth E. Stinson* Director Clayton K. Yeutter* Director * Bruce C. Rohde, by signing his name hereto, signs this Annual Report on behalf of each person indicated. A Power-of-Attorney authorizing Bruce C. Rohde to sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of each of the indicated Directors of ConAgra, Inc. has been filed herein as Exhibit 24. By: /s/ Bruce C. Rohde ------------------------------- Bruce C. Rohde Attorney-In-Fact 20 EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Description Page No. - ------ ----------- -------- 3.1 ConAgra's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1996. 3.2 ConAgra's Bylaws, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1999. 4.1 Rights Agreement dated as of July 12, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to ConAgra's current report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996. 4.2 Certificate of Adjustment dated October 1, 1997 to Rights Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 24, 1997. 4.3 Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998. 4.4 Form of documents establishing Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Securities of ConAgra Capital, L.L.C., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 and Exhibit 4.14 of ConAgra's registration on Form S-3 (033-56973). 10.1 ConAgra's Amended and Restated Long-Term Senior Management Incentive Plan, Amendment thereto, and Operational Document, and Amendment thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 1997. 10.2 Second Amendment to ConAgra's Long-Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document. 25 10.3 Form of Employment Agreement between ConAgra and its executive officers, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998. 10.4 ConAgra's Employee Flexible Bonus Payment Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 1997.
21 EXHIBIT INDEX - (Continued)
Number Description Page No. - ------ ----------- -------- 10.5 ConAgra's 1985 Stock Option Plan, with amendments thereto incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 1997. 10.6 ConAgra Non-Qualified CRISP Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999. 10.7 ConAgra Non-Qualified Pension Plan, and First Amendment thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999. 10.8 ConAgra Supplemental Pension and CRISP Plan for Change of Control, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999. 10.9 ConAgra Incentives and Deferred Compensation Change of Control Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999 10.10 ConAgra 1990 Stock Plan, and amendments thereto. 27 10.11 ConAgra 1995 Stock Plan. 35 10.12 ConAgra Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan, with amendments thereto. 42 10.13 ConAgra Employee Equity Fund Trust Agreement, with Stock Purchase Agreement and Revolving Promissory Note executed in connection therewith, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 1997.
22 EXHIBIT INDEX - (Continued)
Number Description Page No. - ------ ----------- -------- 10.14 Employment Contract between ConAgra and Bruce C. Rohde, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 23, 1997. 10.15 Amendment dated February 16, 1998 to Bruce C. Rohde Employment Contract, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998. 10.16 C. M. Harper Deferred Compensation Agreement dated March 15, 1976, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998. 10.17 ConAgra Executive Incentive Plan incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1999. 12 Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends 48 13 Pages 32 through 56 of ConAgra, Inc.'s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Those portions of ConAgra, Inc.'s Annual Report to Stockholders that are not incorporated herein by reference shall not be deemed to be filed as a part of this Report. 49 21 Subsidiaries of ConAgra 74 23 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP 78 24 Powers of Attorney 79 27 Financial Data Schedule
23 EXHIBIT INDEX - (Continued) Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments with respect to ConAgra's long-term debt are not filed with this Form 10-K. ConAgra will furnish a copy of any such long-term debt agreement to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. Except for those portions of ConAgra, Inc.'s Annual Report to Stockholders for its fiscal year ended May 28, 2000 (such portions filed hereto as Exhibit 13) specifically incorporated by reference in the report on Form 10-K, such annual report is furnished solely for the information of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be deemed "filed" as part of this filing. Items 10.1 through 10.17 are management contracts or compensatory plans filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. 24 EX-10.2 2 ex-10_2.txt EXHIBIT 10.2 EXHIBIT 10.2 AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA LONG TERM SENIOR MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT Effective November 29, 1990, the ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document ("Document") is amended as set forth below: ARTICLE I Section 4 is amended to read, as follows: "4. COMPUTATION OF AWARD. The Committee shall compute the amount of the Award for each fiscal year. A preliminary calculation of the Award shall be made in July of each year. The preliminary calculation will be verified after receipt of the audited financials for the year. The amount of the Award shall be calculated according to the following steps: "A. The fully diluted after-tax earnings per share shall be calculated by dividing after-tax earnings for the fiscal year by the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted earnings for the fiscal year. "B. Calculate the Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year. For fiscal year end 1996 and fiscal years thereafter, the Compounded Fully Diluted After- Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year shall be the result of multiplying 1.2762816 by the Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share. The Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share shall be the 5- year average of the Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd fiscal years preceding the applicable fiscal year. The 1.2762816 is the factor used to reflect a 5% compounding of the Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share. "For fiscal year ends preceding fiscal year ending 1996, the Base 5-Years Averages and factors set forth below shall be used to calculate the Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share: FYE BASE 5-YRS. AVERAGE FACTOR 1991 Preceding 12th, 11th, 10th 1.6288946 9th, 8th Fiscal Years 1992 Preceding 11th, 10th, 9th 1.5513282 8th, 7th Fiscal Years 1993 Preceding 10th, 9th, 8th 1.4774554 7th, 6th Fiscal Years 1994 Preceding 9th, 8th, 7th, 1.4071004 6th, 5th Fiscal Years 1995 Preceding 8th, 7th, 6th 1.3400956 5th, 4th Fiscal Years 25 EXHIBIT 10.2 (CONTINUED) "C. The Award shall be equal to 8% of the result of multiplying the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted after-tax earnings for the year times the excess of the fully diluted after-tax earnings per share for the year over the Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share. "After-tax earnings means income for the fiscal year after all taxes but before a gain or loss on significant asset disposals and the Award; provided, however, after-tax earnings shall be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Committee. Prior to the distribution of an Award, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may reduce the amount of the Award and the share of any participant in an Award." ARTICLE II Section 5 is amended to read, as follows: "5. DISTRIBUTION. Each participant's share of the Award shall be made in cash, or ConAgra stock, or part in ConAgra stock and part in cash, as determined by the Committee. Normally, both the stock and the cash portions will be distributed upon verification of the preliminary calculation. However, at its sole and absolute discretion, the Committee may pay all or a portion of the Award at such time as the Committee deems appropriate. Any participant who is not employed on the payment date shall not receive a payment unless the failure to be employed is on account of death, total and permanent disability, or retirement. "Each person who receives a distribution will be notified of: "A. The amount distributed to him. "B. Nature of any restrictions. "C. The current fair market value of the participant's share of the Award." This Document has been adopted by the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee of ConAgra, Inc. on November 29, 1990. 26 EX-10.10 3 ex-10_10.txt EXHIBIT 10.10 EXHIBIT 10.10 THE CONAGRA 1990 STOCK PLAN ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE 1.1 NAME. The name of the plan shall be The ConAgra 1990 Stock Plan ("Plan"). 1.2 PURPOSE. The purpose of the Plan is to enable Employees and Directors to share in the growth and prosperity of the Company by encouraging stock ownership by Employees and Directors and to assist the Company to obtain and retain key management personnel. Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, Restricted Shares, bargain stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, bonuses of Company Stock and other types of stock awards and cash may be granted under this Plan. ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS 2.1 "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. 2.2 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 2.3 "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board. 2.4 "Company" means ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation. 2.5 "Company Stock" means shares of common stock issued by the Company. 2.6 "Director" means any person who is a member of the Board. 2.7 "Employee" means any person employed by the Employer or a Subsidiary. 2.8 "Employer" means the Company. 2.9 "Incentive Stock Option" means any option granted to a Participant under the Plan, which the Committee intends at the time it is granted, to be an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code. 2.10 "Nonqualified Stock Option" means any stock option granted under the Plan which is not an Incentive Stock Option. 2.11 "Optionee" is any Employee who is granted options under the Plan. 2.12 "Participant" shall mean any Employee or Director who meets the requirements for Participation in the Plan as described in Article III. 2.13 "Qualifying Stock" means Company Stock which has been owned by the Employee for at least six months prior to the date of exercise and has not been used in a stock-for-stock swap transaction within the preceding six months. 27 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) 2.14 "Subsidiary" means a corporation which is a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in section 425 of the Code. ARTICLE III ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION 3.1 ELIGIBILITY. Every Employee and Director shall be eligible to become a Participant in the Plan. 3.2 PARTICIPATION. The Employees who shall participate in the Plan and thereby be eligible to receive awards shall be such key Employees and Directors as the Committee shall select from time to time. The Committee shall determine the number of and the combination of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other stock awards granted. 3.3 DIRECTOR PARTICIPATION. Non-Employee Directors shall be granted annually a Nonqualified Stock Option for 3,000 shares of Company Stock. In addition, Non-Employee Directors shall be granted annually 600 shares of Company Stock; such shares shall be issued without cost to each Non- Employee Director from the Company's treasury shares. The Nonqualified Stock Options and shares of Company Stock described in this Section 3.3 shall be granted each year immediately following the annual stockholders' meeting of the Company. The Nonqualified Stock Options and shares of Company Stock shall be granted to those persons who are Directors immediately following such meeting. Directors are not eligible to receive any other Benefit under the Plan. The number of shares referred to in this Section 3.3 shall be properly adjusted if the number of issued shares shall be increased or reduced by change in par value, combination, split-up, reclassification, distribution of a dividend payable in stock, or the like. ARTICLE IV TYPES OF BENEFITS Benefits under the Plan ("Benefits") may be granted in any one or any combination of (a) Incentive Stock Options; (b) Nonqualified Stock Options; (c) stock appreciation rights; (d) restricted stock awards; (e) bargain purchase of common stock; (f) bonuses of common stock; (g) any other form of stock benefit; or (h) cash. Without limiting the Committee's authority, the Committee may: (a) make the grant of Benefits conditional upon an election by a Participant to defer payment of a portion of his salary; (b) give a Participant a choice between two Benefits or combination of Benefits; (c) award Benefits in the alternative so that acceptance of or exercise of one Benefit cancels the right of a Participant to another; and (d) award Benefits in any combination or combinations and subject to any condition or conditions consistent with, the terms of the Plan that the Committee in its sole discretion may determine. ARTICLE V SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN The total number of shares for which options may be granted under this Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 6,000,000 shares; provided, if the merger of the Company and Beatrice Company, as reflected in the Agreement 28 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) and Plan of Merger dated as of June 7, 1990, is consummated, such aggregate number shall be 7,200,000 shares. This number shall be appropriately adjusted if the number of issued shares shall be increased or reduced by change in par value, combination, split-up, reclassification, distribution of a dividend payable in stock, or the like. The shares issued under the Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares. In the event that any outstanding option, restricted stock or other Benefit issued pursuant to the Plan shall expire or terminate, the shares allocable to the unexercised or forfeited portion of such Benefit may again be subject to an award under the Plan. In addition, any shares which are used for the full or partial payment of the purchase price (or applicable withholding taxes) for shares with respect to which an option is exercised may again be used for an award under the Plan. ARTICLE VI OPTIONS The Committee from time to time may grant Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options. Each option agreement between the Company and the Participant shall be in such form and shall contain such provisions as the Committee from time to time shall deem appropriate. Option agreements need not be identical. The option agreements shall specify whether or not an option is an Incentive Stock Option. The terms of Incentive Stock Options granted shall include the following: (a) The option price shall be fixed by the Committee in good faith, but in no event be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares subject to the option on the date the option is granted. (b) The Committee shall fix the term or duration of all Incentive Stock Options issued under this Plan provided that such term shall not exceed ten years after the date on which the option was granted and shall not extend beyond the Optionee's employment with the Company. The Committee shall also set the date or dates on, or after which, each option may be exercised. (c) The aggregate fair market value, determined as of the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, of the stock which may become exercisable for the first time by any Employee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. (d) Each Incentive Stock Option agreement (and amendments) shall contain such terms and provisions, consistent with the requirements of this Plan, as the Committee in its discretion shall determine, including without limitation such terms and provisions as shall be requisite to cause the options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options. Options and similar Benefits (including Stock Appreciation Rights) shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and during the Participant's lifetime, such a Benefit shall be exercisable only by the Participant. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an Employee who, at the time the option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Employer. This stock ownership limitation will not apply if the option price is at least 110 percent of the fair market value (at the time the option is granted) of the stock subject to the option, and the option by its terms is not exercisable more than five years from the date it is granted. The Committee may grant a replacement option (a "Replacement Option") to any Employee who exercises all or part of an option granted under this Plan using Qualifying Stock as payment for the purchase price. A 29 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) Replacement Option shall grant to the Employee the right to purchase, at the fair market value as of the date of said exercise and grant, the number of shares of stock equal to the sum of the number of whole shares (i) used by the Employee in payment of the purchase price for the option which was exercised and (ii) used by the Employee in connection with applicable withholding taxes on such transaction. A Replacement Option may not be exercised for six months following the date of grant, and shall expire on the same date as the option which it replaces. ARTICLE VII RESTRICTED SHARES The Committee from time to time may award restricted shares ("Restricted Shares") to any Participant in the Plan. Each Participant who is awarded Restricted Shares shall enter into an agreement with the Company in a form specified by the Committee agreeing to the terms and conditions of the award and such other matters consistent with the Plan as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine. Restricted Shares awarded to Participants may not be sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered during the restricted period commencing on the date of the award and ending at such later date as the Committee may designate at the time of the award. The Participant shall have the entire beneficial ownership and all rights and privileges of a shareholder with respect to Restricted Shares awarded to him, including the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such Restricted Shares. The Committee may provide any other terms or conditions with regard to Restricted Shares that it deems appropriate. Restricted Shares and agreements related thereto need not be identical. ARTICLE VIII STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS The Committee from time to time may grant stock appreciation rights ("Stock Appreciation Rights") to any Participant in the Plan. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be evidenced by a stock appreciation right agreement between the Company and the Participant, which shall contain such terms and conditions consistent with the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall deem appropriate. A Stock Appreciation Right may be satisfied by the Company in cash or in shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Committee. The agreement may limit the maximum amount of appreciation taken into account under a Stock Appreciation Right. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted in conjunction with an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonqualified Stock Option, Restricted Shares or any other award hereunder. At the discretion of the Committee, a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercisable only to the extent that a related award is exercisable and only upon surrender of a related award. In the event of the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right the exercise of which is conditioned upon surrender of a related award, the number of shares that may be issued under this Plan shall be reduced by the number of shares covered by the award or portion thereof surrendered. The Committee may provide any other terms or conditions with regard to Stock Appreciation Rights that it deems appropriate. Stock Appreciation Rights and agreements related thereto need not be identical. ARTICLE IX OTHER AWARDS The Committee may grant any other cash, stock or stock-related awards to a Participant under this Plan that the Committee deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, the bargain purchase of Company Stock and stock bonuses. Any such Benefits and any related agreements shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Such awards and agreements need not be identical. With respect to any Benefit 30 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) under which shares of Company Stock are or may in the future be issued (other than shares issued from the Company's treasury) for consideration other than prior services, the amount of such consideration shall either (i) be equal to the amount (such as the par value of such shares) required to be received by the Company in order to comply with applicable state law or (ii) be equal to or greater than 50% of the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant. ARTICLE X ADMINISTRATION The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. A majority vote of the Committee at which a quorum is present, or acts reduced to or approved in writing by a majority of the members of the Committee, shall be the valid acts of the Committee for the purposes of this Plan. The Committee shall have plenary authority in its discretion, but subject to the express provisions of the Plan, to determine the terms of all Benefits granted under the Plan including, without limitation, the purchase price, if any, the Employees to whom, and the time or times at which Benefits shall be granted, when an option can be exercised, or Restricted Shares, Stock Appreciation Rights and other Benefits become forfeitable, and whether in whole or in installments, and the number of shares covered by a Benefit; and to interpret the Plan and to make all other determinations deemed advisable for the administration of the Plan. All determinations of the Committee shall be made by not less than a majority of its members. The Committee may designate Employees of the Company to assist the Committee in the administration of the Plan and may grant authority to such persons to execute option agreements or other documents on behalf of the Committee. Payment in full for the number of shares purchased under any Benefit, including an option, shall be made to the Company at the time of such exercise. The Committee, in its discretion, may provide that any Benefit by its terms may permit a Participant to elect, subject to Committee approval, any of the following alternative settlement methods: (i) cash equal to the excess of the value of one share over the option or purchase price times the number of shares as to which the award is exercised; (ii) the number of full shares having an aggregate value not greater than the cash amount calculated under alternative (i); (iii) any combination of cash and stock having an aggregate value not greater than the cash amount calculated under alternative (i). For purposes of determining an alternative settlement, the value per share shall be determined under the same method as used to determine the option price in the case of stock options. Payment for such shares shall be made in cash, or with the consent of the Committee, in shares of the Company's common stock, or a combination thereof. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of the Plan or of any benefit granted under it shall be final. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any benefit granted under it. ARTICLE XI ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES OF STOCK If any change is made on the shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, split up, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure, or otherwise, appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Committee to the kind and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan and the kind and number of shares and price per share of stock subject to each outstanding Benefit. No fractional shares of stock shall be issued under the Plan on account of any such adjustment, and rights to shares always shall be limited after such an adjustment to the lower full share. 31 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS 12.1 CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Neither this Plan nor any Benefit granted hereunder shall confer upon any Employee any right to continue in the employment of the Company or limit in any respect the right of the Company to terminate his employment at any time. 12.2 ADMINISTRATION. The Committee may make such rules and regulations and establish such procedures as it deems appropriate for the administration of the Plan. In the event of a disagreement as to the interpretation of the Plan or any amendment hereto or any rule, regulation or procedure thereunder or as to any right or obligation arising from or related to the Plan, the decision of the Committee shall be final and binding. 12.3 WITHHOLDING. The Company shall have the right to withhold with respect to any payments made to Participants under the Plan any taxes required by law to be withheld because of such payments. With respect to any such withholding: (a) Each Participant shall take whatever action that the Committee deems appropriate to comply with the law regarding withholding of federal, state and local taxes. (b) When a Participant is obligated to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with a Benefit, the Committee may, in its discretion and subject to such rules as it may adopt, permit the Participant to satisfy this obligation, in whole or in part, either (i) by having the Company withhold from the shares to be issued upon the exercise of an option or a stock appreciation right or upon the receipt of a Benefit, shares having a fair market value that would satisfy the withholding amount due or (ii) by delivering to the Company already-owned shares to satisfy the withholding amount. 12.4 EFFECTIVE DATE. This Plan is effective on July 12, 1990 ("Effective Date"). Benefits hereunder may be granted at any time subject to the limitations contained within the Plan. No Company Stock may be issued unless the Plan is approved by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company held within twelve months following the Effective Date. ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT, TERMINATION AND CHANGE IN CONTROL 13.1 AMENDMENT. The Board may amend the Plan from time to time as it deems desirable and shall make any amendments which may be required so that options intended to be Incentive Stock Options shall at all times continue to be Incentive Stock Options for the purposes of the Code; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, the Plan may not be amended to change the number of shares subject to the Plan or decrease the price at which options may be granted. 32 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) 13.2 TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may in its discretion Terminate the Plan at any time, but no such termination shall deprive Participants of their rights under outstanding Benefits. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan later than ten years after the date the Plan is adopted or the date the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, whichever is earlier. 13.3 CHANGE OF CONTROL. On the date of a Change of Control (as herein defined), all outstanding options and stock appreciation rights shall become immediately exercisable and all restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock shall lapse. Following such a Change of Control, the Committee shall grant the request of any Employee to pay for shares purchased under any Benefit by using an alternative settlement method described in the third paragraph of Article X. Change of Control shall mean: (a) The acquisition (other than from the Company) by any person, entity or "group," within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), (excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or (b) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as of the date hereof the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for the election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or (c) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated Company's then outstanding voting securities, or a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or of the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA 1990 STOCK PLAN The ConAgra 1990 Stock Plan (the "Plan"), was approved by ConAgra stockholders on September 27, 1990. The Plan is hereby amended by deleting in its entirety the last sentence of Article V. The deleted sentence currently reads as follows: 33 EXHIBIT 10.10 (CONTINUED) In addition, any shares which are used for the full or partial payment of the purchase price (or applicable withholding taxes) for shares with respect to which an option is exercised may again be used for an award under the Plan. SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA 1990 STOCK PLAN Effective January 1, 1993, The ConAgra 1990 Stock Plan ("Plan") is amended, as follows: ARTICLE I Section 2.14 of the Plan is amended to read, as follows: "2.14 "Subsidiary" means any corporation which is a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in Section 425 of the Code and any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity which is, directly or indirectly, at least 25% owned by the Company." ARTICLE II Article VI of the Plan is amended by the addition thereto of the following paragraph: "Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, an Incentive Stock Option may only be granted to Employees who are employed by the Company or by a Subsidiary which is a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in Section 425 of the Code." 34 EX-10.11 4 ex-10_11.txt EXHIBIT 10.11 EXHIBIT 10.11 CONAGRA 1995 STOCK PLAN SECTION 1 NAME AND PURPOSE 1.1 Name. The name of the plan shall be the ConAgra 1995 Stock Plan (the "Plan"). 1.2. Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the Company and increase stockholder value by (a) motivating superior performance by means of stock incentives, (b) encouraging and providing for the acquisition of an ownership interest in the Company by Employees and (c) enabling the Company to attract and retain the services of a management team responsible for the long-term financial success of the Company. SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS 2.1 Definitions. Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below: (a) "Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (b) "Award" means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus, or any combination thereof, including Awards combining two or more types of Awards in a single grant. (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (e) "Committee" means the Human Resources Committee of the Board, which shall consist of two or more members, each of whom shall be a "disinterested person" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under the Act. (f) "Company" means ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation (and any successor thereto) and its Subsidiaries. (g) "Director Award" means an award of Stock and an award of a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted to each Eligible Director pursuant to Section 7.1 without any action by the Board or the Committee. (h) "Eligible Director" means a person who is serving as a member of the Board and who is not an Employee. (i) "Employee" means any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. 35 EXHIBIT 10.11 (CONTINUED) (j) "Fair Market Value" means, on any date, the closing price of the Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or on such other recognized market or quotation system on which the trading prices of the Stock are traded or quoted at the relevant time) on such date. In the event that there are no Stock transactions reported on such exchange (or such other system) on such date, Fair Market Value shall mean the closing price on the immediately preceding date on which Stock transactions were so reported. (k) "Option" means the right to purchase Stock at a stated price for a specified period of time. For purposes of the Plan, an Option may be either (i) an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code or (ii) a Nonstatutory Stock Option. (l) "Participant" means any Employee designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan. (m) "Plan" means the ConAgra 1995 Stock Plan, as in effect from time to time. (n) "Restricted Stock" shall mean a share of Stock granted to a Participant subject to such restrictions as the Committee may determine. (o) "Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company, par value $5.00 per share. (p) "Stock Appreciation Right" means the right, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine, to receive an amount in cash or Stock, as determined by the Committee, equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value, as of the date such Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, of the number shares of Stock covered by the Stock Appreciation Right being exercised over (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such Stock Appreciation Right. (q) "Stock Bonus" means the grant of Stock as compensation from the Company, which may be in lieu of cash compensation otherwise receivable by the Participant or in addition to such cash compensation, and includes stock issued for service awards and other Employee recognition programs. (r) "Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the voting power or of the capital interest or profits interest of such entity. 2.2 Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, words in the masculine gender used in the Plan shall include the feminine gender, the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular. 36 SECTION 3 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.1, the only persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be those Employees selected by the Committee as Participants. SECTION 4 POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE 4.1 Power to Grant. The Committee shall determine the Participants to whom Awards shall be granted, the type or types of Awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of any and all such Awards. The Committee may establish different terms and conditions for different types of Awards, for different Participants receiving the same type of Awards, and for the same Participant for each Award such Participant may receive, whether or not granted at different times. 4.2 Administration. The Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan. The Committee, by majority action thereof, is authorized to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to provide for conditions deemed necessary or advisable to protect the interests of the Company, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan in order to carry out its provisions and purposes. Determinations, interpretations, or other actions made or taken by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons. Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Plan to the contrary, neither the Committee nor the Board shall have any discretion regarding whether an Eligible Director receives a Director Award pursuant to Section 7.1 or regarding the terms of any such Director Award, including, without limitation, the number of shares subject to any such Director Award. SECTION 5 STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN 5.1 Number. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.3, the number of shares of Stock subject to Awards (including Director Awards) under the Plan may not exceed 11,000,000 shares of Stock. The shares to be delivered under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of treasury Stock or authorized but unissued Stock, not reserved for any other purpose. The maximum number of shares of Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted to any one Employee under the Plan is 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Stock available for Awards under Section 5.1. 5.2 Cancelled, Terminated or Forfeited Awards. Any shares of Stock subject to an Award which for any reason are cancelled, terminated or otherwise settled without the issuance of any Stock shall again be available for Awards under the Plan. 5.3 Adjustment in Capitalization. In the event of any Stock dividend or Stock split, recapitalization (including, without limitation, the payment of an extraordinary dividend), merger, consolidation, combination, spin-off, distribution of assets to stockholders, exchange of shares, or other similar corporate change, (i) the aggregate number of shares of Stock available for Awards under Section 5.1 and (ii) the number of shares and exercise price with respect to Options and the number, prices and dollar value of other Awards, may be appropriately adjusted by the 37 Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive. If, pursuant to the preceding sentence, an adjustment is made to the number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan, a corresponding adjustment shall be made to the number of shares subject to each Director Award thereafter granted pursuant to Section 7.1. SECTION 6 STOCK OPTIONS 6.1 Grant of Options. Options may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee. Options granted under the Plan may be of two types: (i) Incentive Stock Options and (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options. The Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Options, if any, to be granted to a Participant. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option agreement that shall specify the type of Option granted, the exercise price, the duration of the Option, the number of shares of Stock to which the Option pertains, the exercisability (if any) of the Option in the event of death, retirement, disability or termination of employment, and such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine. 6.2 Option Price. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall have an exercise price which is not less than the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted. 6.3 Exercise of Options. Options awarded to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable at such times and shall be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee may impose, subject to the Committee's right to accelerate the exercisability of such Option in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option shall be exercisable for more than ten years after the date on which it is granted. 6.4 Payment. The Committee shall establish procedures governing the exercise of Options, which shall require that written notice of exercise be given and that the Option price be paid in full in cash or cash equivalents, including by personal check, at the time of exercise or pursuant to any arrangement that the Committee shall approve. The Committee may, in its discretion, permit a Participant to make payment (i) in Stock already owned by the Participant valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise (if such Stock has been owned by the Participant for at least six months) or (ii) by electing to have the Company retain Stock which would otherwise be issued on exercise of the Option, valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. As soon as practicable after receipt of a written exercise notice and full payment of the exercise price, the Company shall deliver to the Participant a certificate or certificates representing the acquired shares of Stock. 6.5 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, no term of this Plan relating to Incentive Stock Options shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be so exercised, so as to disqualify the Plan under Section 422 of the Code, or, without the consent of any Participant affected thereby, to cause any Incentive Stock Option previously granted to fail to qualify for the Federal income tax treatment afforded under Section 421 of the Code. In furtherance of the foregoing, (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Stock (determined at the time of grant of each Option) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Employee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000 or such other amount as may be required by the Code, (ii) an Incentive Stock Option may not be exercised more than three months following termination of employment (except as the Committee may otherwise determine in the event of death or disability), and (iii) if the Employee receiving an Incentive Stock Option owns Stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of Stock of the Company, the exercise price of the Option shall be at least 110% of Fair Market Value and the Option shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to Employees who are employed by the Company or a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in Section 425 of the Code. 38 SECTION 7 DIRECTOR AWARDS 7.1 Amount of Award. Each Eligible Director shall receive annually (i) a grant of a Nonstatutory Stock Option for 4,500 shares of Stock and (ii) a grant of 900 shares of Stock from the Company's treasury shares. Such grants shall be made each year immediately following the annual meeting of Company stockholders to those persons who are Eligible Directors immediately following such meeting. 7.2 No Other Awards. An Eligible Director shall not receive any other Award under the Plan. SECTION 8 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS 8.1 SAR's In Tandem with Options. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants in tandem with any Option granted under the Plan, either at or after the time of the grant of such Option, subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine. Each Stock Appreciation Right shall only be exercisable to the extent that the corresponding Option is exercisable, and shall terminate upon termination or exercise of the corresponding Option. Upon the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right, the corresponding Option shall terminate. 8.2 Other Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights may also be granted to Participants separately from any Option, subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine. SECTION 9 RESTRICTED STOCK 9.1 Grant of Restricted Stock. The Committee may grant Restricted Stock to Participants at such times and in such amounts, and subject to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as it shall determine. Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be subject to such restrictions, which may relate to continued employment with the Company, performance of the Company, or other restrictions, as the Committee may determine. Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by a written agreement setting forth the terms of such Award. 9.2 Removal of Restrictions. The Committee may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part at any time in its discretion. SECTION 10 STOCK BONUSES 10.1 Grant of Stock Bonuses. The Committee may grant a Stock Bonus to a Participant at such times and in such amounts, and subject to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan, as it shall determine. 10.2 Effect on Compensation. The Committee may from time to time grant a Stock Bonus in lieu of salary or cash bonuses otherwise payable to a Participant. 39 SECTION 11 AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION OF PLAN 11.1 General. The Board may from time to time amend, modify or terminate any or all of the provisions of the Plan, subject to the provisions of this Section 11.1. The Board may not change the Plan in a manner which would prevent outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan from being Incentive Stock Options without the consent of the optionees concerned. Furthermore, the Board may not make any amendment which would (i) materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, (ii) increase the number of shares of Stock subject to Awards under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.1, or (iii) make any other amendments which would cause the Plan not to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Act, in each case without the approval of the Company's stockholders. No amendment or modification shall affect the rights of any Employee with respect to a previously granted Award, nor shall any amendment or modification affect the rights of any Eligible Director pursuant to a previously granted Director Award. 11.2 Termination of Plan. No further Options shall be granted under the Plan subsequent to September 30, 2005, or such earlier date as may be determined by the Board. SECTION 12 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 12.1 Nontransferability of Awards. No Awards granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided, the Committee may grant Options which are transferable, without payment of consideration, to immediate family members of the Participant or to trusts or partnerships for such family members, with any such transferee subject to all conditions of the Option. Subject to the preceding sentence, all rights with respect to Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant's lifetime only by such Participant and all rights with respect to any Director Awards granted to an Eligible Director shall be exercisable during the Director's lifetime only by such Eligible Director. 12.2 Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingent or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid or by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of his death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when filed in writing with the Committee. In the absence of any such designation, Awards outstanding at death may be exercised by the Participant's surviving spouse, if any, or otherwise by his estate. 12.3 No Guarantee of Employment or Participation. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate any Participant's employment at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary. No Employee shall have a right to be selected as a Participant, or, having been so selected, to receive any future Awards. 12.4 Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the power to withhold, or require a Participant or Eligible Director to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax requirements on any Award under the Plan, and the Company may defer issuance of Stock until such requirements are satisfied. The Committee may, in its discretion, permit a Participant to elect, subject to such conditions as the Committee shall impose, (i) to have shares of Stock otherwise issuable under the Plan withheld by the Company or (ii) to deliver to the Company previously acquired shares of Stock, in each case having a Fair Market Value sufficient to satisfy all or part of the Participant's estimated total federal, state and local tax obligation associated with the transaction. 40 12.5 Change of Control. On the date of a Change of Control (as herein defined), all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable and all restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock shall lapse. Change of Control shall mean: (a) The acquisition (other than from the Company) by any person, entity or "group," within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Act (excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Act) of 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or (b) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as of the date hereof the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for the election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Plan, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or (c) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company's then outstanding voting securities, or a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or of the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. 12.6 Company Intent. The Company intends that the Plan comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 under the Act, and any ambiguities or inconsistencies in the construction of the Plan shall be interpreted to give effect to such intention. 12.7 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of shares of Stock shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or securities exchanges as may be required. 12.8 Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective upon its adoption by the Board subject to approval by the Company's stockholders at the 1995 annual stockholders' meeting. 12.9 Governing Law. The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. 41 EX-10.12 5 ex-10_12.txt EXHIBIT 10.12 EXHIBIT 10.12 CONAGRA, INC., DIRECTORS' UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN ConAgra, Inc., in the interest of providing the most attractive alternatives to its directors in the manner of allocating the director's compensation and at the same time not incurring additional expense to the Company, does hereby establish the "ConAgra, Inc., Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan," with the following terms and conditions: 1. The Plan shall be named the "ConAgra, Inc., Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan" (hereinafter described as "The Plan"). 2. The Plan shall be available on a voluntary basis to all directors who receive fees based on a rate per month or for attendance at meetings. Any director who qualifies may signify his intention to defer all or any proportion of his fees based on a rate per month or for attendance at meetings for the ensuing year by giving written notice to the Company prior to December 31st of the current year of his intention to defer this compensation and the extent to which he desires the compensation deferred. The formula he elects to defer compensation shall remain in effect from year to year unless he notifies the Company in writing by December 31st of his intention to modify or terminate his participation in The Plan in the ensuing year. Any person elected to the Board who was not a director on the preceding December 31st may elect before his term begins to defer all or part of the above described compensation for the balance of the calendar year following such election and for succeeding calendar years on the same basis as other directors. 3. The Company shall maintain a separate memorandum account of the fees deferred by each participant and the Company shall credit said account semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st of each year with interest on the balance held in the fund for the prior six months. The rate of interest to be credited shall be the prime rate of interest on such date as charged by The First National Bank of Chicago. The Company shall annually supply the director participating in The Plan a statement of his account. 4. Amounts deferred under The Plan together with accumulated interest, including interest accruing after the participant ceases to be a director, shall be distributed in ten semi-annual installments on January 1st and July 1st of each year after the year in which the participant in The Plan ceases to be a director, provided that if the participant dies prior to payment in full of all amounts due him under The Plan, the balance of the account shall be payable to his estate in full on January 1st of the year following his death. In addition, after a participant ceases to be a director, upon his request, the other directors at their sole discretion may authorize a different method of payment including a lump sum payment. If for any reason the directors determine it to be in the best interests of the Company or the participant to pay the participant in full including a determination that the participant upon termination becomes a proprietor, officer, partner, employee or otherwise becomes affiliated with any business that 42 EXHIBIT 10.12 (CONTINUED) is in competition with the Company, the Company may make a payment in full to said participant when he ceases to be a director without his consent. 5. This Plan may be amended, suspended, terminated or modified by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company at any time provided that such amendment, modification, suspension or termination shall not affect the obligation of the Company to pay to the participants the amounts accrued or credited to said account up to December 31st of the year in which said action is taken concerning The Plan by the Board of Directors. 6. This Plan shall not apply to Honorary Directors or persons holding similar titles and if a participant ceases to be a director and becomes an Honorary Director or holds some similar title, for purposes of this Plan it shall be determined that he has ceased to be a director. 7. Unless notified to the contrary, all notices under this Plan shall be sent in writing to the Company by mailing to the "Office of the Secretary," ConAgra, Inc., Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. All notices to the participants shall be sent to the address which is their record address for notices as directors of the Company unless a participant, by written notice, otherwise directs. 8. This Plan is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company by a resolution and, if such resolution is adopted, shall become effective December 20, 1971, and the Company shall commence to defer compensation to the participants commencing in the calendar year 1972. 43 EXHIBIT 10.12 (CONTINUED) FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA, INC., DIRECTORS' UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN The ConAgra, Inc., Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan, is amended, as follows: ARTICLE I Paragraph 2 is amended in its entirety to read, as follows: "2. The Plan shall be available on a voluntary basis to all directors who receive directors' fees from ConAgra. Any director who qualifies may signify his intention to defer all or any proportion of his fees for the following year by giving written notice to ConAgra, prior to December 31st of the current year, of his intention to defer this compensation and the extent to which he desires the compensation deferred. Such amount shall be deferred in cash and credited to the director's Interest-Bearing Account. The formula the director elects to defer compensation shall remain in effect from year to year unless he notifies ConAgra, in writing, by December 31st of his intention to modify or terminate his participation in the Plan the following year. Any person elected to the Board who was not a director on the preceding December 31st may elect before his term begins to defer all or part of the above described compensation for the balance of the calendar year following such election and for succeeding calendar years on the same basis as other directors. In addition, a director may make a one-time irrevocable election to defer all or a portion of his compensation in the form of ConAgra Common Stock; amounts so deferred shall be credited to the director's Stock Account, which shall be a book entry by the Company payable in shares of ConAgra Common Stock as provided in paragraph 4 of this Plan. A director may also make a one-time irrevocable election to transfer all or a portion of the director's Interest-Bearing Account to the director's Stock Account. Such election may not be made prior to the effective date of this amendment (as described in Article IV below) and shall be subject to any limitations imposed by law or regulation." ARTICLE II Paragraph 3 is amended in its entirety to read, as follows: "3. ConAgra shall establish and maintain two deferred compensation accounts for each director: (i) a Stock Account, to which there shall be credited as a book entry the portion of cash compensation which the director has elected to defer in the form of Common Stock and any transfers from the Interest-Bearing Account and (ii) an Interest-Bearing Account to which all other deferred cash compensation shall be credited. At the end of each calendar quarter, there shall be credited to the respective Accounts the deferred compensation accrued during such quarter. If a director has elected to defer cash compensation in the form of Common Stock, a book entry in the amount of the number of full shares to be credited to the Stock Account for each quarter shall be determined on the basis of the closing price of the Common Stock on the last trading day of the quarter as reported for New York Stock Exchange- Composite Transactions, and any amount which would represent a fractional share shall be credited to the director's Interest-Bearing Account. 44 EXHIBIT 10.12 (CONTINUED) Dividend equivalents on shares credited to a director's Stock Account shall be credited by book entry at the end of each quarter to his or her Stock Account in the form of full shares of Common Stock; any amount which would represent a fractional share shall be credited to his or her Interest-Bearing Account. The Interest-Bearing Account shall be credited semiannually (on each January 1st and July 1st), with interest on the balance held in the fund for the prior six months. The rate of interest to be credited shall be the prime rate of interest on such date as charged by The First National Bank of Chicago. The Company shall annually supply the director participating in the Plan a statement of his total interest in the Plan." ARTICLE III Paragraph 4 is amended in its entirety to read, as follows: "4. Amounts deferred under the Plan together with accumulated interest, including interest accruing after the participant ceases to be a director, shall be distributed in ten semiannual installments on January 1st and July 1st of each year after the year in which the participant in the Plan ceases to be a director, provided that if the participant dies prior to payment in full of all amounts due him under the Plan, the balance of the account shall be payable to his designated beneficiary. The beneficiary designation shall be revocable and shall be made in writing in a manner provided by ConAgra. In addition, after a participant ceases to be a director, upon his request, the Executive Committee of the Board at their sole discretion may authorize a different method of payment including a lump sum payment. If for any reason the Executive Committee of the Board determines it to be in the best interests of ConAgra or the participant to pay the participant in full including a determination that the participant upon termination becomes a proprietor, officer, partner, employee or otherwise becomes affiliated with any business that is in competition with ConAgra, ConAgra may make a payment in full to said participant when he ceases to be a director without his consent. Payment of the aggregate number of shares credited by book entry to a director's Stock Account shall be made in shares of Common Stock." ARTICLE IV This Amendment shall be effective on the date of its approval by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company. 45 EXHIBIT 10.12 (CONTINUED) SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA, INC. DIRECTORS' UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN The ConAgra, Inc. Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan, is amended, as follows: ARTICLE I Paragraph 4 is amended in its entirety to read, as follows: "4. Amounts deferred under the Plan together with accumulated interest, including interest accruing after the participant ceases to be a director, shall be distributed in twenty semiannual installments on January 1st and July 1st of each year after the year in which the participant in the Plan ceases to be a director, provided that if the participant dies prior to payment in full of all amounts due him under the Plan, the balance of the account shall be payable to his designated beneficiary. The beneficiary designation shall be revocable and shall be made in writing in a manner provided by ConAgra. In addition, after a participant ceases to be a director, upon his request, the Executive Committee of the Board at their sole discretion may authorize a different method of payment including a lump sum payment. If for any reason the Executive Committee of the Board determines it to be in the best interests of ConAgra or the participant to pay the participant in full including a determination that the participant upon termination becomes a proprietor, officer, partner, employee or otherwise becomes affiliated with any business that is in competition with ConAgra, ConAgra may make a payment in full to said participant when he ceases to be a director without his consent. Payment of the aggregate number of shares credited by book entry to a director's Stock Account shall be made in shares of Common Stock." THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA, INC., DIRECTORS' UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN The ConAgra, Inc., Directors' Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan, is amended, as follows: ARTICLE I Paragraph 4 of the Plan is amended in its entirety to read, as follows: "4. Amounts deferred under the Plan together with accumulated interest, including interest accruing after the participant ceases to be a director, shall be distributed in twenty (20) semi-annual installments on January 1 and July 1 of each year after the year in which the participant in the Plan ceases to be a director, provided that a participant may also, upon becoming a participant in the Plan, elect to receive payment of deferred amounts (i) in a lump sum at a date certain or (ii) in semi-annual installments over a period elected by the participant commencing at the date certain elected by the 46 EXHIBIT 10.12 (CONTINUED) participant. Participants in the Plan as of the date of adoption of this amendment may also elect, within sixty (60) days of such adoption, any of the three payment alternatives described above. If the participant dies prior to the payment in full of all amounts due him under the Plan, the balance of the account shall be payable to his designated beneficiary in a lump sum. The beneficiary designation shall be revocable and should be made in writing in a manner provided by ConAgra. In addition, at the request of a participant, the Executive Committee of the Board, at their sole discretion, may authorize a change in the method of payment elected by a participant. If for any reason, the Executive Committee of the Board determines it to be in the best interest of ConAgra or the participant to pay the participant in full, including a determination that the participant upon termination becomes a proprietor, officer, partner, employer or otherwise becomes affiliated with any business that is in competition with ConAgra, ConAgra may make a payment in full to said participant when he or she ceases to be a director without his or her consent. Payment of the aggregate number of shares credited by book entry to a Director's Stock Account shall be made in shares of Common Stock." 47 EX-12 6 ex-12.txt EXHIBIT 12 EXHIBIT 12 CONAGRA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends (Dollars in millions)
Fiscal Year Ended ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Fixed Charges As Defined: Interest expense $ 365.5 $ 353.1 $ 368.9 $ 368.3 $ 351.3 Capitalized interest 5.8 11.2 11.4 6.9 5.5 Interest in cost of goods sold 27.5 21.8 19.1 20.0 31.4 Preferred distributions of subsidiary 43.5 44.2 44.3 41.4 43.0 One third of non-cancelable lease rent 40.6 37.7 38.8 39.8 33.5 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total fixed charges (A) 482.9 468.0 482.5 476.4 464.7 Add preferred stock dividends of the Company 14.6 - - - - ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (B) $ 497.5 $ 468.0 $ 482.5 $ 476.4 $ 464.7 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Earnings as Defined: Pretax income after elimination of undistributed earnings of equity method investees $ 437.8 $ 1,043.6 $ 1,020.8 $ 668.9 $ 654.1 Add fixed charges 497.5 468.0 482.5 476.4 464.7 Less capitalized interest (5.8) (11.2) (11.4) (6.9) (5.5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings and fixed charges (C) $ 929.5 $ 1,500.4 $ 1,491.9 $ 1,138.4 $ 1,113.3 ========== ========== ========= ========== ========== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (C/A) 1.9* 3.2 3.1 2.4** 2.4*** Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (C/B) 1.9* 3.2 3.1 2.4** 2.4***
* In 1996, pretax income includes restructuring charges of $507.8 million. Excluding the charges, the "ratio of earnings to fixed charges" and the "ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends" were 3.0 and 2.9, respectively. See Note 2 on page 41 of the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders. ** In 1999, pretax income includes restructuring charges of $440.8 million. Excluding the charges, the "ratio of earnings to fixed charges" and the "ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends" were 3.3. See Note 3 on pages 45 and 46 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. *** In 2000, pretax income includes restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $621.4 million. Excluding the charges, the "ratio of earnings to fixed charges" and the "ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends" were 3.7. See Note 3 on pages 45 and 46 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. 48 EX-13 7 ex-13.txt EXHIBIT 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS Our discussion and analysis is intended to give our stockholders a summary of the major topics relevant to our financial performance and condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes. Years cited in this discussion refer to ConAgra's May-ending fiscal years. In 1999, ConAgra announced Operation Overdrive, a series of initiatives designed to accelerate growth in sales and profit by aligning ConAgra's resources by customer channel, increasing investment in brands and market position and removing excess costs and capital. The implementation of Operation Overdrive contributed to the performance of all ConAgra's business segments in 2000, most notably through cost savings and efficiency gains. A portion of the cost savings associated with Operation Overdrive has been reinvested, as planned, in ConAgra's marketing programs in an effort to build for the future. ConAgra expects this trend of increased marketing investment to continue in the foreseeable future. 2000 vs. 1999 BUSINESS SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- FY 2000 Operating Profit Excluding Restructuring FY 2000 DOLLARS IN MILLIONS FY 2000 Sales Charges Operating Profit ===================== =================== ===================== ===================== % Change % Change % Change Segment From FY From FY From FY $ 1999 $ 1999 $ 1999 - --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Packaged Foods $ 7,713.5 4% $ 1,087.9 11% $ 778.4 (17%) - --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Refrigerated Foods 12,522.2 8% 490.7 33% 322.7 3,333% - --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- TOTAL FOOD BUSINESS 20,235.7 6% 1,578.6 17% 1,101.1 16% - --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Agricultural Products 5,150.1 (8%) 331.1 (8%) 187.2 (41%) - --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- CONAGRA TOTAL $25,385.8 3% $ 1,909.7 12% $1,288.3 2% ===================== =================== ===================== =====================
Packaged Foods sales grew 4% for the fiscal year to reach $7,714 million, largely the result of gains in ConAgra's french fry and specialty meat operations, both of which focus on the foodservice channel. Sales growth was also driven by gains for ConAgra's shelf-stable grocery snack products, including Slim Jim, Orville Redenbacher's, Act II, and Hunt's Snack Pack, as well as some of ConAgra's most significant frozen foods brands, specifically Banquet and Marie Callender's. Segment sales growth was slowed by declines for Wesson Oil, Healthy Choice, and ConAgra's commodity cheese operations. ConAgra has recently introduced several new Healthy Choice items to address the sales declines. Sales declines for commodity cheese were expected as ConAgra divested commodity cheese assets during the fiscal year. ConAgra expects to continue increasing its marketing investment for the Packaged Foods segment for the foreseeable future in an effort to grow sales in the segment's most promising categories. Refrigerated Foods sales grew 8% for the year to reach $12,522 million, reflecting gains for the beef, pork, poultry, and processed meat operations. Strong consumer demand fueled the segment's sales growth, as did ConAgra's increased emphasis on value-added products and increased marketing investment. The best-performing brands for 2000 in ConAgra's processed meat operations included Butterball, Cook's, Eckrich, and Hebrew National. Agricultural Products sales declined 8% to $5,150 million for the year, mostly due to the impact of lower grain volumes and prices on ConAgra's Trade Group. Sales for United Agri Products, the segment's largest sales contributor, were essentially flat for the year. ConAgra's cost of goods sold for 2000 includes $223 million of restructuring-related charges resulting in a consolidated gross profit of $4,180 million in 2000. Cost of goods sold in 1999 did not include any restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring-related charges, overall gross profit (sales less cost of goods sold) grew 9% to $4,403 million and gross margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) improved to 17%, as compared to 16% in 1999, primarily due to increased food volumes, a better product mix, more efficient processes, and favorable industry conditions for the beef operations. Although all of ConAgra's business segments reported an increase in gross margin, ConAgra's fresh beef and pork operations experienced the most dramatic increases. Due to declines in sales, gross profit for the Agricultural Products segment declined modestly compared to last year, although gross margin for the segment improved due to more efficient operations. ConAgra's gross margin has steadily grown over the last few years, reflecting an improving business mix and efficiency gains. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for 2000 include $76 million of restructuring-related charges resulting in consolidated SG&A expenses of $2,888 million. SG&A of $2,598 million in 1999 did not include any restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring-related charges, SG&A expenses increased 8% to $2,812 million, primarily as a result of increased investment in Operation Overdrive related personnel, services, and marketing support. Advertising and promotion expense increased at a double-digit rate, reflecting ConAgra's commitment to building for the future. SG&A expenses were 11% of sales during 2000, unchanged compared to 1999. 32 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 49 Packaged Foods operating profit (earnings before interest, goodwill amortization, general corporate expense, and income taxes) for 2000 decreased 17% to $778 million due to increased restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, operating profit grew 11% to $1,088 million as ConAgra's french fry and specialty meat businesses, which are focused on the foodservice channel, posted improvement in profitability. Gains were also made in the frozen foods and grocery products businesses; profit growth in frozen foods was primarily driven by growth for Banquet and Marie Callender's, while growth for the grocery products division was mostly the result of gains for Hunt's pudding products as well as other snack items, including Slim Jim and Act II. Volume and profit declines for Healthy Choice, certain non-core nonperishable products, and ConAgra's commodity cheese operations slowed the rate of overall segment operating profit growth. In addition to sales gains and product mix improvement, cost savings and efficiency gains favorably impacted operating profit growth. Operating profit for Refrigerated Foods grew to $323 million in 2000 due to significantly lower restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, operating profit grew 33% to $491 million as results for beef and pork showed significant improvement over the prior year. Strong consumer demand for fresh red meat as well as operating improvements drove the profitability gains for beef and pork. Processed meat profitability improved over last year due to increased volumes and operating efficiencies. Butterball, Cook's, Eckrich, and Hebrew National were the strongest performing processed meat brands. Profitability for poultry declined compared to last year, mostly as a result of unfavorable industry conditions due to oversupply of poultry inventories. Agricultural Products operating profit for 2000 declined 41% to $187 million due primarily to increased restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, operating profit declined 8% to $331 million, as lower grain volumes and prices negatively influenced the results for the ConAgra Trade Group. Profits for United Agri Products and ConAgra's grain processing business increased for the year, primarily due to operating improvements. ConAgra's total operating profit for 2000 grew 2% to $1,288 million. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, operating profit grew 12% to $1,910 million. As part of Operation Overdrive, ConAgra implemented restructuring initiatives that resulted in pre-tax total charges of $621 million and $441 million during 2000 and 1999, respectively. These restructuring initiatives are part of ConAgra's efforts to improve margins by streamlining operations and becoming more efficient. When originally announced in May of 1999, the restructuring plan was expected to span three fiscal years and result in total charges of up to $1,300 million. However, during 2000, ConAgra moved rapidly to capture operational efficiencies and cost savings by accelerating the implementation of the restructuring plan. Accordingly, ConAgra incurred the final charges associated with its restructuring plan during 2000, thus completing its restructuring plan in only two fiscal years with restructuring plan charges (2000 and 1999) totaling less than $1,100 million. On both a pre-tax and after tax-basis, less than 20% of these charges result in cash outlays. Total pre-tax cost savings associated with the restructuring plan are currently projected to approximate $180 million in each of the next two fiscal years, while 2000 cost savings approximated $100 million. These actual and planned cost savings are primarily a result of reducing duplicative efforts, lowering employee-related expenses and, to a lesser degree, reducing future depreciation and amortization costs. Accordingly, these cost savings positively impact ConAgra's "cost of goods sold" and "selling, general and administrative" line items within its consolidated statements of earnings. The following is a breakdown of the restructuring and restructuring-related charges by segment and category for 2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Packaged Refrigerated Agricultural DOLLARS IN MILLIONS Foods Foods Products Total =========================================================================== Restructuring/Impairment charges $ 109.9 $ 131.3 $ 81.0 $ 322.2 Accelerated Depreciation 128.2 10.9 - 139.1 Inventory Markdowns 46.2 11.2 57.1 114.5 Other 25.2 14.6 5.8 45.6 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 309.5 $ 168.0 $ 143.9 $ 621.4 ===========================================================================
Of the $621 million of pre-tax charges incurred in 2000, $223 million is included in cost of goods sold, $76 million is included in SG&A expense, and the remaining $322 million is reflected as restructuring and impairment charges on ConAgra's consolidated statements of earnings. In 2000, the pre-tax charges of $621 million reduced net income by $385 million, or $.81 per diluted share. Essentially all of the restructuring and restructuring-related charges in 2000 resulted in a 33 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 50 tax benefit. Of the pre-tax charges incurred in 2000, $154 million represents a cash expense. Reflecting the tax deductibility of these cash expenses, the after-tax cash expense related to the 2000 charges totals $95 million. Of the $441 million of pre-tax charges incurred in 1999, $39 million related to the Packaged Foods segment, $359 million related to the Refrigerated Foods segment, and $43 million related to the Agricultural Products segment. The $441 million charge is classified as restructuring and impairment charges in ConAgra's consolidated statements of earnings. In 1999, the pre-tax charges of $441 million reduced net income by $338 million, or $.71 per diluted share. Of the $441 million charge, $277 million resulted in a tax benefit. Of the charges incurred in 1999, $52 million represented a cash expense. Reflecting the tax deductibility of this cash expense, the after-tax cash expense of the restructuring charges totaled $32 million. For the restructuring initiative as a whole (amounts reported in 2000 and 1999), the total charges of $1,062 million reduced after-tax earnings for 1999 and 2000, combined, by $723 million. Of the $1,062 million of pre-tax charges, $206 million represents a cash expense, while the after-tax cash expense related to the restructuring initiative totals $127 million. Of the total $1,062 million of charges incurred during 2000 and 1999, $223 million is included in cost of goods sold, $76 million is included in SG&A expense, and the remaining $763 million is reflected as restructuring and impairment charges on the consolidated statements of earnings for these years. As part of the restructuring initiative associated with Operation Overdrive, approximately 8,450 employees received notification of their termination. Of this amount, approximately 5,250 have been terminated. In addition, 31 production facilities were closed, 106 non-production facilities were closed, and 18 non-core businesses were divested. For more detail on the restructuring and restructuring-related charges related to Operation Overdrive, refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. For 2000, interest expense was $303 million, a decline of $13 million, or 4%, over the prior year, primarily due to better management of accounts receivable, inventory, and capital expenditures. During the fourth quarter of 2000, interest expense grew compared to the fourth quarter of 1999 due to higher interest rates, as well as a debt-financed acquisition that was completed in January of 2000. Income before taxes declined 2% to $666 million in 2000 as a result of increased restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Excluding restructuring and restructuring-related charges, income before taxes grew 15% to $1,288 million. The effective tax rate for 2000 was 38% both before and after the impact of restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Net income in 2000 reached $413 million, or $.86 per diluted share, a 15% increase as compared to 1999. Excluding restructuring charges, net income was $798 million, or $1.67 per share, representing 14% growth in diluted earnings per share over 1999. During the year, ConAgra's largest acquisition was Seaboard Farms, the poultry division of Seaboard Corporation. The company paid approximately $360 million in cash for this acquisition. During 2000, ConAgra made other smaller acquisitions and paid for these acquisitions in cash and ConAgra common stock. The effect of these acquisitions on ConAgra's operating results for 2000 was not significant. In June 2000, ConAgra signed a definitive agreement to acquire International Home Foods. International Home Foods' reported net sales for the most recent twelve months were approximately $2.1 billion. ConAgra expects the results of operations from International Home Foods to be reported in its Packaged Foods segment for 2001. 1999 VS. 1998 - 1999 had 52 weeks versus 53 weeks in 1998. The effect on earnings was not material. BUSINESS SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- ------------------------ ---------------- -------------------- --------------------- FY 1999 Operating Profit Excluding Restructuring FY 1999 Dollars in millions FY 1999 Sales Charges Operating Profit ======================== ================ ==================== ===================== % Change % Change % Change Segment From FY From FY From FY $ 1998 $ 1998 $ 1998 - ------------------------ ---------------- -------------------- --------------------- Packaged Foods $ 7,426.6 3% $ 980.3 - $ 941.3 (4%) Refrigerated Foods 11,591.4 2% 368.0 80% 9.4 (95%) - ------------------------ ---------------- -------------------- --------------------- TOTAL FOOD BUSINESS 19,018.0 2% 1,348.3 14% 950.7 (20%) - ------------------------ ---------------- -------------------- --------------------- Agricultural Products 5,576.3 (1%) 358.0 (8%) 314.8 (19%) - ------------------------ ---------------- -------------------- --------------------- CONAGRA TOTAL $24,594.3 2% $1,706.3 8% $1,265.5 (20%) ======================== ================ ==================== =====================
Packaged Foods sales grew 3% to $7,427 million, mostly due to the tablespreads and Egg Beaters acquisition. Gains in cheese, frozen foods, value-added foodservice chicken, and pizza products also contributed to the segment's sales growth. Shelf-stable products experienced a downturn in sales, mainly as a result of lower volumes due to the intense competitive environment. 34 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 51 Sales rose 2% in Refrigerated Foods to $11,591 million as domestic beef, pork, and poultry experienced volume gains and as the meat trading business expanded. The Australian beef business and branded processed meats contributed significantly to the sales improvement. Continued low commodity prices in protein markets slowed the rate of segment sales growth. Sales for the Agricultural Products segment declined 1% to $5,576 million, mostly due to low commodity prices and reduced volume in the grain merchandising and trading businesses. Crop inputs, however, posted solid sales growth. Excluding the impact of dispositions, Agricultural Products' sales were up slightly in 1999 compared to 1998. For ConAgra in total, lower commodity selling prices reduced 1999 sales by $275 million (1%). This was more than offset by the impact of acquisitions, net of dispositions. In 1999, gross profit (net sales minus cost of goods sold) increased 6% to $4,038 million, while gross margin (gross profit as a percent of sales) for 1999 and 1998 was 16%. Gross profit and margin gains in Refrigerated Foods were the major factors in the improvement. Gross profit from Packaged Foods rose, largely due to the tablespreads and Egg Beaters acquisition, while the segment's gross margin was relatively unchanged from 1998. Excluding the impact of dispositions, Agricultural Products experienced gross profit and gross margin gains over 1998. SG&A expenses increased $130 million, or 5%, in 1999, while SG&A as a percent of sales was 11% in 1999 and 10% in 1998. Increases occurred in all segments, as well as in the general corporate component. Business expansion, mainly in crop inputs, and the tablespreads and Egg Beaters acquisition accounted for most of the increase. Corporate expenses were impacted by Y2K spending, increased staffing for new systems initiatives, and higher expenses associated with Operation Overdrive initiatives. Packaged Foods 1999 operating profit (earnings before interest, goodwill amortization, general corporate expense and income taxes) decreased 4% to $941 million. Excluding restructuring charges, operating profit for Packaged Foods was $980 million, essentially unchanged from the prior year. Meat snacks, microwave popcorn, potato products, value-added foodservice chicken, and pizza products all improved operating profits in 1999, while frozen foods, shelf-stable products, cheese and seafood operating profits declined. The tablespreads and Egg Beaters acquisition was a key contributor of operating profit to the segment. Operating profit for the Refrigerated Foods segment decreased 95% to $9 million for 1999 due to restructuring charges. Excluding restructuring charges, operating profit for Refrigerated Foods was $368 million, an improvement of 80% over 1998. Operating profit increased in all of the major businesses: branded processed meats, beef, pork, and poultry. Volume growth and stabilization of commodity prices drove the improvement. Agricultural Products 1999 operating profit decreased 19% to $315 million primarily due to restructuring charges. Excluding restructuring charges, operating profit for Agricultural Products declined 8% to $358 million. Increased profitability for specialty food ingredients, crop inputs, and international agricultural operations was more than offset by operating profit decreases in grain merchandising and trading operations. Low commodity prices and low volume caused most of the decrease. ConAgra's total operating profit for 1999 was $1,266 million as compared to $1,573 million in 1998. Excluding restructuring charges, ConAgra's total operating profit for 1999 was $1,706 million, up 8% over the prior year. In 1999, net interest expense increased 5% to $317 million. Higher borrowings were somewhat offset by lower short-term interest rates and the impact of one-week's reduction in interest due to the 52- versus 53-week year. Income before taxes in 1999 was $682 million, a decrease of 34% from 1998. Excluding restructuring charges, pre-tax income was $1,123 million, up 8%. The effective tax rate for 1999 was 47.5% as compared to 38.3% for 1998. The increase was a result of the non-deductibility of certain intangible asset write-downs incurred in conjunction with ConAgra's restructuring plan. Excluding the impact of the restructuring charges in 1999, ConAgra's effective tax rate was 38%, essentially unchanged from 1998. Net income in 1999 was $358 million, a decrease of 43% as compared to 1998. Fiscal 1998 did not reflect any restructuring charges. Excluding restructuring charges, 1999 net income was $696 million, up 11% as compared to 1998. Net income for 1998 included a $15 million charge for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Diluted earnings per share in 1999 were $.75, down 43% as compared to 1998. Fiscal 1998 includes a charge of $.03 per diluted share for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. Excluding restructuring charges, 1999 diluted earnings per share were $1.46, up 11% over 1998. FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CASH FLOW CAPITAL RESOURCES - ConAgra's earnings are generated principally from its capital investment, which consists of working capital (current assets less current liabilities) plus all noncurrent assets. Capital investment is financed with stockholders' equity, long-term debt, and other noncurrent liabilities. 35 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 52 CAPITAL INVESTMENT
- ---------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 % Change - ---------------------------------------------------------- Working capital $ 477.3 $ 269.7 77% - --------------------------------------------------------- Property, plant & equipment, net 3,584.0 3,614.2 (1%) Intangible assets, net 2,366.0 2,408.7 (2%) Other noncurrent assets 379.3 467.1 (19%) - --------------------------------------------------------- Total noncurrent assets 6,329.3 6,490.0 (2%) - --------------------------------------------------------- Capital investment $ 6,806.6 $ 6,759.7 1% - ---------------------------------------------------------
During 2000, capital investment increased $47 million, or 1%. The $208 million increase in working capital was partially offset by a $161 million decrease in noncurrent assets. Investments in property, plant and equipment, including acquisitions, totaled $829 million. The investments were offset by $593 million of depreciation expense (including $139 million of accelerated depreciation), $168 million in asset write-downs in connection with the 2000 restructuring charges, and net asset retirements of $98 million. Intangible assets are mainly goodwill related to acquisitions, principally associated with ConAgra's acquisition of Beatrice Company in 1991. This goodwill represents valuable assets such as respected brands with significant marketplace acceptance. In 2000, increases in intangible assets were more than offset by amortization and write-downs of impaired assets. Goodwill amortization was $63 million in 2000 and $69 million in 1999. ConAgra financed its capital investment as shown in the following table: CAPITALIZATION
- --------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 % Change ========================================================= Senior long-term debt $ 1,816.8 $ 1,793.1 1% Other noncurrent liabilities 750.7 782.8 (4%) Subordinated long-term debt 750.0 750.0 - Subsidiary's preferred securities 525.0 525.0 - Common stockholders' equity 2,964.1 2,908.8 2% - --------------------------------------------------------- Total capitalization $ 6,806.6 $ 6,759.7 1% - ---------------------------------------------------------
In 2000, senior long-term debt, excluding the current portion of long-term debt, increased $24 million. There were no significant issuances or retirements of debt. Other noncurrent liabilities consist of estimated postretirement health care and pension benefits, and to a lesser extent, deferred income taxes and reserves for estimated legal and environmental liabilities Beatrice Company incurred before its acquisition by ConAgra. It will require a number of years to resolve remaining issues related to the Beatrice liabilities. Resolution over time will use cash, but is not expected to affect earnings adversely because ConAgra believes reserves are adequate. ConAgra's long-standing policy is to purchase on the open market shares of ConAgra's common stock to replace shares issued for employee incentive and benefit programs and smaller acquisitions accounted for as purchases if such issuances will dilute earnings per share. In 2000, ConAgra made no purchases of ConAgra's common stock on the open market. Common stockholders' equity increased $55 million in 2000 mainly because net income and the value of shares issued exceeded cash dividends declared and the foreign currency translation adjustment. CASH FLOW - Cash provided by operating activities was $691 million in 2000, compared to $1,180 million in 1999. The decrease in 2000 versus 1999 was primarily the result of lower advances on sales in Agricultural Products and Refrigerated Foods, offset in part by a lower level of receivables increases, mainly in Agricultural Products. The restructuring and restructuring-related charges did not have a significant impact on cash flow in 2000. Depreciation and other amortization increased $43 million in 2000 as compared to 1999. Cash provided by operating activities was $1,180 million in 1999, compared to $623 million in 1998. The increase in 1999 versus 1998 was primarily the result of higher advances on sales in Agricultural Products and Refrigerated Foods and a lower level of inventory increases, mainly in Refrigerated Foods. The restructuring charges had minimal impact on cash flow in 1999, since the majority of the charges related to write-downs of assets. Depreciation and other amortization increased $41 million in 1999 as compared to 1998. Cash used for investing activities was $811 million in 2000. ConAgra invested $539 million in property, plant and equipment and its investment in businesses acquired, net of disposals, totaled $236 million in 2000. This was mainly due to the $360 million acquisition of the assets of Seaboard Farms. Cash used for investing activities was $1,010 million in 1999. ConAgra invested $662 million in property, plant and equipment and its investment in businesses acquired, net of disposals, totaled $373 million in 1999. This was mainly due to the $400 million acquisition of the tablespreads and Egg Beaters business. 36 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 53 In 1998, cash used for investing activities was $395 million. ConAgra invested $584 million in property, plant and equipment, down from the prior year. Proceeds from businesses sold in 1998 exceeded cash acquisition expenditures by $192 million as ConAgra issued common stock for certain acquisitions. In 2001, ConAgra expects to invest $525 million to $550 million in additions to property, plant and equipment of present businesses. Capital projects in 2000 and planned for 2001 are broadly based investments in modernization, efficiency and capacity expansion. In addition, capital (excluding assumption of debt and issuance of common stock) required in connection with the International Home Foods' acquisition is estimated at $900 million for 2001. Cash provided by financing activities in 2000 was $215 million. ConAgra increased short-term borrowings $403 million and accounts receivable sold by $165 million. Long-term debt repayments totaled $33 million in 2000. Cash dividends paid totaled $375 million, up 20%. The dividend rate was up 14% in 2000 over the prior year and the remaining increase was caused by a larger number of shares outstanding, mainly issued for acquisitions. No stock was repurchased in 2000. Cash used for financing activities in 1999 was $215 million. ConAgra issued $595 million of senior notes, with $396 million issued at 7% and $199 million issued at 5.5%. Long-term debt repayments totaled $70 million in 1999, and ConAgra reduced the amount of short-term borrowings backed by long-term credit agreements, and classified as long-term, by $532 million. Accounts receivable sold increased by $126 million during 1999. Cash dividends paid totaled $312 million, up 19%. The dividend rate was up 14% in 1999 over the prior year and the remaining increase was caused by a larger number of shares outstanding, mainly issued for acquisitions. The cost of stock repurchased in 1999 totaled $31 million. Short-term debt decreased slightly during 1999. In 1998, cash used for financing activities was $226 million. ConAgra repaid $368 million of senior long-term debt and reduced the amount of short-term borrowings backed by long-term credit agreements, and classified as long-term, by $123 million. ConAgra issued $312 million of senior long-term notes, with $300 million issued at 6.7%. The cost of stock repurchased by ConAgra was $153 million in 1998. Cash dividends paid totaled $263 million, up 14%. Short-term borrowings, used primarily to fund working capital needs, increased $318 million in 1998. FINANCING OBJECTIVES - ConAgra's primary financing objective is to maintain a conservative balance sheet that provides the flexibility to pursue ConAgra's growth objectives. This is defined as using appropriate levels of equity and long-term debt to finance noncurrent assets and permanent working capital needs. Short-term debt is used to finance liquid and seasonal asset requirements. ConAgra's long-term debt objective is that senior long-term debt will not normally exceed 30% of total long-term debt plus equity. Long-term subordinated debt is treated as equity due to its preferred stock characteristics. ConAgra's policy has been that it would temporarily exceed this self-imposed limit for a major strategic acquisition that is intended to create value for shareholders over the long term. In management's view, the fiscal 2001 acquisition of International Home Foods, represents such an opportunity. ConAgra's short-term debt objective is that, at the end of their natural fiscal year, most ConAgra businesses will eliminate short-term debt used to finance assets other than hedged commodity inventories. ConAgra met its long-term debt objective every year from 1976 through 2000, except 1991 and 1992 when it temporarily exceeded its self-imposed long-term debt limitation to acquire Beatrice. ConAgra has met its short-term debt objective for the past 25 years. ConAgra has access to a wide variety of financing markets. Public debt offerings and private debt placements provide long-term financing. At the end of 2000, ConAgra's senior debt ratings were BBB+ (Fitch), Baa1 (Moody's), and BBB+ (Standard & Poor's), all investment grade ratings. Short-term credit is provided by the sale of commercial paper and bank financing. Commercial paper borrowings are backed by multiyear bank credit facilities. During 2000, short-term borrowing continued at interest rates below the prime rate. Short-term debt averaged $2.74 billion in 2000 compared to $3.05 billion in 1999, excluding short-term borrowings classified as long-term. Lower working capital requirements for most of the year caused the decrease in short-term debt. ConAgra uses cancelable and noncancelable leases in its financing activities, particularly for transportation equipment. In 2000, cancelable lease expense was $189 million versus $155 million in 1999, and noncancelable lease expense was $97 million versus $118 million in 1999. To maintain a conservative financial position, ConAgra focuses on cash flow as well as its balance sheet. ConAgra's plans incorporate cash flow sufficient to meet financing obligations, maintain capital investment, and pay stockholder dividends even if a severe and unexpected decline in earnings occurs. This measure of cash-flow adequacy provides an effective tool for managing ConAgra's leverage. 37 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 54 ASSET LIQUIDITY - Many of ConAgra's businesses are current asset intensive. Inventory and accounts receivable were 1.5 times property, plant and equipment at the end of 2000 and 1999. The seasonal nature and liquidity of ConAgra's current asset investments explain ConAgra's significant use of short-term debt and emphasis on repaying short-term debt at year end. From time to time, ConAgra also obtains product financing for certain commodity inventories, classified as advances on sales in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As in prior years, ConAgra's reported net sales understate the degree to which current assets turn over during the year. For 2000, total sales invoiced to customers were approximately $33.1 billion versus $25.4 billion reported net sales. This is because commodity trading transactions reflect margin accounting whereby only gross profit is reported in sales. ConAgra's current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 1.09 to 1 at the end of 2000 and 1.05 to 1 at the end of 1999. ConAgra's consolidated current ratio is a composite of various current ratios appropriate for its individual businesses. ConAgra focuses more on appropriate use of short-term debt and trade credit financing than on the absolute level of its current ratio. Some ConAgra businesses are able to generate substantial trade credit that does not result in financing costs. MARKET RISK - The principal market risks affecting ConAgra are exposure to changes in commodity or energy prices and interest rates on debt. While ConAgra does have international operations, and operates in international markets, it considers its market risk in such activities to be immaterial. COMMODITIES - ConAgra operates in many areas of the food industry, from basic agricultural inputs to production and sale of branded consumer products. As a result, ConAgra uses various raw materials, many of which are commodities. Raw materials are generally available from several different sources, and ConAgra presently believes that it can obtain them as needed. Commodities are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. Generally, it is ConAgra's intent to hedge commodities in order to mitigate this price risk. While this may tend to limit ConAgra's ability to participate in gains from commodity price fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from changes in commodity prices. ConAgra has established policies that limit the amount of unhedged inventory positions permissible for ConAgra's operating companies. ConAgra's operating companies are generally limited to a dollar risk exposure stated in relation to equity capital. ConAgra typically purchases certain commodities such as wheat, corn, oats, soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil, cattle, and hogs for use in its processing businesses. In addition, ConAgra purchases and sells certain commodities such as wheat, corn, soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil, and oats in its trading businesses. The commodity price risk associated with these activities can be hedged by selling (or buying) the underlying commodity, or by using an appropriate derivative commodity instrument. The particular hedging instrument used by ConAgra depends on a number of factors, including availability of appropriate derivative instruments. ConAgra utilizes exchange-traded futures and options as well as non-exchange-traded derivatives, in which case ConAgra monitors the amount of associated credit risk. The following table presents one measure of market risk exposure using sensitivity analysis. Market risk exposure is defined as the change in the fair value of the derivative commodity instruments assuming a hypothetical change of 10% in market prices. Actual changes in market prices may differ from hypothetical changes. Fair value was determined using quoted market prices and was based on ConAgra's net derivative position by commodity at each month end during the fiscal year. The market risk exposure analysis excludes the underlying commodity positions that are being hedged. The underlying commodities hedged have a high inverse correlation to price changes of the derivative commodity instrument. Effect of 10% Change in Fair Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 ========================================================== Processing Businesses Grains/Food High $ 38.0 $ 24.4 Low 24.3 12.8 Average 30.2 17.1 Meats High 49.5 48.8 Low 22.8 13.4 Average 34.5 32.3 Trading Businesses Grains High 18.6 21.9 Low 11.1 12.6 Average 15.7 16.4 Meats High 7.6 5.9 Low 1.2 - Average 3.1 1.4 - ----------------------------------------------------------
38 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 55 ENERGY - ConAgra's operating companies incur substantial energy costs in their manufacturing facilities and incur higher operating expenses as a result of increases in energy costs. ConAgra hedges its operations against adverse price movements in energy costs, primarily natural gas and electricity. In addition, ConAgra's energy subsidiary may trade derivative commodity and financial instruments when markets are favorable for such activity. Trading is limited in terms of maximum dollar exposure and monitored to ensure compliance with these limits. Exchange-traded derivative commodity instruments and non-exchange-traded swaps and options are used. ConAgra monitors the amount of associated counter-party credit risk for non-exchange-traded transactions. The following presents one measure of market risk exposure using sensitivity analysis. Market risk exposure is defined as the change in the fair value of the derivative commodity and financial instruments assuming a hypothetical change of 10% in market prices. Actual changes in market prices may differ from hypothetical changes. Fair value was determined using quoted market prices, if available, and was based on the subsidiary's net derivative position by commodity at each month end during the fiscal year. The market risk exposure analysis excludes the anticipated energy requirements or physical delivery commitments that are being hedged by these instruments. Effect of 10% Change in Fair Value
- -------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 ======================================================== Energy High $ 5.6 $ 8.7 Low 0.2 0.7 Average 2.0 4.3 - --------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATES - ConAgra has used interest rate swaps to hedge adverse interest rate changes on a portion of its short-term debt. During 2000 and 1999 these swaps effectively changed the interest rate on a portion of short-term debt from a variable rate to a fixed rate, thus reducing ConAgra's exposure to interest rate risk. The average short-term debt covered by swaps was $380 million for 2000 and $870 million for 1999. A one hundred basis-point change in interest rates on average short-term borrowings would have impacted net interest expense by $24.7 million and $27.9 million for 2000 and 1999, respectively. FOREIGN OPERATIONS - Transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are generally hedged to reduce market risk. ConAgra principally uses non-exchange-traded contracts to effect this coverage. Market risk on such transactions is not material to ConAgra's results of operations or financial position. ConAgra's market risk from translation of foreign-based entities' annual profit and loss, and from amounts permanently invested in foreign subsidiaries, is not material. ACCOUNTING CHANGES - In June 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, was issued. This standard will become effective for the company in fiscal 2002. The company has not quantified the impact, if any, resulting from adoption of this standard. In December 1999, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, was issued. This SAB will become effective for the company in fiscal 2001. The company has not quantified the impact, if any, resulting from the adoption of this SAB. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains forward-looking statements in the Letter to Shareholders, business description and review sections, and Management's Discussion & Analysis. The statements reflect management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance, and financial results. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including availability and prices of raw materials, product pricing, competitive environment and related market conditions, operating efficiencies, access to capital, and actions of governments. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The brand names in this annual report are owned or licensed by ConAgra Brands, Inc., or its affiliates. 39 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 56 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries
For the fiscal years ended May - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS 2000 1999 1998 ======================================================================================================================= Net sales $ 25,385.8 $ 24,594.3 $ 24,219.5 Costs and expenses Cost of goods sold* 21,205.9 20,556.2 20,409.0 Selling, general and administrative expenses* 2,888.2 2,598.4 2,468.8 Interest expense 303.4 316.6 300.7 Restructuring/Impairment charges (Note 3) 322.2 440.8 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24,719.7 23,912.0 23,178.5 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting 666.1 682.3 1,041.0 Income taxes 253.1 323.9 399.2 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting 413.0 358.4 641.8 Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - (14.8) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ 413.0 $ 358.4 $ 627.0 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting $ .87 $ .76 $ 1.38 Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - (.03) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ .87 $ .76 $ 1.35 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting $ .86 $ .75 $ 1.35 Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - (.03) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ .86 $ .75 $ 1.32 - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Other restructuring-related items in fiscal 2000 include accelerated depreciation of $108.3 million and inventory markdowns of $114.5 million included in cost of goods sold and $30.8 million of accelerated depreciation and $45.6 million of restructuring plan implementation costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries
For the fiscal years ended May - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 1998 ============================================================================================================================ NET INCOME $ 413.0 $ 358.4 $ 627.0 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other comprehensive income (loss) Currency translation adjustment (37.2) 1.7 (35.9) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 375.8 $ 360.1 $ 591.1 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 40 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 57 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries
MAY 28 May 30 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS 2000 1999 =========================================================================================================================== ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 157.6 $ 62.8 Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $62.8 and $60.0 1,606.8 1,637.5 Inventories 3,787.3 3,639.9 Prepaid expenses 414.8 315.9 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 5,966.5 5,656.1 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property, plant and equipment Land 147.1 161.2 Buildings, machinery and equipment 5,430.3 5,205.8 Other fixed assets 537.0 426.9 Construction in progress 327.4 419.9 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6,441.8 6,213.8 Less accumulated depreciation (2,857.8) (2,599.6) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property, plant and equipment, net 3,584.0 3,614.2 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brands, trademarks and goodwill, at cost less accumulated amortization of $748.3 and $668.2 2,366.0 2,408.7 Other assets 379.3 467.1 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 12,295.8 $ 12,146.1 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Notes payable $ 1,255.5 $ 837.9 Current installments of long-term debt 20.6 21.1 Accounts payable 2,044.6 2,036.5 Advances on sales 888.7 1,191.7 Accrued payroll 258.9 269.4 Other accrued liabilities 1,020.9 1,029.8 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 5,489.2 5,386.4 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments 1,816.8 1,793.1 Other noncurrent liabilities 750.7 782.8 Subordinated debt 750.0 750.0 Preferred securities of subsidiary company 525.0 525.0 Commitments and contingencies - - Common stockholders' equity Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 524,137,617 and 519,648,673 2,620.7 2,598.2 Additional paid-in capital 147.5 219.4 Retained earnings 1,420.7 1,369.8 Foreign currency translation adjustment (103.1) (65.9) Less treasury stock, at cost, common shares of 31,925,505 and 31,475,678 (760.2) (749.9) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,325.6 3,371.6 Less unearned restricted stock and value of 15,246,068 and 17,184,831 common shares held in Employee Equity Fund (361.5) (462.8) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total common stockholders' equity 2,964.1 2,908.8 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 12,295.8 $ 12,146.1 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 41 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 58 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries
For the fiscal years ended May - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign EEF* Additional Currency Stock Common Common Paid-in Retained Translation Treasury and COLUMNAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS Shares Stock Capital Earnings Adjustment Stock Other Total =================================================================================================================================== BALANCE AT MAY 25, 1997 522.7 $ 1,306.8 $ 636.9 $ 2,125.7 $ (31.7) $ (655.1) $ (811.6) $2,571.0 Shares issued Stock option and incentive plans .6 2.8 4.0 .5 7.3 EEF*: stock option, incentive and other employee benefit plans 34.7 70.5 105.2 Fair market valuation of EEF shares (97.1) 97.1 - Acquisitions 1.3 6.7 .4 3.3 2.2 12.6 Shares acquired for incentive plans (172.7) 1.0 (171.7) Shares retired (5.2) (26.2) (93.7) 119.9 - Two-for-one stock split 1,307.0 (258.9) (1,048.1) - Foreign currency translation adjustment (35.9) (35.9) Dividends declared Common stock, $.605 per share (273.6) (273.6) Pooled companies (2.9) (2.9) Net income 627.0 627.0 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT MAY 31, 1998 519.4 2,597.1 320.0 1,337.7 (67.6) (705.2) (643.0) 2,839.0 Shares issued Stock option and incentive plans .2 1.1 1.8 .5 3.4 EEF*: stock option, incentive and other employee benefit plans 13.6 62.3 75.9 Fair market valuation of EEF shares (116.4) 116.4 - Acquisitions .4 2.2 2.6 Shares acquired for incentive plans (47.6) 1.5 (46.1) Shares retired (.2) .2 - Foreign currency translation adjustment 1.7 1.7 Dividends declared Common stock, $.69175 per share (324.9) (324.9) Pooled companies (1.2) (1.2) Net income 358.4 358.4 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT MAY 30, 1999 519.6 2,598.2 219.4 1,369.8 (65.9) (749.9) (462.8) 2,908.8 Shares issued Stock option and incentive plans .5 2.4 2.5 .4 5.3 EEF*: stock option, incentive and other employee benefit plans 9.4 26.1 35.5 Fair market valuation of EEF shares (70.0) 70.0 - Acquisitions 4.0 20.1 (13.7) 13.4 19.8 Shares acquired for incentive plans (.1) (10.7) 5.2 (5.6) Foreign currency translation adjustment (37.2) (37.2) Dividends declared Common stock, $.789 per share (375.5) (375.5) Net income 413.0 413.0 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT MAY 28, 2000 524.1 $ 2,620.7 $ 147.5 $1,420.7 $ (103.1) $ (760.2) $ (361.5) $2,964.1 ===================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. * Employee Equity Fund (Note 12) 42 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 59 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries
For the fiscal years ended May - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOLLARS IN MILLIONS 2000 1999 1998 ======================================================================================================================= Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 413.0 $ 358.4 $ 627.0 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and other amortization 473.1 430.4 389.0 Goodwill amortization 63.4 69.4 67.8 Restructuring and other restructuring-related charges (including accelerated depreciation) 621.4 440.8 - Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - 24.0 Other noncash items (includes nonpension postretirement benefits) 49.9 87.8 86.5 Change in assets and liabilities before effects from business acquisitions Receivables (106.0) (296.0) (191.4) Inventories and prepaid expenses (181.2) (68.0) (270.5) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (642.6) 156.7 (109.2) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 691.0 1,179.5 623.2 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (539.3) (662.3) (583.7) Payment for business acquisitions (390.1) (421.9) (33.7) Sale of businesses and property, plant and equipment 154.6 48.5 225.9 Notes receivable and other items (36.6) 25.5 (3.9) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (811.4) (1,010.2) (395.4) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities Net short-term borrowings 402.7 (22.7) 317.7 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 33.1 595.2 311.8 Repayment of long-term debt (32.6) (602.5) (490.8) Accounts receivable sold 165.0 125.5 (10.0) Cash dividends paid (375.0) (312.4) (263.2) Cash distributions of pooled companies - (1.2) (3.8) Other items 22.0 3.2 (88.0) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 215.2 (214.9) (226.3) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 94.8 (45.6) 1.5 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 62.8 108.4 106.9 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 157.6 $ 62.8 $ 108.4 =======================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 43 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 60 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ConAgra, Inc., and Subsidiaries Years ended May 28, 2000, May 30, 1999, and May 31, 1998 COLUMNAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES FISCAL YEAR - The fiscal year of ConAgra, Inc., ("ConAgra" or the "company") ends the last Sunday in May. The fiscal years for the consolidated financial statements presented consist of 52-week periods (fiscal 2000 and 1999) or 53-week periods (fiscal 1998). The accounts of two wholly-owned subsidiaries, ConAgra Fertilizer company and United Agri Products, Inc., have been consolidated on the basis of a year ending in February. Such fiscal period corresponds with those companies' natural business year. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ConAgra, Inc., and all majority-owned subsidiaries. The investments in and the operating results of 50%-or-less-owned entities are included in the financial statements on the basis of the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated. INVENTORIES - Grain, flour, and major feed ingredient inventories are hedged to the extent practicable and are generally stated at market, including adjustment to market of open contracts for purchases and sales. Short-term interest expense incurred to finance hedged inventories is included in cost of goods sold in order to properly reflect gross profits on hedged transactions. Inventories not hedged are priced at the lower of average cost (first-in, first-out) or market. PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION - Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation has been calculated using primarily the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective classes of assets as follows: Buildings 15 - 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 - 20 years Other fixed assets 5 - 15 years BRANDS, TRADEMARKS, GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS - Brands, goodwill arising from the excess of cost of investment over fair value of net assets at date of acquisition, and trademarks are amortized using the straight-line method, principally over a period of 40 years. An impairment is recognized when future undiscounted cash flows of assets are estimated to be insufficient to recover their related carrying value. The company considers continued operating losses, or significant and long-term changes in business conditions, to be its primary indicators of potential impairment. In measuring impairment, the company looks to quoted market prices, if available, or the best information available in the circumstance. Recoverability of goodwill not identified with impaired assets is evaluated on the basis of management's estimates of future undiscounted operating income associated with the acquired business. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - The company uses derivatives for the purpose of hedging commodity price and, to a lesser extent, interest rate exposure, that exist as a part of its ongoing business operations. INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS - The company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to reduce the risk of changes in interest rates. Interest differentials to be paid or received on such swaps are recognized in the statement of earnings as incurred, as a component of interest expense. COMMODITY CONTRACTS - The company uses commodity futures and option contracts, swaps, and forward contracts to reduce the risk of price fluctuations in various commodities traded or used in its businesses. In the trading businesses, commodity contracts are marked-to-market and the related gains or losses recorded in the statement of earnings. The company's processing businesses reflect commodity contract gains and losses as adjustments to the basis of underlying hedged commodities purchased; gains or losses are recognized in the statement of earnings as a component of cost of goods sold upon sale of the hedged commodity. In general, derivatives used as hedges must be effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract. Changes in market values of derivative instruments must be highly correlated with changes in market values of underlying hedged items both at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract. Deferred gains or losses related to any instrument 1) designated but ineffective as a hedge of existing assets, liabilities, or firm commitments, or 2) designated as a hedge of an anticipated transaction which is no longer likely to occur, are recognized immediately in the statement of earnings. Cash flows related to derivative financial instruments are classified in the statements of cash flows in a manner consistent with those of transactions being hedged. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Unless otherwise specified, the company believes the book value of financial instruments approximates their fair value. 44 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 61 REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue is recognized when title to finished product passes to the customer. Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts, trade allowances, and product returns. NET SALES - Gross profits earned from commodity trading activities, which are included in net sales, total $148.0 million, $147.3 million, and $214.3 million for fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. Sales and cost of sales, if reported on a gross basis for these activities, would be increased by $7.7 billion, $4.9 billion, and $6.0 billion for fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Comprehensive income for all periods presented consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. ConAgra deems its foreign investments to be permanent in nature and does not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. There are no reclassification adjustments to be reported in periods presented. ACCOUNTING CHANGES - In June 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, was issued. This standard will become effective for the company in fiscal 2002. The company has not quantified the impact, if any, resulting from adoption of this standard. In December 1999, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, REVENUE RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, was issued. This SAB will become effective for the company in fiscal 2001. The company has not quantified the impact, if any, resulting from the adoption of this SAB. In fiscal 1998, the company recorded an after-tax charge of $14.8 million to comply with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 97-13. This EITF requires business process re-engineering costs associated with computer systems development to be expensed as incurred. Previously, the company capitalized such costs. USE OF ESTIMATES - Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses as reflected in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from estimates. RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year classifications. 2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS In the third quarter of fiscal 2000, ConAgra acquired the assets of Seaboard Farms, the poultry division of Seaboard Corporation, for approximately $360 million. Seaboard Farms produces and markets value-added poultry products primarily to foodservice customers and has annual sales of approximately $480 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, with the business acquired being included in the financial statements subsequent to the date of acquisition. In the first quarter of fiscal 1999, ConAgra acquired the table-spreads and Egg Beaters business from Nabisco, Inc., for $400 million. The tablespreads business manufactures and markets margarine under Parkay, Blue Bonnet, Fleischmann's, Touch of Butter, Chiffon, and Move Over Butter brand names. Egg Beaters is an egg alternative product. Annual sales of the combined businesses are approximately $480 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The results of operations of the businesses acquired are included in the financial statements subsequent to the date of acquisition. During fiscal 1998, ConAgra completed mergers with GoodMark Foods, Inc., Fernando's Foods Corporation, Hester Industries, Inc., and A.M. Gilardi & Sons, Inc. In each of the these transactions, ConAgra issued common stock for all of the outstanding shares of the merged companies with each transaction being accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. The historical financial statements of the company were restated to give effect to all of the fiscal 1998 acquisitions as though the companies had operated together from the beginning of the earliest period presented. Net sales and net income for the fiscal 1998 acquired businesses were $379.0 million and $13.8 million, respectively, for the 1998 period prior to acquisition date. 3. OPERATION OVERDRIVE During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the company approved a restructuring plan expected to span three fiscal years in connection with its previously announced initiative, "Operation Overdrive." However, the restructuring plan was completed within two fiscal years as the plan's final charges were incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. The restructuring plan was aimed at improving future profitability by eliminating overcapacity and streamlining operations. The pre-tax charge of the plan totaled $1,062.2 million with $621.4 million and $440.8 million recognized in fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. 45 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 62 Fiscal 2000 charges are as follows:
Packaged Refrigerated Agricultural Foods Foods Products Total ========================================================================= Accelerated depreciation $ 128.2 $ 10.9 $ - $ 139.1 Inventory markdowns 46.2 11.2 57.1 114.5 Restructuring plan implementation costs 25.2 14.6 5.8 45.6 Restructuring/Impairment charges 109.9 131.3 81.0 322.2 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 309.5 $ 168.0 $ 143.9 $ 621.4 Fiscal 1999 charges are as follows: Restructuring/Impairment charges $ 39.0 $ 358.6 $ 43.2 $ 440.8 =========================================================================
The fiscal 2000 charges are reflected in the company's consolidated statements of earnings as follows: accelerated depreciation of $108.3 million and $30.8 million is included in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively; inventory markdowns are included in cost of goods sold; plan implementation costs (primarily third-party consulting costs) are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. For fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, restructuring/impairment charges are reflected as such and result from asset impairments, employee-related costs and contractual termination costs. Included in fiscal 2000 and 1999 consolidated statements of earnings are asset impairment charges of approximately $213.5 million and $388.4 million, respectively. Fiscal 2000 asset impairment charges include $171.4 million in write-downs of property, plant and equipment and $42.1 million in reductions of intangible and other assets. The fiscal 2000 property, plant and equipment write-downs occurred primarily in the Refrigerated Foods segment as a result of management's decision to reorganize certain protein businesses. Fiscal 1999 asset impairment charges include $183.5 million in write-downs of property, plant and equipment and $204.9 million in reductions of intangible and other assets. The fiscal 1999 intangible and other asset write-downs occurred primarily in the Refrigerated Foods segment as a result of management's decision to consolidate and reorganize its turkey businesses. Accelerated depreciation results from revisions in the estimated useful lives of assets to be disposed of that the company does not have the current ability to remove from operations. Inventory markdowns represent losses on the carrying value of non-strategic inventory resulting from the closure of facilities and discontinuation of certain products. In association with the restructuring plan, the company closed a total of 31 production facilities, 106 non-production locations (e.g., storage, distribution, administrative, etc.) and sold 18 non-core businesses. The historical operating results and gains/losses associated with sold businesses or facilities were not material. Approximately 8,450 employees received notification of their termination as a result of the restructuring plan, primarily in manufacturing and operating facilities. This total represents an increase of approximately 1,750 individuals from the original estimate, and resulted primarily from updated estimates associated with existing restructuring initiatives. In addition, other exit costs (consisting of lease termination and other contractual termination costs) occurred as a result of the restructuring plan. Such activity is as follows:
Severance Other Exit (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT HEADCOUNT) Amount Headcount Costs ================================================================ Fiscal 1999 activity: Charges to income $ 45.1 3,160 $ 7.3 Utilized (6.1) (260) - - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, May 30, 1999 39.0 2,900 7.3 Fiscal 2000 activity: Charges to income 57.8 5,290 50.9 Utilized (44.3) (4,990) (21.5) - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, May 28, 2000 $ 52.5 3,200 $ 36.7 ================================================================
4. INCOME PER SHARE Basic income per share is calculated on the basis of weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted income per share is computed on the basis of weighted average outstanding common shares plus equivalent shares assuming exercise of stock options and conversion of outstanding convertible securities, where dilutive. The following table reconciles the income and average share amounts used to compute both basic and diluted income per share:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ======================================================================= NET INCOME Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting $ 413.0 $ 358.4 $ 641.8 Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - (14.8) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 413.0 $ 358.4 $ 627.0 ======================================================================= INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC Weighted average shares outstanding 475.7 470.0 465.5 ======================================================================= INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 475.7 470.0 465.5 Add shares contingently issuable upon exercise of stock options 2.9 6.7 9.8 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average shares outstanding 478.6 476.7 475.3 =======================================================================
46 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 63 At the end of fiscal years 2000, 1999, and 1998, there were 16.2 million, 8.9 million, and 4.9 million options outstanding, respectively, with exercise prices exceeding the market value of common stock that were therefore excluded from the computation of shares contingently issuable upon exercise of the options. 5. RECEIVABLES The company has agreements to sell interests in pools of receivables, in an amount not to exceed $950 million at any one time. Participation interests in new receivables may be sold as collections reduce previously sold participation interests. The participation interests are sold at a discount that is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Gross proceeds from the sales were $814 million and $649 million at fiscal year-end 2000 and 1999, respectively. 6. INVENTORIES The major classes of inventories are as follows:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ====================================================================== Hedged commodities $ 1,305.7 $ 1,306.2 Food products and livestock 1,350.7 1,144.7 Agricultural chemicals, fertilizer, and feed 671.9 597.4 Other, principally ingredients and supplies 459.0 591.6 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,787.3 $ 3,639.9 ======================================================================
7. CREDIT FACILITIES AND BORROWINGS At May 28, 2000, the company had credit lines from banks which totaled approximately $5.5 billion, including: $1.8 billion of long-term revolving credit facilities maturing in September 2003; $1.8 billion short-term revolving credit facilities maturing in September 2000; and uncompensated bankers' acceptance and money market loan facilities approximating $1.9 billion. Borrowings under the revolver agreements are at or below prime rate and may be prepaid without penalty. The company pays fees for its revolving credit facilities. The company finances its short-term needs with bank borrowings, commercial paper borrowings, and bankers' acceptances. The average consolidated short-term borrowings outstanding under these facilities for the 2000 fiscal year were $2,739 million. This excludes an average of $186 million of short-term borrowings that were classified as long-term throughout the fiscal year (see Note 8). The highest period-end short-term indebtedness during fiscal 2000 was $3,159.2 million. Short-term borrowings were at rates below prime. The weighted average interest rate was 5.85% and 5.58%, respectively, for fiscal 2000 and 1999. At May 28, 2000, the company had no interest rate swap agreements in effect. At May 30, 1999, the company had outstanding interest rate swap agreements effectively changing the interest rate exposure on $650 million of short-term borrowings from variable to a 5.8% fixed rate. The swap agreements matured in fiscal 2000. At May 31, 1998, the company had outstanding interest rate swap agreements effectively changing the interest rate exposure on $600 million of short-term borrowings from variable to a 6% fixed rate. The swap agreements matured in fiscal 1999. The net cost in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, and the estimated fair value of these agreements as of May 30, 1999, were not material. 8. SENIOR LONG-TERM DEBT, SUBORDINATED DEBT AND LOAN AGREEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ============================================================================ Senior Debt Commercial paper backed by long-term revolving credit agreement $ 164.5 $ 153.2 7.00% senior debt due in 2028 396.5 396.4 6.70% senior debt due in 2027 (redeemable at option of holders in 2009) 300.0 300.0 7.125% senior debt due in 2026 (redeemable at option of holders in 2006) 397.8 397.7 9.875% senior debt due in 2006 100.0 100.0 5.50% senior debt due in 2002 199.3 199.0 9.87% to 9.95% unsecured senior notes due in various amounts through 2009 39.4 53.7 8.1% to 9.0% publicly issued unsecured medium-term notes due in various amounts through 2004 117.0 117.0 5.75% to 9.28% Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (collateralized by plant and equipment) due on various dates through 2017 46.2 29.0 Miscellaneous unsecured 56.1 47.1 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total senior debt $ 1,816.8 $ 1,793.1 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subordinated Debt 9.75% subordinated debt due in 2021 400.0 400.0 7.375% to 7.4% subordinated debt due through 2005 350.0 350.0 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total subordinated debt $ 750.0 $ 750.0 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 2,566.8 $ 2,543.1 ============================================================================
The aggregate minimum principal maturities of the long-term debt for each of the five fiscal years following May 28, 2000, are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------- 2001 $ 20.6 2002 124.2 2003 373.6 2004 12.6 2005 370.0 =========================================================
Under the long-term credit facility referenced in Note 7, the company has agreements that allow it to borrow up to $1.8 billion through September 2003. 47 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 64 The most restrictive note agreements (the revolving credit facilities and certain privately placed long-term debt) require the company to repay the debt if consolidated funded debt exceeds 60% of consolidated capital base or if fixed charges coverage is less than 1.75 to 1.0 as such terms are defined in applicable agreements. Net interest expense consists of:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ================================================================ Long-term debt $ 198.4 $ 194.6 $ 206.9 Short-term debt 139.1 166.5 143.2 Interest income (28.6) (37.6) (38.0) Interest capitalized (5.5) (6.9) (11.4) - ---------------------------------------------------------------- $ 303.4 $ 316.6 $ 300.7 ================================================================
Net interest paid was $299.9 million, $308.5 million, and $300.6 million in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. Short-term debt interest expense of $31.4 million, $20.0 million, and $19.1 million in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively, incurred to finance hedged inventories, has been charged to cost of goods sold. The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $2,587.4 million and $2,564.2 million as of May 28, 2000, and May 30, 1999, respectively. Based on current market rates primarily provided by outside investment bankers, the fair value of this debt at May 28, 2000, and May_30, 1999, was estimated at $2,417.0 million and $2,665.1 million, respectively. The company's long-term debt is generally not callable until maturity. 9. OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES Other noncurrent liabilities consist of:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ===================================================================== Legal and environmental liabilities primarily associated with the company's acquisition of Beatrice Company (acquired in fiscal 1991) $ 165.2 $ 169.2 Estimated postretirement health care and pensions 596.7 589.2 Deferred taxes and other 52.7 100.4 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- 814.6 858.8 Less estimated current portion 63.9 76.0 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 750.7 $ 782.8 =====================================================================
10. PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARY COMPANY ConAgra Capital, L.C., an indirectly controlled subsidiary of the company, has the following Preferred Securities outstanding: 4 MILLION SHARES OF 9% SERIES A CUMULATIVE PREFERRED ("SERIES A SECURITIES") Distributions are payable monthly. 7 MILLION SHARES OF SERIES B ADJUSTABLE RATE CUMULATIVE PREFERRED ("SERIES B SECURITIES") Distributions are payable monthly at a rate per annum, which is adjusted quarterly to 95% of the highest of three U.S. Treasury security indices, subject to a floor of 5.0% and a ceiling of 10.5% per annum. The distribution rate in fiscal 2000 ranged from 5.6% to 6.3%. 10 MILLION SHARES OF 9.35% SERIES C CUMULATIVE PREFERRED ("SERIES C SECURITIES") Distributions are payable monthly. For financial statement purposes, distributions on these Securities are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the company's consolidated statements of earnings as such amounts represent minority interests. The above Securities were issued at a price of $25 per share. All such Securities are non-voting (except in certain limited circumstances), and are guaranteed on a limited basis by ConAgra and, in certain limited circumstances, are exchangeable for debt securities of ConAgra. The Securities are redeemable at the option of ConAgra Capital, L.C., (with ConAgra's consent) in whole or in part, at $25 per security plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date fixed for redemption. 11. CAPITAL STOCK The company has authorized shares of preferred stock as follows: Class B- $50 par value; 150,000 shares Class C- $100 par value; 250,000 shares Class D- without par value; 1,100,000 shares Class E- without par value; 16,550,000 shares There were no preferred shares issued or outstanding as of May 28, 2000. 12. EMPLOYEE EQUITY FUND In fiscal 1993, the company established a $700 million Employee Equity Fund ("EEF"), a grantor trust, to pre-fund future stock-related obligations of the company's compensation and benefit plans. The EEF supports existing, previously approved employee plans that use ConAgra common stock. 48 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 65 For financial reporting purposes, the EEF is consolidated with ConAgra. The fair market value of the shares held by the EEF is shown as a reduction to common stockholders' equity in the company's consolidated balance sheets. All dividends and interest transactions between the EEF and ConAgra are eliminated. Differences between cost and fair value of shares held and/or released are included in consolidated additional paid-in capital. Following is a summary of shares held by the EEF:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2000 1999 ================================================================== Shares held (in millions) 15.2 17.2 Cost - per share $ 14.552 $ 14.552 Cost - total 221.9 250.1 Fair market value - per share $ 22.9375 $ 26.0625 Fair market value - total 349.7 447.9 - ------------------------------------------------------------------
13. STOCK OPTIONS AND RIGHTS Stock option plans approved by the stockholders provide for granting of options to employees for purchase of common stock generally at prices equal to fair market value at the time of grant, and for issuance of restricted or bonus stock without direct cost to the employee. During fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively, 126,000 shares, 195,825 shares, and 274,926 shares of restricted stock (including stock issued under incentive plans) were issued. The value of the restricted stock, equal to fair market value at the time of grant, is being amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. This compensation expense was not significant for fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998. Options become exercisable under various vesting schedules and generally expire 10 years after the date of grant. Option shares and prices are adjusted for common stock splits and changes in capitalization. The changes in the outstanding stock options during the three years ended May 28, 2000, are summarized below:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 =================================================================================== Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning of year 23.5 $ 22.86 23.6 $ 20.91 23.1 $ 17.01 Granted 6.0 23.35 4.8 28.15 5.2 33.57 Exercised (1.8) 13.41 (3.3) 14.70 (3.4) 13.80 Canceled (2.1) 27.20 (1.6) 26.76 (1.3) 20.52 End of year 25.6 $ 23.30 23.5 $ 22.86 23.6 $ 20.91 Exercisable at end of year 16.2 $ 21.56 14.4 $ 19.58 13.8 $ 16.99 - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of May 28, 2000:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ================================================================================ Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Remaining Exercise Exercise Range of Exercise Price Shares Life Price Shares Price - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 4.97 - $ 6.42 0.1 1.0 $ 5.09 0.1 $ 5.09 7.63 - 11.33 0.6 0.4 10.63 0.6 10.63 11.54 - 16.88 5.1 3.2 14.83 5.1 14.83 19.06 - 29.00 16.0 7.7 24.11 8.2 23.39 29.50 - 36.81 3.8 7.4 33.71 2.2 33.72 $ 4.97 - $ 36.81 25.6 6.6 $ 23.30 16.2 $ 21.56 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The company has elected to account for its employee stock option plans using the intrinsic value method of accounting. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options because the exercise price of the stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. Pro forma information regarding net income and income per share is required by SFAS No. 123, assuming the company accounted for its employee stock options using the fair value method. The fair value of options was estimated at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 6.33%, 4.29%, and 6.03%; a dividend yield of 2.2%, 2.2%, and 2.1%; expected volatility of 20.6%, 20.0%, and 19.1%; and an expected option life of six years. The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998 was $6.21, $6.12, and $8.53, respectively. Pro forma net income and income per share are as follows (because SFAS No. 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to fiscal 1995, its pro forma effect was not fully reflected until fiscal 2000):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ================================================================================= Pro forma net income $ 393.3 $ 344.3 $ 615.9 Pro forma basic income per share .83 .73 1.32 Basic income per share - as reported .87 .76 1.35 Pro forma diluted income per share .82 .72 1.30 Diluted income per share - as reported .86 .75 1.32 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At May 28, 2000, approximately 2.8 million shares were reserved for granting additional options and restricted or bonus stock awards. Each share of common stock carries with it one-half preferred stock purchase right ("Right"). The Rights become exercisable 10 days after a person (an "Acquiring Person") acquires or commences a tender offer for 15% or more of the company's common stock. 49 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 66 Each Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of a new series of Class E Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $200, subject to adjustment. The Rights expire on July 12, 2006, and may be redeemed at the option of the company at $.01 per Right, subject to adjustment. Under certain circumstances, if (i) any person becomes an Acquiring Person or (ii) the company is acquired in a merger or other business combination after a person becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right (other than the Acquiring Person) will have the right to receive, upon exercise of the Right, shares of common stock (of the company under (i) and of the acquiring company under (ii)) having a value of twice the exercise price of the Right. The Rights were issued pursuant to a dividend declared by the company's Board of Directors on July 12, 1996, payable to stockholders of record on July 24, 1996. The one Right for each outstanding share was adjusted to one-half Right for each share effective October 1, 1997, as a result of the two-for-one stock split. At May 28, 2000, the company had reserved one million Class E preferred shares for exercise of the Rights. 14. PRETAX INCOME AND INCOME TAXES Income before taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting consisted of the following:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- United States $ 590.0 $ 570.8 $ 968.9 Foreign 76.1 111.5 72.1 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 666.1 $ 682.3 $ 1,041.0 ===================================================================
The provision for income taxes includes the following:
- --------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 - --------------------------------------------------------- Current Federal $ 272.6 $ 280.7 $ 287.0 State 23.3 52.1 56.6 Foreign 33.3 24.5 12.3 - --------------------------------------------------------- $ 329.2 $ 357.3 $ 355.9 - --------------------------------------------------------- Deferred Federal (70.1) (30.0) 38.8 State (6.0) (3.4) 4.5 Foreign - - - - --------------------------------------------------------- (76.1) (33.4) 43.3 - --------------------------------------------------------- $ 253.1 $ 323.9 $ 399.2 =========================================================
Income taxes computed by applying statutory rates to income before income taxes are reconciled to the provision for income taxes set forth in the consolidated statements of earnings as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 ======================================================================== Computed U.S. federal income taxes $ 233.1 $ 238.8 $ 364.3 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit 11.9 31.6 39.7 Nondeductible amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 18.1 21.5 20.1 Export and jobs tax credits (19.2) (12.2) (7.5) Permanent differences due to restructuring/impairment charges - 57.3 - Other 9.2 (13.1) (17.4) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 253.1 $ 323.9 $ 399.2 ========================================================================
Income taxes paid were $441.5 million, $344.5 million, and $282.3 million in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. The Internal Revenue Service has closed examinations of the company's tax returns through fiscal 1995. The IRS has proposed certain adjustments for later years, some of which are being contested by the company. The company believes that it has made adequate provisions for income taxes payable. The tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities ================================================================================= Depreciation and amortization $ - $ 462.3 $ - $ 361.2 Nonpension postretirement benefits 157.9 - 171.1 - Other noncurrent liabilities which will give rise to future tax deductions 185.7 - 194.2 - Accrued expenses 141.4 - 76.5 - Restructuring/Impairment and restructuring-related charges 304.7 - 150.6 - Other 83.1 136.2 68.3 128.5 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 872.8 $ 598.5 $ 660.7 $ 489.7 =================================================================================
15. COMMITMENTS The company leases certain facilities and transportation equipment under agreements that expire at various dates. Management expects that in the normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases. Substantially all leases require payment of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs in addition to rental payments. 50 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 67 A summary of rent expense charged to operations follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ============================================================== Cancelable $ 189.4 $ 154.8 $ 153.2 Noncancelable 97.5 117.9 115.1 - -------------------------------------------------------------- $ 286.9 $ 272.7 $ 268.3 ==============================================================
A summary of noncancelable operating lease commitments for fiscal years following May 28, 2000, is as follows:
Type of property - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Real and Other Transportation Property Equipment ===================================================================== 2001 $ 79.9 $ 14.7 2002 72.9 9.7 2003 57.4 4.4 2004 47.7 1.6 2005 36.6 1.5 Later years 84.4 1.8 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 378.9 $ 33.7 =====================================================================
The company had letters of credit, performance bonds, and other commitments and guarantees outstanding at May 28, 2000, aggregating approximately $207.8 million. 16. CONTINGENCIES In fiscal 1991, ConAgra acquired Beatrice Company ("Beatrice"). As a result of the acquisition and the significant pre-acquisition contingencies of the Beatrice businesses and its former subsidiaries, the consolidated post-acquisition financial statements of ConAgra reflect significant liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. These include various litigation and environmental proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to its acquisition by ConAgra. The environmental proceedings include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's status as a potentially responsible party at 40 Superfund, proposed Superfund or state-equivalent sites. Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 34 of these sites. Substantial reserves for these matters have been established based on the company's best estimate of its undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required cleanup, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties, and its experience in remediating sites. ConAgra is party to a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of its businesses. After taking into account liabilities recorded for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on ConAgra's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. 17. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The company uses interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk, as outlined in Note 7. In addition, the company's energy subsidiary uses derivative financial instruments in its trading activities in energy markets. At May 28, 2000, the company's energy subsidiary was party to natural gas price swaps with a notional value of $230.2 million. The swap agreements are settled in cash based on the difference between a fixed and floating (index-based) price for the underlying commodity. All swaps expire within 12 months, while most have a duration of no more than six months. At May 30, 1999, the notional value of these financial instruments was $265.9 million. All contracts are marked-to-market, with gains and losses recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings consistent with all trading business activity within the company. The company performs credit assessments on all counterparties and obtains additional guarantees of financial performance, if deemed necessary. The predominance of these trades are swaps, where the company pays or receives only the difference between the contract value and the market value. The amount at risk is therefore limited to the gain on the swap. The company does not anticipate any material loss because of nonperformance by a counterparty. Certain of the company's operations use foreign exchange forwards to hedge fixed purchase and sales commitments denominated in a foreign currency. The fair value of these foreign exchange positions was not material. 18. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS RETIREMENT PENSION PLANS The company and its subsidiaries have defined benefit retirement plans ("Plan") for eligible salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on years of credited service and average compensation or stated amounts for each year of service. The company funds these plans in accordance with the minimum and maximum limits established by law. 51 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 68 Components of pension benefit costs and weighted average actuarial assumptions are:
- --------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 =============================================================== PENSION BENEFIT COST Service cost $ 55.7 $ 48.5 $ 44.4 Interest cost 103.2 97.7 92.5 Expected return on plan assets (114.6) (101.4) (92.4) Amortization of prior service costs 4.3 3.8 4.4 Amortization of transition obligation (2.7) (2.7) (2.7) Recognized net actuarial loss 3.4 1.9 2.3 Curtailment (gain) loss and special benefits 3.3 - (.1) - --------------------------------------------------------------- Pension benefit cost - Company plans 52.6 47.8 48.4 Pension benefit cost - Multiemployer plans 9.4 9.1 9.5 - --------------------------------------------------------------- Total pension benefit cost $ 62.0 $ 56.9 $ 57.9 - --------------------------------------------------------------- ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS Discount rate 6.75% 7.25% 7.50 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 9.25 8.75 9.25 Long-term rate of compensation increase 5.50 5.50 5.50 - ---------------------------------------------------------------
The change in projected benefit obligation, change in plan assets, and funded status of the plans at February 29, 2000, and February 28, 1999, were:
- --------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 =============================================================== CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,561.2 $ 1,376.3 Service cost 55.7 48.5 Interest cost 103.2 97.7 Plan participants' contributions 0.1 0.1 Amendments 3.2 4.3 Actuarial loss (gain) (156.4) 110.6 Curtailment/Settlement loss 2.4 - Other 0.5 1.4 Benefits paid (80.7) (77.7) - --------------------------------------------------------------- Projected benefit obligation at end of year 1,489.2 1,561.2 - ---------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ================================================================= CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 1,535.8 1,504.6 Actual return on plan assets 189.2 103.8 Employer contributions 16.9 13.9 Plan participants' contributions 0.1 0.1 Investment and administrative expenses (9.4) (10.7) Other 0.2 1.8 Benefits paid (80.7) (77.7) - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year 1,652.1 1,535.8 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- FUNDED STATUS 162.9 (25.4) Unrecognized actuarial gain (355.3) (135.3) Unrecognized prior service cost 22.9 27.4 Unrecognized transition amount (6.6) (9.3) - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued benefit cost $ (176.1) $ (142.6) ================================================================= ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS Discount rate 7.50% 6.75% Long-term rate of compensation increase 5.50 5.50 - -----------------------------------------------------------------
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at February 29, 2000, and February 28, 1999, were:
- --------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 =============================================================== Projected benefit obligation $ 192.9 $ 229.6 Accumulated benefit obligation 182.7 215.7 Fair value of plan assets 116.8 143.2 - ---------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets are primarily invested in equity securities, corporate and government debt securities, and common trust funds. Included in plan assets are 5.1 million shares of the company's common stock at a fair market value of $83.2 million and $152.7 million at February 29, 2000, and February 28, 1999, respectively. Certain employees of the company are covered under defined contribution plans. The expense related to these plans was $31.1 million, $29.7 million, and $29.0 million in fiscal 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. 52 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 69 POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS The company's postretirement plans provide certain medical and dental benefits to qualifying U.S. employees. Components of postretirement benefit costs and weighted average actuarial assumptions are:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ================================================================= POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT COST Service cost $ 2.8 $ 2.8 $ 2.7 Interest cost 22.1 24.7 25.1 Expected return on plan assets (0.5) (0.6) (0.7) Amortization of prior service cost (2.1) (0.1) (0.1) Amortization of transition obligation 0.1 0.1 0.1 Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss (3.8) (3.0) (3.7) Curtailment (gain) loss (9.3) - 0.1 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- $ 9.3 $ 23.9 $ 23.5 ================================================================= ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS Discount rate 6.75% 7.25% 7.50% Long-term rate of return on plan assets 13.70 13.70 13.70 - -----------------------------------------------------------------
The change in accumulated benefit obligation, change in plan assets, and funded status of the plans at February 29, 2000, and February 28, 1999, were:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ================================================================= CHANGE IN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION Accumulated benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 350.7 $ 351.5 Service cost 2.8 2.8 Interest cost 22.1 24.7 Plan participants' contributions 2.1 2.6 Actuarial (gain) loss (15.7) (5.5) Acquisition - 5.6 Benefits paid (35.5) (31.0) Plan amendments (11.2) - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year 315.3 350.7 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 5.3 5.5 Actual return on plan assets 0.7 0.7 Employer contributions 32.5 27.5 Plan participants' contributions 2.1 2.6 Benefits paid (35.5) (31.0) - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year 5.1 5.3 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- FUNDED STATUS (310.2) (345.4) Unrecognized net gain (104.6) (92.5) Unrecognized transition amount 0.6 0.7 Unrecognized prior service cost (1.2) (1.4) - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued benefit cost $ (415.4) $ (438.6) ================================================================= ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS Discount rate 7.50% 6.75% - -----------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit costs were generally estimated assuming retiree health care costs would increase at a 5.5% annual rate. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost rates would have the following effect:
- -------------------------------------------------------------- One Percent One Percent Increase Decrease ============================================================== Total service and interest cost components $ 2.7 $ (2.3) Postretirement benefit obligation 26.2 (22.7) - --------------------------------------------------------------
The company generally intends to fund claims as reported. 19. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION The company has three segments, which are organized based upon similar economic characteristics and are similar in the nature of products and services offered, the nature of production processes, the type or class of customer, and distribution methods. Packaged Foods includes companies that produce shelf-stable and frozen foods. This segment markets food products in retail and foodservice channels. Refrigerated Foods includes companies that produce and market branded processed meats, beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Agricultural Products includes companies involved in distribution of agricultural inputs and procurement, processing, trading and distribution of commodity food ingredients and agricultural commodities. Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each segment is based on net sales less all identifiable operating expenses and includes the related equity in earnings of companies included on the basis of the equity method of accounting. General corporate expense, goodwill amortization, interest expense, and income taxes have been excluded from segment operations. All assets other than cash and those assets related to the corporate office have been identified with the segments to which they relate. 53 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 70
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ================================================================================================================================ Sales to unaffiliated customers Packaged Foods $ 7,713.5 $ 7,426.6 $ 7,192.2 Refrigerated Foods 12,522.2 11,591.4 11,416.2 Agricultural Products 5,150.1 5,576.3 5,611.1 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 25,385.8 $ 24,594.3 $ 24,219.5 ================================================================================================================================ Intersegment sales Packaged Foods $ 48.6 $ 38.2 $ 34.1 Refrigerated Foods 341.4 213.1 193.4 Agricultural Products 188.7 288.0 220.0 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 578.7 539.3 447.5 Intersegment elimination (578.7) (539.3) (447.5) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ - $ - $ - ================================================================================================================================ Net sales Packaged Foods $ 7,762.1 $ 7,464.8 $ 7,226.3 Refrigerated Foods 12,863.6 11,804.5 11,609.6 Agricultural Products 5,338.8 5,864.3 5,831.1 Intersegment elimination (578.7) (539.3) (447.5) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 25,385.8 $ 24,594.3 $ 24,219.5 ================================================================================================================================ Operating profit (Note a) Packaged Foods $ 778.4 $ 941.3 $ 978.1 Refrigerated Foods 322.7 9.4 204.6 Agricultural Products 187.2 314.8 390.2 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total operating profit 1,288.3 1,265.5 1,572.9 Interest expense 303.4 316.6 300.7 General corporate expenses 255.4 197.2 163.4 Goodwill amortization 63.4 69.4 67.8 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before tax and cumulative effect of change in accounting $ 666.1 $ 682.3 $ 1,041.0 ================================================================================================================================ Identifiable assets Packaged Foods $ 4,621.2 $ 4,758.9 $ 4,327.5 Refrigerated Foods 3,665.7 3,407.3 3,830.3 Agricultural Products 3,251.5 3,580.3 3,249.1 Corporate 757.4 399.6 401.6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 12,295.8 $ 12,146.1 $ 11,808.5 ================================================================================================================================ Additions to property, plant and equipment - including businesses acquired Packaged Foods $ 227.2 $ 375.4 $ 263.2 Refrigerated Foods 459.6 226.0 206.9 Agricultural Products 81.8 136.1 124.1 Corporate 59.9 25.7 8.6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 828.5 $ 763.2 $ 602.8 ================================================================================================================================ Depreciation and amortization Packaged Foods $ 263.0 $ 241.1 $ 221.6 Refrigerated Foods 184.7 193.7 175.9 Agricultural Products 73.3 63.2 56.8 Corporate 15.5 1.8 2.5 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 536.5 $ 499.8 $ 456.8 ================================================================================================================================
Note a: Fiscal 2000 includes before-tax restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $621.4 million (Note 3). These charges were included in operating profit as follows: $309.5 million in Packaged Foods, $168.0 million in Refrigerated Foods, and $143.9 million in Agricultural Products. Fiscal 1999 includes before-tax restructuring charges of $440.8 million (Note 3). The fiscal 1999 charges were included in operating profit as follows: $39.0 million in Packaged Foods, $358.6 million in Refrigerated Foods, and $43.2 million in Agricultural Products. 54 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 71 The operations of the company are principally in the United States. Operations outside the United States are worldwide with no single foreign country or geographic region being significant to the consolidated operations. Foreign net sales were $3.6 billion in each of the following fiscal years: 2000, 1999, and 1998. Net sales are attributed to countries based on location of customer. The company's long-lived assets located outside of the United States are not significant. 20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT On June 22, 2000, the company signed a definitive agreement to acquire International Home Foods. The definitive agreement provides that International Home Foods' shareholders will receive a targeted value of $22 per share, $11 of which will be paid in cash and the balance will be paid in ConAgra stock. The stock portion of the consideration is subject to adjustment based on the trading price of ConAgra stock prior to the closing of the transaction. The transaction is valued at approximately $2.9 billion, consisting of the consideration above and the assumption of $1.3 billion of debt. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by International Home Foods' shareholders and regulatory authorities. 21. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income(Loss) Dividends Net Gross Income Per Share Stock Market Price Declared Sales Profit (Loss) Basic Diluted High Low Per Share ============================================================================================================================= 2000 First $ 6,593.6 $ 976.2 $ 101.8 (1) $ .22 (1) $ .21 (1) $ 28.13 $ 24.06 $ .17850 Second 6,602.9 1,141.5 187.3 (2) .39 (2) .39 (2) 26.50 21.50 .20350 Third 5,797.8 1,017.6 143.4 (3) .30 (3) .30 (3) 24.63 15.88 .20350 Fourth 6,391.5 1,044.6 (19.5)(4) (.04)(4) (.04)(4) 23.25 15.06 .20350 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR $25,385.8 $4,179.9 $ 413.0 (5) $ .87 (5) $ .86 (5) $ 28.13 $ 15.06 $ .7890 ============================================================================================================================= 1999 First $ 6,483.4 $ 917.5 $ 109.3 $ .23 $ .23 $ 33.25 $ 22.56 $ .15625 Second 6,404.4 1,105.9 219.0 .47 .46 32.44 24.63 .17850 Third 5,693.3 1,007.1 171.4 .36 .36 34.38 29.25 .17850 Fourth 6,013.2 1,007.6 (141.3)(6) (.30)(6) (.30)(6) 31.25 23.13 .17850 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR $24,594.3 $4,038.1 $ 358.4 (6) $ .76 (6) $ .75 (6) $ 34.38 $ 22.56 $ .69175 =============================================================================================================================
(1) Includes after-tax restructuring and related charges of $29.2 million, or $.06 for both basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3). (2) Includes after-tax restructuring and related charges of $64.7 million, or $.14 for both basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3). (3) Includes after-tax restructuring and related charges of $52.5 million, or $.11 for both basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3). (4) Includes after-tax restructuring and related charges of $238.9 million, or $.50 for both basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3). (5) Includes after-tax restructuring and related charges of $385.3 million, or $.81 for both basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3). (6) Includes after-tax restructuring charges of $337.9 million, or $.72 and $.71 for basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively (Note 3). 55 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 72 RESPNSIBILITIES INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT THE STOCKHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONAGRA, INC. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 28, 2000, and May 30, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, common stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 28, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 28, 2000, and May 30, 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 28, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte & Touche LLP July 14, 2000 Omaha, Nebraska THE CONDUCT OF OUR AFFAIRS The major objectives of the company are expressed in terms of return on stockholders' equity and growth in trend line earning power. As we conduct ourselves in the pursuit of our existing businesses and in the growth of our businesses in an ethical and moral way, we must also fulfill our commitments to our government, to our society, and to ourselves as individuals. In one sense, ethics involves the point of view that suggests we live in a glass bowl, and we should feel comfortable with any actions we take, if they were shared publicly. Further, we will conduct our affairs within the law. Should there be evidence of possible malfeasance on the part of any officer or member of management, each employee must feel the responsibility to communicate that to the appropriate party. This is a commitment that each of us must undertake and not feel that it is a high-risk communication, but that it is expected and, indeed, an obligation. PRINCIPAL OFFICERS The principal officers of the company include, among others, those listed on pages 58 and 59 of this report. The principal officers are responsible for maintaining throughout the company a system of internal controls, which protect the assets of the company on a reasonable and economic basis. They also are responsible for maintaining records, which permit the preparation of financial statements that fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD The Audit Committee of ConAgra's Board of Directors is composed entirely of outside directors and recommends the appointment of the company's independent public accountants. The Audit Committee meets regularly, and when appropriate separately, with the independent public accountants, the internal auditors, and financial management. Both the independent public accountants and the internal auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee. 56 ConAgra, Inc. 2000 Annual Report 73 EX-21 8 ex-21.txt EXHIBIT 21 EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF CONAGRA ConAgra, Inc. is the parent corporation owning 100% (unless otherwise noted) of the voting securities of the following subsidiaries as of May 28, 2000:
Jurisdiction of Subsidiary Incorporation - ---------- --------------- A.M. Gilardi & Sons, Inc. Ohio Alabama Processors, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of one domestic corporation) Alabama Armour Food Co. - Iowa Iowa Banquet Foods (Canada) Corporation Canada BCF, Inc. Texas CAG 31, Inc. Delaware CAGRE, Inc. Nebraska CG REIT, Inc. Nebraska Choice One Foods, Inc. California ConAgra Brands, Inc. Nebraska ConAgra Capital L.C. (indirectly controlled) Iowa ConAgra Caribbean Distributors, Inc. Puerto Rico ConAgra Energy Services, Inc. Delaware ConAgra Feeding People Better Foundation Nebraska ConAgra Fertilizer Company Nebraska ConAgra Finance Company Australia ConAgra Foreign Sales Corporation, Inc. Guam ConAgra Foundation Nebraska ConAgra Functional Foods, Inc. Nebraska ConAgra Grocery Products Company (owns 100% of the voting securities of 11 domestic corporations, 70% of one domestic corporation, 50% of two domestic corporations and 100% of two foreign corporations, all engaged principally in the production and marketing of retail, foodservice and industrial food products) Delaware ConAgra International (Far East) Limited (owns 100% of the voting securities of four foreign corporations and 50% of one foreign corporation engaged principally in the worldwide commodities trading business) Hong Kong
74
Jurisdiction of Subsidiary Incorporation - ---------- --------------- ConAgra International Fertilizer Company Delaware ConAgra International, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of 24 foreign corporations, 99% of four foreign corporations, 98% of one foreign corporation, 85% of one foreign corporation, 50% of two foreign corporations and 30% of one foreign corporation, and 100% of one domestic corporation all engaged principally in the worldwide commodities trading business and the processing of beef and malt) Delaware ConAgra International, S.A. Spain ConAgra Lonergan Corporation Nebraska ConAgra Poultry Company (owns 100% of three domestic corporations engaged principally in poultry operations) Delaware ConAgra Relocation Services, Inc. Delaware ConAgra Shared Purchasing, Inc. Delaware ConAgra Trade Group, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of one domestic corporation) Delaware ConAgra Transportation, Inc. Delaware E-ConAgra.com, Inc. Delaware Fernando's Foods Corporation California Golden Valley Microwave Foods, Ltd. United Kingdom GoodMark Foods, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of two domestic corporations) North Carolina Hester Industries, Inc. West Virginia Holly Ridge Foods, Inc. North Carolina Investment Resource Services, Inc. Delaware J.R.R.W. Transport, Inc. Iowa Lamb Weston, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of three domestic corporations engaged in the potato products business) Delaware Meridian Seafood Products, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of one domestic corporation) Delaware
75
Jurisdiction of Subsidiary Incorporation - ---------- --------------- MHC, Inc. Oregon Miller Bros. Company, Inc. Utah Molinos de Puerto Rico, Inc. Nebraska Monfort, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of four domestic corporations, 50% of one domestic corporation, and 100% of one foreign corporation, all engaged principally in the livestock feeding and processing business) Delaware Northern Colorado Resources, Inc. Colorado Oat Ventures, Inc. Delaware Rygmyr Foods, Inc. Minnesota Sergeant's Pet Products, Inc. Delaware Swift & Company Delaware To-Ricos, Inc. Nebraska Tansquip Resources, Inc. Oklahoma United Agri Products, Inc. (owns 100% of the voting securities of 28 domestic corporations, all engaged principally in the agricultural chemicals business) Delaware USFI-Gilroy, Inc. Delaware Weld Insurance Company, Inc. Colorado Zoll Foods Corporation Illinois The corporations listed above and on the previous page are included in the consolidated financial statements, which are a part of this report.
76 ConAgra and its subsidiaries account for the following investments using the equity method of accounting:
Jurisdiction of Subsidiary Incorporation - ---------- --------------- Barrett Burston Malting Co. Pty. Ltd. (50% owned) Australia Agri-Pacific Co., Ltd. (50% owned) Taiwan Canada Malting Company Limited (50% owned) Canada Concampo S.A. de C.V. (50% owned) Mexico Lamb Weston / RDO (50% owned) Minnesota Lamb Weston / Meijer (50% owned) Holland Great Western Malting Co. (50% owned) Delaware Malt Real Property Pty. Ltd. (50% owned) Australia Pecom-Agra, S.A. (50% owned) Argentina Productos Verde Valle S.A. de C.V. (50% owned) Mexico Ulgrave Limited (50% owned) United Kingdom Vriezo (50% owned) Holland
77 EX-23 9 ex-23.txt EXHIBIT 23 EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements Nos. 333-42420, 333-87937, 333-68715, 333-64617, and 333-47037 on Form S-3 and Nos. 333-44426, 333-78063, 333-64633, 33-50113, 33-48295, 33-28079, 2-81244, 2-96891, 33-15815, 333-17573, 33-52330, 333-17549, 33-63061, and 33-37293 on Form S-8 of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries of our reports dated July 14, 2000, appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of ConAgra, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended May 28, 2000. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Omaha, Nebraska August 25, 2000 78 EX-24 10 ex-24.txt EXHIBIT 24 EXHIBIT 24 POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Mogens C. Bay ----------------------------- Mogens Bay 79 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ C. M. Harper ------------------------------ C. M. Harper 80 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Robert A. Krane ----------------------------- Robert A. Krane 81 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Carl E. Reichardt ------------------------------ Carl E. Reichardt 82 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Ronald W. Roskens ------------------------------ Ronald W. Roskens 83 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Marjorie M. Scardino ------------------------------- Marjorie M. Scardino 84 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Walter Scott, Jr. ------------------------------ Walter Scott, Jr 85 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Kenneth E. Stinson ------------------------------ Kenneth E. Stinson 86 EXHIBIT 24 (Continued) POWER OF ATTORNEY The undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde as Attorney-in-Fact in his name, place and stead to execute ConAgra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000, together with any and all subsequent amendments thereof, in his capacity as a Director and hereby ratifies all that said Attorney-in-Fact may do by virtue thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal this 14th day of July, 2000. /s/ Clayton K. Yeutter ----------------------------- Clayton K. Yeutter 87 EX-27 11 ex-27.txt EXHIBIT 27
5 1,000 YEAR MAY-28-2000 MAY-31-1999 MAY-28-2000 157,600 0 1,669,600 62,800 3,787,300 5,966,500 6,441,800 2,857,800 12,295,800 5,489,200 3,091,800 0 0 2,620,700 343,400 12,295,800 25,385,800 25,385,800 21,205,900 21,205,900 3,210,400 0 303,400 666,100 253,100 413,000 0 0 0 413,000 0.87 0.86
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