UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________
Commission file number:
________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
,
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange
on which registered
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
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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.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
submit such files).
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller
reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller
reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer
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Smaller reporting company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the
registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
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compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b).
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes
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Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $82.97 per share as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange on November 27, 2022 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed
second fiscal quarter): $
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 14, 2023:
treasury).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
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Table of Contents
Page
Part I
Item 1
4
Item 1A
8
Item 1B
13
Item 2
13
Item 3
14
Item 4
14
Part II
Item 5
14
Item 7
15
Item 7A
37
Item 8
39
Item 9
88
Item 9A
89
Item 9B
89
Item 9C
89
Part III
Item 10
89
Item 11
89
Item 12
90
Item 13
90
Item 14
90
Part IV
Item 15
91
Item 16
94
95
4
PART I
ITEM 1 - Business
COMPANY OVERVIEW
For more than 150 years, General Mills has been making food the world loves. We are a leading global manufacturer and marketer of
branded consumer foods with more than 100 brands in 100 countries across six continents. In addition to our consolidated operations,
we have 50 percent interests in two strategic joint ventures that manufacture and market food products sold in approximately 130
countries worldwide.
We manage and review the financial results of our business under four operating segments: North America Retail; International; Pet;
and North America Foodservice. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(MD&A) in Item 7 of this report for a description of our segments.
We offer a variety of human and pet food products that provide great taste, nutrition, convenience, and value for consumers around the
world. Our business is focused on the following large, global categories:
●
snacks, including grain, fruit and savory snacks, nutrition bars, and frozen hot snacks;
●
ready-to-eat cereal;
●
convenient meals, including meal kits, ethnic meals, pizza, soup, side dish mixes, frozen breakfast, and frozen entrees;
●
wholesome natural pet food;
●
refrigerated and frozen dough;
●
baking mixes and ingredients;
●
yogurt; and
●
super-premium ice cream.
Our Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW) joint venture with Nestlé S.A. (Nestlé) competes in the ready-to-eat cereal category in markets
outside North America, and our Häagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ) joint venture competes in the super-premium ice cream category in
Japan. For net sales contributed by each class of similar products, please see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item
8 of this report.
The terms “General Mills,” “Company,” “registrant,” “we,” “us,” and “our” mean General Mills, Inc. and all subsidiaries included in
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report unless the context indicates otherwise.
Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in a glossary in Item 8 of this report.
Customers
Our primary customers are grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount
chains, e-commerce retailers, commercial and noncommercial foodservice distributors and operators, restaurants, convenience stores,
and pet specialty stores. We generally sell to these customers through our direct sales force. We use broker and distribution
arrangements for certain products and to serve certain types of customers and certain markets. For further information on our customer
credit and product return practices, please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. During
fiscal 2023, Walmart Inc. and its affiliates (Walmart) accounted for 21 percent of our consolidated net sales and 28 percent of net sales
of our North America Retail segment. No other customer accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated net sales. For further
information on significant customers, please refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Competition
The human and pet food categories are highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers of varying sizes in the United States and
throughout the world. The categories in which we participate also are very competitive. Our principal competitors in these categories
are manufacturers, as well as retailers with their own branded products. Competitors market and sell their products through brick-and-
mortar stores and e-commerce. All our principal competitors have substantial financial, marketing, and other resources. Competition
in our product categories is based on product innovation, product quality, price, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of
marketing, promotional activity, convenient ordering and delivery to the consumer, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer
preferences. Our principal strategies for competing in each of our segments include unique consumer insights, effective customer
relationships, superior product quality, innovative advertising, product promotion, product innovation aligned with consumers’ needs,
an efficient supply chain, and price. In most product categories, we compete not only with other widely advertised, branded products,
but also with regional brands and with generic and private label products that are generally sold at lower prices. Internationally, we
compete with both multi-national and local manufacturers, and each country includes a unique group of competitors.
5
Raw materials, ingredients, and packaging
The principal raw materials that we use are grains (wheat, oats, and corn), dairy products, meat, vegetable oils, sugar, vegetables,
fruits, nuts, and other agricultural products. We also use substantial quantities of carton board, corrugated, plastic, and metal
packaging materials, operating supplies, and energy. Most of these inputs for our domestic and Canadian operations are purchased
from suppliers in the United States. In our other international operations, inputs that are not locally available in adequate supply may
be imported from other countries. The cost of these inputs may fluctuate widely due to external conditions such as weather, climate
change, product scarcity, limited sources of supply, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, trade tariffs, pandemics,
war, and changes in governmental agricultural and energy policies and regulations. We believe that we will be able to obtain an
adequate supply of needed inputs. Occasionally and where possible, we make advance purchases of items significant to our business
in order to ensure continuity of operations. Our objective is to procure materials meeting both our quality standards and our production
needs at price levels that allow a targeted profit margin. Since these inputs generally represent the largest variable cost in
manufacturing our products, to the extent possible, we often manage the risk associated with adverse price movements for some inputs
using a variety of risk management strategies. We also have a grain merchandising operation that provides us efficient access to, and
more informed knowledge of, various commodity markets, principally wheat and oats. This operation holds physical inventories that
are carried at net realizable value and uses derivatives to manage its net inventory position and minimize its market exposures.
TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS
Our products are marketed under a variety of valuable trademarks. Some of the more important trademarks used in our global
operations (set forth in italics in this report) include
Annie’s
,
,
Bisquick
,
Blue Buffalo
,
Blue Basics
,
Blue Freedom
,
Bugles
,
Cascadian
Farm
,
Cheerios
,
Chex
,
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
,
Cocoa Puffs
,
Cookie Crisp
,
EPIC
,
Fiber One
,
Fruit by the Foot
,
Fruit Gushers
,
Fruit Roll-Ups
,
Gardetto's
,
Gold Medal
,
Golden Grahams
,
Häagen-Dazs
,
Kitano
,
Kix
,
Lärabar
,
Latina
,
Lucky
Charms
,
Muir Glen
,
Nature Valley
,
Nudges, Oatmeal Crisp
,
Old El Paso
,
Pillsbury
,
Progresso
,
Raisin Nut Bran
,
Total
,
Top Chews
Naturals, Totino’s
,
Trix
,
True Chews, Wanchai Ferry
,
Wheaties
,
Wilderness
, and
Yoki
. We protect these trademarks as appropriate
through registrations in the United States and other jurisdictions. Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are generally valid as long
as they are in use or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of
trademarks can also generally be renewed indefinitely for as long as the trademarks are in use.
Some of our products are marketed under or in combination with trademarks that have been licensed from others for both long-
standing products (e.g.,
Reese’s Puffs
Green Giant
for vegetables in certain countries, and
Yoplait
and related brands for
fresh dairy in the United States and Canada), and shorter term promotional products (e.g., fruit snacks sold under various third party
equities).
Our cereal trademarks are licensed to CPW and may be used in association with the
Nestlé
trademark. Nestlé licenses certain of its
trademarks to CPW, including the
Nestlé
Uncle Toby’s
Häagen-Dazs
exclusively to Nestlé and authorized sublicensees for ice cream and other frozen dessert products in the United States and Canada.
The
Häagen-Dazs
Pillsbury
Pillsbury Doughboy
to an exclusive, royalty-free license that was granted to a third party and its successors in the dessert mix and baking mix categories in
the United States and under limited circumstances in Canada and Mexico.
We continue our focus on developing and marketing innovative, proprietary products, many of which use proprietary expertise,
recipes and formulations. We consider the collective rights under our various patents, which expire from time to time, a valuable asset,
but we do not believe that our businesses are materially dependent upon any single patent or group of related patents.
SEASONALITY
In general, demand for our products is evenly balanced throughout the year. However, within our North America Retail segment
demand for refrigerated dough, frozen baked goods, and baking products is stronger in the fourth calendar quarter. Demand for
Progresso
soup is higher during the fall and winter months. Within our International segment, demand for
Häagen-Dazs
ice cream is
higher during the summer months and demand for baking mix increases during winter months. Due to the offsetting impact of these
demand trends, as well as the different seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres, our International segment’s net sales are
generally evenly balanced throughout the year.
QUALITY AND SAFETY REGULATION
The manufacture and sale of human and pet food products is highly regulated. In the United States, our activities are subject to
regulation by various federal government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Federal
Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Environmental Protection
Agency, as well as various federal, state, and local agencies relating to the production, packaging, labelling, marketing, storage,
distribution, quality, and safety of food and pet products and the health and safety of our employees. Our business is also regulated by
similar agencies outside of the United States.
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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
As of May 28, 2023, we were involved with two response actions associated with the alleged or threatened release of hazardous
substances or wastes located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Moonachie, New Jersey.
Our operations are subject to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and all
similar state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations applicable to the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Based on current facts and circumstances, we believe that neither the results of our environmental proceedings nor our compliance in
general with environmental laws or regulations will have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings, or
competitive position.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Recruiting, developing, engaging, and protecting our workforce is critical to executing our strategy and achieving business success. As
of May 28, 2023, we had approximately 34,000 employees around the globe, with approximately 16,000 in the U.S. and
approximately 18,000 located in our markets outside of the U.S. Our workforce is divided between approximately 13,000 employees
dedicated to the production of our products and approximately 21, 000 non-production employees.
The efficient production of high-quality products and successful execution of our strategy requires a talented, skilled, and engaged
team of employees. We work to equip our employees with critical skills and expand their contributions over time by providing a range
of training and career development opportunities, including hands-on experiences via challenging work assignments and job rotations,
coaching and mentoring opportunities, and training programs. To foster employee engagement and commitment, we follow a robust
process to listen to employees, take action, and measure our progress with on-going employee conversations, transparent
communications, and employee engagement surveys.
We believe that fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging strengthens our ability to recruit talent and allows all of our employees
to thrive and succeed. We actively cultivate a culture that acknowledges, respects, and values all dimensions of diversity – including
gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, backgrounds, and beliefs. Ensuring diversity of input and perspectives is core to our business
strategy, and we are committed to recruiting, retaining, developing, and advancing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the
consumers we serve. This commitment starts with our company leadership where women represent approximately 47 percent of our
officer and director population, and approximately 22 percent of our officers and directors are racially or ethnically diverse. We
embed our culture of inclusion and belonging into our day-to-day ways of working through a number of programs to foster discussion,
build empathy, and increase understanding.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for our employees. We set specific safety standards to identify and
manage critical risks. We use global safety management systems and employee training to ensure consistent implementation of safety
protocols and accurate measurement and tracking of incidents. To provide a safe and secure working environment for our employees,
we prohibit workplace discrimination, and we do not tolerate abusive conduct or harassment. Our attention to the health and safety of
our workforce extends to the workers and communities in our supply chain. We believe that respect for human rights is fundamental to
our strategy and to our commitment to ethical business conduct.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The section below provides information regarding our executive officers as of June 28, 2023.
Kofi A. Bruce
, age 53, is Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bruce joined General Mills in 2009 as Vice President, Treasurer after serving in
a variety of senior management positions with Ecolab and Ford Motor Company. He served as Treasurer until 2010 when he was
named Vice President, Finance for Yoplait. Mr. Bruce reassumed his role as Vice President, Treasurer from 2012 until 2014 when he
was named Vice President, Finance for Convenience Stores & Foodservice. He was named Vice President, Controller in 2017, Vice
President, Financial Operations in September 2019, and to his present position in February 2020.
Paul J. Gallagher
,
age
55, is Chief Supply Chain Officer. Mr. Gallagher joined General Mills in April 2019 as Vice President, North
America Supply Chain from Diageo plc. He began his career at Diageo where he spent 25 years serving in a variety of leadership roles
in manufacturing, procurement, planning, customer service, and engineering before becoming President, North America Supply from
2013 to March 2019. He was named to his current position in July 2021.
Jeffrey L. Harmening
, age 56, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Harmening joined General Mills in 1994
and served in various marketing roles in the Betty Crocker, Yoplait, and Big G cereal divisions. He was named Vice President,
7
Marketing for CPW in 2003 and Vice President of the Big G cereal division in 2007. In 2011, he was promoted to Senior Vice
President for the Big G cereal division. Mr. Harmening was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Executive Officer of CPW in
2012. Mr. Harmening returned from CPW in 2014 and was named Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Retail. He
became President, Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He was named Chief Executive Officer in 2017 and Chairman of the Board in
2018. Mr. Harmening is a director of The Toro Company.
Dana M. McNabb
,
age 47,
is Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. Ms. McNabb joined General Mills in 1999 and held a variety of
marketing roles in Cereal, Snacks, Meals, and New Products before becoming Vice President, Marketing for CPW in 2011 and Vice
President, Marketing for the Circle of Champions Business Unit in 2015. She became President, U.S. Cereal Operating Unit in 2016,
Group President, Europe & Australia in January 2020, and was named to her present position in July 2021.
Jaime Montemayor
, age 59, is Chief Digital and Technology Officer. He spent 21 years at PepsiCo, Inc., serving in roles of
increasing responsibility, including most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of PepsiCo’s Americas
Foods segment from 2013 to 2015, and Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Digital Innovation, Data and Analytics,
PepsiCo from 2015 to 2016. Mr. Montemayor served as Chief Technology Officer of 7-Eleven Inc. in 2017. He assumed his current
role in February 2020 after founding and operating a digital technology consulting company from 2017 until January 2020.
Jon J. Nudi
, age 53, is Group President, North America Retail. Mr. Nudi joined General Mills in 1993 as a Sales Representative and
held a variety of roles in Consumer Foods Sales. In 2005, he moved into marketing roles in the Meals division and was elected Vice
President in 2007. Mr. Nudi was named Vice President; President, Snacks, in 2010, Senior Vice President, President,
Europe/Australasia in 2014, and Senior Vice President; President, U.S. Retail in 2016. He was named to his present position in 2017.
Shawn P. O’Grady
, age 59, is Group President, North America Foodservice. Mr. O’Grady joined General Mills in 1990 and held
several marketing roles in the Snacks, Meals, and Big G cereal divisions. He was promoted to Vice President in 1998 and held
marketing positions in the Betty Crocker and Pillsbury USA divisions. In 2004, he moved into Consumer Foods Sales, becoming Vice
President, President, U.S. Retail Sales in 2007, Senior Vice President, President, Consumer Foods Sales Division in 2010, Senior Vice
President, President, Sales & Channel Development in 2012, and Group President, Convenience Stores & Foodservice in 2017. He
was named to his current position in December 2021.
Mark A. Pallot,
age 50, is Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Pallot joined General Mills in 2007 and served as
Director,
Financial Reporting until 2017, when he was named Vice President, Assistant Controller. He was elected to his present position in
February 2020. Prior to joining General Mills, Mr. Pallot held accounting and financial reporting positions at Residential Capital,
LLC, Metris, Inc., CIT Group Inc., and Ernst & Young, LL
P.
Bethany Quam
, age 52, is Group President, Pet. Ms. Quam joined General Mills in 1993 and held a variety of positions before
becoming Vice President, Strategic Planning in 2007. She was promoted to Vice President, Field Sales, Channels in 2012, Vice
President; President, Convenience Stores & Foodservice in 2014, and Senior Vice President; President, Europe & Australia in 2016,
and Group President; Europe & Australia in 2017. She was named to her current position in October 2019.
Lanette Shaffer Werner
, age 52, is Chief Innovation, Technical and Quality Officer. Ms. Shaffer Werner joined General Mills in 1995
and held various R&D roles in Frozen Desserts and Pillsbury before serving as Director of One Global Dairy and Sr. Director for One
Global Cereal. In July 2021, Ms. Shaffer Werner was named as Vice President, Innovation, Technical and Quality, Meals & Baking
Solutions. She was named to her present position in June 2023.
Sean Walker
,
age 57, is Group President, International. Mr. Walker joined General Mills in 1989 and held a variety of positions
before becoming Vice President, President of Latin America in 2009. He was named Senior Vice President, President Latin America
in 2012, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy in 2016, and Group President, Asia & Latin America in February 2019. He was
named to his current position in July 2021.
Jacqueline Williams-Roll
, age 54, is Chief Human Resources Officer. Ms. Williams-Roll joined General Mills in 1995. In this
capacity, she also has responsibility for Corporate Communications. She held human resources leadership roles in Supply Chain,
Finance, Marketing, and Organization Effectiveness, and has also worked a large part of her career on businesses outside of the United
States. She was named Vice President, Human Resources, International in 2010, and then promoted to Senior Vice President, Human
Resources Operations in 2013. She was named to her present position in 2014. Prior to joining General Mills, she held sales and
management roles with Jenny Craig International.
Karen Wilson Thissen
, age 56, is General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Wilson Thissen joined General Mills in June 2022. Prior to
joining General Mills, she spent 17 years at Ameriprise Financial, Inc., serving in roles of increasing responsibility, including most
recently as Executive Vice President and General Counsel from 2017 to June 2022, and Executive Vice President and Deputy General
Counsel from 2014 to 2017. Before joining Ameriprise Financial, Inc., she was a partner at the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP
(now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP).
8
WEBSITE ACCESS
Our website is https://www.generalmills.com.
We make available, free of charge in the “Investors” portion of this website, annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) as soon as reasonably practicable after
we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All such filings are
available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Reports of beneficial ownership filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the 1934
Act are also available on our website.
ITEM 1A - Risk Factors
Our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Any of the risks described below could materially, adversely affect our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Business and Industry Risks
The categories in which we participate are very competitive, and if we are
not able to compete effectively, our results of
operations could be adversely
affected.
The human and pet food categories in which we participate are very competitive. Our principal competitors in these categories are
manufacturers, as well as retailers with their own branded and private label products. Competitors market and sell their products
through brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce. All of our principal competitors have substantial financial, marketing, and other
resources. In most product categories, we compete not only with other widely advertised branded products, but also with regional
brands and with generic and private label products that are generally sold at lower prices. Competition in our product categories is
based on product innovation, product quality, price, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of marketing, promotional activity,
convenient ordering and delivery to the consumer, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. If our large
competitors were to seek an advantage through pricing or promotional changes, we could choose to do the same, which could
adversely affect our margins and profitability. If we did not do the same, our revenues and market share could be adversely affected.
Our market share and revenue growth could also be adversely impacted if we are not successful in introducing innovative products in
response to changing consumer demands or by new product introductions of our competitors. If we are unable to build and sustain
brand equity by offering recognizably superior product quality, we may be unable to maintain premium pricing over generic and
private label products.
We may be unable to maintain our profit margins in the face of a consolidating retail environment.
There has been significant consolidation in the grocery industry, resulting in customers with increased purchasing power. In addition,
large retail customers may seek to use their position to improve their profitability through improved efficiency, lower pricing,
increased reliance on their own brand name products, increased emphasis on generic and other economy brands, and increased
promotional programs. If we are unable to use our scale, marketing expertise, product innovation, knowledge of consumers’ needs,
and category leadership positions to respond to these demands, our profitability and volume growth could be negatively impacted. In
addition, the loss of any large customer could adversely affect our sales and profits. In fiscal 2023, Walmart accounted for 21 percent
of our consolidated net sales and 28 percent of net sales of our North America Retail segment. For more information on significant
customers, please see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Price changes for the commodities we depend on for raw materials, packaging,
and energy may adversely affect our
profitability.
The principal raw materials that we use are commodities that experience price volatility caused by external conditions such as
weather, climate change, product scarcity, limited sources of supply, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, trade
tariffs, pandemics, war (including international sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine), and changes in governmental
agricultural and energy policies and regulations. Commodity prices have become, and may continue to be, more volatile. Commodity
price changes may result in unexpected increases in raw material, packaging, energy, and transportation costs. If we are unable to
increase productivity to offset these increased costs or increase our prices, we may experience reduced margins and profitability. We
do not fully hedge against changes in commodity prices, and the risk management procedures that we do use may not always work as
we intend.
9
Concerns with the safety and quality of our products could cause consumers to
avoid certain products or ingredients.
We could be adversely affected if consumers in our principal markets lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain of our
products or ingredients. Adverse publicity about these types of concerns, whether or not valid, may discourage consumers from
buying our products or cause production and delivery disruptions.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and trends,
which may result in decreased demand for our
products.
Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate the tastes, eating habits, and purchasing behaviors of consumers and to offer
products that appeal to their preferences in channels where they shop. Consumer preferences and category-level consumption may
change from time to time and can be affected by a number of different trends and other factors. If we fail to anticipate, identify or
react to these changes and trends, such as adapting to emerging e-commerce channels, or to introduce new and improved products on a
timely basis, we may experience reduced demand for our products, which would in turn cause our revenues and profitability to suffer.
Similarly, demand for our products could be affected by consumer concerns regarding the health effects of ingredients such as sodium,
trans fats, genetically modified organisms, sugar, processed wheat, grain-free or legume-rich pet food, or other product ingredients or
attributes.
We may be unable to grow our market share or add products that are in faster
growing and more profitable categories.
The food industry’s growth potential is constrained by population growth. Our success depends in part on our ability to grow our
business faster than populations are growing in the markets that we serve. One way to achieve that growth is to enhance our portfolio
by adding innovative new products in faster growing and more profitable categories. Our future results will also depend on our ability
to increase market share in our existing product categories. If we do not succeed in developing innovative products for new and
existing categories, our growth and profitability could be adversely affected.
Our results may be negatively impacted if consumers do not maintain their favorable perception of our brands.
Maintaining and continually enhancing the value of our many iconic brands is critical to the success of our business. The value of our
brands is based in large part on the degree to which consumers react and respond positively to these brands. Brand value could
diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including consumer perception that we have acted in an irresponsible manner,
adverse publicity about our products, our failure to maintain the quality of our products, the failure of our products to deliver
consistently positive consumer experiences, concerns about food safety, or our products becoming unavailable to consumers.
Consumer demand for our products may also be impacted by changes in the level of advertising or promotional support. The use of
social and digital media by consumers, us, and third parties increases the speed and extent that information or misinformation and
opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about us, our brands, or our products on social or digital media could seriously
damage our brands and reputation. If we do not maintain the favorable perception of our brands, our business results could be
negatively impacted.
Operating Risks
If we are not efficient in our production, our profitability could suffer as a
result of the highly competitive environment in
which we operate.
Our future success and earnings growth depend in part on our ability to be efficient in the production and manufacture of our products
in highly competitive markets. Gaining additional efficiencies may become more difficult over time. Our failure to reduce costs
through productivity gains or by eliminating redundant costs resulting from acquisitions or divestitures could adversely affect our
profitability and weaken our competitive position. Many productivity initiatives involve complex reorganization of manufacturing
facilities and production lines. Such manufacturing realignment may result in the interruption of production, which may negatively
impact product volume and margins. We periodically engage in restructuring and cost savings initiatives designed to increase our
efficiency and reduce expenses. If we are unable to execute those initiatives as planned, we may not realize all or any of the
anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Disruption of our supply chain could adversely affect our business.
Our ability to make, move, and sell products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to raw material supplies or our
manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, climate change, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, cyber-attack, pandemics,
war, governmental restrictions or mandates, labor shortages, strikes, import/export restrictions, or other factors could impair our
ability to manufacture or sell our products. Many of our product lines are manufactured at a single location or sourced from a single
supplier. The failure of third parties on which we rely, including those third parties who supply our ingredients, packaging, capital
equipment and other necessary operating materials, contract manufacturers, commercial transport, distributors, contractors, and
10
external business partners, to meet their obligations to us, or significant disruptions in their ability to do so, may negatively impact our
operations. Our suppliers’ policies and practices can damage our reputation and the quality and safety of our products. Disputes with
significant suppliers, including disputes regarding pricing or performance, could adversely affect our ability to supply products to our
customers and could materially and adversely affect our sales, financial condition, and results of operations. Failure to take adequate
steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, particularly
when a product is sourced from a single location or supplier, could adversely affect our business and results of operations, as well as
require additional resources to restore our supply chain.
Short term or sustained increases in consumer demand at our retail customers may exceed our production capacity or otherwise strain
our supply chain. Our failure to meet the demand for our products could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our international operations are subject to political and economic risks.
In fiscal 2023, 19 percent of our consolidated net sales were generated outside of the United States. We are accordingly subject to a
number of risks relating to doing business internationally, any of which could significantly harm our business. These risks include:
●
political and economic instability;
●
exchange controls and currency exchange rates;
●
tariffs on products and ingredients that we import and export;
●
nationalization or government control of operations;
●
compliance with anti-corruption regulations;
●
foreign tax treaties and policies; and
●
restriction on the transfer of funds to and from foreign countries, including potentially negative tax consequences.
Our financial performance on a U.S. dollar denominated basis is subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These fluctuations
could cause material variations in our results of operations. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, British
pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and Swiss franc. From time to time, we enter
into agreements that are intended to reduce the effects of our exposure to currency fluctuations, but these agreements may not be
effective in significantly reducing our exposure.
A strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in the countries in which we operate would negatively affect our
reported results of operations and financial results due to currency translation losses and currency transaction losses.
Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or are breached.
Information technology serves an important role in the efficient and effective operation of our business. We rely on information
technology networks and systems, including the internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic information to manage a variety of
business processes and to comply with regulatory, legal, and tax requirements. Our information technology systems and infrastructure
are critical to effectively manage our key business processes including digital marketing, order entry and fulfillment, supply chain
management, finance, administration, and other business processes. These technologies enable internal and external communication
among our locations, employees, suppliers, customers, and others and include the receipt and storage of personal information about
our employees, consumers, and proprietary business information. Our information technology systems, some of which are dependent
on services provided by third parties, may be vulnerable to damage, interruption, or shutdown due to any number of causes such as
catastrophic events, natural disasters, fires, power outages, systems failures, telecommunications failures, security breaches, computer
viruses, hackers, employee error or malfeasance, and other causes. Increased cyber-security threats pose a potential risk to the security
and viability of our information technology systems, as well as the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored on
those systems. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and result in
transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, data loss, legal claims or proceedings, regulatory penalties, and the loss of sales and
customers. Any interruption of our information technology systems could have operational, reputational, legal, and financial impacts
that may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our failure to successfully integrate acquisitions into our existing operations could adversely affect our financial results.
From time to time, we evaluate potential acquisitions or joint ventures that would further our strategic objectives. Our success
depends, in part, upon our ability to integrate acquired and existing operations. If we are unable to successfully integrate acquisitions,
our financial results could suffer. Additional potential risks associated with acquisitions include additional debt leverage, the loss of
key employees and customers of the acquired business, the assumption of unknown liabilities, the inherent risk associated with
entering a geographic area or line of business in which we have no or limited prior experience, failure to achieve anticipated synergies,
and the impairment of goodwill or other acquisition-related intangible assets.
11
Legal and Regulatory Risks
If our products become adulterated, misbranded, or mislabeled, we might
need to recall those items and may experience
product liability claims if
consumers or their pets are injured.
We may need to recall some of our products if they become adulterated, misbranded, or mislabeled. A widespread product recall could
result in significant losses due to the costs of a recall, the destruction of product inventory, and lost sales due to the unavailability of
product for a period of time. We could also suffer losses from a significant product liability judgment against us. A significant product
recall or product liability case could also result in adverse publicity, damage to our reputation, and a loss of consumer confidence in
our products, which could have an adverse effect on our business results and the value of our brands.
New regulations or regulatory-based claims could adversely affect our business.
Our facilities and products are subject to many laws and regulations administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, the
Federal Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other federal, state, local, and foreign
governmental agencies relating to the production, packaging, labelling, storage, distribution, quality, and safety of food products and
the health and safety of our employees. Our failure to comply with such laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits,
administrative penalties, and civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, and recalls of our products. We advertise our products and
could be the target of claims relating to alleged false or deceptive advertising under federal, state, and foreign laws and regulations.
We may also be subject to new laws or regulations restricting our right to advertise our products, including restrictions on the audience
to whom products are marketed. Changes in laws or regulations that impose additional regulatory requirements on us could increase
our cost of doing business or restrict our actions, causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.
We are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with
environmental laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits, administrative penalties, and civil remedies. We are currently party to
a variety of environmental remediation obligations. Due to regulatory complexities, uncertainties inherent in litigation, and the risk of
unidentified contaminants on current and former properties of ours, the potential exists for remediation, liability, indemnification, and
compliance costs to differ from our estimates. We cannot guarantee that our costs in relation to these matters, or compliance with
environmental laws in general, will not exceed our established liabilities or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business and
results of operations.
Climate change and other sustainability matters could adversely affect our business.
There is growing concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere may have an adverse impact on
global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. If such climate change
has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may experience decreased availability and higher pricing for certain commodities
that are necessary for our products. Increased frequency or severity of extreme weather could also impair our production capabilities,
disrupt our supply chain, impact demand for our products, and increase our insurance and other operating costs. Increasing concern
over climate change or other sustainability issues also may adversely impact demand for our products due to changes in consumer
preferences or negative consumer reaction to our commitments and actions to address these issues. We may also become subject to
additional legal and regulatory requirements relating to climate change or other sustainability issues, including greenhouse gas
emission regulations (e.g., carbon taxes), energy policies, sustainability initiatives (e.g., single-use plastic limits), and disclosure
obligations. If additional legal and regulatory requirements are enacted and are more aggressive than the sustainability measures that
we are currently undertaking to reduce our emissions and improve our energy efficiency and other sustainability goals, or if we chose
to take actions to achieve more aggressive goals, we may experience significant increases in our costs of operations.
We have announced goals and commitments to reduce our carbon footprint. If we fail to achieve or improperly report on our progress
toward achieving our carbon emissions reduction goals and commitments, then the resulting negative publicity could harm our
reputation and adversely affect demand for our products.
Financial and Economic Risks
Volatility in the market value of derivatives we use to manage exposures to fluctuations in commodity prices may cause
volatility in our gross margins and net earnings.
We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for some of our principal ingredient and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and
corn), oils (principally soybean), dairy products, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded in
earnings currently, which may result in volatility in both gross margin and net earnings. These gains and losses are reported in cost of
sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and in unallocated corporate items outside our segment operating results until we
utilize the underlying input in our manufacturing process, at which time the gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating
12
profit. We also record our grain inventories at net realizable value. We may experience volatile earnings as a result of these accounting
treatments.
Economic downturns could limit consumer demand for our products.
The willingness of consumers to purchase our products depends in part on local economic conditions. In periods of economic
uncertainty, consumers may purchase more generic, private label, and other economy brands and may forego certain purchases
altogether. In those circumstances, we could experience a reduction in sales of higher margin products or a shift in our product mix to
lower margin offerings. In addition, as a result of economic conditions or competitive actions, we may be unable to raise our prices
sufficiently to protect margins. Consumers may also reduce the amount of food that they consume away from home at customers that
purchase products from our North America Foodservice segment. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our results of
operations.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which could limit financing and other options and in some cases adversely
affect our ability to pay dividends.
As of May 28, 2023, we had total debt and noncontrolling interests of $12.0 billion. The agreements under which we have issued
indebtedness do not prevent us from incurring additional unsecured indebtedness in the future. Our level of indebtedness may limit
our:
●
ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, or general corporate purposes, particularly if
the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating organizations were revised downward; and
●
flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions and may make us more vulnerable to a downturn in general
economic conditions.
There are various financial covenants and other restrictions in our debt instruments and noncontrolling interests. If we fail to comply
with any of these requirements, the related indebtedness, and other unrelated indebtedness, could become due and payable prior to its
stated maturity and our ability to obtain additional or alternative financing may also be adversely affected.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt and other obligations will depend on our operating and financial
performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors beyond our
control.
We depend on stable, liquid and well-functioning capital and credit markets to fund our operations. Our financial performance, our
credit ratings, interest rates, the stability of financial institutions with which we partner, and the liquidity of the overall global capital
markets could affect our access to, and the availability, terms and conditions, and cost of capital.
Volatility in the securities markets, interest rates, and other factors could substantially increase our defined benefit
pension,
other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit costs.
We sponsor a number of defined benefit plans for employees in the United States, Canada, and various foreign locations, including
defined benefit pension, retiree health and welfare, severance, and other postemployment plans. Our major defined benefit pension
plans are funded with trust assets invested in a globally diversified portfolio of securities and other investments. Changes in interest
rates, mortality rates, health care costs, early retirement rates, investment returns, and the market value of plan assets can affect the
funded status of our defined benefit plans and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and future funding requirements of the
plans. A significant increase in our obligations or future funding requirements could have a negative impact on our results of
operations and cash flows from operations.
A change in the assumptions regarding the future performance of our businesses or a different weighted-average cost of
capital used to value our reporting units or our indefinite-lived intangible assets could negatively affect our consolidated
results of operations and net worth.
As of May 28, 2023, we had $21. 2 billion of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill for each of our reporting units
is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We
compare the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, impairment has occurred. Our estimates of fair
value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. Growth rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from our
long-range planning process. We also make estimates of discount rates, perpetuity growth assumptions, market comparables, and other
factors. If current expectations for growth rates for sales and profits are not met, or other market factors and macroeconomic
conditions were to change, then our reporting units could become significantly impaired. While we currently believe that our goodwill
is not impaired, different assumptions regarding the future performance of our businesses could result in significant impairment losses.
13
We evaluate the useful lives of our intangible assets, primarily intangible assets associated with the
Blue Buffalo
,
Pillsbury
,
Totino’s
,
Old El Paso
,
,
Annie’s
,
Nudges
,
and
Häagen-Dazs
lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of
obsolescence, demand, competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, known technological advances,
legislative action that results in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels), the
level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets.
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are also tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our estimate of the fair value of the brands is based on a discounted cash flow model
using inputs including projected revenues from our long-range plan, assumed royalty rates which could be payable if we did not own
the brands, and a discount rate. If current expectations for growth rates for sales and margins are not met, or other market factors and
macroeconomic conditions were to change, then our indefinite-lived intangible assets could become significantly impaired.
Our
Progresso
,
EPIC
, and
Uncle Toby’s
For further information on goodwill and intangible assets, please refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of
this report.
ITEM 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2 - Properties
We own our principal executive offices and main research facilities, which are located in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan
area. We operate numerous manufacturing facilities and maintain many sales and administrative offices, warehouses, and distribution
centers around the world.
As of May 28, 2023, we operated 45 facilities for the production of a wide variety of food products. Of these facilities, 27 are located
in the United States, 6 in Latin America and Mexico, 5 in Europe/Australia, 4 in the Greater China region, 2 in Canada (1 of which is
leased) and 1 in the Asia/Middle East/Africa Region. The following is a list of the locations of our principal production facilities,
which primarily support the segment noted:
North America Retail
• St. Hyacinthe, Canada
• Irapuato, Mexico
• Buffalo, New York
• Covington, Georgia
• Reed City, Michigan
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Belvidere, Illinois
• Fridley, Minnesota
• Wellston, Ohio
• Geneva, Illinois
• Hannibal, Missouri
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
International
• Rooty Hill, Australia
• Recife, Brazil
• Arras, France
• Cambara, Brazil
• Guangzhou, China
• Labatut, France
• Campo Novo do Pareceis, Brazil
• Nanjing, China
• Inofita, Greece
• Paranavai, Brazil
• Sanhe, China
• Nashik, India
• Pouso Alegre, Brazil
• Shanghai, China
• San Adrian, Spain
Pet
• Richmond, Indiana
• Joplin, Missouri
North America Foodservice
• Chanhassen, Minnesota
• Joplin, Missouri
• St. Charles, Missouri
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
We operate numerous grain elevators in the United States in support of our domestic manufacturing activities. We also utilize
approximately 16 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space, nearly all of which is leased, that primarily supports our
14
North America Retail and Pet segments. We own and lease a number of dedicated sales and administrative offices around the world,
totaling approximately 2 million square feet. We have additional warehouse, distribution, and office space in our plant locations.
As part of our Häagen-Dazs business in our International segment we operate 450 (all leased) and franchise 382 branded ice cream
parlors in various countries around the world, all outside of the United States and Canada.
ITEM 3 - Legal Proceedings
We are the subject of various pending or threatened legal actions in the ordinary course of our business. All such matters are subject to
many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. In our opinion, there were no claims or litigation pending as
of May 28, 2023, that were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations. See the information contained under the section entitled “Environmental Matters” in Item 1 of this report for a discussion
of environmental matters in which we are involved.
ITEM 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
PART II
ITEM 5 - Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GIS.” On June 15, 2023, there were approximately
24,200 record holders of our common stock.
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we purchased during the fiscal quarter
ended May 28, 2023:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of a
Publicly Announced
Program (b)
Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet
be Purchased
Under the Program (b)
February 27, 2023 -
April 2, 2023
1,338,293
$
79.20
1,338,293
86,503,364
April 3, 2023 -
April 30, 2023
846,538
86.88
846,538
85,656,826
May 1, 2023 -
May 28, 2023
793,957
89.58
793,957
84,862,869
Total
2,978,788
$
84.06
2,978,788
84,862,869
(a) The total number of shares purchased includes shares of common stock withheld for the payment of withholding taxes upon the
distribution of deferred option units.
(b) On June 27, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a new authorization for the repurchase of up to 100,000,000 shares of our
common stock and terminated the prior authorization. Purchases can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions, including the use of call options and other derivative instruments, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, and accelerated
repurchase programs. The Board did not specify an expiration date for the authorization.
15
ITEM 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a global packaged foods company. We develop distinctive value-added food products and market them under unique brand
names. We work continuously to improve our core products and to create new products that meet consumers’ evolving needs and
preferences. In addition, we build the equity of our brands over time with strong consumer-directed marketing, innovative new
products, and effective merchandising. We believe our brand-building approach is the key to winning and sustaining leading share
positions in markets around the globe.
Our fundamental financial goal is to generate competitively differentiated returns for our shareholders over the long term. We believe
achieving that goal requires us to generate a consistent balance of net sales growth, margin expansion, cash conversion, and cash
return to shareholders over time.
Our long-term growth objectives are to deliver the following performance on average over time:
●
2 to 3 percent annual growth in organic net sales;
●
mid-single-digit annual growth in adjusted operating profit;
●
mid- to high-single-digit annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS);
●
free cash flow conversion of at least 95 percent of adjusted net earnings after tax; and
●
cash return to shareholders of 80 to 90 percent of free cash flow, including an attractive dividend yield.
We are executing our Accelerate strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth and top-tier shareholder returns over the long term.
The strategy focuses on four pillars to create competitive advantages and win: boldly building brands, relentlessly innovating,
unleashing our scale, and being a force for good. We are prioritizing our core markets, global platforms, and local gem brands that
have the best prospects for profitable growth, and we are committed to reshaping our portfolio with strategic acquisitions and
divestitures to further enhance our growth profile.
In fiscal 2023, we continued to successfully adapt to the dynamic operating environment and deliver strong performance. This
included growth in organic net sales, adjusted operating profit, and adjusted diluted EPS that was ahead of our initial targets. We
achieved each of the three priorities we established at the beginning of the year:
We continued to compete effectively, including holding or growing market share in more than 50 percent of our global
priority businesses for the fifth consecutive year, when adjusting for an unusual competitive dynamic in cereal in fiscal 2022
and assessing that platform on a 2-year basis. We generated organic net sales growth across each of our four operating
segments, fueled by compelling brand building and innovation across our leading brands, and supported with strong levels of
net price realization in response to 13 percent input cost inflation.
We continued to invest for the future, including a 17 percent increase in media and advertising expense, a double-digit
increase in investment in our digital and technology capability, and a strong increase in capital investment related to new
growth capacity.
We continued to reshape our portfolio, including closing on one acquisition and two divestitures that further improved our
portfolio’s ability to generate profitable growth over the long term.
Our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2023 rose 6 percent to $20,094 million. On an organic basis, net sales increased 10 percent
compared to year-ago levels. Operating profit of $3,434 million was down 1 percent. Adjusted operating profit of $3,457 million
increased 8 percent on a constant-currency basis. Diluted EPS of $4.31 was down 2 percent compared to fiscal 2022 results. Adjusted
diluted EPS of $4.30 increased 10 percent on a constant-currency basis (See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a
description of our use of measures not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)).
Net cash provided by operations totaled $2,779 million in fiscal 2023, representing a conversion rate of 106 percent of net earnings,
including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests. This cash generation supported capital investments totaling
$690 million, and our resulting free cash flow was $2,089 million at a conversion rate of 80 percent of adjusted net earnings, including
earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests. We returned cash to shareholders through dividends totaling $1,288
million and net share repurchases totaling $1,171 million. (See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use
of measures not defined by GAAP).
A detailed review of our fiscal 2023 performance compared to fiscal 2022 appears below in the section titled “Fiscal 2023
Consolidated Results of Operations.” A detailed review of our fiscal 2022 performance compared to our fiscal 2021 performance is set
forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2022 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and
16
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Fiscal 2022 Results of Consolidated Operations,” which is incorporated
herein by reference.
In fiscal 202 4, we expect to build on our positive momentum and continue to advance our Accelerate strategy. Our key priorities are
to continue to compete effectively, to improve our supply chain efficiency, and to maintain our disciplined approach to capital
allocation. We expect the largest factors impacting our performance in fiscal 2024 will be the economic health of consumers, the
moderating rate of input cost inflation, and the increasing stability of the supply chain environment. We expect to drive organic net
sales growth in fiscal 2024 through strong marketing, innovation, in-store support, and net price realization generated through our
Strategic Revenue Management (SRM) capability, most of which will be carried over from SRM actions taken in fiscal 2023. For the
full year, input cost inflation is expected to be approximately 5 percent of total cost of goods sold, driven primarily by labor inflation
that continues to impact sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics costs. We expect to generate higher levels of Holistic Margin
Management (HMM) cost savings compared to fiscal 2023.
Based on these assumptions, our key full-year fiscal 2024 targets are summarized below:
●
Organic net sales are expected to increase 3 to 4 percent.
●
Adjusted operating profit is expected to increase 4 to 6 percent in constant-currency from the base of $3,457 million reported
in fiscal 2023.
●
Adjusted diluted EPS are expected to range between 4 to 6 percent in constant-currency from the base of $4.30 earned in
fiscal 2023.
●
Free cash flow conversion is expected to be at least 95 percent of adjusted after-tax earnings.
See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP.
Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in a glossary in Item 8 of this report.
FISCAL 2023 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In fiscal 2023, net sales increased 6 percent compared to fiscal 2022 and organic net sales increased 10 percent compared to last year.
Operating profit decreased 1 percent to $3,434 million primarily driven by higher input costs, a decrease in contributions from volume
growth, an unfavorable change to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodities positions and grain inventories, and an
increase in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including increased media and advertising expenses, partially offset
by favorable net price realization and mix. Operating profit margin of 17.1 percent decreased 120 basis points. Adjusted operating
profit of $3, 457 million increased 8 percent on a constant-currency basis, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix,
partially offset by higher input costs, a decrease in contributions from volume growth and an increase in SG&A expenses, including
increased media and advertising expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin increased 30 basis points to 17.2 percent. Diluted earnings
per share of $4.31 decreased 2 percent compared to fiscal 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $4.30 increased 10 percent on a
constant-currency basis (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by
GAAP).
A summary of our consolidated financial results for fiscal 2023 follows:
Fiscal 2023
In millions,
except per
share
Fiscal 2023 vs.
Fiscal 2022
Percent of Net
Sales
Constant-
Currency
Growth (a)
Net sales
$
20,094.2
6
%
Operating profit
3,433.8
(1)
%
17.1
%
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
2,593.9
(4)
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
4.31
(2)
%
Organic net sales growth rate (a)
10
%
Adjusted operating profit (a)
3,457.3
8
%
17.2
%
8
%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a)
$
4.30
9
%
10
%
(a) See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.
17
Consolidated
were as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs.
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2022
Net sales (in millions)
$
20,094.2
6
%
$
18,992.8
Contributions from volume growth (a)
(8)
pts
Net price realization and mix
15
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(1)
pt
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Net sales in fiscal 2023 increased 6 percent compared to fiscal 2022, driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset
by a decrease in contributions from volume growth and unfavorable foreign currency exchange.
Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
(4)
pts
Organic net price realization and mix
14
pts
Organic net sales growth
10
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(1)
pt
Acquisitions and divestitures
(4)
pts
Net sales growth
6
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Organic net sales in fiscal 2023 increased 10 percent compared to fiscal 2022, driven by favorable organic net price realization and
mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.
Cost of sales
increased $958 million in fiscal 2023 to $13,548 million. The increase was primarily driven by a $1,454 million increase
attributable to product rate and mix, partially offset by a $950 million decrease due to lower volume. We recorded a $292 million net
increase in cost of sales related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in fiscal 2023,
compared to a net decrease of $133 million in fiscal 2022 (please see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this
report for additional information). In fiscal 2023, we recorded a $25 million charge related to a voluntary recall on certain
international
Häagen-Dazs
ice cream products. We also recorded $5 million of restructuring charges and $2 million of restructuring
initiative project-related costs in cost of sales in fiscal 2023 compared to $3 million of restructuring charges in cost of sales in fiscal
2022 (please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information).
Gross margin
increased 2 percent in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Gross margin as a percent of net sales decreased 110 basis
points to 32.6 percent compared to fiscal 2022.
SG&A expenses
and advertising expenses, unfavorable valuation adjustments and the loss on sale of certain corporate investments, an increase in
certain compensation and benefits expenses, and an increase in charitable contributions in fiscal 2023. SG&A expenses as a percent of
net sales in fiscal 2023 increased 80 basis points compared to fiscal 2022.
Divestitures gain, net
primarily related to the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad
side dishes business. In fiscal 2022, we recorded a $194 million divestitures gain related to the sale of our interest in Yoplait SAS,
Yoplait marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl and our European dough businesses (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
totaled $56 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $26 million of net
recoveries in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we approved restructuring actions to enhance the efficiency of our global supply chain
structure and to optimize our Häagen-Dazs shops network, and as a result, we recorded $41 million of charges in fiscal 2023. In fiscal
2022, we approved restructuring actions in the International segment to drive efficiencies in manufacturing and logistics operations
and recorded $12 million of charges. Please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional
information.
18
Benefit plan non-service income
totaled $89 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $113 million in fiscal 2022, primarily reflecting an
increase in interest costs, partially offset by lower amortization of losses and higher expected return on plan assets (please see Note 14
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information).
Interest, net
for fiscal 2023 totaled $382 million, $2 million higher than fiscal 2022.
Our
effective tax rate
for fiscal 2023 was 19.5 percent compared to 18.3 percent in fiscal 2022. The 1.2 percentage point increase was
primarily driven by a change in the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryforward s in fiscal 2022, partially offset by certain
favorable discrete tax items in fiscal 2023 . Our adjusted effective tax rate was 20.4 percent in fiscal 2023 compared to 20.9 percent in
fiscal 2022 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The 0.5
percentage point decrease was primarily due to certain favorable discrete tax items in fiscal 2023.
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
decreased to $81 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $112 million in fiscal 2022, primarily
driven by higher input costs at CPW and HDJ and lower net sales at HDJ, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix at
CPW. On a constant-currency basis, after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 18 percent (see the “Non-GAAP Measures”
section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth
are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022
CPW
HDJ
Total
Contributions from volume growth (a)
(10)
pts
(5)
pts
Net price realization and mix
14
pts
Flat
Net sales growth in constant currency
4
pts
(5)
pts
2
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(8)
pts
(15)
pts
(10)
pts
Net sales growth
(5)
pts
(21)
pts
(8)
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
million in fiscal 2022, primarily driven by the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl in
fiscal 2022.
Average diluted shares outstanding
decreased by 11 million in fiscal 2023 from fiscal 2022 primarily due to share repurchases,
partially offset by option exercises.
RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
Our businesses are organized into four operating segments: North America Retail, International, Pet, and North America Foodservice .
In fiscal 2022, we completed a new organization structure to streamline our global operations. We restated our net sales by segment
and segment operating profit to reflect our new operating segments. These segment changes had no effect on previously reported
consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or earnings per share.
19
The following tables provide the dollar amount and percentage of net sales and operating profit from each segment for fiscal 2023 and
fiscal 2022:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
In Millions
Dollars
Percent of Total
Dollars
Percent of Total
Net Sales
North America Retail
$
12,659.9
63
%
$
11,572.0
61
%
International
2,769.5
14
3,315.7
17
Pet
2,473.3
12
2,259.4
12
North America Foodservice
2,191.5
11
1,845.7
10
Total
$
20,094.2
100
%
$
18,992.8
100
%
Segment Operating Profit
North America Retail
$
3,181.3
78
%
$
2,699.7
74
%
International
161.8
4
232.0
6
Pet
445.5
11
470.6
13
North America Foodservice
290.0
7
255.5
7
Total
$
4,078.6
100
%
$
3,657.8
100
%
Segment operating profit as reviewed by our executive management excludes unallocated corporate items, net gain or loss on
divestitures, and restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs that are centrally managed.
NORTH AMERICA RETAIL SEGMENT
Our North America Retail operating segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership
stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains, convenience stores, and e-commerce grocery providers. Our product
categories in this business segment are ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough
products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit snacks, savory snacks, and a wide variety of
organic products including ready-to-eat cereal, frozen and shelf-stable vegetables, meal kits, fruit snacks and snack bars.
North America Retail net sales were as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Fiscal 2022
Net sales (in millions)
$
12,659.9
9
%
$
11,572.0
Contributions from volume growth (a)
(6)
pts
Net price realization and mix
16
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(1)
pt
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
The 9 percent increase in North America Retail net sales for fiscal 2023 was driven by favorable net price realization and mix,
partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth and unfavorable foreign currency exchange.
20
The components of North America Retail organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
(4)
pts
Organic net price realization and mix
16
pts
Organic net sales growth
12
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(1)
pt
Divestitures (b)
(2)
pts
Net sales growth
9
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
(b)
Divestitures primarily include the impact of the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes businesses in fiscal
2023. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
North America Retail organic net sales increased 12 percent in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, driven by favorable organic net
price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.
Net sales for our North America Retail operating units are shown in the following table:
In Millions
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Fiscal 2022
U.S. Meals & Baking Solutions
$
4,426.3
10
%
$
4,023.8
U.S. Morning Foods
3,620.1
7
%
3,370.9
U.S. Snacks
3,611.0
13
%
3,191.4
Canada (a)
1,002.5
2
%
985.9
Total
$
12,659.9
9
%
$
11,572.0
(a)
On a constant currency basis, Canada operating unit net sales increased 8 percent in fiscal 2023. See the “Non-GAAP Measures”
section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP.
Segment operati ng profit increased 18 percent to $3,181 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $2,700 million in fiscal 2022, primarily
driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by higher input costs, a decrease in contributions from volume
growth, and an increase in SG&A expenses, including increased media and advertising expenses. Segment operating profit increased
18 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our
use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
INTERNATIONAL SEGMENT
Our International operating segment reflects retail and foodservice businesses outside of the United States and Canada. Our product
categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, meal kits, salty snacks, snack bars, dessert and baking mixes, and
shelf stable vegetables.
International net sales were as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Fiscal 2022
Net sales (in millions)
$
2,769.5
(16)
%
$
3,315.7
Contributions from volume growth (a)
(28)
pts
Net price realization and mix
16
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(5)
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
The 16 percent decrease in International net sales in fiscal 2023 was driven by a decrease in contributions from volume growth,
including the impact of volume declines from divestitures and the voluntary recall on certain international
Häagen-Dazs
products, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix.
21
The components of International organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
(8)
pts
Organic net price realization and mix
12
pts
Organic net sales growth
4
pts
Foreign currency exchange
(5)
pts
Divestitures (b)
(16)
pts
Net sales growth
(16)
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
(b)
Divestitures primarily include the impact of the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques
Sàrl and our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item
8 of this report.
The 4 percent increase in International organic net sales growth in fiscal 2023 was driven by favorable organic net price realization
and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.
Segment operating profit decreased 30 percent to $162 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $232 million in 2022, primarily driven by
higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth, including the impact of volume declines from divestitures and
the voluntary recall on certain international
Häagen-Dazs
mix and a decrease in SG&A expenses, including an insurance recovery from the voluntary recall. Segment operating profit decreased
25 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our
use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
PET SEGMENT
Our Pet operating segment includes pet food products sold primarily in the United States and Canada in national pet superstore chains,
e-commerce retailers, grocery stores, regional pet store chains, mass merchandisers, and veterinary clinics and hospitals. Our product
categories include dog and cat food (dry foods, wet foods, and treats) made with whole meats, fruits, and vegetables and other high-
quality natural ingredients. Our tailored pet product offerings address specific dietary, lifestyle, and life-stage needs and span different
product types, diet types, breed sizes for dogs, lifestages, flavors, product functions, and textures and cuts for wet foods.
Pet net sales were as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Fiscal 2022
Net sales (in millions)
$
2,473.3
9
%
$
2,259.4
Contributions from volume growth (a)
(2)
pts
Net price realization and mix
12
pts
Foreign currency exchange
Flat
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Pet net sales increased 9 percent in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially
offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.
22
The components of Pet organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
(3)
pts
Organic net price realization and mix
11
pts
Organic net sales growth
9
pts
Foreign currency exchange
Flat
Acquisition (b)
1
pt
Net sales growth
9
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
(b)
Acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part
II, Item 8 of this report.
The 9 percent increase in Pet organic net sales growth in fiscal 2023 was driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix,
partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.
Pet operating profit decreased 5 percent to $446 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $471 million in fiscal 2022, primarily driven by
higher input costs, an increase in SG&A expenses, including an increase in media and advertising expenses, and a decrease in
contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix. Segment operating profit decreas ed 5
percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use
of this measure not defined by GAAP).
NORTH AMERICA FOODSERVICE SEGMENT
Our major product categories in our North America Foodservice operating segment are ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated
yogurt, frozen meals, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, and bakery flour. Many products we sell are
branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators in many customer channels
including foodservice, vending, and supermarket bakeries.
North America Foodservice net sales were as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Fiscal 2022
Net sales (in millions)
$
2,191.5
19
%
$
1,845.7
Contributions from volume growth (a)
2
pts
Net price realization and mix
16
pts
Foreign currency exchange
Flat
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
North America Foodservice net sales increased 19 percent in fiscal 2023, driven by favorable net price realization and mix, including
market index pricing on bakery flour, and an increase in contributions from volume growth.
23
The components of North America Foodservice organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Fiscal 2023 vs. 2022
Percentage Change
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
(2)
pts
Organic net price realization and mix
15
pts
Organic net sales growth
13
pts
Foreign currency exchange
Flat
Acquisition (b)
6
pts
Net sales growth
19
pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a)
Measured in tons based on the standard weight of our product shipments.
(b)
Acquisition of TNT Crust in fiscal 2023. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this
report.
The 13 percent increase in North America Foodservice organic net sales growth in fiscal 2023 was driven by favorable organic net
price realization and mix, including market index pricing on bakery flour, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic
volume growth.
Segment operating profit increased 14 percent to $290 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $256 million in fiscal 2022, primarily
driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by higher input costs and an increase in SG&A expenses. Segment
operating profit increased 14 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 (see the “Non-GAAP
Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
UNALLOCATED CORPORATE ITEMS
Unallocated corporate items include corporate overhead expenses, variances to planned domestic employee benefits and incentives,
certain charitable contributions, restructuring initiative project-related costs, gains and losses on corporate investments, and other
items that are not part of our measurement of segment operating performance. These include gains and losses arising from the
revaluation of certain grain inventories and gains and losses from mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions until
passed back to our operating segments. These items affecting operating profit are centrally managed at the corporate level and are
excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by executive management. Under our supply chain organization, our
manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution activities are substantially integrated across our operations in order to maximize efficiency
and productivity. As a result, fixed assets and depreciation and amortization expenses are neither maintained nor available by
operating segment.
Unallocated corporate expense totaled $1,033 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $403 million last year. We recorded a $292 million
net increase in expense related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in fiscal 2023,
compared to a $133 million net decrease in expense last year. We recorded $84 million of net losses related to valuation adjustments
and the sale of corporate investments in fiscal 2023, compared to $15 million of net losses in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we recorded a
$22 million net charge related to a voluntary recall on certain international
Häagen-Dazs
$6 million of integration costs primarily related to our acquisition of TNT Crust in fiscal 2023, compared to $22 million of integration
costs related to our acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2022, we recorded $73 million of
transaction costs primarily related to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, Liberté Marques Sàrl and the sale
of our European dough businesses. In addition, we recorded a $22 million recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item and a $13
million insurance recovery in fiscal 2022. In addition, certain compensation and benefits expenses and charitable contributions
increased in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
We experienced broad based global input cost inflation of 13 percent in fiscal 2023 and 8 percent in fiscal 2022. We expect
approximately 5 percent input cost inflation in fiscal 2024. We attempt to minimize the effects of inflation through HMM, SRM,
planning, and operating practices. Our market risk management practices are discussed in Item 7A of this report.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary source of our liquidity is cash flow from operations. Over the most recent two-year period, our operations have generated
$6.1 billion in cash. A substantial portion of this operating cash flow has been returned to shareholders through dividends and share
repurchases. We also use cash from operations to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions, and debt service. We typically use a
24
combination of cash, notes payable, and long-term debt, and occasionally issue shares of common stock, to finance significant
acquisitions.
As of May 28, 2023, we had $381 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions. In anticipation of repatriating
funds from foreign jurisdictions, we record local country withholding taxes on our international earnings, as applicable. We may
repatriate our cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries without such funds being subject to further U.S. income tax
liability. Earnings prior to fiscal 2018 from our foreign subsidiaries remain permanently reinvested in those jurisdictions.
Cash Flows from Operations
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
$
2,609.6
$
2,735.0
Depreciation and amortization
546.6
570.3
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
(81.3)
(111.7)
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures
69.9
107.5
Stock-based compensation
111.7
98.7
Deferred income taxes
(22.2)
62.2
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions
(30.1)
(31.3)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs
(27.6)
(30.1)
Divestitures gain, net
(444.6)
(194.1)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
24.4
(117.1)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures
(48.9)
277.4
Other, net
71.1
(50.7)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
2,778.6
$
3,316.1
During fiscal 2023, cash provided by operations was $2,779 million compared to $3,316 million in the same period last year. The
$538 million decrease was primarily driven by a $326 million change in current assets and liabilities and a $250 million change in net
divestitures gain. The $326 million change in current assets and liabilities was primarily driven by a $233 million change in
inventories and a $257 million change in accounts payable, partially offset by a $125 million change in the timing of accounts
receivable.
We strive to grow core working capital at or below the rate of growth in our net sales. For fiscal 2023, core working capital net
liability decreased 20 percent, compared to a net sales increase of 6 percent. The core working capital net liability decreased $84
million from a net liability of $423 million in fiscal 2022 to a net liability of $339 million in fiscal 2023. The $84 million net liability
decrease was primarily due to an increase in inventories, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable in fiscal 2023.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
$
(689.5)
$
(568.7)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(251.5)
(1,201.3)
Investments in affiliates, net
(32.2)
15.4
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment
1.3
3.3
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested
633.1
74.1
Other, net
(7.6)
(13.5)
Net cash used by investing activities
$
(346.4)
$
(1,690.7)
In fiscal 2023, we used $346 million of cash through investing activities compared to $1,691 million in fiscal 2022. We invested
$690 million in land, buildings, and equipment in fiscal 2023, an increase of $121 million from fiscal 2022.
During fiscal 2023, we acquired TNT Crust for $252 million cash, net of cash acquired. During fiscal 2023, we completed the sale of
our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes businesses for cash proceeds of $607 million.
During fiscal 2022, we acquired Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 billion. During fiscal 2022,
we sold our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl for cash proceeds of $32 million, net of cash
25
divested, as part of the sale. We also completed the sale of our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022 for cash proceeds of $42
million.
We expect capital expenditures to be approximately 4 percent of reported net sales in fiscal 2024. These expenditures will fund
initiatives that are expected to fuel growth, support innovative products, and continue HMM initiatives throughout the supply chain.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Change in notes payable
$
(769.3)
$
551.4
Issuance of long-term debt
2,324.4
2,203.7
Payment of long-term debt
(1,421.7)
(3,140.9)
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options
232.3
161.7
Purchases of common stock for treasury
(1,403.6)
(876.8)
Dividends paid
(1,287.9)
(1,244.5)
Distributions to redeemable and noncontrolling interest holders
(15.7)
(129.8)
Other, net
(62.6)
(28.0)
Net cash used by financing activities
$
(2,404.1)
$
(2,503.2)
Financing activities used $2.4 billion of cash in fiscal 2023 compared to $2.5 billion in fiscal 2022. We had $133 million of net debt
issuances in fiscal 2023 compared to $386 million of net debt repayments in fiscal 2022. For more information on our debt issuances
and payments, please refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
During fiscal 2023, we received $232 million of net proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options compared to
$162 million in fiscal 2022.
During fiscal 2023, we repurchased 18 million shares of our common stock for $1,404 million. During fiscal 2022, we repurchased 14
million shares of our common stock for $877 million.
Dividends paid in fiscal 2023 totaled $1,288 million, or $2.16 per share. Dividends paid in fiscal 2022 totaled $1,244 million, or $2.04
per share.
Selected Cash Flows from Joint Ventures
Selected cash flows from our joint ventures are set forth in the following table:
Fiscal Year
Inflow (Outflow), in Millions
2023
2022
Investments in affiliates, net
$
(32.2)
$
15.4
Dividends received
69.9
107.5
The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of May 28, 2023:
In Billions
Facility Amount
Borrowed Amount
Committed credit facility expiring April 2026
$
2.7
$
-
Uncommitted credit facilities
0.6
-
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities
$
3.3
$
-
To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines and have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States
and Europe.
We have material contractual obligations that arise in the normal course of business and we believe that cash flows from operations
will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.
26
Certain of our long-term debt agreements, our credit facilities, and our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of
May 28, 2023, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
We have $1,709 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current, including $500 million of 3.65
percent fixed-rate notes due February 15, 2024, $400 million of floating-rate notes due October 17, 2023, €500 million of floating-rate
notes due July 27, 2023, and €250 million of floating-rate notes due November 10, 2023. We believe that cash flows from operations,
together with available short- and long-term debt financing, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the
next 12 months.
As of May 28, 2023, our total debt, including the impact of derivative instruments designated as hedges, was 80 percent in fixed-rate
and 20 percent in floating-rate instruments, compared to 77 percent in fixed-rate and 23 percent in floating-rate instruments on May
29, 2022.
The third-party holder of the General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from
available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in
the most recent mark -to-market valuation (currently $252 million). The floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A Interests is
the sum of three -month Term SOFR plus 186 basis points. The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated
agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction.
We have an option to purchase the Class A Interests for consideration equal to the then current capital account value, plus any unpaid
preferred return and the prescribed make-whole amount. If we purchase these interests, any change in the third-party holder’s capital
account from its original value will be charged directly to retained earnings and will increase or decrease the net earnings used to
calculate EPS in that period.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
For a complete description of our significant accounting policies, please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8
of this report. Our critical accounting estimates are those that have a meaningful impact on the reporting of our financial condition and
results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets,
stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans .
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues are reported net of variable consideration and consideration payable to our customers, including trade promotion,
consumer coupon redemption, and other reductions to the transaction price, including estimated allowances for returns, unsalable
product, and prompt pay discounts. Trade promotions are recorded using significant judgment of estimated participation and
performance levels for offered programs at the time of sale. Differences between the estimated and actual reduction to the transaction
price are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period. Our accrued trade and coupon promotion liabilities were
$394 million as of May 28, 2023, and $420 million as of May 29, 2022. Because these amounts are significant, if our estimates are
inaccurate we would have to make adjustments in subsequent periods that could have a significant effect on our results of operations.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
We estimate the useful lives of long -lived assets and make estimates concerning undiscounted cash flows to review for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable.
Fair value is measured using discounted cash flows or independent appraisals, as appropriate.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually and
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our estimates of fair value for goodwill
impairment testing are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. We use inputs from our long-range planning process to
determine growth rates for sales and profits. We also make estimates of discount rates, perpetuity growth assumptions, market
comparables, and other factors.
We evaluate the useful lives of our other intangible assets, mainly brands, to determine if they are finite or indefinite-lived. Reaching a
determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsolescence, demand,
competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, known technological advances, legislative action that results
in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels), the level of required maintenance
expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are
amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally ranging from 4 to 30 years. Our estimate of the fair value of our
brand assets is based on a discounted cash flow model using inputs which include projected revenues from our long-range plan,
assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the brands, and a discount rate.
27
As of May 28, 2023, we had $21 billion of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. While we currently believe that the fair
value of each intangible exceeds its carrying value, and that those intangibles will contribute indefinitely to our cash flows, materially
different assumptions regarding future performance of our businesses or a different weighted-average cost of capital could result in
material impairment losses and amortization expense. We performed our fiscal 2023 assessment of our intangible assets as of the first
day of the second quarter of fiscal 2023, and we determined there was no impairment of our intangible assets as their related fair
values were substantially in excess of the carrying value, except for
Uncle Toby’s
band intangible asset. In addition, while having
significant coverage as of our fiscal 2023 assessment date, the
Progresso
and
EPIC
coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.
Stock-based Compensation
The valuation of stock options is a significant accounting estimate that requires us to use judgments and assumptions that are likely to
have a material impact on our financial statements. Annually, we make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility,
employee exercise behavior, dividend yield, and the forfeiture rate. For more information on these assumptions, please see Note 12 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as
follows:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Estimated fair values of stock options granted
$
14.16
$
8.77
$
8.03
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
3.3
%
1.5
%
0.7
%
Expected term
8.5
years
8.5
years
8.5
years
Expected volatility
20.9
%
20.2
%
19.5
%
Dividend yield
3.1
%
3.4
%
3.3
%
The risk-free interest rate for periods during the expected term of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve in
effect at the time of grant. An increase in the expected term by 1 year, leaving all other assumptions constant, would decrease the grant
date fair value by less than 1 percent . If all other assumptions are held constant, a one percentage point increase in our fiscal 2023
volatility assumption would increase the grant date fair value of our fiscal 2023 option awards by 5 percent.
To the extent that actual outcomes differ from our assumptions, we are not required to true up grant-date fair value-based expense to
final intrinsic values. Historical data has a significant bearing on our forward-looking assumptions. Significant variances between
actual and predicted experience could lead to prospective revisions in our assumptions, which could then significantly impact the year-
over-year comparability of stock-based compensation expense.
Any corporate income tax benefit realized upon exercise or vesting of an award in excess of that previously recognized in earnings
(referred to as a windfall tax benefit) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as an operating cash flow. The actual
impact on future years’ cash flows will depend, in part, on the volume of employee stock option exercises during a particular year and
the relationship between the exercise-date market value of the underlying stock and the original grant-date fair value previously
determined for financial reporting purposes.
Realized windfall tax benefits and shortfall tax deficiencies related to the exercise or vesting of stock-based awards are recognized in
the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Because employee stock option exercise behavior is not within our control, it is possible that
significantly different reported results could occur if different assumptions or conditions were to prevail.
Income Taxes
We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, we recognize
the amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being ultimately realized upon settlement. Future changes in
judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect earnings in the period of such change. For
more information on income taxes, please see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Defined Benefit Pension, Other Postretirement Benefit, and Postemployment Benefit Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering many employees in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
We also sponsor plans that provide health care benefits to many of our retirees in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Under certain
circumstances, we also provide accruable benefits, primarily severance, to former and inactive employees in the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. Please see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for a description of our
defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans.
28
We recognize benefits provided during retirement or following employment over the plan participants’ active working lives.
Accordingly, we make various assumptions to predict and measure costs and obligations many years prior to the settlement of our
obligations. Assumptions that require significant management judgment and have a material impact on the measurement of our net
periodic benefit expense or income and accumulated benefit obligations include the long-term rates of return on plan assets, the
interest rates used to discount the obligations for our benefit plans, and health care cost trend rates.
Expected Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Our expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by our asset allocation, our historical long-term investment performance, our
estimate of future long-term returns by asset class (using input from our actuaries, investment services, and investment managers), and
long-term inflation assumptions. We review this assumption annually for each plan; however, our annual investment performance for
one particular year does not, by itself, significantly influence our evaluation.
Our historical investment returns (compound annual growth rates) for our United States defined benefit pension and other
postretirement benefit plan assets were a 5.7 percent loss in the 1-year period ended May 28, 2023 and returns of 3.4 percent, 5.9
percent, 5.5 percent, and 7.7 percent for the 5, 10, 15, and 20-year periods ended May 28, 2023.
On a weighted-average basis, the expected rate of return for all defined benefit plans was 6.70 percent for fiscal 2023, 5.85 percent for
fiscal 2022, and 5.72 percent for fiscal 2021. For fiscal 2024, we increased our weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets
for our principal defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the United States to 7.20 percent due to higher prospective
long-term asset returns primarily on fixed income investments.
Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on assets by 100 basis points would increase our net pension and postretirement
expense by $62 million for fiscal 2024. A market-related valuation basis is used to reduce year-to-year expense volatility. The market-
related valuation recognizes certain investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur. Investment
gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and
the actual return based on the market-related value of assets. Our outside actuaries perform these calculations as part of our
determination of annual expense or income.
Discount Rates
We estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of our
international defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans utilizing a full yield curve
approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation to the relevant projected
cash flows. Our discount rate assumptions are determined annually as of May 31 for our defined benefit pension, other postretirement
benefit, and postemployment benefit plan obligations. We work with our outside actuaries to determine the timing and amount of
expected future cash outflows to plan participants and, using the Aa Above Median corporate bond yield, to develop a forward interest
rate curve, including a margin to that index based on our credit risk. This forward interest rate curve is applied to our expected future
cash outflows to determine our discount rate assumptions.
Our weighted-average discount rates were as follows:
Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
Other
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Postemployment
Benefit Plans
Effective rate for fiscal 2024 service costs
5.27
%
5.15
%
5.00
%
Effective rate for fiscal 2024 interest costs
5.06
%
4.96
%
4.61
%
Obligations as of May 31, 2023
5.18
%
5.19
%
4.55
%
Effective rate for fiscal 2023 service costs
4.57
%
4.41
%
3.69
%
Effective rate for fiscal 2023 interest costs
4.03
%
3.80
%
3.35
%
Obligations as of May 31, 2022
4.39
%
4.36
%
3.62
%
Effective rate for fiscal 2022 service costs
3.53
%
3.34
%
2.46
%
Effective rate for fiscal 2022 interest costs
2.42
%
2.08
%
1.48
%
Lowering the discount rates by 100 basis points would increase our net defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and
postemployment benefit plan expense for fiscal 2024 by approximately $30 million. All obligation-related experience gains and losses
are amortized using a straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active plan participants or over the average
remaining lifetime of the remaining plan participants if the plan is viewed as “all or almost all” inactive participants.
29
Health Care Cost Trend Rates
We review our health care cost trend rates annually. Our review is based on data we collect about our health care claims experience
and information provided by our actuaries. This information includes recent plan experience, plan design, overall industry experience
and projections, and assumptions used by other similar organizations. Our initial health care cost trend rate is adjusted as necessary to
remain consistent with this review, recent experiences, and short-term expectations. Our initial health care cost trend rate assumption
is 6.6 percent for retirees age 65 and over and 6.6 percent for retirees under age 65 at the end of fiscal 2023. Rates are graded down
annually until the ultimate trend rate of 4.5 percent is reached in 2032 for all retirees. The trend rates are applicable for calculations
only if the retirees’ benefits increase as a result of health care inflation. The ultimate trend rate is adjusted annually, as necessary, to
approximate the current economic view on the rate of long-term inflation plus an appropriate health care cost premium. Assumed
trend rates for health care costs have an important effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans.
Any arising health care claims cost-related experience gain or loss is recognized in the calculation of expected future claims. Once
recognized, experience gains and losses are amortized using a straight -line method over the average remaining service period of active
plan participants or over the average remaining lifetime of the remaining plan participants if the plan is viewed as “all or almost all”
inactive participants.
Financial Statement Impact
In fiscal 2023, we recorded net defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan income of
$6 million compared to $26 million of income in fiscal 2022 and $4 million of expense in fiscal 2021. As of May 28, 2023, we had
cumulative unrecognized actuarial net losses of $2 billion on our defined benefit pension plans and cumulative unrecognized actuarial
net gains of $189 million on our postretirement and postemployment benefit plans, mainly as the result of liability increases from
lower historical interest rates. These unrecognized actuarial net losses will result in increases in our future pension and postretirement
benefit expenses because they currently exceed the corridors defined by GAAP.
Actual future net defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan income or expense will
depend on investment performance, changes in future discount rates, changes in health care cost trend rates, and other factors related
to the populations participating in these plans.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued optional accounting guidance for a limited period of
time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new standard provides expedients and exceptions to
existing accounting requirements for contract modifications and hedge accounting related to transitioning from discontinued reference
rates, such as LIBOR, to alternative reference rates, if certain criteria are met. The new accounting requirements can be applied
through December 31, 2024. We have reviewed and modified certain contracts, where necessary, to apply a new reference rate,
primarily the SOFR. The guidance has not had and is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial
position. We will continue to review our contracts and arrangements that will be affected by a discontinued reference rate during the
transition period.
In September 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-04 requiring enhanced disclosures related to supplier
financing programs. The ASU requires disclosure of the key terms of the program and a rollforward of the related obligation during
the annual period, including the amount of obligations confirmed and obligations subsequently paid. The new disclosure requirements
are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with the exception of the rollforward requirement, which is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2024 for the primary requirement and the
first quarter of fiscal 2025 for the rollforward requirement. Early adoption is permitted. We have historically presented the key terms
of these programs and the associated obligation outstanding. We do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our financial
statements and related disclosures.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. We believe that these measures
provide useful information to investors and include these measures in other communications to investors.
For each of these non-GAAP financial measures, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP
measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure, an explanation of why we believe the non-GAAP measure provides useful
information to investors, and any additional material purposes for which our management or Board of Directors uses the non-GAAP
measure. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.
30
Significant Items Impacting Comparability
Several measures below are presented on an adjusted basis. The adjustments are either items resulting from infrequently occurring
events or items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the year-to-year assessment of operating results.
The following are descriptions of significant items impacting comparability of our results.
Divestitures gain, net
Net divestitures gain primarily related to the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes business in fiscal 2023.
Divestitures gain related to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl and the sale of
our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Mark-to-market effects
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items. Please see Note 8 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Investment activity, net
Valuation adjustments and the loss on sale of certain corporate investments in fiscal 2023. Valuation adjustments and the gain on sale
of certain corporate investments in fiscal 2022.
Restructuring charges (recoveries) and project-related costs
Restructuring charges and project-related costs for global supply chain actions, network optimization actions, and previously
announced restructuring actions in fiscal 2023. Restructuring charges for International restructuring actions and net restructuring
recoveries for previously announced restructuring actions in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in
Item 8 of this report.
Product recall, net
Voluntary recall costs recorded in fiscal 2023 related to certain international
Häagen-Dazs
ice cream products, net of insurance
recovery.
Acquisition integration costs
Integration costs primarily resulting from the acquisition of TNT Crust in fiscal 2023. Integration costs resulting from the acquisition
of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs primarily related to the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dish business in fiscal 2023. Fiscal
2022 transaction costs related primarily to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl,
the sale of our European dough businesses, the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes business, and the
acquisition of TNT Crust. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
Non-income tax recovery
Recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item recorded in fiscal 2022.
Tax item
Discrete tax benefit recognized in fiscal 2022 related to a release of a valuation allowance associated with our capital loss
carryforwards expected to be used against future divestiture gains.
CPW restructuring charges
CPW restructuring charges related to previously announced restructuring actions.
Organic Net Sales Growth Rates
We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. This measure is used in reporting to
our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our performance for incentive
compensation purposes. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide
transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as
well as acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53
rd
measures to reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in our Consolidated Results of Operations and
Results of Segment Operations discussions in the MD&A above.
31
Adjusted Operating Profit and Related Constant-currency Growth Rate
This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our
performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is
the operating profit measure we use to evaluate operating profit performance on a comparable year-to-year basis. Additionally, the
measure is evaluated on a constant-currency basis by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on
year-to-year comparability given the volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.
Our adjusted operating profit growth on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
Change
Operating profit as reported
$
3,433.8
$
3,475.8
(1)
%
Divestitures gain, net
(444.6)
(194.1)
Mark-to-market effects
291.9
(133.1)
Investment activity, net
84.0
14.7
Restructuring charges (recoveries)
61.0
(23.2)
Product recall, net
22.5
-
Acquisition integration costs
5.9
22.4
Project related costs
2.4
-
Transaction costs
0.4
72.8
Non-income tax recovery
-
(22.0)
Adjusted operating profit
$
3,457.3
$
3,213.3
8
%
Foreign currency exchange impact
Flat
Adjusted operating profit growth, on a constant-currency basis
8
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
32
Adjusted Diluted EPS and Related Constant-currency Growth Rate
This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management. We believe that this measure provides useful
information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate earnings performance on a comparable year-to-year
basis.
The reconciliation of our GAAP measure, diluted EPS, to adjusted diluted EPS and the related constant-currency growth rate follows:
Fiscal Year
Per Share Data
2023
2022
2023 vs.
2022 Change
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
$
4.31
$
4.42
(2)
%
Divestitures gain, net
(0.62)
(0.31)
Mark-to-market effects
0.37
(0.17)
Investment activity, net
0.11
0.01
Restructuring charges (recoveries)
0.08
(0.03)
Product recall, net
0.03
-
Acquisition integration costs
0.01
0.03
Transaction costs
-
0.09
Non-income tax recovery
-
(0.02)
Tax item
-
(0.08)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
4.30
$
3.94
9
%
Foreign currency exchange impact
(1)
pt
Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth, on a constant-currency basis
10
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
See our reconciliation below of the effective income tax rate as reported to the adjusted effective income tax rate for the tax impact of
each item affecting comparability.
33
Free Cash Flow Conversion Rate
We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing our efficiency in converting
earnings to cash and returning cash to shareholders. The calculation of free cash flow conversion rate and net cash provided by
operating activities conversion rate, its equivalent GAAP measure, follows:
In Millions
Fiscal 2023
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests, as reported
$
2,609.6
Divestitures gain, net of tax
(371.4)
Mark-to-market effects, net of tax
224.8
Investment activity, net, net of tax
66.0
Restructuring charges, net of tax
48.4
Product recall, net, net of tax
17.3
Acquisition integration costs, net of tax
4.6
Project related costs, net of tax
1.6
CPW restructuring charges, net of tax
1.0
Transaction costs, net of tax
0.2
Adjusted net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
$
2,602.2
Net cash provided by operating activities
2,778.6
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
(689.5)
Free cash flow
$
2,089.1
Net cash provided by operating activities conversion rate
106%
Free cash flow conversion rate
80%
Note: Table may not foot due rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
See our reconciliation below of the effective income tax rate as reported to the adjusted effective income tax rate for the tax impact of
each item affecting comparability.
34
Adjusted Operating Profit as a Percent of Net Sales (Adjusted Operating Profit Margin)
We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing our operating profit margin on a
comparable year-to-year basis.
Our adjusted operating profit margins are calculated as follows:
Fiscal Year
Percent of Net Sales
2023
2022
Operating profit as reported
$
3,433.8
17.1
%
$
3,475.8
18.3
%
Divestitures gain, net
(444.6)
(2.2)
%
(194.1)
(1.0)
%
Mark-to-market effects
291.9
1.5
%
(133.1)
(0.7)
%
Investment activity, net
84.0
0.4
%
14.7
0.1
%
Restructuring charges (recoveries)
61.0
0.3
%
(23.2)
(0.1)
%
Product recall, net
22.5
0.1
%
-
-
%
Acquisition integration costs
5.9
-
%
22.4
0.1
%
Project-related costs
2.4
-
%
-
-
%
Transaction costs
0.4
-
%
72.8
0.4
%
Non-income tax recovery
-
-
%
(22.0)
(0.1)
%
Adjusted operating profit
$
3,457.3
17.2
%
$
3,213.3
16.9
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
35
Adjusted Effective Income Tax Rates
We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it presents the adjusted effective income tax rate on a
comparable year-to-year basis.
Adjusted effective income tax rates are calculated as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended
2023
2022
In Millions
(Except Per Share Data)
Pretax
Earnings (a)
Income
Taxes
Pretax
Earnings (a)
Income
Taxes
As reported
$3,140.5
$612.2
$3,209.6
$586.3
Divestitures gain, net
(444.6)
(73.2)
(194.1)
(5.1)
Mark-to-market effects
291.9
67.1
(133.1)
(30.6)
Investment activity, net
84.0
18.0
14.7
8.5
Restructuring charges (recoveries)
61.0
12.6
(23.2)
(6.4)
Product recall, net
22.5
5.2
-
-
Acquisition integration costs
5.9
1.3
22.4
5.1
Project related costs
2.4
0.8
-
-
Transaction costs
0.4
0.2
72.8
16.4
Tax item
-
-
-
50.7
Non-income tax recovery
-
-
(22.0)
(7.5)
As adjusted
$3,164.0
$644.1
$2,947.1
$617.4
Effective tax rate:
As reported
19.5%
18.3%
As adjusted
20.4%
20.9%
Sum of adjustments to income taxes
$32.0
$31.1
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS
601.2
612.6
Impact of income tax adjustments on adjusted diluted EPS
$(0.05)
$(0.05)
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
36
Constant-currency After-Tax Earnings from Joint Ventures Growth Rate
We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of
our joint ventures by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given
volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
After-tax earnings from joint ventures growth rate on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Percentage change in after-tax earnings from joint ventures as reported
(27)
%
Impact of foreign currency exchange
(10)
pts
Percentage change in after-tax earnings from joint ventures on a constant-currency basis
(18)
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
Net Sales Growth Rate for Canada Operating Unit on a Constant-currency Basis
We believe this measure of our Canada operating unit net sales provides useful information to investors because it provides
transparency to the underlying performance for the Canada operating unit within our North America Retail segment by excluding the
effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency
exchange markets.
Net sales growth rate for our Canada operating unit on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Percentage change in net sales as reported
2
%
Impact of foreign currency exchange
(6)
pts
Percentage change in net sales on a constant-currency basis
8
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
Constant-currency Segment Operating Profit Growth Rates
We
believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of
our segments by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given
volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
Our segments’ operating profit growth rates on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:
Fiscal 2023
Percentage Change
in Operating Profit
as Reported
Impact of Foreign
Currency Exchange
Percentage Change
in Operating Profit
on Constant-
Currency Basis
North America Retail
18
%
Flat
18
%
International
(30)
%
(5)
pts
(25)
%
Pet
(5)
%
Flat
(5)
%
North America Foodservice
14
%
Flat
14
%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
Forward-Looking Financial Measures
Our fiscal 202 4 outlook for organic net sales growth, constant-currency adjusted operating profit, adjusted diluted EPS, and free cash
flow conversion are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude, or have otherwise been adjusted for, items impacting comparability,
including the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, restructuring charges and project-related costs, acquisition
transaction and integration costs, acquisitions, divestitures, and mark-to-market effects. We are not able to reconcile these forward-
looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures without
unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the actual impact of changes in foreign
37
currency exchange rates and commodity prices or the timing or impact of acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring actions
throughout fiscal 2024. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our fiscal 2024 GAAP financial results.
For fiscal 2024, we currently expect: foreign currency exchange rates (based on a blend of forward and forecasted rates and hedge
positions) and acquisitions and divestitures completed prior to fiscal 2024 to reduce net sales growth by approximately one half of one
percent; and restructuring charges to total approximately $15 million to $20 million.
ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in interest and foreign exchange rates and commodity and equity prices.
Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, we actively
manage our exposure to these market risks by entering into various hedging transactions, authorized under established policies that
place controls on these activities. The counterparties in these transactions are generally highly rated institutions. We establish credit
limits for each counterparty. Our hedging transactions include but are not limited to a variety of derivative financial instruments. For
information on interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity price, and equity instrument risk, please see Note 8 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.
VALUE AT RISK
The estimates in the table below are intended to measure the maximum potential fair value we could lose in one day from adverse
changes in market interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices under normal market conditions.
A
Monte Carlo value-at-risk (VAR) methodology was used to quantify the market risk for our exposures. The models assumed normal
market conditions and used a 95 percent confidence level.
The VAR calculation used historical interest and foreign exchange rates, and commodity and equity prices from the past year to
estimate the potential volatility and correlation of these rates in the future. The market data were drawn from the RiskMetrics™ data
set. The calculations are not intended to represent actual losses in fair value that we expect to incur. Further, since the hedging
instrument (the derivative) inversely correlates with the underlying exposure, we would expect that any loss or gain in the fair value of
our derivatives would be generally offset by an increase or decrease in the fair value of the underlying exposure. The positions
included in the calculations were: debt; investments; interest rate swaps; foreign exchange forwards; commodity swaps, futures, and
options; and equity instruments. The calculations do not include the underlying foreign exchange and commodities or equity-related
positions that are offset by these market-risk-sensitive instruments.
The table below presents the estimated maximum potential VAR arising from a one-day loss in fair value for our interest rate, foreign
currency, commodity, and equity market-risk-sensitive instruments outstanding as of May 28, 2023.
In Millions
May 28, 2023
Average During
Fiscal 2023
May 29, 2022
Analysis of Change
Interest rate instruments
$
65.3
$
52.1
$
40.9
Higher Market Volatility
Foreign currency instruments
36.7
33.3
20.3
Exchange Rate Volatility
Commodity instruments
7.6
9.5
12.9
Reduced Market Volatility
Equity instruments
2.8
3.1
2.5
Higher Market Volatility
38
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELEVANT TO FORWARD -LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE
HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations and assumptions. We also may make written or oral forward-looking
statements, including statements contained in our filings with the SEC and in our reports to shareholders.
The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “may continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or similar
expressions identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and
those currently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important
factors that could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from any
current opinions or statements.
Our future results could be affected by a variety of factors, such as: disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain; competitive
dynamics in the consumer foods industry and the markets for our products, including new product introductions, advertising activities,
pricing actions, and promotional activities of our competitors; economic conditions, including changes in inflation rates, interest rates,
tax rates, or the availability of capital; product development and innovation; consumer acceptance of new products and product
improvements; consumer reaction to pricing actions and changes in promotion levels; acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or
assets; changes in capital structure; changes in the legal and regulatory environment, including tax legislation, labeling and advertising
regulations, and litigation; impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long -lived assets, or changes
in the useful lives of other intangible assets; changes in accounting standards and the impact of significant accounting estimates;
product quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liability; changes in consumer demand for our products; effectiveness
of advertising, marketing, and promotional programs; changes in consumer behavior, trends, and preferences, including weight loss
trends; consumer perception of health-related issues, including obesity; consolidation in the retail environment; changes in purchasing
and inventory levels of significant customers; fluctuations in the cost and availability of supply chain resources, including raw
materials, packaging, energy, and transportation; effectiveness of restructuring and cost saving initiatives; volatility in the market
value of derivatives used to manage price risk for certain commodities; benefit plan expenses due to changes in plan asset values and
discount rates used to determine plan liabilities; failure or breach of our information technology systems; foreign economic conditions,
including currency rate fluctuations; and political unrest in foreign markets and economic uncertainty due to terrorism or war.
You should also consider the risk factors that we identify in Item 1A of this report, which could also affect our future results.
We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of those
statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
39
ITEM 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The management of General Mills, Inc. is responsible for the fairness and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements. The
statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States, using
management’s best estimates and judgments where appropriate. The financial information throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-
K is consistent with our consolidated financial statements.
Management has established a system of internal controls that provides reasonable assurance that assets are adequately safeguarded
and transactions are recorded accurately in all material respects, in accordance with management’s authorization. We maintain a
strong audit program that independently evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls. Our internal controls provide
for appropriate separation of duties and responsibilities, and there are documented policies regarding use of our assets and proper
financial reporting. These formally stated and regularly communicated policies demand highly ethical conduct from all employees.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets regularly with management, internal auditors, and our independent registered
public accounting firm to review internal control, auditing, and financial reporting matters. The independent registered public
accounting firm, internal auditors, and employees have full and free access to the Audit Committee at any time.
The Audit Committee reviewed and approved the Company’s annual financial statements. The Audit Committee recommended, and
the Board of Directors approved, that the consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report. The Audit Committee
also appointed KPMG LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2024.
/s/ J. L. Harmening /s/ K. A. Bruce
J. L. Harmening K. A. Bruce
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
June 28, 2023
40
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
General Mills, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of General Mills, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, total equity and redeemable
interest, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 28, 2023, and the related notes and financial
statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting as of May 28, 2023, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Company as of May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended May 28, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 28, 2023, based on criteria
established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB)
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect
on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
41
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements
that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are
material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The
communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a
whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or
on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of goodwill and brand intangible assets
As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the goodwill and brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles
balances as of May 28, 2023, were $14,511.2 million and $6,712.4 million, respectively. The impairment tests for these
assets, which are performed annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have
occurred, require the Company to estimate the fair value of the reporting units to which goodwill is assigned as well as the
brands and other indefinite -lived intangible assets. The fair value estimates are derived from discounted cash flow analyses
that require the Company to make judgments about highly subjective matters, including future operating results, including
revenue growth rates and operating margins, and an estimate of the discount rates and royalty rates.
We identified the assessment of the valuation of certain goodwill and brand intangible assets as a critical audit matter. There
was a significant degree of judgment required in evaluating audit evidence, which consists primarily of forward-looking
assumptions about future operating results, specifically the revenue growth rates and operating margins, royalty rates and
subjective inputs used to estimate the discount rates.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and
tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls related to the valuation of goodwill and brand intangible assets. This
included controls related to the assumptions about future operating results and the discount and royalty rates used to measure
the fair value of the reporting units and brands intangible assets. We performed sensitivity analyses over the revenue growth
rates, operating margins, brand royalty rates and discount rates to assess the impact of other points within a range of potential
assumptions. We evaluated the revenue growth rates and operating margin assumptions by comparing them to recent
financial performance and external market and industry data. We evaluated whether these assumptions were consistent with
evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. We involved professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted
in the evaluation of the Company’s discount rates by comparing them against rate ranges that were independently developed
using publicly available market data for comparable entities and the royalty rates by evaluating the methods, assumptions and
market data used to estimate the royalty rates.
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1928.
June 28, 2023
42
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Net sales
$
$
$
Cost of sales
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Divestitures (gain) loss, net
(444.6 )
(194.1 )
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
(26.5 )
Operating profit
Benefit plan non-service income
(88.8 )
(113.4 )
(132.9 )
Interest, net
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures
Income taxes
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and
Net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
$
$
$
Earnings per share — basic
$
$
$
Earnings per share — diluted
$
$
$
Dividends per share
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
43
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions)
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and
$
$
$
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation
(110.8 )
(175.9 )
Net actuarial (loss) income
(228.0 )
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives
(20.7 )
Reclassification to earnings:
Foreign currency translation
(7.4 )
Hedge derivatives
(18.7 )
Amortization of losses and prior service costs
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(306.7 )
Total comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable and
(45.2 )
Comprehensive income attributable to General Mills
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
44
Consolidated Balance Sheets
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions, Except Par Value)
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
$
Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets held for sale
Total current assets
Land, buildings, and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other assets
Total assets
$
$
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
$
Current portion of long-term debt
Notes payable
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock,
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of
.0 and
(8,410.0 )
(7,278.1 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,276.9 )
(1,970.5 )
Total stockholders' equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
45
Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Total equity, beginning balance
$
$
$
Common stock,
Additional paid-in capital:
Beginning balance
Stock compensation plans
Unearned compensation related to stock unit awards
(104.7 )
(92.2 )
(78.0 )
Earned compensation
Decrease in redemption value of
Reversal of cumulative redeemable interest
(207.4 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
(19.5 )
Ending balance
Retained earnings:
Beginning balance
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
Cash dividends declared ($
, $
, and $
(1,287.9 )
(1,244.5 )
(1,246.4 )
Adoption of current expected credit loss
(5.7 )
Ending balance
Common stock in treasury:
Beginning balance
(155.7 )
(7,278.1 )
(146.9 )
(6,611.2 )
(144.8 )
(6,433.3 )
Shares purchased
(18.0 )
(1,403.6 )
(13.5 )
(876.8 )
(5.0 )
(301.4 )
Stock compensation plans
Ending balance
(168.0 )
(8,410.0 )
(155.7 )
(7,278.1 )
(146.9 )
(6,611.2 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Beginning balance
(1,970.5 )
(2,429.2 )
(2,914.4 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
(306.4 )
Ending balance
(2,276.9 )
(1,970.5 )
(2,429.2 )
Noncontrolling interests:
Beginning balance
Comprehensive income (loss)
(16.0 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
(15.7 )
(129.8 )
(26.2 )
Reclassification from redeemable interest
Reversal of cumulative redeemable interest
Divestiture
(680.4 )
Ending balance
Total equity, ending balance
$
$
$
Redeemable interest:
Beginning balance
$
$
$
Comprehensive (loss) income
(29.2 )
Decrease in redemption value of
(14.1 )
(0.2 )
Distributions to redeemable interest holder
(22.7 )
Reclassification to noncontrolling interest
(561.6 )
Ending balance
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
46
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions)
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Cash Flows - Operating Activities
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
$
$
$
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
(81.3 )
(111.7 )
(117.7 )
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
(22.2 )
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions
(30.1 )
(31.3 )
(33.4 )
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs
(27.6 )
(30.1 )
(33.6 )
Divestitures (gain) loss, net
(444.6 )
(194.1 )
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
(117.1 )
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures
(48.9 )
(155.9 )
Other, net
(50.7 )
(131.8 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash Flows - Investing Activities
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
(689.5 )
(568.7 )
(530.8 )
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
(251.5 )
(1,201.3 )
Investments in affiliates, net
(32.2 )
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested
Other, net
(7.6 )
(13.5 )
(3.1 )
Net cash used by investing activities
(346.4 )
(1,690.7 )
(512.8 )
Cash Flows - Financing Activities
Change in notes payable
(769.3 )
Issuance of long-term debt
Payment of long-term debt
(1,421.7 )
(3,140.9 )
(2,609.0 )
Debt exchange participation incentive cash payment
(201.4 )
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options
Purchases of common stock for treasury
(1,403.6 )
(876.8 )
(301.4 )
Dividends paid
(1,287.9 )
(1,244.5 )
(1,246.4 )
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders
(15.7 )
(129.8 )
(48.9 )
Other, net
(62.6 )
(28.0 )
(30.9 )
Net cash used by financing activities
(2,404.1 )
(2,503.2 )
(2,715.5 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(12.0 )
(58.0 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(935.8 )
(172.6 )
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year
$
$
$
Cash flow from changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and
Receivables
$
(41.2 )
$
(166.3 )
$
Inventories
(319.0 )
(85.8 )
(354.7 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(35.3 )
(42.7 )
Accounts payable
Other current liabilities
(129.5 )
Changes in current assets and liabilities
$
(48.9 )
$
$
(155.9 )
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
47
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND RECLASSIFICATIONS
Basis of Presentation
Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of General Mills, Inc. and all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling
financial interest. Intercompany transactions and accounts, including any noncontrolling and redeemable interests’ share of those
transactions, are eliminated in consolidation.
Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in May. Our India business is on an April fiscal year end.
Certain reclassifications to our previously reported financial information have been made to conform to the current period
presentation.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
All inventories in the United States other than grain are valued at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or
market. Grain inventories are valued at net realizable value, and all related cash contracts and derivatives are valued at fair value, with
all net changes in value recorded in earnings currently.
Inventories outside of the United States are generally valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or net
realizable value.
Shipping costs associated with the distribution of finished product to our customers are recorded as cost of sales and are recognized
when the related finished product is shipped to and accepted by the customer.
Land, Buildings, Equipment, and Depreciation
Land is recorded at historical cost. Buildings and equipment, including capitalized interest and internal engineering costs, are recorded
at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives, primarily using the straight-line method. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are
charged to cost of sales. Buildings are usually depreciated over
depreciated over
retired, the accounts are relieved of its cost and related accumulated depreciation and the resulting gains and losses, if any, are
recognized in earnings.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash
flows from the operation and disposition of the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. Asset groups have
identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other asset groups. Measurement of an impairment loss would be based on the
excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. Fair value is measured using a discounted cash flow model or
independent appraisals, as appropriate.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test as
of the first day of the second quarter of the fiscal year. Impairment testing is performed for each of our reporting units. We compare
the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. Carrying value is based on the assets and
liabilities associated with the operations of that reporting unit, which often requires allocation of shared or corporate items among
reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, impairment has occurred. We recognize an
impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value up to the total amount of
goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Our estimates of fair value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. Growth
rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from our long-range planning process. We also make estimates of discount rates,
perpetuity growth assumptions, market comparables, and other factors.
We evaluate the useful lives of our other intangible assets, mainly brands, to determine if they are finite or indefinite-lived. Reaching a
determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsolescence, demand,
competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, known technological advances, legislative action that results
48
in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment, and expected changes in distribution channels), the level of required maintenance
expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are
amortized on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets, mainly intangible assets primarily associated with the
Blue Buffalo
,
,
Totino’s
,
Old El
Paso
,
Progresso
,
,
Nudges
, and
Häagen-Dazs
in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Our estimate of the fair value of the brands is based on a
discounted cash flow model using inputs which included projected revenues from our long-range plan, assumed royalty rates that
could be payable if we did not own the brands, and a discount rate.
Our finite-lived intangible assets, primarily acquired customer relationships, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when
estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation and disposition of the asset are less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Assets generally have identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other assets. Measurement of an impairment loss would
be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. Fair value is measured using a discounted cash flow
model or other similar valuation model, as appropriate.
Leases
We determine whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. When our lease arrangements include lease and non-lease components,
we account for lease and non-lease components (e.g. common area maintenance) separately based on their relative standalone prices.
Any lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we
recognize lease costs for these lease arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Many of our lease arrangements provide
us with options to exercise one or more renewal terms or to terminate the lease arrangement. We include these options when we are
reasonably certain to exercise them in the lease term used to establish our right of use assets and lease liabilities. Generally, our lease
agreements do not include an option to purchase the leased asset, residual value guarantees, or material restrictive covenants.
We have certain lease arrangements with variable rental payments. Our lease arrangements for our Häagen-Dazs retail shops often
include rental payments that are based on a percentage of retail sales. We have other lease arrangements that are adjusted periodically
based on an inflation index or rate. The future variability of these payments and adjustments are unknown, and therefore they are not
included as minimum lease payments used to determine our right of use assets and lease liabilities. Variable rental payments are
recognized in the period in which the obligation is incurred.
As most of our lease arrangements do not provide an implicit interest rate, we apply an incremental borrowing rate based on the
information available at the commencement date of the lease arrangement to determine the present value of lease payments.
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Our investments in companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are stated at cost plus our share of
undistributed earnings or losses. We receive royalty income from certain joint ventures, incur various expenses (primarily research
and development), and record the tax impact of certain joint venture operations that are structured as partnerships. In addition, we
make advances to our joint ventures in the form of loans or capital investments. We also sell certain raw materials, semi-finished
goods, and finished goods to the joint ventures, generally at market prices.
In addition, we assess our investments in our joint ventures if we have reason to believe an impairment may have occurred including,
but not limited to, as a result of ongoing operating losses, projected decreases in earnings, increases in the weighted-average cost of
capital, or significant business disruptions. The significant assumptions used to estimate fair value include revenue growth and
profitability, royalty rates, capital spending, depreciation and taxes, foreign currency exchange rates, and a discount rate. By their
nature, these projections and assumptions are uncertain. If we were to determine the current fair value of our investment was less than
the carrying value of the investment, then we would assess if the shortfall was of a temporary or permanent nature and write down the
investment to its fair value if we concluded the impairment is other than temporary.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues primarily result from contracts with customers, which are generally short-term and have a single performance obligation
– the delivery of product. We recognize revenue for the sale of packaged foods at the point in time when our performance obligation
has been satisfied and control of the product has transferred to our customer, which generally occurs when the shipment is accepted by
our customer. Sales include shipping and handling charges billed to the customer and are reported net of variable consideration and
consideration payable to our customers, including trade promotion, consumer coupon redemption and other reductions to the
transaction price, including estimated allowances for returns, unsalable product, and prompt pay discounts. Sales, use, value-added,
and other excise taxes are not included in revenue. Trade promotions are recorded using significant judgment of estimated
participation and performance levels for offered programs at the time of sale. Differences between estimated and actual reductions to
the transaction price are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period. We generally do not allow a right of return.
49
However, on a limited case-by-case basis with prior approval, we may allow customers to return product. In limited circumstances,
product returned in saleable condition is resold to other customers or outlets. Receivables from customers generally do not bear
interest. Payment terms and collection patterns vary around the world and by channel, and are short-term, and as such, we do not have
any significant financing components. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of expected credit losses related to
our trade receivables. We pool our trade receivables based on similar risk characteristics, such as geographic location, business
channel, and other account data. To estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts, we leverage information on historical losses, asset-
specific risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Account balances are
written off against the allowance when we deem the amount is uncollectible. Please see Note 17 for a disaggregation of our revenue
into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic
factors. We do not have material contract assets or liabilities arising from our contracts with customers.
Environmental Costs
Environmental costs relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are
expensed. Liabilities for anticipated remediation costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably
estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies or our commitment to a plan of action.
Advertising Production Costs
We expense the production costs of advertising the first time that the advertising takes place.
Research and Development
All expenditures for research and development (R&D) are charged against earnings in the period incurred. R&D includes expenditures
for new product and manufacturing process innovation, and the annual expenditures are comprised primarily of internal salaries,
wages, consulting, and supplies attributable to R&D activities. Other costs include depreciation and maintenance of research facilities,
including assets at facilities that are engaged in pilot plant activities.
Foreign Currency Translation
For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are
translated at the period-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates prevailing
during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI) in stockholders’ equity.
Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings for the period, except for gains and losses on
investments in subsidiaries for which settlement is not planned for the foreseeable future and foreign exchange gains and losses on
instruments designated as net investment hedges. These gains and losses are recorded in AOCI.
Derivative Instruments
All derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices or our estimate of their
fair value, and are recorded in either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their maturity. Changes in the fair values of
derivatives are recorded in net earnings or other comprehensive income, based on whether the instrument is designated and effective
as a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in AOCI are
reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedged transaction ceases to exist, any
associated amounts reported in AOCI are reclassified to earnings at that time.
Stock-based Compensation
We generally measure compensation expense for grants of restricted stock units and performance share units using the value of a share
of our stock on the date of grant. We estimate the value of stock option grants using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Generally,
stock-based compensation is recognized straight line over the vesting period. Our stock-based compensation expense is recorded in
selling, general , and administrative (SG&A) expenses and cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and allocated to
each reportable segment in our segment results.
Certain equity-based compensation plans contain provisions that accelerate vesting of awards upon retirement, termination, or death of
eligible employees and directors. We consider a stock-based award to be vested when the employee’s or director’s retention of the
award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service. Accordingly, the related compensation cost is generally recognized
immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible individuals or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement
eligibility is achieved, if less than the stated vesting period.
We report the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as an operating cash flow.
Defined Benefit Pension, Other Postretirement Benefit, and Postemployment Benefit Plans
We sponsor several domestic and foreign defined benefit plans to provide pension, health care, and other welfare benefits to retired
employees. Under certain circumstances, we also provide accruable benefits, primarily severance, to former or inactive employees in
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We recognize an obligation for any of these benefits that vest or accumulate with service.
50
Postemployment benefits that do not vest or accumulate with service (such as severance based solely on annual pay rather than years
of service) are charged to expense when incurred. Our postemployment benefit plans are unfunded.
We recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of a defined benefit pension plan as an asset or liability and recognize changes in
the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through AOCI.
Use of Estimates
Preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets, stock-based
compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit and postemployment benefit plans. Actual
results could differ from our estimates.
New Accounting Standards
In the first quarter of fiscal 2021,
we adopted new accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses on financial
instruments, including trade receivables. The new standard and subsequent amendments replace the incurred loss impairment model
with a forward-looking expected credit loss model, which will generally result in earlier recognition of credit losses. Our allowance
for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of expected credit losses related to our trade receivables. We pool our trade receivables
based on similar risk characteristics, such as geographic location, business channel, and other account data. To estimate our allowance
for doubtful accounts, we leverage information on historical losses, asset-specific risk characteristics, current conditions, and
reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Account balances are written off against the allowance when we deem the
amount is uncollectible. We adopted the requirements of the new standard and subsequent amendments using the modified
retrospective transition approach, and recorded a decrease to retained earnings of $
.
NOTE 3. ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURES
During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we acquired TNT Crust, a manufacturer of high-quality frozen pizza crusts for regional and
national pizza chains, foodservice distributors, and retail outlets, for a purchase price of $
with U.S. commercial paper. We consolidated the TNT Crust business into our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded goodwill of
$
forma effects of this acquisition were not material. We have conducted a preliminary assessment of the fair value of the acquired
assets and liabilities of the TNT Crust business and will continue to review these items during the measurement period. If new
information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date, the acquisition accounting will be revised to
reflect the resulting adjustments to current estimates of these items. The consolidated results of the TNT Crust business are reported in
our North America Foodservice segment on a one-month lag.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we completed the sale of our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes business to
Eagle Family Foods Group for $
In fiscal 2022, we sold our European dough businesses and recorded a net pre-tax gain on sale of $
During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we sold our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl to
Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) in exchange for Sodiaal’s interest in our Canadian yogurt business, a modified agreement for the use of
Yoplait
Liberté
brands in the United States and Canada, and cash. We recorded a net pre-tax gain of $
these businesses.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we acquired Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for $
transaction with a combination of cash on hand and short-term debt. We consolidated Tyson Foods’ pet treats business into our
Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded goodwill of $
Nudges
,
Top
Chews
, and
True Chews
The goodwill is included in the Pet reporting unit and is deductible for tax purposes. The pro forma effects of this acquisition were not
material.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $
business in Brazil.
51
NOTE 4. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT, AND OTHER EXIT COSTS
We view our restructuring activities as actions that help us meet our long-term growth targets and are evaluated against internal rate of
return and net present value targets. Each restructuring action normally takes one to two years to complete. At completion (or as each
major stage is completed in the case of multi-year programs), the project begins to deliver cash savings and/or reduced depreciation.
These activities result in various restructuring costs, including asset write-offs, exit charges including severance, contract termination
fees, and decommissioning and other costs. Accelerated depreciation associated with restructured assets, as used in the context of our
disclosures regarding restructuring activity, refers to the increase in depreciation expense caused by shortening the useful life or
updating the salvage value of depreciable fixed assets to coincide with the end of production under an approved restructuring plan.
Any impairment of the asset is recognized immediately in the period the plan is approved.
Restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2023 were as follows:
Expense, in Millions
Global supply chain actions
$
Network optimization actions
Charges associated with restructuring actions previously announced
Total restructuring charges
$
In fiscal 2023, we approved restructuring actions to enhance the efficiency of our global supply chain structure. We expect to incur
approximately $
million will be cash. These charges are expected to consist of approximately $
primarily $
$
In fiscal 2023, we approved restructuring actions in our International segment to optimize our Häagen-Dazs shops network. We expect
to incur approximately $
$
We recognized $
the
end of fiscal 2024
.
Certain actions are subject to union negotiations and works counsel consultations, where required.
We paid net $
Restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2022 were as follows:
Expense, in Millions
International manufacturing and logistics operations
$
Net recoveries associated with restructuring actions previously announced
(38.2 )
Total net restructuring recoveries
$
(23.2 )
Restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2021 were as follows:
Expense, in Millions
Global organizational structure and resource alignment
$
International route-to-market and supply chain optimization
Charges associated with restructuring actions previously announced
Total restructuring charges
$
52
Restructuring and impairment charges and project-related costs are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
$
$
(26.5 )
$
Cost of sales
Total restructuring and impairment charges (recoveries)
(23.2 )
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales
$
$
$
The roll forward of our restructuring and other exit cost reserves, included in other current liabilities, is as follows:
In Millions
Severance
Other Exit
Costs
Total
Reserve balance as of May 31, 2020
$
$
$
Fiscal 2021 charges, including foreign currency translation
Utilized in fiscal 2021
(12.8 )
(0.1 )
(12.9 )
Reserve balance as of May 30, 2021
Fiscal 2022 charges, including foreign currency translation
Reserve adjustment
(34.0 )
(34.0 )
Utilized in fiscal 2022
(80.1 )
(1.3 )
(81.4 )
Reserve balance as of May 29, 2022
Fiscal 2023 charges, including foreign currency translation
Utilized in fiscal 2023
(29.4 )
(1.4 )
(30.8 )
Reserve balance as of May 28, 2023
$
$
$
The charges recognized in the roll forward of our reserves for restructuring and other exit costs do not include items charged directly
to expense (e.g., asset impairment charges, the gain or loss on the sale of restructured assets, and the write-off of spare parts) and other
periodic exit costs recognized as incurred, as those items are not reflected in our restructuring and other exit cost reserves on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTE 5. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
We have a
approximately
manufactures private label cereals for customers in the United Kingdom. We have guaranteed a portion of CPW’s debt and its pension
obligation in the United Kingdom.
We also have a
Häagen-Dazs
ice
cream products and frozen novelties.
Results from our CPW and HDJ joint ventures are reported for the
Joint venture related balance sheet activity is as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Cumulative investments
$
$
Goodwill and other intangibles
Aggregate advances included in cumulative investments
53
Joint venture earnings and cash flow activity is as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Sales to joint ventures
$
$
$
Net advances (repayments)
(15.4 )
(15.5 )
Dividends received
Summary combined financial information for the joint ventures on a 100 percent basis is as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Net sales:
CPW
$
$
$
HDJ
Total net sales
Gross margin
Earnings before income taxes
Earnings after income taxes
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Current assets
$
$
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The components of goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Goodwill
$
$
Other intangible assets:
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Customer relationships and other finite-lived intangibles
Less accumulated amortization
(131.1 )
(126.2 )
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Other intangible assets
Total
$
$
Based on the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets as of May 28, 2023, amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal
years is estimated to be approximately $
54
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2021, 2022, and 2023 are as follows:
In Millions
North
America
Retail
Pet
North
America
Foodservice
International
Joint
Ventures
Total
Balance as of May 31, 2020
$
$
$
$
$
$
Divestiture
(1.2 )
(1.2 )
Other activity, primarily foreign
Balance as of May 30, 2021
Acquisition
Divestitures
(201.8 )
(201.8 )
Reclassified to assets held for sale
(130.0 )
(130.0 )
Other activity, primarily foreign
(6.4 )
(54.8 )
(53.2 )
(114.4 )
Balance as of May 29, 2022
Acquisition
Divestitures
(2.0 )
(0.4 )
(2.4 )
Other activity, primarily foreign
(8.5 )
(12.8 )
(0.4 )
(21.7 )
Balance as of May 28, 2023
$
$
$
$
$
$
The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets for fiscal 2021, 2022, and 2023 are as follows:
In Millions
Total
Balance as of May 31, 2020
$
Divestiture
(5.3 )
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
Balance as of May 30, 2021
Acquisition
Divestitures
(621.8 )
Intellectual property intangible asset
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
(109.3 )
Balance as of May 29, 2022
Acquisition
Divestiture
(3.6 )
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
(32.5 )
Balance as of May 28, 2023
$
Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of
fiscal 2023, and we determined there was no impairment of our intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in
excess of the carrying values, except for the
Uncle Toby’s
our fiscal 2023 assessment date, the
Progresso
EPIC
monitor these businesses for potential impairment.
We did not identify any indicators of impairment for any goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets as of May 28, 2023.
NOTE 7. LEASES
Our lease portfolio primarily consists of operating lease arrangements for certain warehouse and distribution space, office space, retail
shops, production facilities, rail cars, production and distribution equipment, automobiles, and office equipment. Our lease costs
associated with finance leases and sale-leaseback transactions and our lease income associated with lessor and sublease arrangements
are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
55
Components of our lease cost are as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Operating lease cost
$
$
$
Variable lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Maturities of our operating and finance lease obligations by fiscal year are as follows:
In Millions
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Fiscal 2024
$
$
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027
Fiscal 2028
After fiscal 2028
Total noncancelable future lease obligations
$
$
Less: Interest
(43.8 )
(0.2 )
Present value of lease obligations
$
$
The lease payments presented in the table above exclude $
committed to but have not yet commenced as of May 28, 2023.
The weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows:
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term
years
years
Weighted-average discount rate
%
%
Supplemental operating cash flow information and non-cash activity related to our operating leases are as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
$
$
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities
$
$
NOTE 8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND FAIR VALUES
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, other current liabilities, and notes payable
approximate fair value. Marketable securities are carried at fair value. As of May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, a comparison of cost
and market values of our marketable debt and equity securities is as follows:
Cost
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Available for sale
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Equity securities
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
As of May 28, 2023, the fair value and carrying value of equity securities restricted for payment of active employee health and welfare
benefits were $
56
There were
specific identification.
Classification of marketable securities as current or noncurrent is dependent upon our intended holding period and the security’s
maturity date. The aggregate unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities, net of tax effects, are classified in AOCI
within stockholders’ equity.
Scheduled maturities of our marketable securities are as follows:
Marketable Securities
In Millions
Cost
Fair Value
Under 1 year (current)
$
$
Equity securities
Total
$
$
As of May 28, 2023, we had $
RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
As a part of our ongoing operations, we are exposed to market risks such as changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates
and commodity and equity prices. To manage these risks, we may enter into various derivative transactions (e.g., futures, options, and
swaps) pursuant to our established policies.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Many commodities we use in the production and distribution of our products are exposed to market price risks. We utilize derivatives
to manage price risk for our principal ingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils (principally soybean),
dairy products, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Our primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve certainty
with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. We manage our exposures through a
combination of purchase orders, long-term contracts with suppliers, exchange-traded futures and options, and over-the-counter options
and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as
close as possible to or below our planned cost.
We
use derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not perform the assessments required to achieve
hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded
currently in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Although we do not meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, we believe that these instruments are effective in achieving our
objective of providing certainty in the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. Accordingly, for purposes of
measuring segment operating performance these gains and losses are reported in unallocated corporate items outside of segment
operating results until such time that the exposure we are managing affects earnings. At that time we reclassify the gain or loss from
unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit, allowing our operating segments to realize the economic effects of the
derivative without experiencing any resulting mark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate items.
Unallocated corporate items for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021 included:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Net (loss) gain on mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions
$
(154.4 )
$
$
Net gain on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate
(89.5 )
(188.0 )
(8.8 )
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories
(48.0 )
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in
$
(291.9 )
$
$
57
As of May 28, 2023, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $
agricultural inputs and $
next
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt, and existing and future issuances of
floating-rate debt. Primary exposures include U.S. Treasury rates, SOFR, Euribor, and commercial paper rates in the United States and
Europe. We use interest rate swaps, forward-starting interest rate swaps, and treasury locks to hedge our exposure to interest rate
changes, to reduce the volatility of our financing costs, and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed-rate versus floating-rate debt,
based on current and projected market conditions. Generally under these swaps, we agree with a counterparty to exchange the
difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts based on an agreed upon notional principal amount.
Floating Interest Rate Exposures — Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges, as are all hedges of
forecasted issuances of debt. Effectiveness is assessed based on either the perfectly effective hypothetical derivative method or
changes in the present value of interest payments on the underlying debt. Effective gains and losses deferred to AOCI are reclassified
into earnings over the life of the associated debt.
Fixed Interest Rate Exposures — Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges with effectiveness
assessed based on changes in the fair value of the underlying debt and derivatives, using incremental borrowing rates currently
available on loans with similar terms and maturities.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, in advance of planned debt financing, we entered into €
swaps. The forward-starting swap agreements were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, in conjunction with the
Company’s issuance of a €
-year fixed-rate note. Upon termination, a loss of $
will be amortized through interest expense over the respective term of the debt.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, in advance of planned debt financing, we entered into $
treasury locks were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, in conjunction with the Company’s issuance of a $
million
-year fixed-rate note. Upon termination, a loss of $
interest expense over the respective term of the debt.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we entered into a $
fixed rate notes due
, to a floating rate.
As of May 28, 2023, the pre-tax amount of cash-settled interest rate hedge gain or loss remaining in AOCI, which will be reclassified
to earnings over the remaining term of the related underlying debt, follows:
In Millions
Gain/(Loss)
% notes due
February 15, 2024
$
% notes due
April 17, 2025
(1.1 )
% notes due
February 10, 2027
% notes due
April 27, 2027
(1.3 )
% notes due
April 17, 2028
(5.0 )
% notes due
April 13, 2029
(4.9 )
% notes due
October 14, 2031
% notes due
March 29, 2033
(1.4 )
% notes due
April 17, 2038
(8.1 )
% notes due
June 15, 2040
(9.5 )
% notes due
February 15, 2043
% notes due
April 17, 2048
(11.8 )
Net pre-tax hedge loss in AOCI
$
(11.2 )
58
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates of our interest rate derivatives. Average
floating rates are based on rates as of the end of the reporting period.
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Pay-floating swaps - notional amount
$
$
Average receive rate
%
%
Average pay rate
%
%
The floating-rate swap contracts outstanding as of May 28, 2023, mature in fiscal
2026
.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency cash flows related to third party
purchases, intercompany loans, product shipments, and foreign-denominated debt. We are also exposed to the translation of foreign
currency earnings to the U.S. dollar. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, British pound sterling,
Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and Swiss franc. We primarily use foreign currency forward
contracts to selectively hedge our foreign currency cash flow exposures. We also generally swap our foreign-denominated commercial
paper borrowings and nonfunctional currency intercompany loans back to U.S. dollars or the functional currency of the entity with
foreign exchange exposure. The gains or losses on these derivatives offset the foreign currency revaluation gains or losses recorded in
earnings on the associated borrowings. We generally do not hedge more than 18 months in advance.
As of May 28, 2023, the net notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was $
We also have net investments in foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in euros. We hedged a portion of these net investments by
issuing euro-denominated commercial paper and foreign exchange forward contracts. As of May 28, 2023, we hedged a portion of
these net investments with €
transaction gains of $
EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
Equity price movements affect our compensation expense as certain investments made by our employees in our deferred
compensation plan are revalued. We use equity swaps to manage this risk. As of May 28, 2023, the net notional amount of our equity
swaps was $
fiscal 2025.
59
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The fair values of our assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value and their respective levels in the fair value
hierarchy as of May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, were as follows:
May 28, 2023
May 28, 2023
Fair Values of Assets
Fair Values of Liabilities
In Millions
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts (a) (b)
$
$
$
$
$
$
(62.2 )
$
$
(62.2 )
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
(2.5 )
(2.5 )
Total
(64.7 )
(64.7 )
Derivatives not designated as hedging
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
(5.6 )
(5.6 )
Commodity contracts (a) (d)
(29.3 )
(29.3 )
Grain contracts (a) (d)
(11.8 )
(11.8 )
Total
(46.7 )
(46.7 )
Other assets and liabilities reported at fair value:
Marketable investments (a) (e) (f)
Long-lived assets (g)
Total
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions
$
$
$
$
$
$
(111.4 )
$
$
(111.4 )
(a) These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities or
other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments are recorded as cash
and cash equivalents.
(b) Based on EURIBOR and swap rates. As of May 28, 2023, the carrying amount of hedged debt designated as the hedged item in a
fair value hedge was $
2023, the cumulative amount of fair value hedging basis adjustments was $
(c) Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.
(d) Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.
(e) Based on prices of common stock, mutual fund net asset values, and bond matrix pricing.
(f) The level 3 marketable investment represents an equity security without a readily determinable fair value. During fiscal 2023, we
recorded an impairment charge of $
revised projections of future operating results and observable transaction data for similar instruments.
(g) We recorded $
Fair value was based on recently reported transactions for similar assets in the marketplace. These assets had a carrying value of
$
60
May 29, 2022
May 29, 2022
Fair Values of Assets
Fair Values of Liabilities
In Millions
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts (a) (b)
$
$
$
$
$
$
(29.8 )
$
$
(29.8 )
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
(4.7 )
(4.7 )
Total
(34.5 )
(34.5 )
Derivatives not designated as hedging
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
(15.1 )
(15.1 )
Commodity contracts (a) (d)
(0.2 )
(0.2 )
Grain contracts (a) (d)
(3.0 )
(3.0 )
Total
(18.3 )
(18.3 )
Other assets and liabilities reported at fair value:
Marketable investments (a) (e) (f)
Total
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions
$
$
$
$
$
$
(52.8 )
$
$
(52.8 )
(
a) These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities or
other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments are recorded as cash
and cash equivalents.
(b) Based on EURIBOR and swap rates. As of May 29, 2022, the carrying amount of hedged debt designated as the hedged item in a
fair value hedge was $
2022, the cumulative amount of fair value hedging basis adjustments was $
(c) Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.
(d) Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.
(e) Based on prices of common stock, mutual fund net asset values, and bond matrix pricing.
(f) The level 3 marketable investment represents an equity security without a readily determinable fair value. During fiscal 2022, we
recorded an impairment charge of $
revised projections of future operating results and observable transaction data for similar instruments.
We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.
The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for those instruments. Where quoted
prices are not available, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows and market-based expectations for interest rates, credit risk
and the contractual terms of the debt instruments. As of May 28, 2023, the fair value and carrying amount of our long-term debt,
including the current portion, were $
and fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, were $
61
Information related to our cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the
fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, follows:
Interest Rate
Contracts
Foreign
Exchange
Contracts
Equity
Contracts
Commodity
Contracts
Total
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships:
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in
other comprehensive income (OCI)
$
(6.4 )
$
(5.4 )
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified
from AOCI into earnings (a)
(4.7 )
(19.5 )
(24.2 )
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging
Relationships:
Amount of net loss recognized
(4.9 )
(2.1 )
(4.9 )
(2.1 )
Derivatives Not Designated as
Amount of net (loss) gain recognized
(46.2 )
(32.8 )
(3.4 )
(8.0 )
(152.6 )
(202.2 )
(a) (Loss) gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A
expenses for foreign exchange contracts. For the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023, the amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into
cost of sales was $
ended May 29, 2022, the amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales was $
reclassified from AOCI into SG&A was $
(b) Loss recognized in earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate contracts, in cost of sales for commodity contracts, and in
SG&A expenses for equity contracts and foreign exchange contracts.
(c) (Loss) gain recognized in earnings is related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship, reported in SG&A expenses for
foreign exchange contracts and interest, net for interest rate contracts.
from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The following tables reconcile the net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements that are recorded in our
Consolidated Balance Sheets to the net fair values that could be reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
May 28, 2023
Assets
Liabilities
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the
Balance Sheet (e)
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the
Balance Sheet (e)
In Millions
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
Gross
Liabilities
Offset in the
Balance Sheet
(a)
Net Amounts
of Assets (b)
Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Received
Net Amount
(c)
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
Gross Assets
Offset in the
Balance Sheet
(a)
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
(b)
Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
Net Amount
(d)
Commodity contracts
$
$
$
$
(0.5 )
$
$
$
(29.3 )
$
$
(29.3 )
$
$
$
(12.6 )
Interest rate contracts
(69.2 )
(69.2 )
(24.9 )
Foreign exchange contracts
(4.2 )
(8.2 )
(8.2 )
(4.0 )
Equity contracts
(1.0 )
(1.5 )
(1.5 )
(0.5 )
Total
$
$
$
$
(5.7 )
$
$
$
(108.2 )
$
$
(108.2 )
$
$
$
(42.0 )
(a) Includes related collateral offset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(b) Net fair value as recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(c) Fair value of assets that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(d) Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(e) Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
62
May 29, 2022
Assets
Liabilities
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Balance Sheet (e)
Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Balance Sheet (e)
In Millions
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
Gross
Liabilities
Offset in the
Balance
Sheet (a)
Net
Amounts of
Assets (b)
Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Received
Net Amount
(c)
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
Gross
Assets
Offset in the
Balance
Sheet (a)
Net
Amounts of
Liabilities
(b)
Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
Net Amount
(d)
Commodity contracts
$
$
$
$
(0.2 )
$
(62.8 )
$
$
(0.2 )
$
$
(0.2 )
$
$
$
Interest rate contracts
(30.7 )
(30.7 )
(20.1 )
Foreign exchange contracts
(6.4 )
(19.7 )
(19.7 )
(13.3 )
Equity contracts
(0.3 )
(4.0 )
(4.0 )
(3.7 )
Total
$
$
$
$
(6.9 )
$
(62.8 )
$
$
(54.6 )
$
$
(54.6 )
$
$
$
(37.1 )
(a) Includes related collateral offset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(b) Net fair value as recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(c) Fair value of assets that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(d) Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(e) Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
As of May 28, 2023, the after-tax amounts of unrealized gains in AOCI related to hedge derivatives follows:
In Millions
After-Tax Gain/(Loss)
Unrealized losses from interest rate cash flow hedges
$
(7.8 )
Unrealized gains from foreign currency cash flow hedges
After-tax gains in AOCI related to hedge derivatives
$
The net amount of pre-tax gains and losses in AOCI as of May 28, 2023, that we expect to be reclassified into net earnings within the
next 12 months is a $
CREDIT-RISK-RELATED CONTINGENT FEATURES
Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade credit rating on our debt from
each of the major credit rating agencies. If our debt were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative
instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all
derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on May 28, 2023, was $
million. We have posted $
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK
During fiscal 2023, customer concentration was as follows:
Percent of total
Consolidated
North America
Retail
North America
Foodservice
International
Pet
Walmart (a):
Net sales
%
%
%
%
%
Accounts receivable
%
%
%
%
Five largest customers:
Net sales
%
%
%
%
(a) Includes Walmart Inc. and its affiliates.
No customer other than Walmart accounted for
We enter into interest rate, foreign exchange, and certain commodity and equity derivatives, primarily with a diversified group of
highly rated counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and, by policy,
limit the amount of credit exposure to any one party. These transactions may expose us to potential losses due to the risk of
nonperformance by these counterparties; however, we have not incurred a material loss. We also enter into commodity futures
transactions through various regulated exchanges.
63
The amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, should the counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the
contracts, is $
transactions require collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to threshold levels of exposure and
counterparty credit risk. Collateral assets are either cash or U.S. Treasury instruments and are held in a trust account that we may
access if the counterparty defaults.
We offer certain suppliers access to third-party services that allow them to view our scheduled payments online. The third-party
services also allow suppliers to finance advances on our scheduled payments at the sole discretion of the supplier and the third party.
We have no economic interest in these financing arrangements and no direct relationship with the suppliers, the third parties, or any
financial institutions concerning this service. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our suppliers as stated in our
supplier agreements. As of May 28, 2023, $
party services. As of May 29, 2022, $
services.
NOTE 9. DEBT
NOTES PAYABLE
The components of notes payable and their respective weighted-average interest rates at the end of the periods were as follows:
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
In Millions
Notes Payable
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
Notes Payable
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
U.S. commercial paper
$
%
$
%
Financial institutions
%
%
Total
$
%
$
%
To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines and have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States
and Europe.
The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of May 28, 2023:
In Billions
Facility
Amount
Borrowed
Amount
Committed credit facility expiring April 2026
$
$
Uncommitted credit facilities
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities
$
$
The credit facilities contain covenants, including a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least
64
LONG-TERM DEBT
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we issued €
. We used the net proceeds
to repay €
.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we issued €
. We used the net
proceeds to repay €
.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we issued $
. We used the net
proceeds to repay our outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we issued $
. We used the
net proceeds to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we issued €
. We used the net proceeds to
repay €
.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we repaid $
, using proceeds
from the issuance of commercial paper.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we repaid $
the issuance of commercial paper.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €
. We used the net
proceeds for general corporate purposes.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €
. We used the
net proceeds to repay a portion of our €
, and for general corporate
purposes.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €
. We used the net proceeds to
repay a portion of our €
.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued $
. We used the net
proceeds, together with proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper, to repay $
due
.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €
. We used the net proceeds to repay
€
.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we repaid €
, using proceeds from the
issuance of €
, and borrowings under a committed credit facility.
65
A summary of our long-term debt is as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
% notes due
April 17, 2028
$
$
% notes due
March 29, 2033
Euro-denominated
% notes due
April 13, 2029
% notes due
April 17, 2025
% notes due
February 10, 2027
% notes due
April 15, 2030
Euro-denominated
% notes due
January 15, 2026
% notes due
February 1, 2051
Euro-denominated
% notes due
November 15, 2025
Euro-denominated floating rate notes due
July 27, 2023
% notes due
February 15, 2024
% notes due
October 14, 2031
% notes due
November 18, 2025
% notes due
April 17, 2048
% notes due
February 15, 2043
Euro-denominated
% notes due
April 27, 2027
Floating rate notes due
October 17, 2023
% notes due
June 15, 2040
% notes due
April 17, 2038
Euro-denominated floating rate notes due
November 10, 2023
Medium-term notes,
% to
%, due fiscal
Euro-denominated
% notes due
April 27, 2023
% notes due
October 12, 2022
Euro-denominated
% notes due
November 11, 2022
Euro-denominated
% notes due
May 16, 2023
Other
(298.0 )
(267.6 )
Less amount due within one year
(1,709.1 )
(1,674.2 )
Total long-term debt
$
$
Principal payments due on long-term debt and finance leases in the next five fiscal years based on stated contractual maturities, our
intent to redeem, or put rights of certain note holders are as follows:
In Millions
Fiscal 2024
$
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027
Fiscal 2028
Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants.
As of May 28, 2023, the $
will be reclassified to net interest over the remaining lives of the hedged transactions. The amount expected to be reclassified from
AOCI to net interest in fiscal 2024 is a $
66
NOTE 10. REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Our principal noncontrolling interest relates to our General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) subsidiar y.
The holder of the GMC Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application
of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recent mark-to-market valuation
(currently $
plus
A
Interest
holder or through a remarketing auction.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we completed the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté
Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal in exchange for Sodiaal’s interest in our Canadian yogurt business, a modified agreement for the use of
Yoplait
Liberté
brands in the United States and Canada, and cash. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Up to the date of the divestiture, Sodiaal held the remaining interests in each of the entities. On the acquisition date, we recorded the
fair value of Sodiaal’s
Sheets. Sodiaal had the right to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value until the divestiture closed in the third
quarter of fiscal 2022. In connection with the divestiture, cumulative adjustments made to the redeemable interest related to the fair
value put feature were reversed against additional paid-in capital, where changes in the redemption amount were historically recorded,
and the resulting carrying value of the noncontrolling interests were included in the calculation of the gain on divestiture.
We paid dividends of $
Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl shareholder agreements.
A subsidiary of Yoplait SAS had an exclusive milk supply agreement for its European operations with Sodiaal through November 28,
2021. Net purchases totaled $
For financial reporting purposes, the assets, liabilities, results of operations, and cash flows of our non-wholly owned consolidated
subsidiaries are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The third-party investor’s share of the net earnings of these
subsidiaries is reflected in net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests in our Consolidated Statements of
Earnings.
NOTE 11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Cumulative preference stock of
On June 27, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
the authorization can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including the use of call options and other
derivative instruments, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, and accelerated repurchase programs. The authorization has no specified
termination date.
Share repurchases were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Shares of common stock
Aggregate purchase price
$
$
$
67
The following tables provide details of total comprehensive income:
Fiscal 2023
General Mills
Noncontrolling
Interests
In Millions
Pretax
Tax
Net
Net
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
$
$
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation
$
(110.2 )
(0.3 )
(110.5 )
(0.3 )
Net actuarial loss
(295.5 )
(228.0 )
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives
(2.5 )
Reclassification to earnings:
Foreign currency translation (a)
(7.4 )
(7.4 )
Hedge derivatives (b)
(24.7 )
(18.7 )
Amortization of losses and prior service costs (c)
(16.0 )
Other comprehensive loss
(361.1 )
(306.4 )
(0.3 )
Total comprehensive income
$
$
(a) Gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in the divestitures gain.
(b) Gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A
expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
(c) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income.
Fiscal 2022
General Mills
Noncontrolling
Interests
Redeemable
Interest
In Millions
Pretax
Tax
Net
Net
Net
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to
$
$
$
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
$
(188.5 )
$
(102.7 )
(26.2 )
(47.0 )
Net actuarial gain
(30.8 )
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives
(23.6 )
Reclassification to earnings:
Foreign currency translation (a)
Hedge derivatives (b)
(0.2 )
Amortization of losses and prior service costs (c)
(21.6 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(26.2 )
(46.7 )
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
$
(16.0 )
$
(29.2 )
(a) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in divestitures gain related to the divestiture of our interests in Yoplait
SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberte Marques Sarl to Sodiaal in the third quarter of fiscal 2022.
(b) Loss (gain) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and
SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
(c) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income.
68
Fiscal 2021
General Mills
Noncontrolling
Interests
Redeemable
Interest
In Millions
Pretax
Tax
Net
Net
Net
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to
$
$
$
(0.3 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
$
(6.1 )
$
Net actuarial gain
(111.5 )
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives
(25.8 )
(19.3 )
(1.4 )
Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives (a)
(5.7 )
Amortization of losses and prior service costs (b)
(23.6 )
Other comprehensive income
(69.4 )
Total comprehensive income
$
$
$
(a) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A
expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
(b) Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income.
In fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, except for certain reclassifications to earnings, changes in other comprehensive income (loss) were
primarily non-cash items.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(708.6 )
$
(590.7 )
Unrealized loss from hedge derivatives
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:
Net actuarial loss
(1,670.6 )
(1,513.4 )
Prior service credits
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(2,276.9 )
$
(1,970.5 )
NOTE 12. STOCK PLANS
We use broad-based stock plans to help ensure that management’s interests are aligned with those of our shareholders. As of May 28,
2023, a total of
shares of unrestricted stock under the 2022 Stock Compensation Plan (2022 Plan). The 2022 Plan also provides for the issuance of
cash-settled share-based units, stock appreciation rights, and performance-based stock awards. Stock-based awards now outstanding
include some granted under the 2017 Stock Compensation Plan, under which no further awards may be granted. The stock plans
provide for potential accelerated vesting of awards upon retirement, termination, or death of eligible employees and directors.
69
Stock Options
The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as
follows:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Estimated fair values of stock options granted
$
$
$
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
%
%
%
Expected term
years
years
years
Expected volatility
%
%
%
Dividend yield
%
%
%
Our expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical data to
estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. Separate groups of employees have similar historical
exercise behavior and therefore were aggregated into a single pool for valuation purposes. The weighted-average expected term for all
employee groups is presented in the table above. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the expected term of the options is based
on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
Any corporate income tax benefit realized upon exercise or vesting of an award in excess of that previously recognized in earnings
(referred to as a windfall tax benefit) is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as an operating cash flow. Realized
windfall tax benefits and shortfall tax deficiencies related to the exercise or vesting of stock-based awards are recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Windfall tax benefits from stock-based payments in income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Windfall tax benefits from stock-based payments
$
$
$
As of May 28, 2023, there were
priced at
Options generally expire within
Information on stock option activity follows:
Options
Outstanding
(Thousands)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (Millions)
Balance as of May 29, 2022
$
$
Granted
Exercised
(4,468.6 )
Forfeited or expired
(138.2 )
Outstanding as of May 28, 2023
$
$
Exercisable as of May 28, 2023
$
$
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards was as follows:
70
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Compensation expense related to stock option awards
$
$
$
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for minimum withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of
options exercised were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Net cash proceeds
$
$
$
Intrinsic value of options exercised
$
$
$
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Share Units
Stock and units settled in stock subject to a restricted period and a purchase price, if any (as determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors), may be granted to key employees under the 2022 Plan. As of May 28, 2023, there were
stock-based awards granted under the 2022 Plan. Under the 2017 Stock Compensation Plan, restricted stock and restricted stock units
generally vest and become unrestricted
future achievement of three-year goals for average organic net sales growth and cumulative operating cash flow and a relative total
shareholder return modifier. Performance share units are settled in common stock and are generally subject to a
three-year
performance and vesting period. The sale or transfer of these awards is restricted during the vesting period. Participants holding
restricted stock, but not restricted stock units or performance share units, are entitled to vote on matters submitted to holders of
common stock for a vote. These awards accumulate dividends from the date of grant, but participants only receive payment if the
awards vest.
Information on restricted stock unit and performance share unit activity follows:
Equity Classified
Liability Classified
Share-Settled Units
(Thousands)
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
Share-Settled Units
(Thousands)
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value
Non-vested as of May 29, 2022
$
$
Granted
Vested
(1,976.1 )
(24.7 )
Forfeited or expired
(183.9 )
(6.8 )
Non-vested as of May 28, 2023
$
$
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
Number of units granted (thousands)
Weighted-average price per unit
$
$
$
The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested was $
2022, and $
As of May 28, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock units, and performance
share units was $
, on average.
Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units and performance share units was as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Compensation expense related to restricted stock units and performance
$
$
$
Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings includes amounts
recognized in restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs for fiscal year 2022.
71
NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following:
Fiscal Year
In Millions, Except per Share Data
2023
2022
2021
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
$
$
$
Average number of common shares - basic EPS
Incremental share effect from: (a)
Stock options
Restricted stock units and performance share units
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS
Earnings per share — basic
$
$
$
Earnings per share — diluted
$
$
$
a) Incremental shares from stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units are computed by the treasury stock
method. Stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units excluded from our computation of diluted EPS
because they were not dilutive were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units,
NOTE 14. RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering many employees in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Benefits for salaried employees are based on length of service and final average compensation. Benefits for hourly employees include
various monthly amounts for each year of credited service. Our funding policy is consistent with the requirements of applicable laws.
We made
any contributions to our principal U.S. plans in fiscal 2024. Our principal U.S. retirement plan covering salaried employees has a
provision that any excess pension assets would be allocated to active participants if the plan is terminated within
in control. All salaried employees hired on or after June 1, 2013, are eligible for a retirement program that does not include a defined
benefit pension plan.
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
We also sponsor plans that provide health care benefits to many of our retirees in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The U.S.
salaried health care benefit plan is contributory, with retiree contributions based on years of service. We make decisions to fund
related trusts for certain employees and retirees on an annual basis. We made
or fiscal 2022. We do not expect to be required to make any contributions to these plans in fiscal 2024.
In fiscal 2021, we approved amendments to reorganize certain U.S. retiree health and welfare benefit plans. The General Mills Retiree
Health Plan for Union Employees was divided into two plans, with participants under age 65 remaining within its coverage, and
participants age 65 and over covered by The General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees (65+). Effective January 1, 2022,
the General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees (65+) allows certain participants to purchase individual health insurance
policies on a private health care exchange. Additionally, the Employees’ Benefit Plan of General Mills was merged into the General
Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees. Separate benefit structures and plan provisions continue to apply to eligible
participants of these merged plans. A portion of the General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees overfunded plan assets
were segregated to offset the cost of the Employees’ Benefit Plan of General Mills health and welfare benefits. The segregation of
assets is reported as a negative employer contribution in the change in other postretirement benefit plan assets. The amendments
facilitate targeted investment strategies that reflect each plan’s unique liability characteristics.
72
In fiscal 2021, we announced changes to the design of our health care coverage for certain eligible retirees to allow participants to
purchase individual health insurance policies on a private health care exchange effective January 1, 2022. These changes provide
certain eligible retirees with greater flexibility in choosing health care coverage that best fits their needs.
Health Care Cost Trend Rates
Assumed health care cost trends are as follows:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
Health care cost trend rate for next year
% and
%
% and
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate rate)
%
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
We review our health care cost trend rates annually. Our review is based on data we collect about our health care claims experience
and information provided by our actuaries. This information includes recent plan experience, plan design, overall industry experience
and projections, and assumptions used by other similar organizations. Our initial health care cost trend rate is adjusted as necessary to
remain consistent with this review, recent experiences, and short-term expectations. Our initial health care cost trend rate assumption
is
the ultimate trend rate of
retirees’ benefits increase as a result of health care inflation. The ultimate trend rate is adjusted annually, as necessary, to approximate
the current economic view on the rate of long-term inflation plus an appropriate health care cost premium. Assumed trend rates for
health care costs have an important effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans.
Postemployment Benefit Plans
Under certain circumstances, we also provide accruable benefits, primarily severance, to former or inactive employees in the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. We recognize an obligation for any of these benefits that vest or accumulate with service.
Postemployment benefits that do not vest or accumulate with service (such as severance based solely on annual pay rather than years
of service) are charged to expense when incurred. Our postemployment benefit plans are unfunded.
73
Summarized financial information about defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans is
presented below:
Defined Benefit Pension
Plans
Other
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Postemployment
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value at beginning of year
$
$
$
$
Actual return on assets
(413.5 )
(618.7 )
(6.6 )
(18.0 )
Employer contributions
Plan participant contributions
Benefits payments
(344.6 )
(346.2 )
(22.4 )
(31.9 )
Foreign currency
(4.9 )
(20.0 )
Fair value at end of year (a)
$
$
$
$
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
$
$
$
$
$
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan amendment
(16.1 )
Curtailment/other
(8.5 )
(29.4 )
(3.2 )
Plan participant contributions
Medicare Part D reimbursements
Actuarial gain
(538.1 )
(1,089.7 )
(22.5 )
(86.0 )
(10.7 )
(18.7 )
Benefits payments
(336.1 )
(334.7 )
(45.5 )
(56.9 )
(18.5 )
(17.7 )
Foreign currency
(5.0 )
(17.6 )
(0.4 )
(0.2 )
(0.3 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (a)
$
$
$
$
$
$
Plan assets (less) more than benefit obligation as of
$
(192.1 )
$
(18.0 )
$
$
$
(131.0 )
$
(138.5 )
(a) Plan assets and obligations are measured as of
.
During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the decreases in defined benefit pension obligations and other postretirement obligations were
primarily driven by actuarial gains due to an increase in the discount rate in each respective year.
As of May 28, 2023, other postretirement benefit plans had benefit obligations of $
$
assets of $
$
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $
$
Amounts recognized in AOCI as of May 28, 2023 and May 29, 2022, are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension
Plans
Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Postemployment
Benefit Plans
Total
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net actuarial (loss) gain
$
(1,859.7 )
$
(1,720.3 )
$
$
$
$
(1.6 )
$
(1,670.6 )
$
(1,513.4 )
Prior service (costs) credits
(4.8 )
(7.6 )
(1.1 )
(1.0 )
Amounts recorded in accumulated
$
(1,864.5 )
$
(1,727.9 )
$
$
$
$
(2.6 )
$
(1,574.2 )
$
(1,403.1 )
74
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of May 28, 2023 and May 29, 2022 are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Projected benefit obligation
$
$
Accumulated benefit obligation
Plan assets at fair value
Components of net periodic benefit expense are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans
Postemployment Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
Service cost
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Interest cost
Expected return on
(420.5 )
(411.1 )
(420.9 )
(31.1 )
(26.7 )
(34.7 )
Amortization of losses
(19.3 )
(10.9 )
(5.1 )
Amortization of prior
(23.2 )
(20.9 )
(5.5 )
Other adjustments
(0.1 )
Settlement or
(0.7 )
(18.4 )
(5.5 )
Net expense (income)
$
$
(10.1 )
$
$
(50.6 )
$
(43.9 )
$
(18.8 )
$
$
$
Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine fiscal year-end benefit obligations are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension
Plans
Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Postemployment Benefit
Plans
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Discount rate
%
%
%
%
%
%
Rate of salary increases
75
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine fiscal year net periodic benefit expense are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans
Postemployment Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
Discount rate
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Service cost
Interest cost
Rate of
Expected long-term
Discount Rates
We
estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of our
international defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans utilizing a full yield curve
approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation to the relevant projected
cash flows. Our discount rate assumptions are determined annually as of May 31 for our defined benefit pension, other postretirement
benefit, and postemployment benefit plan obligations. We also use discount rates as of May 31 to determine defined benefit pension,
other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan income and expense for the following fiscal year. We work with our
outside actuaries to determine the timing and amount of expected future cash outflows to plan participants and, using the Aa Above
Median corporate bond yield, to develop a forward interest rate curve, including a margin to that index based on our credit risk. This
forward interest rate curve is applied to our expected future cash outflows to determine our discount rate assumptions.
76
Fair Value of Plan Assets
The fair values of our pension and postretirement benefit plans’ assets and their respective levels in the fair value hierarchy by asset
category were as follows:
May 31, 2023
May 31, 2022
In Millions
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Fair value measurement of pension
plan assets:
Equity (a)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Fixed income (b)
Real asset investments (c)
Other investments (d)
Cash and accruals
Fair value measurement of pension
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Assets measured at net asset value (e)
Total pension plan assets
$
$
Fair value measurement of
postretirement benefit plan assets:
Fixed income (b)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Cash and accruals
Fair value measurement of
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Assets measured at net asset value (e)
Total postretirement benefit
$
$
(a) Primarily publicly traded common stock for purposes of total return and to maintain equity exposure consistent with policy
allocations. Investments include: United States and international public equity securities, mutual funds, and equity futures valued
at closing prices from national exchanges, commingled funds valued at fair value using the unit values provided by the investment
managers, and certain private equity securities valued using a matrix of pricing inputs reflecting assumptions based on the best
information available.
(b) Primarily government and corporate debt securities and futures for purposes of total return, managing fixed income exposure to
policy allocations, and duration targets. Investments include: fixed income securities and bond futures generally valued at closing
prices from national exchanges, fixed income pricing models, and independent financial analysts; and fixed income commingled
funds valued at unit values provided by the investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
(c) Publicly traded common stocks in energy, real estate, and infrastructure for the purpose of total return. Investments include:
energy, real estate, and infrastructure securities generally valued at closing prices from national exchanges, and commingled
funds valued at unit values provided by the investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
(d) Insurance and annuity contracts to provide a stable stream of income for pension retirees. Fair values are based on the fair value
of the underlying investments and contract fair values established by the providers .
(e) Primarily limited partnerships, trust-owned life insurance, common collective trusts, and certain private equity securities that are
measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been classified in the
fair value hierarchy.
There were
into the pricing of certain private equity securities resulted in the transfer of $
Expected Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Our expected rate of return on plan assets is determined by our asset allocation, our historical long-term investment performance, our
estimate of future long-term returns by asset class (using input from our actuaries, investment services, and investment managers), and
long-term inflation assumptions. We review this assumption annually for each plan; however, our annual investment performance for
one particular year does not, by itself, significantly influence our evaluation.
77
Weighted-average asset allocations for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2023
2022
Asset category:
United States equities
%
%
%
%
International equities
Private equities
Fixed income
Real assets
Total
%
%
%
%
The investment objective for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to secure the benefit obligations to
participants at a reasonable cost to us. Our goal is to optimize the long-term return on plan assets at a moderate level of risk. The
defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan portfolios are broadly diversified across asset classes. Within asset
classes, the portfolios are further diversified across investment styles and investment organizations. For the U.S. defined benefit
pension plans, the long-term investment policy allocation is:
equities;
For other U.S. postretirement benefit plans, the long-term investment policy allocations are:
asset classes may vary tactically around the long-term policy allocations based on relative market valuations.
Contributions and Future Benefit Payments
We do
t expect to be required to make contributions to our defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and
postemployment benefit plans in fiscal 2024. Actual fiscal 2024 contributions could exceed our current projections, as influenced by
our decision to undertake discretionary funding of our benefit trusts and future changes in regulatory requirements. Estimated benefit
payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid from fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2033 as follows:
In Millions
Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
Other
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
Gross Payments
Postemployment
Benefit Plans
Fiscal 2024
$
$
$
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027
Fiscal 2028
Fiscal 2029-2033
Defined Contribution Plans
The General Mills Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan that covers domestic salaried, hourly, nonunion, and certain union
employees. This plan is a 401(k) savings plan that includes a number of investment funds, including a Company stock fund and an
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We sponsor another money purchase plan for certain domestic hourly employees with net
assets of $
of our foreign locations. Our total recognized expense related to defined contribution plans was $
$
We match a percentage of employee contributions to the General Mills Savings Plan. The Company match is directed to investment
options of the participant’s choosing. The number of shares of our common stock allocated to participants in the ESOP was
million as of May 28, 2023, and
balances.
The Company stock fund and the ESOP collectively held $
2023, and May 29, 2022, respectively.
78
NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES
The components of earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures and the corresponding income taxes
thereon are as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures:
United States
$
$
$
Foreign
Total earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures
$
$
$
Income taxes:
Currently payable:
Federal
$
$
$
State and local
Foreign
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
State and local
(8.1 )
Foreign
(23.7 )
(31.1 )
(12.7 )
Total deferred
(22.2 )
Total income taxes
$
$
$
The following table reconciles the United States statutory income tax rate with our effective income tax rate:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
United States statutory rate
%
%
%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefits
Foreign rate differences
(1.0 )
(1.1 )
Stock based compensation
(1.0 )
(0.6 )
(0.4 )
Capital loss (a)
(1.7 )
Divestitures, net
(0.8 )
(1.2 )
Other, net
(0.2 )
(0.2 )
(0.6 )
Effective income tax rate
%
%
%
(a) During fiscal 2022, we released a $
used against divestiture gains.
79
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Accrued liabilities
$
$
Compensation and employee benefits
Pension
Tax credit carryforwards
Stock, partnership, and miscellaneous investments
Capitalized research and development
Capital losses
Net operating losses
Other
Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
Brands
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tax lease transactions
Inventories
Stock, partnership, and miscellaneous investments
Unrealized hedges
Other
Gross deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability
$
$
We have established a valuation allowance against certain of the categories of deferred tax assets described above as current evidence
does not suggest we will realize sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (e.g., ordinary income versus capital gain
income) within the carryforward period to allow us to realize these deferred tax benefits.
Information about our valuation allowance follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
Pillsbury acquisition losses
$
State and foreign loss carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards
Other
Total
$
As of May 28, 2023, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that the remainder of our deferred tax assets are realizable.
Information about our tax loss carryforwards follows
:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
Foreign loss carryforwards
$
Federal operating loss carryforwards
State operating loss carryforwards
Total tax loss carryforwards
$
80
Our foreign loss carryforwards expire as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
Expire in fiscal 2024 and 2025
$
Expire in fiscal 2026 and beyond
Do not expire (a)
Total foreign loss carryforwards
$
(a) Approximately $
allowance.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law. The IRA introduces a Corporate Alternative Minimum
Tax beginning in our fiscal 2024 and an excise tax on the repurchase of corporate stock starting after January 1, 2023. We do not
currently expect the IRA to have a material impact on our financial results, including our annual estimated effective tax rate, or on our
liquidity. The amount of excise tax on the repurchase of corporate stock was immaterial in fiscal 2023. We will continue to monitor
and assess the impact the IRA may have on our business and financial results.
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. The ARPA includes a provision expanding the
limitations on the deductibility of certain executive employee compensation beginning in our fiscal 2028. We do not currently expect
the ARPA to have a material impact on our financial results, including our annual estimated effective tax rate, or on our liquidity.
As of May 28, 2023, we have
t recognized a deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of approximately $
foreign operations because we currently believe our subsidiaries have invested the undistributed earnings indefinitely or the earnings
will be remitted in a tax-neutral transaction. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized tax expense on these
reinvested earnings. Deferred taxes are recorded for earnings of our foreign operations when we determine that such earnings are no
longer indefinitely reinvested. All earnings prior to fiscal 2018 remain permanently reinvested. Earnings from fiscal 2018 and later are
not permanently reinvested and local country withholding taxes are recorded on earnings each year.
We are subject to federal income taxes in the United States as well as various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. A number of years
may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the
timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely
outcome. We adjust these liabilities, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement of any
particular position would usually require the use of cash.
The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Our major taxing jurisdiction is the United States
(federal and state). Various tax examinations by United States state taxing authorities could be conducted for any open tax year, which
vary by jurisdiction, but are generally from
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently auditing our federal tax returns for fiscal
2018 and 2019
. Several state and foreign
examinations are currently in progress. We do not expect these examinations to result in a material impact on our results of operations
or financial position. We have effectively settled all issues with the IRS for fiscal years 2015 and prior.
The Brazilian tax authority, Secretaria da Receita Federal do Brasil (RFB), has concluded audits of our 2012 through 2018 tax return
years. These audits included a review of our determinations of amortization of certain goodwill arising from the acquisition of Yoki
Alimentos S.A. The RFB has proposed adjustments that effectively eliminate the goodwill amortization benefits related to this
transaction. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to continue to contest the disallowance for all years.
We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, we recognize
the amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being ultimately realized upon settlement. Future changes in
judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect earnings in the period of such change.
81
The following table sets forth changes in our total gross unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, excluding accrued interest, for fiscal 2023
and fiscal 2022. Approximately $
effective income tax rate in future periods. This amount differs from the gross unrecognized tax benefits presented in the table because
certain portions of the liabilities below would impact deferred taxes if recognized. We also would record a decrease in U.S. federal
income taxes upon recognition of the state tax benefits included therein.
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
Balance, beginning of year
$
$
Tax positions related to current year:
Additions
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions
Reductions
(0.9 )
(5.5 )
Settlements
(4.7 )
(2.4 )
Lapses in statutes of limitations
(6.9 )
(8.5 )
Balance, end of year
$
$
As of May 28, 2023, we do
t expect to pay unrecognized tax benefit liabilities and accrued interest within the next 12 months. We
are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit
outcomes. Our unrecognized tax benefit liability was classified in other liabilities.
We report accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit liabilities in income tax expense. For fiscal 2023, we
recognized $
2023. For fiscal 2022, we recognized $
and penalties as of May 29, 2022.
NOTE 16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As of May 28, 2023, we have issued guarantees and comfort letters of $
consolidated affiliates, mainly CPW. Off-balance sheet arrangements were not material as of May 28, 2023.
During fiscal 2020, we received notice from the tax authorities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil regarding our compliance with its
state sales tax requirements. As a result, we have been assessed additional state sales taxes, interest, and penalties. We believe that we
have meritorious defenses against this claim and will vigorously defend our position. As of
May 28, 2023
, we are unable to estimate
any possible loss and have not recorded a loss contingency for this matter.
NOTE 17. BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
We operate in the packaged foods industry. In fiscal 2022, we completed a new organization structure to streamline our global
operations. This global reorganization required us to reevaluate our operating segments. Under our new organization structure, our
chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our operating segments as
follows: North America Retail, International, Pet, and North America Foodservice.
Our North America Retail operating segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership
stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains, convenience stores, and e-commerce grocery providers. Our product
categories in this business segment include ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough
products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit snacks, savory snacks, and a wide variety of
organic products including ready-to-eat cereal, frozen and shelf-stable vegetables, meal kits, fruit snacks and snack bars.
Our International operating segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses outside of the United States and Canada. Our
product categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, meal kits, salty snacks, snack bars, dessert and baking mixes,
and shelf stable vegetables. We also sell super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts directly to consumers through owned retail
shops. Our International segment also includes products manufactured in the United States for export, mainly to Caribbean and Latin
American markets, as well as products we manufacture for sale to our international joint ventures. Revenues from export activities are
reported in the region or country where the end customer is located.
Our Pet operating segment includes pet food products sold primarily in the United States and Canada in national pet superstore chains,
e-commerce retailers, grocery stores, regional pet store chains, mass merchandisers, and veterinary clinics and hospitals. Our product
82
categories include dog and cat food (dry foods, wet foods, and treats) made with whole meats, fruits, vegetables and other high-quality
natural ingredients. Our tailored pet product offerings address specific dietary, lifestyle, and life-stage needs and span different
product types, diet types, breed sizes for dogs, lifestages, flavors, product functions, and textures and cuts for wet foods.
Our North America Foodservice segment consists of foodservice businesses in the United States and Canada. Our major product
categories in our North America Foodservice operating segment are ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated yogurt, frozen meals,
unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, and bakery flour. Many products we sell are branded to the consumer
and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators in many customer channels including foodservice,
vending, and supermarket bakeries.
Operating profit for these segments excludes unallocated corporate items, gain or loss on divestitures, and restructuring, impairment,
and other exit costs. Unallocated corporate items include corporate overhead expenses, variances to planned North American
employee benefits and incentives, certain charitable contributions, restructuring initiative project-related costs, gains and losses on
corporate investments, and other items that are not part of our measurement of segment operating performance. These include gains
and losses arising from the revaluation of certain grain inventories and gains and losses from mark-to-market valuation of certain
commodity positions until passed back to our operating segments. These items affecting operating profit are centrally managed at the
corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by executive management. Under our supply
chain organization, our manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution activities are substantially integrated across our operations in order
to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, fixed assets and depreciation and amortization expenses are neither maintained
nor available by operating segment.
Our operating segment results were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Net sales:
North America Retail
$
$
$
International
Pet
North America Foodservice
Total
$
$
$
Operating profit:
North America Retail
$
$
$
International
Pet
North America Foodservice
Total segment operating profit
$
$
$
Unallocated corporate items
Divestitures (gain) loss, net
(444.6 )
(194.1 )
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries)
(26.5 )
Operating profit
$
$
$
Net sales for our North America Retail operating units were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
U.S. Meals & Baking Solutions
$
$
$
U.S. Morning Foods
U.S. Snacks
Canada
Total
$
$
$
83
Net sales by class of similar products were as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Snacks
$
$
$
Cereal
Convenient meals
Pet
Dough
Baking mixes and ingredients
Yogurt
Super-premium ice cream
Other
Total
$
$
$
The following tables provide financial information by geographic area:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Net sales:
United States
$
$
$
Non-United States
Total
$
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents:
United States
$
$
Non-United States
Total
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Land, buildings, and equipment:
United States
$
$
Non-United States
Total
$
$
NOTE 18. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The components of certain Consolidated Balance Sheets accounts are as follows:
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Receivables:
Customers
$
$
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
(26.9 )
(28.3 )
Total
$
$
84
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Inventories:
Finished goods
$
$
Raw materials and packaging
Grain
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (a)
(600.9 )
(463.4 )
Total
$
$
(a) Inventories of $
difference between replacement cost and the stated LIFO inventory value is not materially different from the reserve for the LIFO
valuation method.
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Marketable investments
$
$
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses
Derivative receivables
Grain contracts
Miscellaneous
Total
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Assets held for sale:
Goodwill
$
$
Inventories
Equipment
Total
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Land, buildings, and equipment:
Equipment
$
$
Buildings
Construction in progress
Capitalized software
Land
Equipment under finance lease
Buildings under finance lease
Total land, buildings, and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
(6,933.4 )
(6,816.5 )
Total
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Other assets:
Investments in and advances to joint ventures
$
$
Right of use operating lease assets
Pension assets
Life insurance
Miscellaneous
Total
$
$
85
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Other current liabilities:
Accrued trade and consumer promotions
$
$
Accrued payroll
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Accrued interest, including interest rate swaps
Accrued taxes
Restructuring and other exit costs reserve
Derivative payable, primarily commodity-related
Dividends payable
Grain contracts
Miscellaneous
Total
$
$
In Millions
May 28, 2023
May 29, 2022
Other non-current liabilities:
Accrued compensation and benefits, including obligations for underfunded other
$
$
Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities
Accrued taxes
Miscellaneous
Total
$
$
Certain Consolidated Statements of Earnings amounts are as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Depreciation and amortization
$
$
$
Research and development expense
Advertising and media expense (including production and
The components of interest, net are as follows:
Fiscal Year
Expense (Income), in Millions
2023
2022
2021
Interest expense
$
$
$
Capitalized interest
(4.4 )
(3.8 )
(3.2 )
Interest income
(14.0 )
(3.8 )
(7.4 )
Interest, net
$
$
$
Certain Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows amounts are as follows:
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Cash interest payments
$
$
$
Cash paid for income taxes
86
NOTE 19. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly data for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 follows:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
In Millions, Except Per
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net sales
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Gross margin
Net earnings attributable to
EPS:
Basic
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Diluted
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
In the fourth quarter fiscal 2023, we approved restructuring actions to enhance the efficiency of our global supply chain structure and
recorded $
shops network and recorded $
recall of certain international
H
ä
agen-Dazs
ice cream products as a result of an insurance recovery.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we recorded an additional gain on the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC,
and Liberté Marques Sàrl of $
also recorded $
and Liberté Marques Sàrl, the sale of our European dough businesses, the definitive agreements to sell our Helper main meals and
Suddenly Salad side dishes business, and the definitive agreement to acquire TNT Crust. We also recorded a $
associated with the valuation of a corporate investment. In addition, we recorded a $
reserve.
87
Glossary
AOCI.
Adjusted diluted EPS.
Adjusted operating profit.
Adjusted operating profit margin.
sales.
Constant currency.
rates in effect for the comparable prior-year period
.
currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the
corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year
.
Therefore, the foreign currency impact is equal to current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average
foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.
Core working capital.
Derivatives.
changes in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity prices.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA
)
.
after-tax earnings from joint ventures, net interest, depreciation and amortization.
Euribor.
Fair value hierarchy.
the assumptions (inputs) used in valuing the asset or liability. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3
generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities
in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets .
Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
Free cash flow.
Free cash flow conversion rate.
noncontrolling interests adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
and reporting accounting information in our financial statements.
Goodwill.
interests and the related fair values of net assets acquired.
Gross margin.
Hedge accounting.
changes in the hedged item in the same reporting period
.
items only if the hedging relationship is highly effective, and only prospectively from the date a hedging relationship is formally
documented.
Holistic Margin Management (HMM).
to offset input cost inflation, protect margins , and generate funds to reinvest in sales-generating activities.
88
Interest bearing instruments.
interest bearing investments classified within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.
LIBOR.
Mark-to-market.
on the current market price for that item.
Net debt.
Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio.
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions.
that will be allocated to segment operating profit when the exposure we are hedging affects earnings.
Net price realization.
Net realizable value.
The estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion,
disposal, and transportation.
Noncontrolling interests.
Notional principal amount.
OCI.
Operating cash flow conversion rate.
attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests.
Operating cash flow to net debt ratio.
Organic net sales growth.
rd
week impact, when applicable.
Project-related costs.
Redeemable interest.
therefore cannot be classified as a noncontrolling interest in equity.
Reporting unit.
SOFR.
Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
Strategic Revenue Management (SRM).
realization and mix by identifying and executing against specific opportunities to apply tools including pricing, sizing, mix
management, and promotion optimization across each of our businesses.
Supply chain input costs.
management, logistics, and warehousing.
Total debt.
Translation adjustments.
purpose of consolidating our financial statements.
Working capital.
ITEM 9 - Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
89
ITEM 9A - Controls and Procedures
We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule
13a-15(e) under the 1934 Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that,
as of May 28, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in
reports that we file or submit under the 1934 Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods
specified in applicable rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the 1934 Act) during our
fiscal quarter ended May 28, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of General Mills, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the 1934 Act. The Company’s internal control system was designed to
provide reasonable assurance to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of
published financial statements. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as
of May 28, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (COSO) in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
.
Based on our assessment using the criteria set forth by COSO in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
, management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 28, 2023.
KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
/s/ J. L. Harmening /s/ K. A. Bruce
J. L. Harmening K. A. Bruce
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
June 28, 2023
Our independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting is included in the
“Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in Item 8 of this report.
ITEM 9B - Other Information
None.
ITEM 9C - Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10 - Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information contained in the sections entitled “Proposal Number 1 - Election of Directors” and “Shareholder Director
Nominations” contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by
reference.
Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Item 1 of this report.
The information regarding our Audit Committee, including the members of the Audit Committee and audit committee financial
experts, set forth in the section entitled “Board Committees and Their Functions” contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for our
2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.
90
We have adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
and principal accounting officer. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available on our website at https://www.general mills.com.
We
intend to post on our website any amendments to our Code of Conduct and any waivers from our Code of Conduct for principal
officers.
ITEM 11 - Executive Compensation
The information contained in the sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and “Overseeing Risk
Management” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information contained in the section entitled “Ownership of General Mills Common Stock by Directors, Officers and Certain
Beneficial Owners” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by
reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides certain information as of May 28, 2023, with respect to our equity compensation plans:
Plan Category
Number of Securities to be
Issued upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (1)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and
Rights (2) (a)
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in Column (1)) (3)
Equity compensation plans
18,806,084
(b)
$
57.43
35,104,287
(d)
Equity compensation plans
97,154
(c)
-
-
Total
18,903,238
$
57.43
35,104,287
(a)
Only includes the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, whose weighted-average term is 5.59 years.
(b)
Includes 11,571,445 stock options, 3,359,589 restricted stock units, 1,690,278 performance share units (assuming pay out for
target performance), and 2,184,772 restricted stock units that have vested and been deferred.
(c)
Includes 97,154 restricted stock units that have vested and been deferred. These awards were made in lieu of salary increases
and certain other compensation and benefits. We granted these awards under our 1998 Employee Stock Plan, which provided
for the issuance of stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units to attract and retain employees and to align their
interest with those of shareholders. We discontinued the 1998 Employee Stock Plan in September 2003, and no future awards
may be granted under that plan.
(d)
Includes stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, shares of unrestricted stock, stock appreciation rights, and
performance awards that we may award under our 2022 Stock Compensation Plan, which has 35,104,287 shares available for
grant at May 28, 2023.
ITEM 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information set forth in the section entitled “Board Independence and Related Person Transactions” contained in our definitive
Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information contained in the section entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” in our definitive Proxy
Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.
91
PART IV
ITEM 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
1. Financial Statements:
The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this report:
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, May 29, 2022, and May 30,
2021.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 28, 2023 and May 29, 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest for the fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, May 29, 2022,
and May 30, 2021.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Report of Management Responsibilities.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PCAOB ID:
.
2. Financial Statement Schedule:
For the fiscal years ended May 28, 2023, May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021:
II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
92
3.
Exhibits
:
Exhibit No.
Description
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 1, 2021).
By-laws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2022).
Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1996, between the Company and U.S. Bank National
Association (f/k/a First Trust of Illinois, National Association) (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed February
6, 1996 (File no. 333-00745)).
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2009, between the Company and U.S. Bank
National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009).
Description of the Company’s registered securities.
2001 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
August 29, 2010).
2006 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
August 29, 2010).
2011 Stock Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015).
2011 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
November 27, 2011).
2016 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
November 27, 2016).
Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 28, 2010).
Separation Pay and Benefits Program for Officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February
23, 2020).
Supplemental Savings Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).
Supplemental Retirement Plan (Grandfathered) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February
28, 2021).
2005 Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).
Deferred Compensation Plan (Grandfathered) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February
22, 2009).
2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).
Executive Survivor Income Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2005).
93
Supplemental Benefits Trust Agreement, amended and restated as of September 26, 1988,
between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
November 27, 2011).
Supplemental Benefits Trust Agreement, dated September 26, 1988, between the Company and
Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2011).
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May
27, 2018).
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018).
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
November 26, 2017).
2017 Stock Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 26, 2017).
Supplemental Retirement Plan I (Grandfathered) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February
28, 2021).
Supplemental Retirement Plan I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).
2022 Stock Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 30, 2022).
Agreements, dated November 29, 1989, by and between the Company and Nestle S.A.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000).
Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, dated November 21, 1989, and Addendum No. 1 to
Protocol, dated February 9, 1990, between the Company and Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended May 27, 2001).
Addendum No. 2 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, dated March 16, 1993,
between the Company and Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2004).
Addendum No. 3 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, effective as of March 15, 1993,
between the Company and Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000).
+
Addendum No. 4, effective as August 1, 1998, and Addendum No. 5, effective as April 1,
2000, to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide between the Company and Nestle S.A.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009).
Addendum No. 10 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, effective January 1, 2010,
among the Company, Nestle S.A., and CPW S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February
28, 2010).
Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2021, as amended April 3, 2023, among the
Company, the several financial institutions from time to time party to the agreement, and Bank
of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
94
Subsidiaries of the Company.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
101
The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended May 28, 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the
Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Total
Equity and Redeemable Interest; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (vi) the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vii) Schedule II – Valuation of Qualifying
Accounts.
104
Cover Page, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language and contained in
Exhibit 101.
_____________
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15 of Form
10-K.
+ Confidential information has been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of our long-term debt are
not filed and, in lieu thereof, we agree to furnish copies to the SEC upon request.
ITEM 16 - Form 10-K Summary
Not Applicable.
95
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GENERAL MILLS, INC.
Date: June 28, 2023
By /s/ Mark A. Pallot
Name: Mark A. Pallot
Title: Vice President, Chief 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 and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Jeffrey L Harmening
Jeffrey L. Harmening
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
June 28, 2023
/s/ Kofi A. Bruce
Kofi A. Bruce
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
June 28, 2023
/s/ Mark A. Pallot
Mark A. Pallot
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
June 28, 2023
/s/ R. Kerry Clark
R. Kerry Clark
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ David M. Cordani
David M. Cordani
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ C. Kim Goodwin
Director
June 28, 2023
C. Kim Goodwin
/s/ Maria G. Henry
Maria G. Henry
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Jo Ann Jenkins
Jo Ann Jenkins
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Elizabeth C. Lempres
Elizabeth C. Lempres
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Diane L. Neal
Diane L. Neal
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Steve Odland
Steve Odland
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Maria A. Sastre
Maria A. Sastre
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Eric D. Sprunk
Eric D. Sprunk
Director
June 28, 2023
/s/ Jorge A. Uribe
Jorge A. Uribe
Director
June 28, 2023
96
General Mills, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II - Valuation of Qualifying Accounts
Fiscal Year
In Millions
2023
2022
2021
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Additions charged to expense
Bad debt write-offs
(28.6 )
(26.4 )
(29.9 )
Other adjustments and reclassifications
(2.4 )
(4.3 )
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Additions charged (benefits) to expense
(41.6 )
Adjustments due to acquisitions, translation of amounts, and other
(3.0 )
(2.5 )
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
Reserve for restructuring and other exit charges:
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Additions charged to expense, including translation amounts
Reserve adjustment
(34.0 )
Net amounts utilized for restructuring activities
(30.8 )
(81.4 )
(12.9 )
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
Reserve for LIFO valuation:
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Increase
Balance at end of year
$
$
$