SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 29, 2012

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as all majority-owned subsidiaries and other entities for which we have a controlling interest. Entities that are 50% owned or less are accounted for under the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence. We use the cost method of accounting for investments in which our ability to exercise significant influence is limited. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Consolidating the results of operations and financial position of variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary does not have a material effect on sales, net income (loss), or net income (loss) per diluted share, or on our financial position for the fiscal periods presented. 

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations and cash flows in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate over the course of the fiscal year. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in other comprehensive income (loss) for each period. Gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred. We recorded net losses on foreign currency transactions of $7.4 million and $0.4 million in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively, and net gains on foreign currency transactions of $3.7 million in fiscal 2010. 

Our Polish operations have different fiscal period end dates. As such, we have elected to consolidate the results of these operations on a one-month lag. We do not believe the impact of reporting the results of these entities on a one-month lag is material to the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks and ends on the Sunday nearest April 30. Fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The majority of our cash is concentrated in demand deposit accounts or money market funds. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates market value. 

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We regularly evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer and historical experience. Based on our evaluation, we record reserves to reduce the related receivables to amounts we reasonably believe are collectible. Our reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable was $9.0 million and $9.2 million as of April 29, 2012 and May 1, 2011, respectively.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	April 29, 2012		May 1, 2011
	(in millions)
Livestock	$	962.8	$	963.9
Fresh and packaged meats	912.1		854.1
Grains	90.4		89.8
Manufacturing supplies	59.1		60.0
Other	48.0		52.1
Total inventories	$	2,072.4	$	2,019.9

Livestock are generally valued at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market, adjusted for changes in the fair value of livestock that are hedged. Costs include purchase costs, feed, medications, contract grower fees and other production expenses. Fresh and packaged meats are valued based on USDA and other market prices and adjusted for the cost of further processing. Costs for packaged products include meat, labor, supplies and overhead. Average costing is primarily utilized to account for fresh and packaged meats and grains. Manufacturing supplies are principally ingredients and packaging materials.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment is generally stated at historical cost, which includes the then fair values of assets acquired in business combinations, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Assets held under capital leases are classified in property, plant and equipment, net and amortized over the lease term. The amortization of assets held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. The cost of assets held under capital leases was $34.0 million and $37.4 million at April 29, 2012 and May 1, 2011, respectively. The assets held under capital leases had accumulated amortization of $1.7 million and $3.7 million at April 29, 2012 and May 1, 2011, respectively. Depreciation expense is included in either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses, as appropriate. Depreciation expense totaled $238.6 million, $227.4 million and $236.9 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Interest is capitalized on property, plant and equipment over the construction period. Total interest capitalized was $2.8 million, $1.6 million and $2.8 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Property, plant and equipment, net, consists of the following:

	Useful Life	April 29, 2012			May 1, 2011
	(in Years)	(in millions)
Land and improvements	0-20	$	268.9		$	271.7
Buildings and improvements	20-40	1,690.6			1,717.8
Machinery and equipment	5-25	1,780.6			1,714.0
Breeding stock	2	182.1			159.3
Computer hardware and software	3-5	148.4			137.1
Other	3-10	89.1			53.2
Construction in progress		110.2			133.6
		4,269.9			4,186.7
Accumulated depreciation		(1,992.7		)	(1,877.6		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	2,277.2		$	2,309.1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if impairment indicators arise. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is not, no further analysis is required. If it is, a prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit, if any.

The first step in the two-step impairment test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit is estimated by applying valuation multiples and/or estimating future discounted cash flows. The selection of multiples is dependent upon assumptions regarding future levels of operating performance as well as business trends and prospects, and industry, market and economic conditions. When estimating future discounted cash flows, we consider the assumptions that hypothetical marketplace participants would use in estimating future cash flows. In addition, where applicable, an appropriate discount rate is used, based on an industry-wide average cost of capital or location-specific economic factors. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any.

The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit). If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. 

Based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment tests, as of our testing date, no impairment indicators were noted for all the periods presented. 

The carrying amount of goodwill includes cumulative impairment losses of $6.0 million as of April 29, 2012 and May 1, 2011. 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

	Useful Life	April 29, 2012			May 1, 2011
	(in Years)	(in millions)
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer relations assets	15-16	$	13.3		$	13.3
Patents, rights and leasehold interests	5-25	11.8			11.8
Contractual relationships	22	33.1			33.1
Accumulated amortization		(22.6		)	(19.6		)
Amortized intangible assets, net		35.6			38.6
Unamortized intangible assets:
Trademarks	Indefinite	340.1			341.9
Permits	Indefinite	6.1			6.1
Intangible assets, net		$	381.8		$	386.6

The fair values of trademarks are calculated using a royalty rate method. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which similar brands and trademarks are licensed in the marketplace. If the carrying value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for recoverability when indicators of impairment are present using estimated future undiscounted cash flows related to those assets. We have determined that no impairments of our intangible assets existed for any of the periods presented.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.0 million, $3.2 million and $3.1 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of April 29, 2012, the estimated amortization expense associated with our intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is expected to be $2.6 million. 

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

DebtIssuance Costs, Premiums and Discounts

Debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts are amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related loan agreements using the effective interest method or other methods which approximate the effective interest method. 

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be realized. 

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. 

We record unrecognized tax benefit liabilities for known or anticipated tax issues based on our analysis of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as other liabilities and recognize the related expense as income tax expense. 

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension Accounting

We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans in the consolidated balance sheets. We also recognize in other comprehensive income, the net of tax results of the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized in net periodic benefit cost. These amounts are adjusted out of accumulated other comprehensive loss as they are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

We measure our pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations and related plan assets as of the last day of our fiscal year. The measurement of our pension obligations and related costs is dependent on the use of assumptions and estimates. These assumptions include discount rates, salary growth, mortality rates and expected returns on plan assets. Changes in assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on our expenses and related funding requirements. 

Self-Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block]

Self-Insurance Programs

We are self-insured for certain levels of general and vehicle liability, property, workers’ compensation, product recall and health care coverage. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements for known and anticipated claims. Any resulting adjustments to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current period earnings. 

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Contingent Liabilities

We are subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to the operation of our farms, labor, livestock procurement, securities, environmental, product, taxing authorities and other matters, and are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses and fees.

A determination of the amount of accruals and disclosures required, if any, for these contingencies is made after considerable analysis of each individual issue. We accrue for contingent liabilities when an assessment of the risk of loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We disclose contingent liabilities when the risk of loss is at least reasonably possible or probable.

Our contingent liabilities contain uncertainties because the eventual outcome will result from future events. Our determination of accruals and any reasonably possible losses in excess of those accruals require estimates and judgments related to future changes in facts and circumstances, interpretations of the law, the amount of damages or fees, and the effectiveness of strategies or other factors beyond our control. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues from product sales upon delivery to customers or when title passes. Revenue is recorded at the invoice price for each product net of estimated returns and sales incentives provided to customers. Sales incentives include various rebate and trade allowance programs with our customers, primarily discounts and rebates based on achievement of specified volume or growth in volume levels.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising and Promotional Costs

Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred except for certain production costs, which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement. Promotional sponsorship costs are expensed as the promotional events occur. Advertising costs totaled $122.9 million, $120.1 million and $111.3 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are reported as a component of cost of sales. 

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $75.9 million, $47.0 million and $38.8 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Income (Loss) per Share

We present dual computations of net income (loss) per share. The basic computation is based on weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted computation reflects the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as stock options and convertible notes, during the period. We excluded stock options for approximately 1.7 million, 1.8 million and 1.7 million shares in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, from the diluted computation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our meat processing and hog production operations use various raw materials, primarily live hogs, corn and soybean meal, which are actively traded on commodity exchanges. We hedge these commodities when we determine conditions are appropriate to mitigate price risk. While this hedging may limit our ability to participate in gains from favorable commodity fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from adverse changes in raw material prices. We attempt to closely match the commodity contract terms with the hedged item. We also periodically enter into interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates on certain financial instruments and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain exposures to fluctuating foreign currency rates.

We record all derivatives in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. For derivatives that qualify and have been designated as hedges for accounting purposes, changes in fair value have no net impact on earnings, to the extent the derivative is considered perfectly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (commonly referred to as the “hedge accounting” method). For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings (commonly referred to as the “mark-to-market” method). We may elect either method of accounting for our derivative portfolio, assuming all the necessary requirements are met. We have in the past availed ourselves of either acceptable method and expect to do so in the future. We believe all of our derivative instruments represent economic hedges against changes in prices and rates, regardless of their designation for accounting purposes.

Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We record our share of earnings and losses from our equity method investments in loss (income) from equity method investments. Some of these results are reported on a one-month lag which, in our opinion, does not materially impact our consolidated financial statements. Each quarter, we review the carrying value of our investments and consider whether indicators of impairment exist. Examples of impairment indicators include a history or expectation of future operating losses and declines in a quoted share price, among other factors. If an impairment indicator exists, we must evaluate the fair value of our investment to determine if a loss in value, which is other than temporary, has occurred. If we consider any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate’s industry), then a write-down of the investment to its estimated fair value would be recorded . We have determined that no write-down was necessary for all periods presented.