10-Q
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 ______________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
 ______________________________________________________
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2016
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                 to 
               
Commission File Number: 1-7275
______________________________________________________
CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________________________________ 
Delaware
 
47-0248710
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
One ConAgra Drive,
Omaha, Nebraska
 
68102-5001
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(402) 240-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 ______________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x     No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x 
Number of shares outstanding of issuer’s common stock, as of February 28, 2016, was 436,414,916.
 


Table of Contents
 
Item 1
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 6
 
Exhibit 10.1
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.1
 




PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Net sales
$
2,924.1

 
$
2,907.3

 
$
8,815.4

 
$
8,811.5

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
2,123.7

 
2,187.3

 
6,485.5

 
6,742.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses
489.6

 
360.3

 
1,419.7

 
1,146.1

Interest expense, net
76.9

 
79.8

 
236.8

 
241.8

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings
233.9

 
279.9

 
673.4

 
681.1

Income tax expense
91.0

 
100.6

 
259.3

 
247.9

Equity method investment earnings
44.7

 
33.0

 
107.0

 
92.6

Income from continuing operations
187.6

 
212.3

 
521.1

 
525.8

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
18.7

 
(1,165.0
)
 
(1,307.9
)
 
(978.1
)
Net income (loss)
$
206.3

 
$
(952.7
)
 
$
(786.8
)
 
$
(452.3
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1.7

 
1.4

 
7.8

 
9.5

Net income (loss) attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc.
$
204.6

 
$
(954.1
)
 
$
(794.6
)
 
$
(461.8
)
Earnings (loss) per share — basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
0.42

 
$
0.49

 
$
1.17

 
$
1.21

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
0.04

 
(2.72
)
 
(3.01
)
 
(2.30
)
Net income (loss) attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
0.46

 
$
(2.23
)
 
$
(1.84
)
 
$
(1.09
)
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
0.41

 
$
0.49

 
$
1.16

 
$
1.20

Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
0.05

 
(2.70
)
 
(2.99
)
 
(2.27
)
Net income (loss) attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
0.46

 
$
(2.21
)
 
$
(1.83
)
 
$
(1.07
)
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.25

 
$
0.25

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.75

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


1



ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
 
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
After-Tax Amount
 
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
After-Tax Amount
Net income (loss)
$
318.2

$
(111.9
)
$
206.3

 
$
(949.3
)
$
(3.4
)
$
(952.7
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):



 



Derivative adjustments:






 






Unrealized derivative adjustments
—

—

—

 
—

—

—

Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income
(2.1
)
0.8

(1.3
)
 
—

—

—

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
(0.1
)
—

(0.1
)
 
0.4

(0.2
)
0.2

Currency translation losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized currency translation losses
(18.0
)
—

(18.0
)
 
(82.8
)
—

(82.8
)
Reclassification for currency translation losses included in net income
73.4

—

73.4

 
—

—

—

Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:






 






Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations
0.4

(0.1
)
0.3

 
—

—

—

Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income
(10.9
)
3.4

(7.5
)
 
(0.2
)
0.1

(0.1
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
360.9

(107.8
)
253.1

 
(1,031.9
)
(3.5
)
(1,035.4
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.3
)
(0.2
)
(0.5
)
 
0.8

(0.2
)
0.6

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc.
$
361.2

$
(107.6
)
$
253.6

 
$
(1,032.7
)
$
(3.3
)
$
(1,036.0
)
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
 
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
After-Tax Amount
 
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
After-Tax Amount
Net loss
$
(973.1
)
$
186.3

$
(786.8
)
 
$
(68.1
)
$
(384.2
)
$
(452.3
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized derivative adjustments
—

—

—

 
—

—

—

Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income
(2.1
)
0.8

(1.3
)
 
(0.5
)
0.2

(0.3
)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
—

—

—

 
0.7

(0.3
)
0.4

Currency translation losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized currency translation losses
(74.0
)
—

(74.0
)
 
(135.6
)
—

(135.6
)
Reclassification for currency translation losses included in net income
73.4

—

73.4

 
—

—

—

Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations
7.1

(1.8
)
5.3

 
3.8

(0.9
)
2.9

Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income
(13.5
)
4.4

(9.1
)
 
(0.6
)
0.2

(0.4
)
Comprehensive loss
(982.2
)
189.7

(792.5
)
 
(200.3
)
(385.0
)
(585.3
)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2.3

(0.7
)
1.6

 
4.1

(0.2
)
3.9

Comprehensive loss attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc.
$
(984.5
)
$
190.4

$
(794.1
)
 
$
(204.4
)
$
(384.8
)
$
(589.2
)

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


2



ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions except share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
February 28,
2016
 
May 31,
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
502.6

 
$
164.7

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.7 and $4.1
849.6

 
773.6

Inventories
1,835.5

 
1,711.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
335.6

 
273.2

Current assets held for sale
4.2

 
744.3

Total current assets
3,527.5

 
3,667.7

Property, plant and equipment
6,198.6

 
6,191.0

Less accumulated depreciation
(3,552.9
)
 
(3,503.3
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
2,645.7

 
2,687.7

Goodwill
4,682.2

 
4,699.5

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net
1,371.8

 
1,313.4

Other assets
960.0

 
927.0

Noncurrent assets held for sale
—

 
4,246.9

 
$
13,187.2

 
$
17,542.2

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Notes payable
$
36.6

 
$
7.9

Current installments of long-term debt
560.4

 
1,008.0

Accounts payable
1,007.8

 
1,138.8

Accrued payroll
213.1

 
211.2

Other accrued liabilities
797.7


650.3

Current liabilities held for sale
—

 
294.0

Total current liabilities
2,615.6

 
3,310.2

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments
4,706.8

 
6,693.0

Subordinated debt
195.9

 
195.9

Other noncurrent liabilities
1,935.8


2,022.1

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale
0.6

 
711.0

Total liabilities
9,454.7

 
12,932.2

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

Common stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 567,907,172
2,839.7

 
2,839.7

Additional paid-in capital
1,107.6

 
1,049.4

Retained earnings
3,210.7

 
4,331.1

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(329.0
)
 
(329.5
)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 131,492,256 and 139,702,605 common shares
(3,175.5
)
 
(3,364.7
)
Total ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders' equity
3,653.5

 
4,526.0

Noncontrolling interests
79.0

 
84.0

Total stockholders' equity
3,732.5

 
4,610.0

 
$
13,187.2

 
$
17,542.2

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


3



ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(786.8
)
 
$
(452.3
)
Loss from discontinued operations
(1,307.9
)
 
(978.1
)
Income from continuing operations
521.1

 
525.8

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
281.7

 
283.8

Asset impairment charges
8.4

 
24.7

Lease cancellation expense
55.6

 
—

Loss on extinguishment of debt
23.9

 
24.6

Earnings of affiliates in excess of distributions
(31.9
)
 
(56.7
)
Share-based payments expense
54.3

 
42.9

Contributions to pension plans
(9.3
)
 
(9.4
)
Pension expense (benefit)
25.6

 
(6.9
)
Other items
4.6

 
15.2

Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(127.7
)
 
18.9

Inventory
(121.4
)
 
(245.0
)
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net
(184.2
)
 
26.6

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1.8

 
(53.5
)
Accounts payable
(92.3
)
 
(25.2
)
Accrued payroll
30.7

 
47.5

Other accrued liabilities
60.5

 
(35.5
)
Net cash flows from operating activities — continuing operations
501.4

 
577.8

Net cash flows from operating activities — discontinued operations
193.7

 
162.7

Net cash flows from operating activities
695.1

 
740.5

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(279.7
)
 
(240.6
)
Sale of property, plant and equipment
24.6

 
15.4

Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
—

 
(74.7
)
Purchase of intangible assets
(10.4
)
 
—

Return of investment in equity method investee
—

 
391.4

Other items
0.3

 
—

Net cash flows from investing activities — continuing operations
(265.2
)
 
91.5

Net cash flows from investing activities — discontinued operations
2,521.6

 
40.7

Net cash flows from investing activities
2,256.4

 
132.2

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net short-term borrowings
28.7

 
284.1

Issuance of long-term debt
30.0

 
550.0

Repayment of long-term debt
(2,521.4
)
 
(1,491.2
)
Repurchase of ConAgra Foods, Inc. common shares
—

 
(35.1
)
Cash dividends paid
(323.5
)
 
(318.2
)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards
208.1

 
113.8

Other items
(6.2
)
 
(12.5
)
Net cash flows from financing activities — continuing operations
(2,584.3
)
 
(909.1
)
Net cash flows from financing activities — discontinued operations
(45.2
)
 
(1.7
)
Net cash flows from financing activities
(2,629.5
)
 
(910.8
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(2.5
)
 
(7.7
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
319.5

 
(45.8
)
Discontinued operations cash activity included above:
 
 
 
Add: Cash balance included in assets held for sale at beginning of period
18.4

 
64.9

Less: Cash balance included in assets held for sale at end of period
—

 
27.5

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
164.7

 
118.2

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
502.6

 
$
109.8

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Thirteen and Thirty-nine Weeks ended February 28, 2016 and February 22, 2015
(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the ConAgra Foods, Inc. (the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015.
The results of operations for any quarter or a partial fiscal year period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other periods or the full fiscal year.
Basis of Consolidation — The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the accounts of all variable interest entities for which we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date such determination is made. All significant intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated.
Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity, changes in the value of available-for-sale investments, and changes in prior service cost and net actuarial gains (losses) from pension (for amounts not in excess of the 10% corridor) and post-retirement health care plans. We generally deem our foreign investments to be essentially permanent in nature and we do not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment denominated in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. When we determine that a foreign investment, as well as undistributed earnings, are no longer permanent in nature, estimated taxes are provided for the related deferred tax liability (asset), if any, resulting from currency translation adjustments.

The following tables summarize the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into operations:
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations1
 
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
 
 
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash flow hedges
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
—

 
Interest expense, net
 
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
Total before tax
 
 
0.8

 
—

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
—

 
Net of tax
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefits:
 
 
 

 
 
     Net prior service benefit
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(1.1
)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
     Divestiture of Private Brands
 
(4.3
)
 
—

 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
     Pension settlement of equity method investment
 
(5.4
)
 
—

 
Equity method investment earnings
     Net actuarial loss
 
—

 
0.9

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
(10.9
)
 
(0.2
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
3.4

 
0.1

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(7.5
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
Net of tax
Currency translation losses
 
$
73.4

 
$
—

 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
73.4

 
—

 
Total before tax
 
 
—

 
—

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
73.4

 
$
—

 
Net of tax


5

 
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations1
 
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
 
 
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash flow hedges
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
Interest expense, net
 
 
(2.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
0.8

 
0.2

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
Net of tax
Amortization of pension and postretirement liabilities:
 

 

 

     Net prior service benefit
 
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(3.2
)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
     Divestiture of Private Brands
 
(4.3
)
 
—

 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
     Pension settlement of equity method investment
 
(5.4
)
 
—

 
Equity method investment earnings
     Net actuarial loss
 
—

 
2.6

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
(13.5
)
 
(0.6
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
4.4

 
0.2

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(9.1
)
 
$
(0.4
)
 
Net of tax
Currency translation losses
 
$
73.4

 
$
—

 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
73.4

 
—

 
Total before tax
 
 
—

 
—

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
73.4

 
$
—

 
Net of tax
1 Amounts in parentheses indicate income recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Reclassifications and other changes — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Use of Estimates — Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses as reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year. Based on the FASB’s ASU, we will apply the new revenue standard in our fiscal year 2019. Early adoption in our fiscal year 2018 is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory, which requires an entity to measure inventory within the scope at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact to our financial statements. The standard is to be applied prospectively.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which will require entities to present deferred tax assets ("DTAs") and deferred tax liabilities ("DTLs") as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present DTAs and DTLs as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively or retrospectively. We do not expect ASU 2015-17 to have a material impact to our financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued its final lease accounting standard, FASB Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 842, Leases, which requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASC 842 will have

6

on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard is to be applied under the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented.

2. ACQUISITIONS
In May 2015, we acquired Blake's All Natural Foods, a family-owned company specializing in all natural and organic frozen meals, including pot pies, casseroles, pasta dishes, and other entrees, for $20.7 million in cash, net of cash acquired. Approximately $20.0 million of the purchase price has been classified as goodwill. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. This business is included in the Consumer Foods segment.
In July 2014, we acquired TaiMei Potato Industry Limited, a potato processor in China, for $92.2 million, consisting of $74.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. The purchase included property and equipment associated with making frozen potato products. Approximately $23.8 million of the purchase price has been allocated to goodwill and $3.5 million to other intangible assets. The amount allocated to goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. This business is included in the Commercial Foods segment.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in these acquisitions were recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND THE FORMATION OF ARDENT MILLS
Private Brands Operations
On February 1, 2016, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2015, we completed the disposition of our Private Brands operations to TreeHouse Foods, Inc. ("Treehouse") for $2.6 billion in cash on a debt-free basis, subject to working capital and other adjustments.
As a result of the disposition, we recognized a pre-tax charge of $22.5 million ($22.1 million after-tax) and $1.92 billion ($1.44 billion after-tax) in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, respectively, to write-down the goodwill and long-lived assets to the final sales price, less costs to sell, and to recognize the final loss of the Private Brands business. We reflected the results of this business as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the discontinued business have been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented prior to the divestiture.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we repaid senior notes issued by Ralcorp in an aggregate principal amount of $33.9 million, consisting of 4.95% senior notes due August 15, 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of $17.2 million (with an effective interest rate of 2.83%) and 6.625% senior notes due August 15, 2039 in total an aggregate principal amount of $16.7 million (with an effective interest rate of 4.82%), in each case, prior to maturity, resulting in a loss $5.4 million as a cost of early retirement of debt, which is reflected in discontinued operations.
In connection with classifying the Private Brands operations as assets held for sale, we recognized, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2016, a deferred tax asset of $1.62 billion on the capital loss of our investment in this business. A valuation allowance was recorded, as we have not met the accounting requirements for recognition of a benefit at this time. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we recognized an income tax benefit of $20.7 million due to a reduction of the valuation allowance, resulting from prior period capital gains. 
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded a $1.27 billion impairment of goodwill and $13.7 million of impairment charges to write-down five small brands, which are reflected in discontinued operations. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, we recorded a $1.48 billion impairment of goodwill and $43.7 million of impairment charges to write-down various brands, which are reflected in discontinued operations.
Milling Operations

On May 29, 2014, the Company, Cargill, Incorporated, and CHS, Inc. completed the formation of the Ardent Mills joint venture ("Ardent Mills"). In connection with the formation, we contributed all of the assets of ConAgra Mills, our milling operations, including $49.0 million of cash, to Ardent Mills, we received a 44% ownership interest in Ardent Mills, and Ardent Mills distributed $391.4 million in cash to us as a return of capital. The contribution of the assets of ConAgra Mills in exchange for a non-controlling interest in the joint venture was required to be accounted for at fair value, and accordingly, we recognized a gain of $625.6 million ($375.9 million after-tax) in the first half of fiscal 2015 in income from discontinued operations to reflect the excess of the fair value of our interest over its carrying value at the time of the transfer. As part of the formation of Ardent Mills, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, we sold three flour milling facilities to Miller Milling Company LLC for $163.0 million.

7



We received the cash proceeds from the sale of these flour milling facilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we used the net cash proceeds from the Ardent Mills transaction to repay debt. The operating results of our legacy milling business, including the disposition of three mills aforementioned, are included as discontinued operations within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We recognized the 44% ownership interest in Ardent Mills at fair value, as of the date of the formation of the joint venture. We now recognize our proportionate share of the earnings of Ardent Mills under the equity method of accounting within results of continuing operations. Due to differences in fiscal reporting periods, we recognized the equity method earnings on a lag of approximately one month; and as a result, we recognized only five months of earnings from Ardent Mills during the first half of fiscal 2015. At February 28, 2016, the carrying value of our equity method investment in Ardent Mills was $717.7 million, which is included in Other Assets.
We entered into transition services agreements in connection with our contribution to Ardent Mills and recognized $2.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively, of income for the performance of transition services during the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016 and $3.5 million and $10.8 million, respectively, during the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, classified within selling, general and administrative expenses.
The summary comparative financial results of discontinued operations were as follows:
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
Net sales
$
634.0

 
$
969.5

 
$
2,484.7

 
$
2,932.5

Net gain on sale of businesses
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
627.3

Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges
(22.5
)
 
(1,284.1
)
 
(1,921.1
)
 
(1,524.8
)
Income from operations of discontinued operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings
62.1

 
21.9

 
167.6

 
55.7

Income (loss) before income taxes
39.6

 
(1,262.2
)
 
(1,753.5
)
 
(841.8
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
20.9

 
(97.2
)
 
(445.6
)
 
136.3

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
18.7

 
$
(1,165.0
)
 
$
(1,307.9
)
 
$
(978.1
)
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 
 
February 28, 2016
 
May 31, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
—

 
$
18.4

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.0 and $0.5
 
—

 
199.3

Inventories
 
4.2

 
489.3

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
—

 
37.3

     Current assets held for sale
 
$
4.2

 
$
744.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
—

 
$
920.4

Goodwill
 
—

 
1,600.8

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net
 
—

 
1,716.6

Other assets
 
—

 
9.1

     Noncurrent assets held for sale
 
$
—

 
$
4,246.9

Accounts payable
 
$
—

 
$
219.5

Accrued payroll
 
—

 
7.1

Other accrued liabilities
 
—

 
67.4

     Current liabilities held for sale
 
$
—

 
$
294.0

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
$
0.6

 
$
711.0

     Noncurrent liabilities held for sale
 
$
0.6

 
$
711.0




8



4. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan
We previously announced a plan for the integration and restructuring of the operations of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. ("Ralcorp"), optimization of the entire Company's supply chain network, manufacturing assets, and dry distribution and mixing centers, and improvement of selling, general and administrative effectiveness and efficiencies, which we refer to as the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"). Although the divestiture of the Private Brands business was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we will continue to implement portions of the SCAE Plan, including work related to optimizing our supply chain network and pursue cost reductions through our selling, general and administrative functions and productivity improvements. The SCAE Plan also includes plans announced in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to realize efficiency benefits through a combination of reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and enhancements to trade spend processes and tools.
Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire SCAE Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2016, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. As of February 28, 2016, our Board of Directors has approved the incurrence of up to $739.0 million of expenses in connection with the SCAE Plan, including expenses allocated for the Private Brands operations. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately $525.3 million of charges ($395.5 million of cash charges and $129.8 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we recognized charges of $109.1 million and $259.5 million, respectively, in relation to the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. In the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, we recognized charges of $9.9 million and $35.9 million, respectively, in relation to the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations. We expect to incur costs related to the SCAE Plan over a multi-year period.
We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first three quarters of fiscal 2016):
 
Consumer Foods
 
Commercial Foods
 
Corporate
 
Total
Multi-employer pension costs
$
31.3

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
31.3

Accelerated depreciation
55.7

 
—

 
1.2

 
56.9

Other cost of goods sold
8.9

 
—

 
—

 
8.9

    Total cost of goods sold
95.9

 
—

 
1.2

 
97.1

Severance and related costs, net
34.5

 
8.1

 
177.2

 
219.8

Fixed asset impairment/Net gain on disposal
7.1

 
—

 
—

 
7.1

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
1.5

 
1.5

Contract/Lease cancellation expenses
1.2

 
—

 
60.2

 
61.4

Consulting/Professional fees
1.1

 
—

 
64.2

 
65.3

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
14.6

 
—

 
58.5

 
73.1

    Total selling, general and administrative expenses
58.5

 
8.1

 
361.6

 
428.2

        Consolidated total
$
154.4

 
$
8.1

 
$
362.8

 
$
525.3


9



During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations:
 
Consumer Foods
 
Commercial Foods
 
Corporate
 
Total
Multi-employer pension costs
$
29.8

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
29.8

Accelerated depreciation
4.9

 
—

 
—

 
4.9

Other cost of goods sold
1.2

 
—

 
—

 
1.2

Total cost of goods sold
35.9

 
—

 
—

 
35.9

Severance and related costs, net
5.6

 
—

 
33.6

 
39.2

Fixed asset impairment
6.1

 
—

 
—

 
6.1

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
0.2

 
0.2

Contract/Lease cancellation expenses
—

 
—

 
7.2

 
7.2

Consulting/Professional fees
0.1

 
—

 
17.7

 
17.8

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
0.5

 
—

 
2.2

 
2.7

Total selling, general and administrative expenses
12.3

 
—

 
60.9

 
73.2

Consolidated total
$
48.2

 
$
—

 
$
60.9

 
$
109.1

Included in the above table are $89.5 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $19.6 million in non-cash charges. Not included in the above amounts are $1.4 million of pre-tax expenses related to the Private Brands operations we divested in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we entered into a series of related transactions in which we exchanged a warehouse we owned in Indiana for two buildings and parcels of land that we leased as part of our Omaha corporate offices. Concurrent with the asset exchange, leases on the two Omaha corporate buildings were cancelled. We have recognized aggregate charges of $55.6 million for the early termination of these leases. We also entered into a lease for the warehouse in Indiana and we recorded a financing lease obligation of $74.2 million.
During the first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations:
 
Consumer Foods
 
Commercial Foods
 
Corporate
 
Total
Multi-employer pension costs
$
29.8

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
29.8

Accelerated depreciation
13.8

 
—

 
0.2

 
14.0

Other cost of goods sold
1.6

 
—

 
—

 
1.6

Total cost of goods sold
45.2

45.2

—

 
0.2

 
45.4

Severance and related costs, net
10.7

 
0.1

 
89.0

 
99.8

Fixed asset impairment/Net gain on disposal
6.0

 
—

 
—

 
6.0

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
0.3

 
0.3

Contract/Lease cancellation expenses
(0.7
)
 
—

 
59.0

 
58.3

Consulting/Professional fees
0.1

 
—

 
42.9

 
43.0

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
3.0

 
—

 
3.7

 
6.7

Total selling, general and administrative expenses
19.1

 
0.1

 
194.9

 
214.1

Consolidated total
$
64.3

 
$
0.1

 
$
195.1

 
$
259.5

Included in the above table are $181.9 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $77.6 million in non-cash charges. Not included in the above table are $11.8 million of pre-tax expenses related to the Private Brands operations we sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

10



We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to February 28, 2016) pre-tax expenses related to the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
Consumer Foods
 
Commercial Foods
 
Corporate
 
Total
Multi-employer pension costs
$
31.3

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
31.3

Accelerated depreciation
35.3

 
—

 
1.2

 
36.5

Other cost of goods sold
3.7

 
—

 
—

 
3.7

Total cost of goods sold
70.3

 
—

 
1.2

 
71.5

Severance and related costs (recoveries)
32.3

 
8.1

 
96.8

 
137.2

Contract/Lease cancellation expenses
0.7

 
—

 
59.3

 
60.0

Consulting/Professional fees
1.1

 
—

 
45.7

 
46.8

Fixed asset impairment / Net gain on disposal
7.1

 
—

 
—

 
7.1

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
1.1

 
1.1

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
6.2

 
—

 
8.6

 
14.8

Total selling, general and administrative expenses
47.4

 
8.1

 
211.5

 
267.0

Consolidated total
$
117.7

 
$
8.1

 
$
212.7

 
$
338.5

Included in the above table are $234.7 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $103.8 million in non-cash charges. Not included in the above table are $130.2 million of pre-tax expenses ($84.5 million of cash charges and $45.7 million of non-cash charges) related to the Private Brands operations which we sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.
Liabilities recorded for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations and changes therein for the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 were as follows:
 
Balance at May 31,
2015
 
Costs Incurred
and Charged
to Expense
 
Costs Paid
or  Otherwise Settled
 
Changes in Estimates
 
Balance at February 28,
2016
Multi-employer pension costs
$
11.4

 
$
30.0

 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
—

 
$
40.7

Severance
16.4

 
78.6

 
(28.8
)
 
(1.6
)
 
64.6

Consulting
0.2

 
43.1

 
(19.4
)
 
—

 
23.9

Contract cancellation
3.1

 
3.3

 
(1.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 
4.2

Other costs
1.2

 
6.0

 
(5.9
)
 
—

 
1.3

Total
$
32.3

 
$
161.0

 
$
(56.5
)
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
134.7


5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
On September 21, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to its $1.5 billion revolving credit facility to exclude certain non-cash impairments from the calculation of the fixed charge ratio covenant. As of February 28, 2016, we were in compliance with all financial covenants in the facility.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we repurchased $560.3 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2043, $341.8 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2039, $139.9 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2019, $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2026, $85.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2020, and $163.0 million of aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2023, in each case prior to maturity in a tender offer including a $109.5 million tender premium, resulting in a net loss of $23.9 million as a cost of early retirement of debt.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we repaid the entire principal balance of $750.0 million of our 1.30% senior notes on the maturity date of January 25, 2016. The repayment was primarily funded through the issuance of term loans totaling $600.0 million which were repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 with the proceeds from the divestiture of our Private Brands business.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, Lamb Weston BSW (See Note 6) issued a $30.0 million promissory note with a financial institution. The note includes a $23.0 million fixed rate loan segment with interest at 4.34% and a $7.0 million variable rate loan segment with interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.90% to 2.30%, payable in semi-annual installments through fiscal 2032.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we repaid the entire principal balance of $250.0 million of our 1.35% senior notes on the maturity date of September 10, 2015.

11



During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we repurchased $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2023, $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2043, $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2019, $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2018, and $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2017, in each case prior to maturity in a tender offer, resulting in a net loss of $16.3 million as a cost of early retirement of debt, including a $9.5 million tender premium.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we repaid the remaining borrowings of our unsecured term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") of $900.0 million (with an interest rate at LIBOR plus 1.75% per annum), prior to maturity, resulting in a loss of $8.3 million as a cost of early retirement of debt. The Term Loan Facility was terminated after repayment.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due July 21, 2016. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.37% per annum.
Net interest expense from continuing operations consists of:
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Long-term debt
$
77.4

 
$
80.6

 
$
240.4

 
$
245.2

Short-term debt
1.2

 
1.0

 
2.0

 
2.3

Interest income
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.0
)
Interest capitalized
(1.2
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(4.7
)
 
$
76.9

 
$
79.8

 
$
236.8

 
$
241.8

During fiscal 2014, we entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge the fair value of certain of our senior long-term debt instruments maturing in fiscal 2019 and 2020, effectively converting interest on this debt from fixed rate to floating rate (See Note 8). These swaps, which were designated as fair value hedges, reduced our interest expense by $1.9 million and $7.1 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, respectively. The interest rate swaps were terminated during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The cumulative adjustments to the fair value of the debt instruments that were hedged (the effective portion of the hedges), totaling $12.6 million, will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining lives of the debt instruments (through fiscal 2020). The portion written off related to the third quarter of fiscal 2016 tender offers totaled $3.0 million. Our net interest expense was reduced by $0.5 million and $1.7 million for the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, respectively, as a result of this amortization.

6. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Variable Interest Entities Consolidated
We own a 49.99% interest in Lamb Weston BSW, LLC ("Lamb Weston BSW"), a potato processing venture with Ochoa Ag Unlimited Foods, Inc. ("Ochoa"). We provide all sales and marketing services to Lamb Weston BSW. Under certain circumstances, we could be required to compensate Ochoa for lost profits resulting from significant production shortfalls ("production shortfalls"). Commencing on June 1, 2018, or on an earlier date under certain circumstances, we have a contractual right to purchase the remaining equity interest in Lamb Weston BSW from Ochoa (the "call option"). We are currently subject to a contractual obligation to purchase all of Ochoa's equity investment in Lamb Weston BSW at the option of Ochoa (the "put option"). The purchase prices under the call option and the put option (the "options") are based on the book value of Ochoa's equity interest at the date of exercise, as modified by an agreed-upon rate of return for the holding period of the investment balance. The agreed-upon rate of return varies depending on the circumstances under which any of the options are exercised. As of February 28, 2016, the price at which Ochoa had the right to put its equity interest to us was $46.4 million. This amount is presented within other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have determined that Lamb Weston BSW is a variable interest entity and that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. Accordingly, we consolidate the financial statements of Lamb Weston BSW.
At May 31, 2015, we held a promissory note from Lamb Weston BSW with a balance of $36.1 million. The promissory note and accrued interest was repaid in full during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. In addition, as of May 31, 2015, we provided lines of credit of up to $15.0 million to Lamb Weston BSW which were terminated in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The amounts owed by Lamb Weston BSW to the Company as of May 31, 2015 were not reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as they were eliminated in consolidation.
Our variable interests in Lamb Weston BSW include an equity investment in the venture, the options, certain fees paid to us by Lamb Weston BSW for sales and marketing services, and the contingent obligation related to production shortfalls. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with this venture is equal to our equity investment in the venture and the amount, if any, by which the put option exercise price exceeds the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Lamb Weston BSW upon its exercise. Also, in the event

12



of a production shortfall, we could be required to compensate Ochoa for lost profits. It is not possible to determine the maximum exposure to losses from the potential exercise of the put option or from potential production shortfalls. However, we do not expect to incur material losses resulting from these potential exposures.
Due to the consolidation of this variable interest entity, we reflected the following in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
February 28,
2016
 
May 31,
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2.1

 
$
13.7

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
0.1

 
0.2

Inventories
1.7

 
1.3

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
0.4

 
0.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
52.3

 
53.2

Goodwill
18.8

 
18.8

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net
5.4

 
6.0

Total assets
$
80.8

 
$
93.5

Current installments of long-term debt
$
0.5

 
$
—

Accounts payable
8.9

 
16.9

Accrued payroll
0.6

 
0.7

Other accrued liabilities
0.7

 
0.6

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments
29.5

 
—

Other noncurrent liabilities (noncontrolling interest)
30.6

 
31.3

Total liabilities
$
70.8

 
$
49.5

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating the Lamb Weston BSW entity do not represent additional claims on our general assets. The creditors of Lamb Weston BSW have claims only on the assets of Lamb Weston BSW. The assets recognized as a result of consolidating Lamb Weston BSW are the property of the venture and are not available to us for any other purpose.
Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
We also have variable interests in certain other entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities, but for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We do not consolidate the financial statements of these entities.
We hold a 50% interest in Lamb Weston RDO, a potato processing venture. We provide all sales and marketing services to Lamb Weston RDO. We receive a fee for these services based on a percentage of the net sales of the venture. We reflect the value of our ownership interest in this venture in other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the equity method of accounting. The balance of our investment was $16.0 million and $14.6 million at February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively, representing our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with this venture. The capital structure of Lamb Weston RDO includes owners' equity of $32.1 million and term borrowings from banks of $41.1 million as of February 28, 2016. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of this venture.
We lease certain office buildings from entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities. The lease agreements with these entities include fixed-price purchase options for the assets being leased. The lease agreements also contain contingent put options (the “lease put options”) that allow the lessors to require us to purchase the buildings at the greater of original construction cost, or fair market value, without a lease agreement in place (the “put price”) in certain limited circumstances. As a result of substantial impairment charges related to our Private Brands operations, these lease put options are exercisable now and remain exercisable until generally 30 days after the end of the respective lease agreements. We are amortizing the difference between the estimated put price and the estimated fair value (without a lease agreement in place) of each respective property over the remaining respective lease term within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of February 28, 2016, the estimated amount by which the put prices exceeded the fair values of the related properties was $58.5 million, of which we have accrued $7.5 million. As these buildings are worth considerably more when under lease agreements than when vacant, we may be able to mitigate some, or all of the financial exposure created by the put options by maintaining active lease agreements and/or by subleasing the buildings to credit worthy tenants. We do not expect to ultimately incur material financial losses as a result of the potential exercise of the lease put options by the lessors. These leases are accounted for as operating leases, and accordingly, there are no material assets or liabilities, other than the accrued portion of the put price, associated with these entities included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities. In making this determination, we have considered,

13



among other items, the terms of the lease agreements, the expected remaining useful lives of the assets leased, and the capital structure of the lessor entities.

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 was as follows:
 
Consumer
Foods
 
Commercial
Foods
 
Total
Balance as of May 31, 2015
$
3,824.6

 
$
874.9

 
$
4,699.5

Currency translation
(16.2
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(17.3
)
Balance as of February 28, 2016
$
3,808.4

 
$
873.8

 
$
4,682.2

Other identifiable intangible assets were as follows:
 
February 28, 2016
 
May 31, 2015
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Non-amortizing intangible assets
$
907.0

 
$
—

 
$
916.9

 
$
—

Amortizing intangible assets
630.3

 
165.5

 
536.6

 
140.1

 
$
1,537.3

 
$
165.5

 
$
1,453.5

 
$
140.1

Non-amortizing intangible assets are comprised of brands and trademarks.
Amortizing intangible assets, carrying a remaining weighted average life of approximately 16 years, are principally composed of customer relationships, licensing arrangements, and intellectual property. Based on amortizing assets recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2016, amortization expense is estimated to average $36.2 million for each of the next five years.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded an amortizing intangible asset of $92.8 million, of which only $10.4 million was a cash payment made in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Remaining payments will be made over a six year period.

8. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Our operations are exposed to market risks from adverse changes in commodity prices affecting the cost of raw materials and energy, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. In the normal course of business, these risks are managed through a variety of strategies, including the use of derivatives.
Commodity and commodity index futures and option contracts are used from time to time to economically hedge commodity input prices on items such as natural gas, vegetable oils, proteins, packaging materials, dairy, grains, and electricity. Generally, we economically hedge a portion of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for periods of up to 36 months. We may enter into longer-term economic hedges on particular commodities, if deemed appropriate. As of February 28, 2016, we had economically hedged certain portions of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs using derivative instruments with expiration dates through December 2016.
In order to reduce exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we enter into forward exchange, option, or swap contracts from time to time for transactions denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. As of February 28, 2016, we had economically hedged certain portions of our foreign currency risk in anticipated transactions using derivative instruments with expiration dates through May 2017.
From time to time, we may use derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, to reduce risk related to changes in interest rates. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against increasing interest rates prior to the issuance of long-term debt and hedging the fair value of our senior long-term debt.

14



Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
During fiscal 2013, we entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related to our issuance of long-term debt to partially finance the acquisition of Ralcorp. We settled these contracts during the third quarter of fiscal 2013 resulting in a deferred gain of $4.2 million on senior notes maturing in 2043 and a deferred loss of $2.0 million on senior notes maturing in 2023, both recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. These amounts are being amortized as a component of net interest expense over the lives of the related debt instruments. The unamortized amounts of the deferred gain and deferred loss at February 28, 2016 were $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges
During fiscal 2014, we entered into interest rate swap contracts to hedge the fair value of certain of our senior long-term debt instruments maturing in fiscal 2019 and 2020, effectively converting interest on this debt from fixed rate to floating rate. We designated these interest rate swap contracts as fair value hedges of the debt instruments (See Note 5).
Changes in fair value of such derivative instruments were immediately recognized in earnings along with changes in the fair value of the items being hedged (based solely on the change in the benchmark interest rate). In the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, we recognized gains of $8.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, representing the change in fair value of the interest rate swap contracts and losses of $5.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively, representing the change in fair value of the related senior long-term debt. The net gains of $2.5 million for the third quarter and $3.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 are classified within selling, general and administrative expenses.
The entire change in fair value of the derivative instruments was included in our assessment of hedge effectiveness.
We settled these contracts during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The cumulative adjustment to the fair value of the debt instruments that were hedged, totaling $12.6 million, is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining life of the debt instruments (through fiscal 2020). The unamortized amount of the deferred gain was $7.0 million at February 28, 2016.
Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows
Many of our derivatives do not qualify for, and we do not currently designate certain commodity or foreign currency derivatives to achieve, hedge accounting treatment. We reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to economically hedge anticipated commodity consumption and to mitigate foreign currency cash flow risk in earnings immediately within general corporate expense (within cost of goods sold). The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being economically hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. In the event that management determines a particular derivative entered into as an economic hedge of a forecasted commodity purchase has ceased to function as an economic hedge, we cease recognizing further gains and losses on such derivatives in corporate expense and begin recognizing such gains and losses within segment operating results, immediately.
Economic Hedges of Fair Values — Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We may use options and cross currency swaps to economically hedge the fair value of certain monetary assets and liabilities (including intercompany balances) denominated in a currency other than the functional currency. These derivatives are marked-to-market with gains and losses immediately recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. These substantially offset the foreign currency transaction gains or losses recognized as values of the monetary assets or liabilities being economically hedged change.
All derivative instruments are recognized on our balance sheets at fair value (refer to Note 16 for additional information related to fair value measurements). The fair value of derivative assets is recognized within prepaid expenses and other current assets, while the fair value of derivative liabilities is recognized within other accrued liabilities. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we offset certain derivative asset and liability balances, as well as certain amounts representing rights to reclaim cash collateral and obligations to return cash collateral, where master netting agreements provide for legal right of setoff. At February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, amounts representing a right to reclaim cash collateral of $3.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivative assets and liabilities and amounts representing a right to reclaim cash collateral or an obligation to return cash collateral were reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
 
February 28,
2016
 
May 31,
2015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
27.6

 
$
32.2

Other accrued liabilities
8.1

 
14.2


15



The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities, at February 28, 2016, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $11.1 million to total derivative assets and $14.1 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
Commodity contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
15.2

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
20.9

Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
23.5

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
0.1

Other
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
—

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
1.2

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
38.7

 
 
 
$
22.2

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities at May 31, 2015, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $7.3 million to total derivative assets and $13.2 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
Commodity contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
20.8

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
26.9

Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
17.7

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
0.4

Other
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
1.0

 
Other accrued liabilities
 
0.1

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
39.5

 
 
 
$
27.4

The location and amount of gains (losses) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations of
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized on Derivatives
in Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations for
the Thirteen Weeks Ended
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
Commodity contracts
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(31.5
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of goods sold
 
0.4

 
—

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expense
 
1.1

 
7.3

Total loss from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
$
(3.9
)
 
$
(24.2
)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations of
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized on Derivatives
in Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Operations for
the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
February 28, 2016
 
February 22, 2015
Commodity contracts
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
(20.4
)
 
$
(77.6
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of goods sold
 
0.4

 
1.3

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expense
 
5.8

 
9.8

Interest rate contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expense
 
—

 
(1.4
)
Total loss from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
$
(14.2
)
 
$
(67.9
)

16



As of February 28, 2016, our open commodity contracts had a notional value (defined as notional quantity times market value per notional quantity unit) of $177.9 million and $108.7 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. As of May 31, 2015, our open commodity contracts had a notional value of $554.9 million and $393.1 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. The notional amount of our foreign currency forward and cross currency swap contracts as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015 was $116.9 million and $108.6 million, respectively.
We enter into certain commodity, interest rate, and foreign exchange derivatives with a diversified group of counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and 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. We have not incurred a material loss due to nonperformance in any period presented and do not expect to incur any such material loss. We also enter into futures and options transactions through various regulated exchanges.
At February 28, 2016, the maximum amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, had the counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts, was $24.4 million.

9. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
For the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, and performance shares) of $23.1 million and $60.5 million, respectively. For the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $11.4 million and $46.4 million, respectively. These amounts are inclusive of discontinued operations. Included in the total stock-based compensation expense for the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016 was $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to stock options granted by a subsidiary in the subsidiary's shares to the subsidiary's employees. The expense for these stock options was $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015. For the first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we granted 1.0 million restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of $43.64, 0.8 million cash-settled restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of $44.49, 1.6 million stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $43.14, and 0.3 million performance shares at a weighted average grant date price of $41.70.
Performance shares are granted to selected executives and other key employees with vesting contingent upon meeting various Company-wide performance goals. The performance goals for the performance periods ending in fiscal 2016 and 2017 are based upon our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") return on capital, and revenue growth, each measured over the defined performance period. The awards actually earned will range from zero to two hundred twenty percent of the targeted number of performance shares for the performance periods ending in fiscal 2016 and 2017. A payout equal to 25% of approved target incentive is required to be paid out for each performance period, as applicable, if we achieve a threshold level of EBITDA return on capital for the performance periods ending in fiscal 2016 and 2017. The performance goal for the first year of the performance period ending in fiscal 2018 is based upon an overarching earnings per share goal and EBITDA return on capital. The performance goal for the last two years of the performance period ending in fiscal 2018 is based on an overarching earnings per share goal and the underlying performance goal for the remaining two year period is expected to be set at the start of fiscal 2017. The awards actually earned will range from zero to two hundred percent of the targeted number of performance shares for the performance period ending in fiscal 2018. Awards, if earned, will be paid in shares of our common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in the performance share plan, any shares earned will be distributed at the end of the performance period. The value of the performance shares is adjusted based upon the market price of our common stock and current forecasted targets at the end of each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
The weighted average Black-Scholes assumptions for stock options granted during the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 were as follows: 
Expected volatility (%)
17.88
Dividend yield (%)
2.74
Risk-free interest rate (%)
1.60
Expected life of stock option (years)
4.96
The weighted average value of stock options granted during the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 was $5.08 per option based upon a Black-Scholes methodology.


17



10. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated on the basis of weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed on the basis of basic weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities.
The following table reconciles the income and average share amounts used to compute both basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Net income (loss) available to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
185.9

 
$
210.9

 
$
513.3

 
$
516.3

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
18.7

 
(1,165.0
)
 
(1,307.9
)
 
(978.1
)
Net income (loss) attributable to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
204.6

 
$
(954.1
)
 
$
(794.6
)
 
$
(461.8
)
Less: Increase in redemption value of noncontrolling interests in excess of earnings allocated
3.5

 
0.4

 
4.4

 
1.3

Net income (loss) available to ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stockholders
$
201.1

 
$
(954.5
)
 
$
(799.0
)
 
$
(463.1
)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
435.7

 
427.1

 
433.3

 
425.5

Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities
3.9

 
5.2

 
4.3

 
5.3

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
439.6

 
432.3

 
437.6

 
430.8

For the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, there were 1.2 million and 0.9 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of shares contingently issuable upon exercise because exercise prices exceeded the average market value of our common stock during the period. For the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2015, there were no stock options outstanding excluded from the calculation.

11. INVENTORIES
The major classes of inventories were as follows: 
 
February 28,
2016
 
May 31,
2015
Raw materials and packaging
$
388.8

 
$
378.0

Work in process
149.5

 
125.5

Finished goods
1,218.0

 
1,127.8

Supplies and other
79.2

 
80.6

Total
$
1,835.5

 
$
1,711.9



12. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $91.0 million and $100.6 million, respectively. Income tax expense from continuing operations for the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $259.3 million and $247.9 million, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income from continuing operations, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) from continuing operations was 33% and 32% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate from continuing operations was 33% and 32% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits, was $33.9 million as of February 28, 2016 and $35.3 million as of May 31, 2015. Included in the balance was $1.7 million as

18

of both February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period. Any associated interest and penalties imposed would affect the tax rate. The gross unrecognized tax benefits excluded related liabilities for gross interest and penalties of $9.9 million and $9.5 million as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively.
The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015 that, if recognized, would impact the Company's effective tax rate was $22.2 million and $23.1 million, respectively. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company's effective tax rate.
We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to $2.2 million over the next twelve months due to various federal, state, and foreign audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

13. CONTINGENCIES
In fiscal 1991, we acquired Beatrice Company ("Beatrice"). As a result of the acquisition of Beatrice and the significant pre-acquisition contingencies of the Beatrice businesses and its former subsidiaries, our condensed consolidated post-acquisition financial statements reflect liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. These include various litigation and environmental proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to its acquisition by us. The litigation includes suits against a number of lead paint and pigment manufacturers, including ConAgra Grocery Products Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("ConAgra Grocery Products"), and the Company as alleged successors to W. P. Fuller Co., a lead paint and pigment manufacturer owned and operated by Beatrice until 1967. Although decisions favorable to us have been rendered in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Ohio, we remain a defendant in active suits in Illinois and California. The Illinois suit seeks class-wide relief for reimbursement of costs associated with the testing of lead levels in blood. In California, a number of cities and counties joined in a consolidated action seeking abatement of the alleged public nuisance. On September 23, 2013, a trial of the California case concluded in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara, and on January 27, 2014, the court entered Judgment (the "Judgment") against ConAgra Grocery Products and two other defendants, which orders the creation of a California abatement fund in the amount of $1.15 billion. Liability is joint and several. The Company believes ConAgra Grocery Products did not inherit any liabilities of W. P. Fuller Co. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself in this case and has appealed the Judgment to The Court of Appeal of the State of California Sixth Appellate District. The Company expects the appeal process will last several years. The absence of any linkage between ConAgra Grocery Products and W. P. Fuller Co. is a critical issue among others that the Company will continue to advance throughout the appeals process. It is not possible to estimate exposure in this case or the remaining case in Illinois (which is based on different legal theories). If ultimately necessary, the Company will look to its insurance policies for coverage; its carriers are on notice. However, the extent of insurance coverage is uncertain, and the Company cannot absolutely assure that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
The environmental proceedings associated with Beatrice include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's status as a potentially responsible party at 37 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites. These sites involve locations previously owned or operated by predecessors of Beatrice that used or produced petroleum, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, inks, solvents, PCBs, acids, lead, sulfur, tannery wastes, and/or other contaminants. Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 33 of these sites. Reserves for these matters have been established based on our best estimate of the undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required clean-up, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties, and its experience in remediating sites. The accrual for Beatrice-related environmental matters totaled $52.8 million as of February 28, 2016, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. We expect expenditures for Beatrice-related environmental matters to continue for up to 18 years.
In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. At the time in which we initially provide such a guarantee, we assess the risk of financial exposure to us under these agreements. We consider the credit-worthiness of the guaranteed party, the value of any collateral pledged against the related obligation, and any other factors that may mitigate our risk. We actively monitor market and entity-specific conditions that may result in a change of our assessment of the risk of loss under these agreements.
We are a party to various potato supply agreements. Under the terms of certain such potato supply agreements, we have guaranteed repayment of short-term bank loans of the potato suppliers, under certain conditions. At February 28, 2016, the amount of supplier loans we have effectively guaranteed was $11.5 million. We have not established a liability for these guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.
Federal income tax credits were generated related to our sweet potato production facility in Delhi, Louisiana. Third parties invested in these income tax credits. We have guaranteed these third parties the face value of the income tax credits over their statutory lives, through fiscal 2017, in the event that the income tax credits are recaptured or reduced. The face value of the income tax credits was $26.7

19



million as of February 28, 2016. We believe the likelihood of recapture or reduction of the income tax credits is remote, and therefore we have not established a liability in connection with these guarantees.
We are a party to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of our ongoing business operations. Among these, there are lawsuits, claims, and matters related to the February 2007 recall of our peanut butter products. Among the matters outstanding during fiscal 2015 related to the peanut butter recall was an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Georgia and the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice into the 2007 recall. Just prior to the end of fiscal 2015, we negotiated a resolution of this matter, which resulted in an executed plea agreement pursuant to which ConAgra Grocery Products will plead guilty to a single misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act. If the plea is accepted by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the government’s investigation into the 2007 recall will conclude and ConAgra Grocery Products will make payments totaling $11.2 million to the federal government. Expenses related to this payment were accrued in previous periods. During fiscal 2013 and 2012, we recognized charges of $7.5 million and $17.5 million, respectively, in connection with this matter. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we reduced our accrual by $6.7 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we further reduced our accrual by $5.8 million and further reduced it by $1.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, based on ongoing discussions with the U.S. Attorney's office and the Department of Justice. The plea agreement is subject to Court approval, which will be sought along with the formal sentencing process in the coming months.
In June 2009, an accidental explosion occurred at our manufacturing facility in Garner, North Carolina. This facility was the primary production facility for our Slim Jim® branded meat snacks. In June 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced its determination that the explosion was the result of an accidental natural gas release, and not a deliberate act. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we settled our property and business interruption claims related to the Garner accident with our insurance providers. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. ("Jacobs"), our engineer and project manager at the site, filed a declaratory judgment action against us seeking indemnity for personal injury claims brought against it as a result of the accident. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, our motion for summary judgment was granted and the suit was dismissed without prejudice on the basis that the suit was filed prematurely. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, Jacobs refiled its action for indemnity. On March 25, 2016, a Douglas County jury in Nebraska rendered a verdict in favor of Jacobs and against us in the amount of $108.9 million. Following the disposition of post-trial motions, the case will be appealed. Although our insurance carriers have provided customary notices of reservation of their rights under the policies of insurance, we expect any ultimate exposure in this case to be limited to the applicable insurance deductible.
We hold a fifty percent ownership interest in Lamb Weston/Meijer, V.O.F. (“Lamb Weston Meijer”), a Netherlands joint venture, headquartered in the Netherlands, that manufactures and sells frozen potato products principally in Europe. We and our partner are jointly and severally liable for all legal liabilities of Lamb Weston Meijer. As of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, the total liabilities of Lamb Weston Meijer were $149.4 million and $129.1 million, respectively. Lamb Weston Meijer is well capitalized, with partners’ equity of $264.4 million and $255.9 million as of February 28, 2016 and May 31, 2015, respectively. We have not established a liability on our balance sheets for the obligations of Lamb Weston Meijer, as we have determined the likelihood of any required payment by us to settle such liabilities of Lamb Weston Meijer is remote.
We lease certain office buildings from entities that we have determined to be variable interest entities. The lease agreements contain put options exercisable now and remain exercisable until generally 30 days after the end of the respective lease agreements, that allow the lessors to require us to purchase the buildings at the greater of original construction cost, or fair market value, without a lease in place. We have financial exposure with respect to these entities in the event we are required to purchase the leased buildings for a price in excess of the then current fair value under the applicable lease purchase options. We are amortizing the difference between the estimated put price and the estimated fair value (without a lease agreement in place) of each respective property over the remaining respective lease term within selling, general, and administrative expenses. As of February 28, 2016, the estimated amount by which the put prices exceeded the fair values of the related properties was $58.5 million, of which we have accrued $7.5 million. As these buildings are worth considerably more when under lease agreements than when vacant, we may be able to mitigate some, or all, of the related financial exposure created by the put options by maintaining active lease agreements and/or by subleasing the buildings to credit worthy tenants. We do not expect to ultimately incur material financial losses as a result of the potential exercise of the lease put options by the lessors.
After taking into account liabilities recognized for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. It is reasonably possible that a change in one of the estimates of the foregoing matters may occur in the future and, as noted, while unlikely, the lead paint matter could result in a material final judgment. Costs of legal services associated with the foregoing matters are recognized in earnings as services are provided.


20



14. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We have defined benefit retirement plans ("plans") for eligible salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on years of credited service and average compensation or stated amounts for each year of service. We also sponsor postretirement plans which provide certain medical and dental benefits ("other postretirement benefits") to qualifying U.S. employees.
Components of pension benefit and other postretirement benefit costs are (includes amounts related to discontinued operations):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Service cost
$
23.5

 
$
22.1

 
$
71.1

 
$
66.4

Interest cost
40.0

 
40.4

 
122.0

 
121.1

Expected return on plan assets
(65.1
)
 
(67.0
)
 
(198.8
)
 
(201.0
)
Amortization of prior service cost
0.7

 
0.9

 
2.1

 
2.7

Special termination benefits
25.6

 
—

 
25.6

 
6.9

Benefit cost — Company plans
24.7

 
(3.6
)
 
22.0

 
(3.9
)
Pension benefit cost — multi-employer plans
32.4

 
2.8

 
38.8

 
9.5

Total benefit cost
$
57.1

 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
60.8

 
$
5.6

 
Postretirement Benefits
 
Thirteen weeks ended
 
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
 
February 28,
2016
 
February 22,
2015
Service cost
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.4

Interest cost
1.9

 
2.5

 
5.8

 
7.5

Amortization of prior service benefit
(2.0
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(6.0
)
 
(5.9
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
—

 
0.9

 
—

 
2.6

Total cost
$
—

 
$
1.5

 
$
0.1

 
$
4.6

During the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2016, we contributed $3.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively, to our pension plans and contributed $3.6 million and $12.8 million, respectively, to our other postretirement plans. Based upon the current funded status of the plans and the current interest rate environment, we anticipate making further contributions of approximately $3.2 million to our pension plans for the remainder of fiscal 2016. We anticipate making further contributions of $10.9 million to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of fiscal 2016. These estimates are based on ERISA guidelines, current tax laws, plan asset performance, and liability assumptions, which are subject to change.
Special termination benefits granted in connection with the voluntary retirement program resulted in the recognition of $25.6 million of expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. This expense was included in restructuring activities. Special termination benefits granted in connection with the formation of Ardent Mills resulted in the recognition of $6.9 million of expense in the first half of fiscal 2015. This expense was included in results of discontinued operations.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded an expense of $29.8 million related to our expected incurrence of certain withdrawal costs. This expense was included in restructuring activities.


21



15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the thirty-nine weeks ended February 28, 2016:
 
ConAgra Foods, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Shares
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
Balance at May 31, 2015
567.9

 
$
2,839.7

 
$
1,049.4

 
$
4,331.1

 
$
(329.5
)
 
$
(3,364.7
)
 
$
84.0

 
$
4,610.0

Stock option and incentive plans
 
 
 
 
62.6

 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
189.2

 
 
 
251.1

Currency translation adjustment, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.6

 
 
 
(6.2
)
 
(0.6
)
Derivative adjustment, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.3
)