ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Company Campbell Soup Company (“Campbell” or the “company”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, branded convenience food products. Campbell was incorporated as a business corporation under the laws of New Jersey on November 23, 1922; however, through predecessor organizations, it traces its heritage in the food business back to 1869. The company’s principal executive offices are in Camden, New Jersey 08103-1799.
In fiscal 2007, the company continued its focus on achieving long-term sustainable quality growth through executing five key strategies to drive success in both the marketplace and the workplace. The five strategies include:
•
Expanding the company’s well-known brands within the simple meal and baked snack categories;
•
Trading consumers up to higher levels of satisfaction centering on convenience, wellness and quality;
•
Making the company’s products more broadly available in existing and new markets;
•
Increasing margins by improving price realization and company-wide productivity; and
•
Improving overall organizational diversity, engagement, excellence and agility.
Consistent with these strategies, the company has undertaken several portfolio adjustments. The company divested its United Kingdom and Ireland businesses to Premier Foods plc on August 15, 2006. Likewise, in June 2007, the company completed the sale of its ownership interest in Papua New Guinea operations. Most recently, on August 9, 2007, the company announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives, including possible divestiture, for its Godiva Chocolatier business. These portfolio adjustments are intended to better focus Campbell on optimizing its long-term growth potential by leveraging the competitive advantages of its simple meals, baked snacks, and vegetable-based beverages businesses in markets with the greatest potential for growth.
The company’s operations are organized and reported in the following segments: U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages; Baking and Snacking; International Soup and Sauces; and Other. The segments are discussed in greater detail below.
U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages The U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages segment includes the following retail businesses: Campbell’s condensed and ready-to-serve soups; Swanson broth and canned poultry; Prego pasta sauce; Pace Mexican sauce; Campbell’s Chunky chili; Campbell’s canned pasta, gravies and beans; Campbell’s Supper Bakes meal kits; V8 juice and juice drinks; and Campbell’s tomato juice.
Baking and Snacking The Baking and Snacking segment includes the following businesses: Pepperidge Farm cookies, crackers, bakery and frozen products in U.S. retail; Arnott’s biscuits in Australia and Asia Pacific; and Arnott’s salty snacks in Australia. As previously discussed, in June 2007, the company completed the sale of its ownership interest in Papua New Guinea operations, which were historically included in this segment.
International Soup and Sauces The International Soup and Sauces segment includes the soup, sauce and beverage businesses outside of the United States, including Europe, Mexico, Latin America, the Asia Pacific region and the retail business in Canada. The segment’s operations include Erasco and Heisse Tasse soups in Germany, Liebig and Royco soups and Lesieur sauces in France, Devos Lemmens mayonnaise and cold sauces and Campbell’s and Royco soups in Belgium, and Blå Band soups and sauces in Sweden. In Asia Pacific, operations include Campbell’s soup and stock, Swanson broths and V8 beverages. In Canada, operations include Habitant and Campbell’s soups, Prego pasta sauce and V8 beverages. As previously discussed, on August 15, 2006, the company completed the sale of its United Kingdom and Ireland businesses, which included Homepride sauces, OXO stock cubes, and Batchelors, McDonnells and Erin soups. The results of these divested businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Other The balance of the portfolio reported in Other includes Godiva Chocolatier worldwide and the company’s Away From Home operations, which represent the distribution of products such as soup, specialty entrees, beverage products, other prepared foods and Pepperidge Farm products through various food service channels in the United States and Canada. As previously discussed, the company is exploring strategic alternatives, including possible divestiture, for its Godiva Chocolatier business.
Ingredients The ingredients required for the manufacture of the company’s food products are purchased from various suppliers. While all such ingredients are available from numerous independent suppliers, raw materials are subject to fluctuations in price attributable to a number of factors, including changes in crop size, cattle cycles, product scarcity, demand for raw materials, government-sponsored agricultural programs, import and export requirements and weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons. To help reduce some of this volatility, the company uses commodity futures contracts for a number of its ingredients and commodities, such as corn, cocoa, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, dairy and natural gas. Ingredient inventories are at a peak during the late fall and decline during the winter and spring. Since many ingredients of suitable quality are available in sufficient quantities only at certain seasons, the company
makes commitments for the purchase of such ingredients during their respective seasons. At this time, the company does not anticipate any material restrictions on availability or shortages of ingredients that would have a significant impact on the company’s businesses. For additional information on the impact of inflation on the company, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”
Customers In most of the company’s markets, sales activities are conducted by the company’s own sales force and through broker and distributor arrangements. In the United States, Canada and Latin America, the company’s products are generally resold to consumers in retail food chains, mass discounters, mass merchandisers, club stores, convenience stores, drug stores and other retail, commercial and non-commercial establishments. In Europe, the company’s products are generally resold to consumers in retail food chains, mass discounters and other retail establishments. In Mexico, the company’s products are generally resold to consumers in retail food chains, club stores, convenience stores and other retail establishments. In the Asia Pacific region, the company’s products are generally resold to consumers through retail food chains, convenience stores and other retail establishments. Godiva Chocolatier’s products are sold generally through a network of company-owned retail boutiques in North America, Europe, and Asia, franchised third-party retail boutique operators primarily in Europe, third-party distributors in Europe and Asia, and major retailers, including department stores and duty-free shops, worldwide. Godiva Chocolatier’s products are also sold through catalogs and on the Internet, although these sales are primarily limited to North America and Japan. The company makes shipments promptly after receipt and acceptance of orders.
The company’s largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 15% of the company’s consolidated net sales during fiscal 2007 and 14% during fiscal 2006. All of the company’s segments sold products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. or its affiliates. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net sales.
Trademarks And Technology As of September 17, 2007, the company owns over 5,400 trademark registrations and applications in over 150 countries and believes that its trademarks are of material importance to its business. Although the laws vary by jurisdiction, trademarks generally are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and have not been found to have become generic. Trademark registrations generally can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademarks are in use. The company believes that its principal brands, including Campbell’s, Erasco, Liebig, Pepperidge Farm, V8, Pace, Prego, Swanson,
Arnott’s, and Godiva, are protected by trademark law in the company’s relevant major markets. In addition, some of the company’s products are sold under brands that have been licensed from third parties.
Although the company owns a number of valuable patents, it does not regard any segment of its business as being dependent upon any single patent or group of related patents. In addition, the company owns copyrights, both registered and unregistered, and proprietary trade secrets, technology, know-how processes, and other intellectual property rights that are not registered.
Competition The company experiences worldwide competition in all of its principal products. This competition arises from numerous competitors of varying sizes, including producers of generic and private label products, as well as from manufacturers of other branded food products, which compete for trade merchandising support and consumer dollars. As such, the number of competitors cannot be reliably estimated. The principal areas of competition are brand recognition, quality, price, advertising, promotion, convenience and service.
Working Capital For information relating to the company’s cash and working capital items, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”
Capital Expenditures During fiscal 2007, the company’s aggregate capital expenditures were $334 million. The company expects to spend approximately $400 million for capital projects in fiscal 2008. The anticipated major fiscal 2008 capital projects include the previously announced expansion and enhancement of the company’s corporate headquarters in Camden, New Jersey, which is expected to continue into fiscal years following 2008, and expansion of the company’s beverage production capacity.
Research And Development During the last three fiscal years, the company’s expenditures on research activities relating to new products and the improvement and maintenance of existing products for continuing operations were $112 million in 2007, $104 million in 2006 and $93 million in 2005. The increase from 2006 to 2007 was primarily due to expenses related to new product development, higher incentive compensation costs and the impact of currency. The increase from 2005 to 2006 was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123R, higher compensation and benefit expenses and expenses related to new product development. The company conducts this research primarily at its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey, although important research is undertaken at various other locations inside and outside the United States.
Environmental Matters The company has requirements for the operation and design of its facilities that meet or exceed applicable environmental rules and regulations. Of the company’s $334 million in capital expenditures made during fiscal 2007, approximately $6 million was for compliance with environmental laws and regulations in the United States. The company further estimates that approximately $11 million of the capital expenditures anticipated during fiscal 2008 will be for compliance with such environmental laws and regulations. The company believes that continued compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations will not have a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position of the company.
Seasonality Demand for the company’s products is somewhat seasonal, with the fall and winter months usually accounting for the highest sales volume due primarily to demand for the company’s soup and sauce products. Godiva Chocolatier sales are also strongest during the fall and winter months. Demand for the company’s beverage, baking and snacking products, however, is generally evenly distributed throughout the year.
Regulation The manufacture and marketing of food products is highly regulated. In the United States, the company is subject to regulation by various government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as various state and local agencies. The company is also regulated by similar agencies outside the United States and by voluntary organizations such as the National Advertising Division and the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
Employees On July 29, 2007, there were approximately 22,500 employees of the company.
Financial Information For information with respect to revenue, operating profitability and identifiable assets attributable to the company’s business segments and geographic areas, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Company Website The company’s primary corporate website can be found at www.campbellsoupcompany.com. The company makes available free of charge at this website (under the “Investor Center - Financial Reports - SEC Filings” caption) all of its reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its current reports on Form 8-K. These reports are made available on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after their filing with, or furnishing to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, the following risks and uncertainties could materially adversely affect the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the company or that the company currently deems immaterial also may impair the company’s business operations and financial condition.
The company operates in a highly competitive industry The company operates in the highly competitive food industry and experiences worldwide competition in all of its principal products. A number of the company’s primary competitors have substantial financial, marketing and other resources. A strong competitive response from one or more of these competitors to the company’s marketplace efforts could result in the company reducing pricing, increasing marketing or other expenditures, or losing market share. These changes may have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results of the company.
The company’s long-term results are dependent on successful marketplace initiatives The company’s long-term results are dependent on successful marketplace initiatives. The company’s product introductions and product improvements, along with its other marketplace initiatives, are designed to capitalize on new customer or consumer trends. In order to remain successful, the company must anticipate and react to these new trends and develop new products or processes to address them. While the company devotes significant resources to meeting this goal, the company may not be successful in developing new products or processes, or its new products or processes may not be accepted by customers or consumers. These results could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results of the company.
The company may not properly execute, or realize anticipated cost savings or benefits from, its ongoing supply chain, information technology or other initiatives The company’s success is partly dependent upon properly executing, and realizing cost savings or other benefits from, its ongoing supply chain, information technology and other initiatives. These initiatives are primarily designed to make the company more efficient in the manufacture and distribution of its products, which is necessary in the company’s highly competitive industry. These initiatives are often complex, and a failure to implement them properly may, in addition to not meeting projected cost savings or benefits, result in an interruption to the company’s sales, manufacturing, logistics, customer service or accounting functions. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results of the company.
The company may be adversely impacted by the increased significance of some of its customers The disruption of supply to any of the company’s large customers, such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for an extended period of time could adversely affect the company’s business or financial results. In addition, the retail grocery trade continues to consolidate, and mass market retailers continue to become larger. In such an environment, a large retail customer may attempt to increase its profitability by lowering the prices of its suppliers or increasing promotional programs funded by its suppliers. If the company is unable to use its scale, marketing expertise, product innovation and category leadership positions to respond to these customer demands, the company’s business or financial results could be negatively impacted.
The company’s long-term results may be adversely impacted by increases in the price of raw and packaging materials The raw and packaging materials used in the company’s business include tomato paste, beef, poultry, vegetables, metal containers, glass, paper, resin and energy. Many of these materials are subject to price fluctuations from a number of factors, including product scarcity, demand for raw materials, commodity market speculation, currency fluctuations, weather conditions, import and export requirements and changes in government-sponsored agricultural programs. To the extent any of these factors result in an unforeseen increase in raw and packaging material prices, the company may not be able to offset such increases through productivity or price increases. In such case, the company’s business or financial results could be negatively impacted.
The company may be adversely impacted by inadequacies in, or failure of, its information technology systems Each year the company engages in several billion dollars of transactions with its customers and vendors. Because the amount of dollars involved is so significant, the company’s information technology resources must provide connections among its marketing, sales, manufacturing, logistics, customer service and accounting functions. If the company does not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain an appropriate technology infrastructure and to maintain the related computerized and manual control processes, the company’s business or financial results could be negatively impacted.
Disruption to the company’s supply chain could adversely affect its business Damage or disruption to the company’s suppliers or to the company’s manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, pandemic, strikes or other reasons could impair the company’s ability to manufacture and/or sell its products. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, particularly when a product is sourced from a single location, could adversely affect the company’s business or financial results.
The company may be adversely impacted by the failure to successfully execute acquisitions and divestitures From time to time, the company undertakes acquisitions or divestitures. The success of any such acquisition or divestiture depends, in part, upon the company’s ability to identify suitable buyers or sellers, negotiate favorable contractual terms and, in many cases, obtain governmental approval. For acquisitions, success is also dependent upon efficiently integrating the acquired business into the company’s existing operations. In cases where acquisitions or divestitures are not successfully implemented or completed, the company’s business or financial results could be negatively impacted.
The company’s long-term results may be impacted negatively by political and/or economic conditions in the United States or other nations The company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, branded convenience food products. Because of its global reach, the company’s performance may be impacted negatively by political and/or economic conditions in the United States, as well as other nations. A change in any one or more of the following factors in the United States, or in other nations, could impact the company: currency exchange rates, tax rates, interest rates, legal or regulatory requirements, tariffs, export and import restrictions or equity markets. The company may also be impacted by recession, political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities, natural disasters and terrorist acts in the United States or throughout the world. Any one of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results of the company.
If the company’s food products become adulterated or are mislabeled, the company might need to recall those items and may experience product liability claims if consumers are injured The company may need to recall some of its products if they become adulterated or if they are mis-labeled. The company may also be liable if the consumption of any of its products causes injury. A widespread product recall could result in significant losses due to the costs of a recall, the destruction of product inventory and lost sales due to the unavailability of product for a period of time. The company could also suffer losses from a significant product liability judgment against it. A significant product recall or product liability case could also result in adverse publicity, damage to the company’s reputation and a loss of consumer confidence in the company’s food products, which could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial results of the company.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The company’s principal executive offices and main research facilities are company-owned and located in Camden, New Jersey. The following table sets forth the company’s principal manufacturing facilities and the business segment that primarily uses each of the facilities:
Principal Manufacturing Facilities
Each of the foregoing manufacturing facilities is company-owned, except that the Scoresby, Australia, facility and the Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, facility are leased. The Utrecht, Netherlands, facility is subject to a ground lease. The company also operates retail confectionery shops in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia; retail bakery thrift stores in the United States; and other plants, facilities and offices at various locations in the United States and abroad, including additional executive offices in Norwalk, Connecticut, New York, New York, Puurs, Belgium, and North Strathfield, Australia. The following facilities were sold during fiscal year 2007: Ashford, King’s Lynn and Worksop in the United Kingdom, Thurles in Ireland, and Malahang Lae and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. These facilities were
sold as part of the divestiture of their respective businesses. The Everett, Washington facility replaces the company’s Woodinville, Washington facility, which was closed during fiscal year 2007. The company expects to close the Gerwisch, Germany facility in fiscal 2008.
Management believes that the company’s manufacturing and processing plants are well maintained and are generally adequate to support the current operations of the businesses.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF
SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following list of executive officers as of September 17, 2007, is included as an item in Part III of this Form 10-K:
Denise M. Morrison served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Kraft Snacks division (2001-2003) of Kraft Foods, Inc., and Executive Vice President and General Manager, Kraft Confection division (2001) of Kraft Foods, Inc. prior to joining Campbell in 2003. Nancy A. Reardon served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Comcast Cable Communications (2002-2004) and Executive Vice President - Human Resources/Corporate Affairs (1997-2002) of Borden Capital Management Partners prior to joining Campbell in 2004. David R. White served as Vice President, Product Supply - Global Family Care Business (1999-2004) of The Procter & Gamble Company prior to joining Campbell
in 2004. The company has employed Douglas R. Conant, Anthony P. DiSilvestro, M. Carl Johnson, III, Ellen Oran Kaden, Larry S. McWilliams, Mark A. Sarvary, Robert A. Schiffner, Archbold D. van Beuren and Doreen A. Wright in an executive or managerial capacity for at least five years.
There is no family relationship among any of the company’s executive officers or between any such officer and any director that is first cousin or closer. All of the executive officers were elected at the November 2006 meeting of the Board of Directors.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S CAPITAL STOCK, RELATED SHAREOWNER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market for Registrant’s Capital Stock
The company’s capital stock is listed and principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The company’s capital stock is also listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange. On September 17, 2007, there were 29,077 holders of record of the company’s capital stock. Market price and dividend information with respect to the company’s capital stock are set forth in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Future dividends will be dependent upon future earnings, financial requirements and other factors.
Return to Shareowners* Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareowner return (TSR) on the company’s stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s Packaged Foods Index (the “S&P Packaged Foods Group”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500”). The graph assumes that $100 was invested on July 29, 2002, in each of company stock, the S&P Packaged Foods Group and the S&P 500, and that all dividends were reinvested. The total cumulative dollar returns shown on the graph represent the value that such investments would have had on July 27, 2007.
*Stock appreciation plus dividend reinvestment.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(All per share amounts below are on a diluted basis)
Certain liabilities related to investments in affordable housing partnerships were reclassified in prior year financial statements to conform to the current-year presentation. Accordingly, assets were reduced by $125 in 2006, $98 in 2005, $66 in 2004 and $20 in 2003.
As of August 1, 2005, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R). Under SFAS No. 123R, compensation expense is to be recognized for all stock-based awards, including stock options. Had all stock-based compensation been expensed in 2005, earnings from continuing operations would have been $616 and earnings per share would have been $1.49. Net earnings would have been $678 and earnings per share would have been $1.64. The pro forma reduction on earnings from continuing operations in prior years would have been as follows: 2004-$28 or $.07 per share; 2003-$24 or $.06 per share.
Five-Year Review should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, branded convenience food products. The company is focused on achieving long-term sustainable quality growth through executing five key strategies to drive success in both the marketplace and the workplace as follows:
•
Expanding the company’s well-known brands within the simple meal and baked snack categories;
•
Trading consumers up to higher levels of satisfaction centering on convenience, wellness and quality;
•
Making the company’s products more broadly available in existing and new markets;
•
Increasing margins by improving price realization and company-wide productivity; and
•
Improving overall organizational diversity, engagement, excellence and agility.
The company intends to meet financial and business goals while continuing to invest in innovation, in information systems and in emerging markets.
On August 15, 2006, the company completed the sale of its businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland for £460 million, or approximately $870 million, pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement dated July 12, 2006. The United Kingdom and Ireland businesses included Homepride sauces, OXO stock cubes, Batchelors soups and McDonnells and Erin soups. The purchase price was subject to certain post-closing adjustments, which resulted in an additional $19 million of proceeds. The company has reflected the results of these businesses as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings for all years presented. The assets and liabilities of these businesses were reflected as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 30, 2006. The company used approximately $620 million of the net proceeds to purchase company stock. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In June 2007, the company completed the sale of its ownership interest in Papua New Guinea operations for approximately $23 million. This business had annual sales of approximately $20 million.
On August 9, 2007, the company announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives, including possible divestiture, for its Godiva Chocolatier business.
The company is organized and reports operating results as follows: U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages, Baking and Snacking and International Soup and Sauces, with the balance of the portfolio, which includes Godiva Chocolatier worldwide and the Away From Home operations, reported as Other. See also Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on segments.
Results of Operations
2007 Earnings from continuing operations were $823 million ($2.08 per share) in 2007 and $755 million ($1.82 per share) in 2006. (All earnings per share amounts included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis are presented on a diluted basis.)
There were several items that impacted the comparability of Earnings from continuing operations and Earnings per share from continuing operations:
•
In the second quarter of 2007, the company recorded a pre-tax gain of $23 million ($14 million after tax or $.04 per share) from the sale of an idle manufacturing facility;
•
In the third quarter of 2007, the company recorded a pre-tax non-cash benefit of $20 million ($13 million after tax or $.03 per share) from the reversal of legal reserves due to favorable results in litigation;
•
In the third quarter of 2007, the company recorded a tax benefit of $22 million resulting from the settlement of bilateral advance pricing agreements (APA) among the company, the United States, and Canada related to royalties. In addition, the company reduced net interest by $4 million ($3 million after tax). The aggregate impact on Earnings from continuing operations was $25 million, or $.06 per share;
•
In the first quarter of 2006, the company recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $47 million resulting from the favorable resolution of a U.S. tax contingency related to transactions in government securities in a prior period. In addition, the company reduced interest expense and accrued interest payable by $21 million and adjusted deferred tax expense by $8 million ($13 million after tax). The aggregate non-cash impact of the settlement on Earnings from continuing operations was $60 million, or $.14 per share. (See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements);
•
In the first quarter of 2006, a $13 million pre-tax gain was recognized due to a change in the method of accounting for certain U.S. inventories from the LIFO method to the average cost method. The impact on Earnings from continuing operations was $8 million ($.02 per share). Prior periods were not restated since the impact of the change on previously issued financial statements was not considered material. (See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements);
•
In 2006, incremental tax expense of $13 million ($.03 per share) was recognized associated with incremental dividends of $294 million as the company finalized its plan to repatriate earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries under the provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act (the AJCA); and
•
In the fourth quarter of 2006, the company recorded a deferred tax benefit of $14 million ($.03 per share) from the anticipated use of higher levels of foreign tax credits, which could be utilized as a result of the sale of the company’s United Kingdom and Ireland businesses in August 2006.
The items impacting comparability are summarized below:
The sum of the individual per share amounts does not equal due to rounding.
In addition, the comparability of Earnings per share from continuing operations was impacted by the use of proceeds from the sale of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses in the first quarter of 2007. During the first quarter of 2007, the company completed its previously announced program utilizing $620 million of the net proceeds to repurchase shares. The pro forma impact on 2006 of utilizing those proceeds to repurchase 17 million shares (based on the average stock price in the first quarter) and reduce shares outstanding in the calculation of Earnings per share from continuing operations would have resulted in a $.07 increase in Earnings per share from continuing operations.
The remaining increase in Earnings from continuing operations in 2007 from 2006 was primarily due to an increase in sales, a higher gross margin as a percentage of sales, and lower net interest expense, partially offset by increased marketing expenses and a higher effective tax rate.
2006 Earnings from continuing operations were $755 million ($1.82 per share) in 2006 and $644 million ($1.56 per share) in 2005.
In addition to the 2006 items that impacted the comparability of Earnings from continuing operations, as of August 1, 2005, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R). Under SFAS No. 123R, compensation expense is to be recognized for all stock-based awards, including stock options. Had all stock-based compensation been expensed in 2005, Earnings from continuing operations would have been $616 million and Earnings per share from continuing operations would have been $1.49. (See Notes 1 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
The items impacting comparability are summarized below:
The sum of the individual per share amounts does not equal due to rounding.
The remaining improvement in earnings from 2005 to 2006 was due to an increase in sales, an improvement in gross margin as a percentage of sales, a lower effective tax rate, and higher interest income, partially offset by higher administrative and marketing and selling costs.
Sales
An analysis of net sales by reportable segment follows:
An analysis of percent change of net sales by reportable segment follows:
Represents revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs.
In 2007, U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages sales increased 7%. U.S. soup sales increased 5% as condensed soup sales increased 3%, ready-to-serve soup sales increased 5% and broth sales increased 12%. The introduction in 2007 of new lower sodium varieties of condensed and ready-to-serve soups contributed to the sales growth. Within condensed soup, both eating and cooking varieties delivered solid sales gains. Sales growth in ready-to-serve was driven by gains in Campbell’s Chunky and Campbell’s Select soups which benefited from higher levels of advertising. In the convenience platform, which includes soups in microwavable bowls and cups, sales grew double digits. Swanson broth sales grew due to increased advertising and continued growth of aseptically-packaged products. Beverage sales grew significantly as V8 vegetable juice and V8 V-Fusion vegetable and fruit juice, introduced in the second quarter of 2006, responded favorably to new advertising campaigns and increased levels of advertising. V8 Splash juice drinks also experienced sales growth. Sales of Prego pasta sauces and Pace Mexican sauces increased.
In 2006, U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages sales increased 5%. U.S. soup sales increased 4% as condensed soup sales increased 5%, ready-to-serve soup sales increased 1% and broth sales increased 11%. The U.S. Soup sales growth was primarily driven by higher prices across the portfolio. Condensed soup also benefited from the additional installation of gravity-feed shelving systems and increased advertising. The ready-to-serve sales performance was positively impacted by the introductions of Campbell’s Select Gold Label soups in aseptic packaging and Campbell’s Chicken Noodle, Tomato and Vegetable soups in microwavable bowls, which were
partially offset by the discontinuance of Campbell’s Kitchen Classics soups and a decline in Campbell’s Chunky soups. The introduction of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle, Tomato and Vegetable soups in microwavable bowls, combined with sales gains from Campbell’s Chunky and Campbell’s Select soups in microwavable bowls and Campbell’s Soup at Hand sippable soups, drove significant growth in the convenience platform. Swanson broth sales growth was primarily due to volume gains of aseptically-packaged products and successful holiday merchandising. In other parts of the business, Prego pasta sauces and Pace Mexican sauces delivered solid sales growth. Beverage sales increased double digits driven by V8 vegetable juices, which had strong volume growth. The introduction of V8 V-Fusion juice beverages also contributed to sales growth, while sales of V8 Splash juice beverages declined.
In 2007, Baking and Snacking sales increased 6%. Pepperidge Farm sales increased primarily as a result of gains in the bakery and cookies and crackers businesses. The bakery business sales growth was driven by gains in Pepperidge Farm whole grain breads and sandwich rolls. The cookies and crackers sales growth was primarily due to Pepperidge Farm Goldfish snack crackers, partially offset by a decline in cookies. Arnott’s sales increased, primarily due to the favorable impact of currency and strong branded biscuits sales performance, partially offset by volume declines in the Australian snack foods business.
In 2006, Baking and Snacking sales were flat versus 2005 as growth at Pepperidge Farm was offset by declines in the Arnott’s business. Pepperidge Farm reported sales increases in its bakery and cookies and crackers businesses. Sales of bakery products increased due to the strong performance of Pepperidge Farm whole grain breads. Sales gains in cookies and crackers were primarily due to double-digit growth of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish snack crackers. Arnott’s sales declined, primarily due to a decline in the Australian snack foods business and the unfavorable impact of currency.
International Soup and Sauces sales increased 11% in 2007 versus 2006. In Europe, sales increased primarily due to the favorable impact of currency and strong wet soup growth in France, Germany and Belgium. In Canada, sales increased due to growth in soup and the favorable impact of currency.
International Soup and Sauces sales increased 2% in 2006 versus 2005. In Canada, sales increased due to the favorable impact of currency and a strong performance in ready-to-serve soup, which grew double digits, aided by the introduction of Campbell’s Soup at Hand sippable soups. Sales from the Australian soup business increased double digits, primarily due to the performance of ready-to-serve soup and broth. In Europe, sales declined primarily due to currency. Excluding the impact of currency, sales in Europe grew slightly driven by the business in Belgium and higher sales of V8 vegetable juice.
In Other, sales increased 4% in 2007 versus 2006. Godiva Chocolatier sales increased primarily due to growth in Asia and North America. Away From Home sales increased primarily due to strong growth of frozen soups and beverages.
In Other, sales increased 8% in 2006 versus 2005. Godiva Chocolatier sales increased primarily due to same-store sales growth in all regions, new product introductions in the U.S., an increase in duty-free sales in Europe and new stores in Asia. Away From Home sales increased primarily due to sales growth in soup, including refrigerated soups, and beverages.
Gross Profit Gross profit, defined as Net sales less Cost of products sold, increased by $226 million in 2007 from 2006 and $177 million in 2006 from 2005. As a percent of sales, gross profit was 41.9% in 2007, 41.8% in 2006 and 40.9% in 2005. The percentage point increase in 2007 was due to productivity improvements (approximately 1.9 percentage points), higher selling prices (approximately 1.2 percentage points), and mix (approximately 0.3 percentage points), partially offset by a higher level of promotional spending (approximately 0.1 percentage points), costs associated with the relocation and start-up of a replacement refrigerated soup facility (approximately 0.1 percentage points), a benefit from a change in the method of accounting for inventory in 2006 (approximately 0.2 percentage points), and the impact of cost inflation and other factors (approximately 2.9 percentage points). The percentage point increase in 2006 was due to higher selling prices (approximately 2.0 percentage points), productivity improvements (approximately 1.8 percentage points), and a benefit from a change in the method of accounting for inventory (approximately 0.2 percentage points), partially offset by a higher level of promotional spending (approximately 0.1 percentage points), mix (approximately 0.2 percentage points) and cost inflation and other factors (approximately 2.8 percentage points).
Gross profit would have been $4 million lower in 2005 had all stock-based compensation been expensed.
Marketing and Selling Expenses Marketing and selling expenses as a percent of sales were 16.8% in 2007, 16.7% in 2006 and 16.3% in 2005. Marketing and selling expenses increased 8% in 2007 from 2006. The increase was primarily due to higher advertising and consumer promotion expense (approximately 5 percentage points), higher selling expenses (approximately 1 percentage point) and the impact of currency (approximately 1 percentage point). Marketing and selling expenses increased 6% in 2006. The increase was driven primarily by higher advertising (approximately 3 percentage points), higher selling expenses (approximately 2 percentage points) and increased stock-based compensation recognized under SFAS No. 123R (approximately 1 percentage point).
Marketing and selling expenses would have been $12 million higher in 2005 had all stock-based compensation been expensed.
Administrative Expenses Administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 7.7% in 2007, 7.9% in 2006 and 7.4% in 2005. Administrative expenses increased 4% in 2007 from 2006. The increase was due to higher incentive compensation costs (approximately 2 percentage points), costs associated with the ongoing implementation of the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America (approximately 1 percentage point), costs to establish businesses in Russia and China (approximately 1 percentage point), the impact of currency (approximately 1 percentage point) and higher general administrative expenses (approximately 2 percentage points), partially offset by the reversal of $20 million of legal reserves resulting from favorable results in litigation (approximately 3 percentage points). Administrative expenses increased 12% in 2006 from 2005. The increase was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation recognized under SFAS No. 123R (approximately 5 percentage points), higher compensation and benefit expenses (approximately 4 percentage points), and an increase in costs associated with the ongoing implementation of the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America (approximately 2 percentage points).
Administrative expenses would have been $25 million higher in 2005 had all stock-based compensation been expensed.
Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased $8 million or 8% in 2007 from 2006 primarily due to expenses related to new product development (approximately 4 percentage points), higher incentive compensation costs (approximately 2 percentage points) and the impact of currency (approximately 1 percentage point). Research and development expenses increased $11 million or 12% in 2006 from 2005 primarily due to higher stock-based compensation recognized under SFAS No. 123R (approximately 4 percentage points), higher compensation and benefit expenses (approximately 4 percentage points) and expenses related to new product development (approximately 4 percentage points).
Research and development expenses would have been $4 million higher in 2005 had all stock-based compensation been expensed.
Other Expenses / (Income) Other income of $35 million in 2007 included a $23 million gain on the sale of an idle manufacturing facility, a $10 million gain on a settlement in lieu of condemnation of a refrigerated soup facility, and a $3 million gain on the sale of the company’s business in Papua New Guinea.
Other expense of $5 million in 2006 included the cost of acquiring the rights to the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish trademark in certain non-U.S. countries and a write-down of a trademark used in the Australian snack foods market.
Other income of $5 million in 2005 was primarily royalty income related to the company’s brands.
Operating Earnings Segment operating earnings increased 11% in 2007 from 2006. Segment operating earnings increased 5% in 2006 from 2005. Operating earnings would have been $45 million lower in 2005 had all stock-based compensation been expensed.
An analysis of operating earnings by reportable segment follows:
Earnings from U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages increased 6% in 2007 from 2006. The 2006 results included an $8 million benefit from the change in the method of accounting for inventories. The remaining increase in earnings was primarily due to the increase in sales and productivity improvements, partially offset by cost inflation and higher advertising expense.
Earnings from U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages increased 9% in 2006 from 2005. The 2006 results included an $8 million benefit from the change in the method of accounting for inventories. The 2005 earnings would have been $4 million lower had all stock-based compensation been expensed. The remaining increase in earnings was primarily due to higher selling prices and productivity gains, which were partially offset by cost inflation and higher advertising expense.
Earnings from Baking and Snacking increased 28% in 2007 from 2006. The 2007 results included a $23 million gain from the sale of an idle Pepperidge Farm manufacturing facility. The 2006 results included a $5 million benefit from the change in the method of accounting for inventories. The remaining increase was primarily due to higher earnings at Pepperidge Farm and the favorable impact of currency. Within Arnott’s, excluding the impact of currency, an earnings increase in the biscuit business was offset by a decline in the Australian snack foods business.
Earnings from Baking and Snacking decreased 6% in 2006 from 2005. The 2006 results included a $5 million benefit from the change in the method of accounting for inventories. The 2005 earnings would have been $8 million lower had all stock-based compensation been expensed. The earnings results were driven by declines in the Indonesian biscuit business and the Australian snack foods business, and the unfavorable impact of currency, partially offset by higher earnings at Pepperidge Farm.
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 17% in 2007 from 2006. The increase in earnings was primarily due to earnings growth in the businesses in Europe and Canada and the favorable impact of currency, partially offset by costs to establish businesses in Russia and China.
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 1% in 2006 from 2005. The 2005 earnings would have been $3 million lower had all stock-based compensation been expensed. The increase in earnings was primarily due to strong market performance in Canada, partially offset by expenses associated with improving the cost structure of the supply chain in Europe and realigning the organizational structure in Europe following the sale of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses.
Earnings from Other increased 13% in 2007 from 2006 primarily due to improved operating earnings performance from the Away From Home business and a gain on settlement in lieu of condemnation of a refrigerated soup facility, partially offset by relocation and start-up costs associated with the replacement facility.
Earnings from Other were $110 million in both 2006 and 2005. Earnings in 2005 would have been $6 million lower had all stock-based awards been expensed. The increase was primarily due to earnings growth in Godiva Chocolatier.
Unallocated corporate expenses decreased $3 million from $105 million in 2006 to $102 million in 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the reversal of $20 million of legal reserves resulting from favorable results in litigation, mostly offset by higher incentive compensation expenses and higher expenses associated with the ongoing implementation of the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America.
Unallocated corporate expenses increased $39 million from $66 million in 2005 to $105 million in 2006. The 2005 expenses would have been $24 million higher had all stock-based compensation been expensed. The remaining increase was primarily due to costs associated with the ongoing implementation of the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America.
Interest Expense/Income Interest expense decreased 1% in 2007 from 2006. The current year included a $4 million reduction in interest associated with the APA settlement. In 2006, interest expense included a non-cash reduction of $21 million related to a favorable tax settlement of a U.S. tax contingency. The remaining net reduction in 2007 was primarily due to lower debt levels and lower interest expense associated with tax matters, partially offset by higher interest rates. Interest income increased to $19 million in 2007 from $15 million in 2006 due to higher levels of cash and cash equivalents.
Interest expense decreased 10% in 2006 from 2005, primarily due to the non-cash reduction of $21 million associated with the favorable settlement of a U.S. tax contingency and lower levels of debt, partially offset by higher interest rates. Interest income increased to $15 million in 2006 from $4 million in 2005 due to higher levels of cash and cash equivalents.
Taxes on Earnings The effective tax rate was 28.4% in 2007, 24.6% in 2006, and 32.4% in 2005. The increase in rate from 2006 to 2007 was primarily attributable to lower tax settlement amounts and higher taxes on foreign earnings in 2007. The current year included a benefit of $22 million resulting from the favorable settlement of the APA and an additional net benefit of $40 million following the finalization of the 2002-2004 U.S. federal tax audits. The prior year period included a benefit of $47 million resulting from the favorable resolution of a U.S. tax contingency and a benefit of $21 million related to the favorable resolution of the 1996-2001 U.S. federal tax audits. After factoring in these items, the increase in the 2007 effective rate is primarily due to higher taxes on foreign earnings.
The reduction in rate from 2005 to 2006 was attributable primarily to the favorable resolution of federal income tax audits, a $10 million increased deduction related to U.S. manufacturing activities under the AJCA, and higher levels of foreign tax credits of $14 million, partially offset by incremental tax expense associated with the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings under the AJCA of $13 million.
The effective tax rate is expected to increase to 32% to 33% in 2008.
Discontinued Operations The results of the company’s businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland sold in August 2006 are classified as discontinued operations. Results of the businesses are summarized below:
The 2007 results included a $24 million after-tax gain, or $.06 per share, on the sale. The 2007 results also included a $7 million tax benefit from the favorable resolution of tax audits in the United Kingdom.
The 2006 results included $56 million of deferred tax expense, which was recognized in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 93-17 “Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for a Parent Company’s Excess Tax Basis in the Stock of a Subsidiary That is Accounted for as a Discontinued Operation.” Results also included $7 million pre tax ($5 million after tax) of costs associated with the sale of the businesses. The remaining increase in earnings in 2006 from 2005 was primarily due to lower marketing and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decline in sales, the unfavorable impact of currency, and a higher tax rate.
The company used $620 million of the net proceeds from the sale to purchase company stock. The remaining net proceeds were used to settle foreign currency hedging contracts associated with intercompany financing transactions of the business, to pay taxes and expenses associated with the sale, and to repay debt.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The company expects that foreseeable liquidity and capital resource requirements, including cash outflows to repurchase shares and pay dividends, will be met through cash and cash equivalents, anticipated cash flows from operations, long-term borrowings under its shelf registration and short-term borrowings, including commercial paper. Over the last three years, operating cash flows totaled approximately $2.9 billion. This cash generating capability provides the company with substantial financial flexibility in meeting its operating
and investing needs. The company believes that its sources of financing are adequate to meet its future liquidity and capital resource requirements. The cost and terms of any future financing arrangements depend on the market conditions and the company’s financial position at that time.
Net cash flows from operating activities provided $674 million in 2007, compared to $1,226 million in 2006. The reduction was due primarily to an increase in working capital in 2007 as compared to a decline in 2006 and payments of $186 million to settle hedging transactions, primarily related to foreign currency. Net cash flows from operating activities provided $1,226 million in 2006, compared to $990 million in 2005. The increase was due primarily to a reduction in working capital and an increase in earnings.
Capital expenditures were $334 million in 2007, $309 million in 2006 and $332 million in 2005. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $400 million in 2008. Capital expenditures in 2007 and 2006 included investments to increase the manufacturing capacity for refrigerated soups in a new facility, implement the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America, and implement certain productivity and quality projects in manufacturing facilities. Capital expenditures in 2005 included investments to increase manufacturing capacity for microwavable products, implement the SAP enterprise-resource planning system in North America, increase manufacturing capacity for refrigerated soups, and implement a new sales and distribution system in Australia.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2007 includes $906 million of proceeds from the sale of the businesses in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Papua New Guinea, net of cash divested.
There were no new long-term borrowings in 2007 and 2005. Long-term borrowings in 2006 included the issuance of $202 million of five-year variable-rate debt in Australia due July 2011. The proceeds were used to repatriate earnings pursuant to the AJCA. While planning for the issuance of the debt, the company entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rate on $149 million of the debt prior to its issuance.
Dividend payments were $308 million in 2007, $292 million in 2006 and $275 million in 2005. Annual dividends declared in 2007 were $.80 per share, $.72 per share in 2006 and $.68 per share in 2005. The 2007 fourth quarter rate was $.20 per share.
Excluding shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding requirements on vesting of restricted shares, the company repurchased 30 million shares at a cost of $1,140 million during 2007.
Of the 2007 repurchases, approximately 21 million shares at a cost of $820 million were made pursuant to the company’s two publicly announced share repurchase programs. The remaining shares were repurchased to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under the company’s stock compensation plans. Under the first share repurchase program, which was announced on November 21, 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $600 million of company stock through fiscal 2008. Under the second share repurchase program, which was announced on August 15, 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized using up to $620 million of the net proceeds from the sale of United Kingdom and Ireland businesses to purchase company stock. The August 2006 program terminated at the end of fiscal 2007. Pursuant to the publicly announced programs, the company entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements on September 28, 2006, with a financial institution to repurchase approximately $600 million of stock. These agreements were settled in July 2007. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” for additional information on these agreements.
Excluding shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding requirements on vesting of restricted shares, the company repurchased 15 million shares at a cost of $506 million during 2006 and 4 million shares at a cost of $110 million during 2005. Of the 2006 repurchases, 6 million shares at a cost of $200 million were under the Board of Directors authorization announced on November 21, 2005. See “Market for Registrant’s Capital Stock, Related Shareowner Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for more information.
At July 29, 2007, the company had $595 million of notes payable due within one year and $33 million of standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the company. The company maintained a $1.5 billion committed revolving credit facility, which was unused at July 29, 2007, except for $1 million of standby letters of credit. Another $32 million of standby letters of credit was issued under a separate facility. In September 2006, the company entered into the $1.5 billion, 5-year revolving credit facility that will mature in September 2011. This agreement supports the company’s commercial paper programs.
As of July 29, 2007, the company had $300 million available for issuance under a $1 billion shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2002. Under the registration statement, the company may issue debt securities, depending on market conditions.
The company is in compliance with the covenants contained in its revolving credit facilities and debt securities.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the company’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under certain contractual obligations. For additional information on debt, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating leases are primarily entered into for warehouse and office facilities, retail store space, and certain equipment. Purchase commitments represent purchase orders and long-term purchase arrangements related to the procurement of ingredients, supplies, machinery, equipment and services. These commitments are not expected to have a material impact on liquidity. Other long-term liabilities primarily represent payments related to deferred compensation obligations. For additional information on other long-term liabilities, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Includes capital lease obligations totaling $13 million, unamortized net premium on debt issuances, unamortized gain on a terminated interest rate swap and a loss on fair-value interest rate swaps. For additional information on debt obligations, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest payments for notes payable, long-term debt and derivative instruments are calculated as follows. For notes payable, interest is based on par values and rates of contractually obligated issuances at fiscal year end. For fixed-rate long-term debt, interest is based on principal amounts and fixed coupon rates at fiscal year end. For variable-rate long-term debt, interest is based on principal amounts and rates estimated over the life of the instrument using forward interest rates and applicable spreads. Interest on fixed-rate derivative instruments is based on notional amounts and fixed interest rates contractually obligated at fiscal year end. Interest on variable-rate derivative instruments is based on notional amounts contractually obligated at fiscal year end and rates estimated over the instrument’s life using forward interest rates plus applicable spreads.
Represents payments of cross-currency swaps and forward exchange contracts.
Represents other long-term liabilities, excluding deferred taxes and minority interest. This table does not include postretirement benefits, payments related to pension plans or unvested stock-based compensation. The company made a $35 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan subsequent to July 29, 2007. For additional information on pension and postretirement benefits, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments The company guarantees approximately 1,700 bank loans to Pepperidge Farm independent sales distributors by third party financial institutions used to purchase distribution routes. The maximum potential amount
of the future payments the company could be required to make under the guarantees is $136 million. The company’s guarantees are indirectly secured by the distribution routes. The company does not believe that it is probable that it will be required to make guarantee payments as a result of defaults on the bank loans guaranteed. See also Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on off-balance sheet arrangements.
On September 28, 2006, the company entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements (Agreements) with Lehman Brothers Financial S.A. (Lehman), an affiliate of Lehman Brothers Inc., to repurchase approximately $600 million of common stock. Under the first Agreement, the company purchased approximately 8.3 million shares of its common stock from Lehman for $300 million, or $35.95 per share, subject to a purchase price adjustment payable upon settlement of the Agreement. Lehman was expected to purchase an equivalent number of shares during the term of the Agreement. On July 5, 2007, upon conclusion of the Agreement, the company made a settlement payment of $22 million to Lehman, which was recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital, based upon the difference between the volume weighted-average price of the company’s common stock during the Agreement’s term of $38.90 and the purchase price of $35.95.
Under the second Agreement, the company purchased approximately $300 million of its common stock from Lehman. Under this Agreement, Lehman made an initial delivery of 6.3 million shares on September 29, 2006 at $35.95 per share and a second delivery of 1.3 million shares on October 25, 2006 at $36.72 per share. Under the Agreement, the number of additional shares (if any) to be delivered to the company at settlement would be based on the volume weighted-average price of company stock during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum and maximum price for the purchased shares. The volume weighted-average price during the term of the Agreement was $38.90. On July 5, 2007, upon conclusion of the Agreement, Lehman delivered approximately 200,000 shares to the company as a final settlement. For additional information on the Agreements, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Market for Registrant’s Capital Stock, Related Shareowner Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”
Inflation
During the past three years, inflation, on average, has been higher than previous years but has not had a significant effect on the company. The company uses a number of strategies to mitigate the effects of cost inflation. These strategies include increasing prices, pursuing cost productivity initiatives such as global procurement strategies, and making capital investments that improve the efficiency of operations.
Market Risk Sensitivity
The principal market risks to which the company is exposed are changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the company is exposed to equity price changes related to certain deferred compensation obligations. The company manages its exposure to changes in interest rates by optimizing the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt and by utilizing interest rate swaps in order to maintain its variable-to-total debt ratio within targeted guidelines. International operations, which accounted for approximately 30% of 2007 net sales, are concentrated principally in Australia, Canada, France and Germany. The company manages its foreign currency exposures by borrowing in various foreign currencies and utilizing cross-currency swaps and forward contracts. Swaps and forward contracts are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments.
The company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short- and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities and agricultural products. The company may also enter into commodity futures contracts, as considered
appropriate, to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations for commodities such as corn, cocoa, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, dairy and natural gas. At July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, the notional values and unrealized gains or losses on commodity futures contracts held by the company were not material.
The information below summarizes the company’s market risks associated with debt obligations and other significant financial instruments as of July 29, 2007. Fair values included herein have been determined based on quoted market prices. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with Notes 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The table below presents principal cash flows and related interest rates by fiscal year of maturity for debt obligations. Interest rates disclosed on variable-rate debt maturing in 2008 represent the weighted-average rates at the period end. Interest rates disclosed on variable-rate debt maturing in 2011 represent the weighted-average forward rates for the term. Notional amounts and related interest rates of interest rate swaps are presented by fiscal year of maturity. For the swaps, variable rates are the weighted-average forward rates for the term of each contract.
Expected Fiscal Year of Maturity
As of July 30, 2006, fixed-rate debt of approximately $2.5 billion with an average interest rate of 6.18% and variable-rate debt of approximately $693 million with an average interest rate of 6.18% were outstanding. As of July 30, 2006, the company had swapped $875 million of fixed-rate debt to variable. The average rate to be received on these swaps was 5.39% and the average rate paid was estimated to be 6.27% over the remaining life of the swaps. As of July 30, 2006, the company had also swapped $154 million of variable-rate debt to fixed. The average rate estimated to be received on these swaps was 6.74% and the average rate to be paid was 6.73%.
The company is exposed to foreign exchange risk related to its international operations, including non-functional currency intercompany debt and net investments in subsidiaries.
The table below summarizes the cross-currency swaps outstanding as of July 29, 2007, which hedge such exposures. The notional amount of each currency and the related weighted-average forward interest rate are presented in the Cross-Currency Swaps table.
Cross-Currency Swaps
The cross-currency swap contracts outstanding at July 30, 2006 represented one pay fixed SEK/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $32 million, one pay variable SEK/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $16 million, two pay fixed CAD/receive fixed USD swaps with notional values totaling $120 million, one pay variable CAD/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $31 million, two pay fixed EUR/receive fixed USD swaps with notional values totaling $269 million and two pay variable EUR/receive variable USD swaps with notional values totaling $80 million. The aggregate notional value of these swap contracts
was $548 million as of July 30, 2006, and the aggregate fair value of these swap contracts was a loss of $144 million as of July 30, 2006.
The following contracts were outstanding at July 30, 2006 related to intercompany financing of the divested United Kingdom and Ireland businesses: one pay variable GBP/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $138 million and three pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swaps with notional values totaling $270 million. The aggregate fair value of these swap contracts was a loss of $73 million as of July 30, 2006. These instruments were settled in August 2006 in connection with the sale of the businesses.
The company is also exposed to foreign exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries, including subsidiary debt. The company utilizes foreign exchange forward purchase and sale contracts to hedge these exposures. The table below summarizes the foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding and the related weighted-average contract exchange rates as of July 29, 2007.
Forward Exchange Contracts
The company had an additional $17 million in a number of smaller contracts to purchase or sell various other currencies, such as the Australian dollar, euro, British pound, Japanese yen, and Swedish krona, as of July 29, 2007. The aggregate fair value of all contracts was a loss of $4 million as of July 29, 2007. The total forward exchange contracts outstanding, excluding contracts related to the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses, as of July 30, 2006 were $110 million with a fair value of a gain of $2 million.
The forward exchange contracts related to the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses outstanding as of July 30, 2006, which were settled in August 2006 in connection with the sale, were $413 million and had an aggregate fair value of a loss of $5 million as of July 30, 2006.
The company had swap contracts outstanding as of July 29, 2007, which hedge a portion of exposures relating to certain deferred compensation obligations linked to the total return
of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the total return of the company’s capital stock and the total return of the Puritan Fund. Under these contracts, the company pays variable interest rates and receives from the counterparty either the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index total return, the Puritan Fund total return, or the total return on company capital stock. The notional value of the contract that is linked to the return on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was $22 million at July 29, 2007 and $18 million at July 30, 2006. The average forward interest rate applicable to the contract, which expires in 2008, was 5.30% at July 29, 2007. The notional value of the contract that is linked to the return on the Puritan Fund was $13 million at July 29, 2007 and $10 million at July 30, 2006. The average forward interest rate applicable to the contract, which expires in 2008, was 5.54% at July 29, 2007. The notional value of the contract that is linked to the total return on company capital stock was $29 million at July 29, 2007 and $27 million at July 30, 2006. The average forward interest rate applicable to this contract, which expires in 2008, was 5.50% at July 29, 2007. The fair value of these contracts was a $2 million loss at July 29, 2007 and a $2 million gain at July 30, 2006.
The company’s utilization of financial instruments in managing market risk exposures described above is consistent with the prior year. Changes in the portfolio of financial instruments are a function of the results of operations, debt repayment and debt issuances, market effects on debt and foreign currency, and the company’s acquisition and divestiture activities.
Significant Accounting Estimates
The consolidated financial statements of the company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of significant accounting policies. The following areas all require the use of subjective or complex judgments, estimates and assumptions:
Trade and consumer promotion programs The company offers various sales incentive programs to customers and consumers, such as cooperative advertising programs, feature price discounts, in-store display incentives and coupons. The recognition of the costs for these programs, which are classified as a reduction of revenue, involves use of judgment related to performance and redemption estimates. Estimates
are made based on historical experience and other factors. Actual expenses may differ if the level of redemption rates and performance vary from estimates.
Valuation of long-lived assets Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and intangibles, are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Discounted cash flow analyses are used to assess nonamortizable intangible asset impairment, while undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to assess other long-lived asset impairment. The estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance. Assumptions used in these forecasts are consistent with internal planning. The actual cash flows could differ from management’s estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, and economic conditions.
Pension and postretirement benefits The company provides certain pension and postretirement benefits to employees and retirees. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care trend rates. Independent actuaries, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, perform the required calculations to determine expense. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are generally accumulated and amortized over future periods.
The discount rate is established as of the company’s fiscal year-end measurement date. In establishing the discount rate, the company reviews published market indices of high-quality debt securities, adjusted as appropriate for duration. In addition, independent actuaries apply high-quality bond yield curves to the expected benefit payments of the plans. The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based upon historical experience and expected future performance, considering the company’s current and projected investment mix. This estimate is based on an estimate of future inflation, long-term projected real returns for each asset class, and a premium for active management. Within any given fiscal period, significant differences may arise between the actual return and the expected return on plan assets. The value of plan assets, used in the calculation of pension expense, is determined on a calculated method that recognizes 20% of the difference between the actual fair value of assets and the expected calculated method. Gains and losses resulting from differences between actual experience and the assumptions are determined at each measurement date. If the net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of plan assets or liabilities, a portion is amortized into earnings in the following year.
Net periodic pension and postretirement expense was $57 million in 2007, $77 million in 2006, and $67 million in 2005. Significant weighted-average assumptions as of the end of the year are as follows:
Estimated sensitivities to annual net periodic pension cost are as follows: a 50 basis point reduction in the discount rate would increase expense by approximately $11 million; a 50 basis point reduction in the estimated return on assets assumption would increase expense by approximately $9 million. A one percentage point increase in assumed health care costs would increase postretirement service and interest cost by approximately $1 million.
Although there were no mandatory funding requirements to the U.S. plans in 2007, 2006 and 2005, the company made a $22 million contribution in 2007 and a $35 million contribution in 2006 and 2005 to a U.S. plan based on expected future funding requirements. Contributions to international plans were $10 million in 2007, $17 million in 2006 and $26 million in 2005. Subsequent to July 29, 2007, the company made a $35 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. plan in anticipation of future funding requirements. Contributions to non-U.S. plans are expected to be approximately $9 million in 2008.
As of July 29, 2007, the company adopted SFAS No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and requires any unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses to be recognized in other comprehensive income.
See also Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on pension and postretirement expenses.
Income taxes The effective tax rate reflects statutory tax rates, tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which the company operates and management’s estimate of the ultimate outcome of various tax audits and issues. Significant judgment is required in determining the effective tax rate and in evaluating tax positions. Tax reserves are established when, despite the company’s belief that tax return positions are fully supportable, certain positions are subject to challenge and the
company may not successfully defend its position. These reserves, as well as the related interest, are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. While it is difficult to predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the company believes that the reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies. Income taxes are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current year and include the effect of deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future impact of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. See also the section entitled Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Notes 2 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on income taxes, including the impact of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. (FIN) 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the criteria that must be met for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also addresses derecognition, recognition of related penalties and interest, classification of liabilities and disclosures of unrecognized tax benefits. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The company will adopt FIN 48 as of July 30, 2007 and will record the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 as a charge to fiscal 2008 opening retained earnings and accrued taxes. Interest recognized in accordance with FIN 48 may be classified in the financial statements as either income taxes or interest expense. Historically the company recorded interest on tax matters in interest expense and accrued interest. The company will record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense and accrued income taxes upon adoption of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 will not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or effective tax rate. Upon adoption, a cumulative effect adjustment of $6 million will be charged to retained earnings to increase reserves for uncertain tax positions.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 establishes a definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose, at specific election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in that item’s fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in current earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159.
Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results
This Report contains “forward-looking” statements that reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of the company. The company tries, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will” and similar expressions. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements reflect the company’s current plans and expectations and are based on information currently available to it. They rely on a number of assumptions regarding future events and estimates which could be inaccurate and which are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.
The company wishes to caution the reader that the following important factors and those important factors described in Part 1, Item 1A and elsewhere in the commentary, or in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings of the company, could affect the company’s actual results and could cause such results to vary materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company:
•
the impact of strong competitive response to the company’s efforts to leverage its brand power with product innovation, promotional programs and new advertising, and of changes in consumer demand for the company’s products;
•
the risks in the marketplace associated with trade and consumer acceptance of product improvements, shelving initiatives and new product introductions;
•
the company’s ability to achieve sales and earnings forecasts, which are based on assumptions about sales volume and product mix, and the impact of marketing and pricing actions;
•
the company’s ability to realize projected cost savings and benefits, including those contemplated by restructuring programs and other cost-savings initiatives;
•
the company’s ability to successfully manage changes to its business processes, including selling, distribution, product capacity, information management systems and the integration of acquisitions;
•
the increased significance of certain of the company’s key trade customers;
•
the impact of fluctuations in the supply and inflation in energy, raw and packaging materials cost;
•
the risks associated with portfolio changes and completion of acquisitions and divestitures;
•
the uncertainties of litigation described from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
•
the impact of changes in currency exchange rates, tax rates, interest rates, equity markets, inflation rates, economic conditions and other external factors; and
•
the impact of unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of the company’s markets due to political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities, natural disasters or other calamities.
This discussion of uncertainties is by no means exhaustive but is designed to highlight important factors that may impact the company’s outlook. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update forward-looking statements made by the company in order to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information presented in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition - Market Risk Sensitivity” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(millions, except per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The sum of the individual per share amounts does not equal net earnings per share due to rounding.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(millions, except per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(millions)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Shareowners’ Equity
(millions, except per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
NOTE 1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. The company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest July 31. There were 52 weeks in 2007, 2006, and 2005. There will be 53 weeks in 2008.
On August 15, 2006, the company completed the sale of its United Kingdom and Ireland businesses to Premier Foods Investments Limited, HL Foods Limited and Premier Foods pic for £460, or approximately $870, pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement dated July 12, 2006. The company has reflected the results of these businesses as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings for all years presented. The assets and liabilities of these businesses were reflected as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 30, 2006. See Note 3 for additional information on the sale.
Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized when the earnings process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped in accordance with terms of agreements, title and risk of loss transfer to customers, collection is probable and pricing is fixed or determinable. Revenues are recognized net of provisions for returns, discounts and allowances. Certain sales promotion expenses, such as coupon redemption costs, cooperative advertising programs, new product introduction fees, feature price discounts and in-store display incentives are classified as a reduction of sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.
Inventories In 2006 and 2007, all inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Prior to 2006, substantially all U.S. inventories were valued based on the last in, first out (LIFO) method. See also Note 13.
In November 2004, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 151 “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4” was issued. SFAS No. 151 is the result of efforts to converge U.S. accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards. SFAS No. 151 requires abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 was effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 in 2006 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost and are depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Buildings and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively. Assets are evaluated for impairment when conditions indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions include significant adverse changes in business climate or a plan of disposal.
In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 47 “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143.” This Interpretation clarifies that a conditional retirement obligation refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Accordingly, an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The liability should be recognized when incurred, generally upon acquisition, construction or development of the asset. The company adopted FIN 47 in 2006. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the estimated useful life and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets.” Goodwill impairment testing first requires a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. The amount of impairment is the difference between the carrying value of goodwill and the “implied” fair value, which is calculated as if the reporting unit had just been acquired and accounted for as a business combination. Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets requires a comparison between the fair value and carrying value of the asset. If carrying value exceeds the fair value, the asset is reduced to fair value. Fair values are primarily determined using discounted cash flow analyses. See Note 5 for information on goodwill and other intangible assets.
Derivative Financial Instruments The company uses derivative financial instruments primarily for purposes of hedging exposures to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodities and equity-linked employee benefit obligations. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive
income, based on whether the instrument is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are affected by the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of all hedges is recognized in earnings in the current period. See Note 10 for additional information.
Stock-Based Compensation In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R), which requires stock-based compensation to be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the awards and the cost to be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R as of August 1, 2005. The company provides compensation benefits by issuing stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, restricted stock (including EPS performance restricted stock and total shareowner return (TSR) performance restricted stock) and restricted stock units.
Prior to August 1, 2005, the company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense had been recognized for stock options since all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the grant date. SFAS No. 123R was adopted using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS No. 123R apply to all awards granted or modified after the date of adoption. In addition, compensation expense must be recognized for any unvested stock option awards outstanding as of the date of adoption. Prior periods have not been restated. See also Note 11. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation recognized in the Statements of Earnings was $83, $85 and $26 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Tax related benefits of $31 were also recognized for 2007 and 2006 and $10 for 2005. Amounts recorded in 2005 primarily represent expenses related to restricted stock awards since no expense was recognized for stock options. Stock-based compensation associated with discontinued operations was not material.
SFAS No. 123R requires disclosure of pro forma information for periods prior to the adoption. The pro forma disclosures are based on the fair value of awards at the grant date, amortized to expense over the service period. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R to stock-based employee compensation.
Represents restricted stock expense.
The pro forma expense impact on Earnings from continuing operations in 2005 was $28, or $.07 per share.
Use of Estimates Generally accepted accounting principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future impact of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years 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 rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.
In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act (the AJCA) was signed into law. The AJCA provides for a deduction of 85% of certain non-U.S. earnings that are repatriated, as defined by the AJCA, and a phased-in tax deduction related to profits from domestic manufacturing activities. In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 109-1 and 109-2 to address the accounting and disclosure requirements related to the AJCA. The total amount repatriated in 2006 under the AJCA was $494 and the related tax cost was $20. In 2005, the company recorded $7 in tax expense for $200 of anticipated earnings to be repatriated. In 2006, the company finalized its plan under the AJCA and recorded tax expense of $13 for $294 of earnings repatriated.
NOTE 2.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the criteria that must be met for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also addresses derecognition, recognition of related penalties and interest, classification of liabilities and disclosures of unrecognized tax benefits. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The company will adopt FIN 48 as of July 30, 2007 and will record the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 as a charge to fiscal 2008 opening retained earnings and accrued taxes. Interest recognized in accordance with FIN 48 may be classified in the financial statements as either income taxes or interest expense. Historically the company recorded interest on tax matters in interest expense and accrued interest. The company will record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense and accrued income taxes upon adoption of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 will not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or effective tax rate. Upon adoption, a cumulative effect adjustment of $6 will be charged to retained earnings to increase reserves for uncertain tax positions.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and requires any unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses to be recognized in other comprehensive income. In addition, SFAS No. 158 requires that changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan be recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The requirement to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and other disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 158 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The company adopted SFAS No. 158 as of the end of fiscal 2007. The adoption does not impact the consolidated results of operations or cash flows of the company. See also Note 7 for additional information.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 establishes a definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose, at specific election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in that item’s fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in current earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159.
NOTE 3.
Divestitures
Discontinued Operations
On August 15, 2006, the company completed the sale of its businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland for £460, or approximately $870, pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement dated July 12, 2006. The United Kingdom and Ireland businesses included Homepride sauces, OXO stock cubes, Batchelors soups and McDonnells and Erin soups. The Sale and Purchase Agreement provides for working capital and other post-closing adjustments. Additional proceeds of $19 were received from the finalization of the post-closing adjustment. The company has reflected the results of these businesses as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings for all years presented. The businesses were historically included in the International Soup and Sauces segment.
Results of discontinued operations were as follows:
The 2007 results included a $24 after-tax gain, or $.06 per share, on the sale. The 2007 results also included a $7 tax benefit from the favorable resolution of tax audits in the United Kingdom.
The 2006 results included deferred tax expense of $56, which was recognized in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 93-17 “Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for a Parent Company’s Excess Tax Basis in the Stock of a
Subsidiary That is Accounted for as a Discontinued Operation” due to book/tax basis differences of these businesses as of July 30, 2006. The 2006 results also included $7 pre tax ($5 after tax) of costs associated with the sale, for a total net after-tax cost of $61 (or $.15 per share) recognized in connection with the sale in 2006.
The assets and liabilities of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses are reflected as discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 30, 2006 and are comprised of the following:
The company used approximately $620 of the net proceeds to repurchase shares. See Note 11 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Upon completion of the sale, the company paid $83 to settle cross-currency swap contracts and foreign exchange forward contracts which hedged exposures related to the businesses. The remaining net proceeds were used to pay taxes and expenses associated with the business and to repay debt.
Other Divestitures
On June 7, 2007, the company completed the sale of its ownership interest in Papua New Guinea operations for approximately $23. The company recognized a $3 gain on the sale. This business was historically included in the Baking and Snacking segment and had annual sales of approximately $20.
NOTE 4.
Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings, net foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments (see Note 7), and net unrealized gains and losses on cash-flow hedges (see Note 10). Accumulated other comprehensive loss at July 29, 2007 also includes the impact of adopting SFAS No. 158. (See Notes 2 and 7.) Total comprehensive income for the twelve months ended July 29, 2007, July 30, 2006 and July 31, 2005 was $957, $993 and $688, respectively.
The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as reflected in the Statements of Shareowners’ Equity, consisted of the following:
NOTE 5.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth balance sheet information for intangible assets, excluding goodwill, subject to amortization and intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Amortization was less than $1 in 2007 and 2006 and $2 in 2005. The estimated aggregated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is less than $1 per year. Asset useful lives range from twelve to thirty-four years.
The company recognized an impairment loss of approximately $2 in 2006 due to the performance of an Australian trademark used in the Baking and Snacking segment.
Changes in the carrying amount for goodwill for the period are as follows:
NOTE 6.
Business and Geographic Segment Information
Campbell Soup Company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, branded convenience food products. The company manages and reports the results of operations in the following segments: U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages, Baking and Snacking, International Soup and Sauces, and Other.
The U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages segment includes the following retail businesses: Campbell’s condensed and ready-to-serve soups; Swanson broth and canned poultry; Prego pasta sauce; Pace Mexican sauce; Campbell’s Chunky chili; Campbell’s canned pasta, gravies, and beans; Campbell’s Supper Bakes meal kits; V8 juice and juice drinks; and Campbell’s tomato juice.
The Baking and Snacking segment includes the following businesses: Pepperidge Farm cookies, crackers, bakery and frozen products in U.S. retail; Arnott’s biscuits in Australia and Asia Pacific; and Arnott’s salty snacks in Australia. In June 2007, the company sold its ownership interest in Papua New Guinea operations, which historically were included in this segment.
The International Soup and Sauces segment includes the soup, sauce and beverage businesses outside of the United States, including Europe, Mexico, Latin America, the Asia Pacific region and the retail business in Canada. See also Note 3 for information on the sale of the businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These businesses were historically included in this segment. The assets of these businesses were reflected as discontinued operations as of July 30, 2006. The results of operations of these businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations for all years presented.
The balance of the portfolio reported in Other includes Godiva Chocolatier worldwide and the company’s Away From Home operations, which represent the distribution of products such as soup, specialty entrees, beverage products, other prepared foods and Pepperidge Farm products through various food service channels in the United States and Canada.
Accounting policies for measuring segment assets and earnings before interest and taxes are substantially consistent with those described in Note 1. The company evaluates segment performance before interest and taxes. Away From Home products are principally produced by the tangible assets of the company’s other segments, except for refrigerated soups, which are produced in a separate facility, and certain other products, which are produced under contract manufacturing agreements. Accordingly, with the exception of the designated refrigerated soup facility, plant assets are not allocated to the Away From Home operations. Depreciation, however, is allocated to Away From Home based on production hours.
The company’s largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 15% of consolidated net sales in 2007 and 14% in 2006 and 2005. All of the company’s segments sold products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. or its affiliates.
Business Segments
Represents unallocated corporate expenses and unallocated assets, including corporate offices, deferred income taxes and prepaid pension assets.
Contributions to earnings before interest and taxes by segment included the effect of a $13 benefit due to a change in the method of accounting for certain U.S. inventories from the LIFO method to the average cost method as follows: U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages - $8 and Baking and Snacking - $5.
Geographic Area Information
Information about operations in different geographic areas is as follows:
Transfers between geographic areas are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with the operations in each geographic region.
NOTE 7.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefits Substantially all of the company’s U.S. and certain non-U.S. employees are covered by noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. In 1999, the company implemented significant amendments to certain U.S. plans. Under a new formula, retirement benefits are determined based on percentages of annual pay and age. To minimize the impact of converting to the new formula, service and earnings credit continues to accrue for active employees participating in the plans under the formula prior to the amendments through the year 2014. Employees will receive the benefit from either the new or old formula, whichever is higher. Benefits become vested upon the completion of five years of service. Benefits are paid from funds previously provided to trustees and insurance companies or are paid directly by the company from general funds. Plan assets consist primarily of investments in equities, fixed income securities, and real estate.
Postretirement Benefits The company provides postretirement benefits including health care and life insurance to substantially all retired U.S. employees and their dependents. In 1999, changes were made to the postretirement benefits offered to certain U.S. employees. Participants who were not receiving postretirement benefits as of May 1, 1999 will no longer be eligible to receive such benefits in the future, but the company will provide access to health care coverage for non-eligible future retirees on a group basis. Costs will be paid by the participants. To preserve the economic benefits for employees near retirement as of May 1, 1999, participants who were at least age 55 and had at least 10 years of continuous service remain eligible for postretirement benefits.
In 2005, the company established retiree medical account benefits for eligible U.S. retirees, intended to provide reimbursement for eligible health care expenses.
On July 29, 2007, the company adopted SFAS No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and requires any unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses to be recognized in other comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 does not affect the company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.
The company uses the fiscal year end as the measurement date for the benefit plans.
The following table illustrates the incremental effect of applying SFAS No. 158 on individual line items on the July 29, 2007 Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2008 are $21 and $1, respectively.
Pension expense of $8 and $11 for 2006 and 2005, respectively, was recorded by the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses and is included in Earnings from discontinued operations. See also Note 3. The special termination benefits in 2005 relate to discontinued operations.
The estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic postretirement expense during 2008 is $1.
Change in benefit obligation:
Change in the fair value of pension plan assets:
Funded status as recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
The balance in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included $22 in 2006 related to the discontinued operations.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $1,767 at July 29, 2007 and $1,961 at July 30, 2006.
The following table provides information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the end of the year:
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended:
The expected rate of return on assets for the company’s global plans is a weighted average of the expected rates of return selected for the various countries where the company has funded pension plans. These rates of return are set annually and are based upon an estimate of future long-term investment returns for the projected asset allocation.
The discount rate used to determine net periodic postretirement expense was 6.25% in 2007, 5.5% in 2006 and 6.25% in 2005.
Assumed health care cost trend rates at the end of the year:
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care costs would have the following effects on 2007 reported amounts:
Plan Assets
The company’s year-end pension plan weighted-average asset allocations by category were:
The fundamental goal underlying the pension plans’ investment policy is to ensure that the assets of the plans are invested in a prudent manner to meet the obligations of the plans as these obligations come due. Investment practices must comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The company’s investment strategy is based on an expectation that equity securities will outperform debt securities over the long term. Accordingly, in order to maximize the return on assets, a majority of assets are invested in equities. Additional asset classes with dissimilar expected rates of return, return volatility, and correlations of returns are utilized to reduce risk by providing diversification relative to equities. Investments within each asset class are also diversified to further reduce the impact of losses in single investments. The use of derivative instruments is permitted where appropriate and necessary to achieve overall investment policy objectives and asset class targets.
The company establishes strategic asset allocation percentage targets and appropriate benchmarks for each significant asset class to obtain a prudent balance between return and risk. The interaction between plan assets and benefit obligations is periodically studied to assist in the establishment of strategic asset allocation targets.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:
The benefit payments include payments from funded and unfunded plans.
Estimated future Medicare subsidy receipts are $3 - $4 annually from 2008 through 2012, and $20 for the period 2013 through 2017.
The company made a voluntary contribution of $35 to a U.S. pension plan subsequent to July 29, 2007. The company is not required to make additional contributions to the U.S. plans in fiscal 2008. Contributions to non-U.S. plans are expected to be approximately $9 in 2008.
Savings Plan The company sponsors employee savings plans which cover substantially all U.S. employees. The company provides a matching contribution of 60% (50% at certain locations) of the employee contributions up to 5% of compensation after one year of continued service. Amounts charged to Costs and expenses were $17 in 2007, $16 in 2006 and $14 in 2005.
NOTE 8.
Taxes on Earnings
The provision for income taxes on Earnings from continuing operations consists of the following:
The following is a reconciliation of the effective income tax rate on continuing operations with the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate:
In the third quarter of 2007, the company recorded a tax benefit of $22 resulting from the settlement of bilateral advance pricing agreements (APA) among the company, the United States, and Canada related to royalties. In addition, the company reduced net interest expense by $4 ($3 after tax). The aggregate impact on Earnings from continuing operations was $25, or $.06 per share. In 2007, the company also recognized an additional tax benefit of $40 following the finalization of the 2002 - 2004 U.S. federal tax audits.
In 2006, the tax effect of international items in 2006 included a $14 deferred tax benefit related to foreign tax credits, which could be utilized as a result of the sale of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses. See also Note 3 for information on the divestiture.
The company received an Examination Report from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on December 23, 2002, which included a challenge to the treatment of gains and interest
deductions claimed in the company’s fiscal 1995 federal income tax return, relating to transactions involving government securities. If the proposed adjustment were upheld, it would have required the company to pay a net amount of over $100 in taxes, accumulated interest and penalties. The company had maintained a reserve for a portion of this contingency. In November 2005, the company negotiated a settlement of this matter with the IRS. As a result of the settlement in the first quarter ended October 30, 2005, the company adjusted tax reserves and recorded a $47 tax benefit. In addition, the company reduced interest expense and accrued interest payable by $21 and adjusted deferred tax expense by $8 ($13 after tax). The aggregate non-cash impact of the settlement on Earnings from continuing operations was $60, or $.14 per share. The settlement did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated cash flow. In 2006, the company also recognized an additional tax benefit of $21 related to the resolution of certain U.S. tax issues for open tax years through 2001.
See also Note 1 for additional information on the tax impact of the repatriation of earnings under the AJCA.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are comprised of the following:
At July 29, 2007, non-U.S. subsidiaries of the company have tax loss carryforwards of approximately $117. Of these carry-forwards, $17 expire between 2012 and 2017 and $100 may be carried forward indefinitely. The current statutory tax rates in these countries range from 24% to 39%.
The company has undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries of approximately $551. U.S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings, which are deemed to be permanently reinvested. It is not practical to estimate the tax liability that might be incurred if such earnings were remitted to the U.S.
NOTE 9.
Notes Payable and Long-term Debt
Notes payable consists of the following:
Commercial paper had a weighted-average interest rate of 6.25% and 6.00% at July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, respectively.
The company has a committed revolving credit facility of $1,500 that supports commercial paper borrowings and remains unused at July 29, 2007, except for $1 of standby letters of credit. Another $32 of standby letters of credit was issued under a separate facility.
Long-term Debt consists of the following:
The fair value of the company’s long-term debt including the current portion of long-term debt in Notes payable was $2,152 at July 29, 2007 and $2,786 at July 30, 2006.
The company has $300 of long-term debt available to issue as of July 29, 2007 under a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Principal amounts of debt mature as follows: 2008 - $595 (in current liabilities); 2009 - $304; 2010 - $3; 2011 - $868; 2012 - $1 and beyond - $898.
NOTE 10.
Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate fair value. The fair values of long-term debt, as indicated in Note 9, and derivative financial instruments are based on quoted market prices.
In 2001, the company adopted SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended by SFAS No. 138 and SFAS No. 149. The standard requires
that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of the hedging relationships.
The company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage risk, including interest rate, foreign currency, commodity and certain equity-linked deferred compensation exposures that exist as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument.
The company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties on derivative contracts. The company minimizes its credit risk on these transactions by dealing only with leading, credit-worthy financial institutions having long-term credit ratings of “A” or better and, therefore, does not anticipate nonperformance. In addition, the contracts are distributed among several financial institutions, thus minimizing credit risk concentration.
All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair-value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash-flow hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (foreign-currency hedge), or (4) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Some derivatives may also be considered natural hedging instruments (changes in fair value are recognized to act as economic offsets to changes in fair value of the underlying hedged item and do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133).
Changes in the fair value of a fair-value hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk (including losses or gains on firm commitments), are recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. Changes in the fair value of a foreign-currency hedge are recorded in either current-period earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the hedge transaction is a fair-value hedge (e.g., a hedge of a firm commitment that is to be settled in foreign currency) or a cash-flow hedge (e.g., a hedge of a foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction). If, however, a derivative is used as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its changes in fair value, to the extent effective as a hedge, are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustments account within Shareowners’ equity.
The company finances a portion of its operations through debt instruments primarily consisting of commercial paper, notes, debentures and bank loans. The company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a targeted ratio of variable-rate versus fixed-rate debt.
In July 2006, the company entered into three interest rate swaps that converted $154 of the $207 Australian variable-rate debt to a weighted-average fixed rate of 6.73%.
Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair-value hedges. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in earnings as adjustments to interest expense, offsetting gains and losses on the hedged item. The notional amount of fair-value interest rate swaps was $675 at July 29, 2007 and $875 at July 30, 2006. The swaps had a fair value of a loss of $19 at July 29, 2007 and $29 at July 30, 2006.
Variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash-flow hedges. Consequently, the effective portion of unrealized gains (losses) is deferred as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedge are recognized as adjustments to interest expense. The fair value of the swaps was not material as of July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006. The notional amount was $85 at July 29, 2007 and $154 at July 30, 2006.
The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries, including subsidiary financing transactions. The company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts and cross-currency swaps in order to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and sales and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business.
Qualifying foreign exchange forward and cross-currency swap contracts are accounted for as cash-flow hedges when the hedged item is a forecasted transaction, or when future cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability are expected to be received or paid. The effective portion of the changes in fair value on these instruments is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into the Statements of Earnings on the same line item and in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The assessment of effectiveness for contracts is based on changes in the spot rates. The fair value of these instruments was a loss of $56 and $202 at July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, respectively. The notional amount was $437 and $756 as of July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, respectively. Of the July 30, 2006 amounts, fair value of a loss of $71 was related to $270 notional value of pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swaps settled upon completion of the sale of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses in August 2006.
Qualifying foreign exchange forward contracts are accounted for as fair-value hedges when the hedged item is a recognized asset, liability or firm commitment. These contracts were not material at July 29, 2007. There were no such contracts outstanding as of July 30, 2006.
The company also enters into certain foreign exchange forward contracts and variable-to-variable cross-currency swap contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges. These instruments are primarily intended to reduce volatility of certain intercompany financing transactions. Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are typically recorded in Other expenses/(income), as an offset to gains (losses) on the underlying transactions. Cross-currency contracts mature in 2008 through 2014. The fair value of these instruments was a loss of $10 and $18 at July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, respectively. Of the July 30, 2006 amount, a loss of $6 was related to forward contracts to hedge the company’s investment in the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses and a cross-currency swap associated with intercompany financing, which were settled upon completion of the sale in August 2006. The notional amount of all instruments was $331 and $723 at July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, respectively.
Foreign exchange forward contracts typically have maturities of less than eighteen months. Principal currencies include the Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, euro, Japanese yen, New Zealand dollar and Swedish krona.
As of July 29, 2007, the accumulated derivative net loss in other comprehensive income for cash-flow hedges, including the foreign exchange forward and cross-currency contracts, forward-starting swap contracts and treasury lock agreements, was $6, net of tax. As of July 30, 2006, the accumulated derivative net loss in other comprehensive income was $15, net of tax. Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Statements of Earnings during the period ended July 29, 2007 were losses of $9, primarily related to the settlement of derivatives that hedged exposures related to the businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland sold in August 2006. Except for the derivatives settled in connection with the sale of the businesses, there were no discontinued cash-flow hedges during the year. At July 29, 2007, the maximum maturity date of any cash-flow hedge was approximately 6 years. The amount expected to be reclassified into the Statements of Earnings in 2008 is not material.
The company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short-and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities and agricultural products. The company may also enter into commodity futures contracts, as considered appropriate, to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations for commodities such as corn, cocoa, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, dairy and natural gas. As of July 29, 2007, the notional values and the fair values of open contracts related to commodity hedging activity were not material.
The company is exposed to equity price changes related to certain deferred compensation obligations. Swap contracts are utilized to hedge exposures relating to certain deferred compensation obligations linked to the total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the total return of the company’s capital stock and the total return of the Puritan Fund. The company pays a variable interest rate and receives the equity returns under these instruments. The notional value of the equity swap contracts, which mature in 2008, was $64 at July 29, 2007. These instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. Gains and losses are recorded in the Statements of Earnings. The net liability recorded under these contracts at July 29, 2007 was approximately $2.
NOTE 11.
Shareowners’ Equity
The company has authorized 560 million shares of Capital stock with $.0375 par value and 40 million shares of Preferred stock, issuable in one or more classes, with or without par as may be authorized by the Board of Directors. No Preferred stock has been issued.
Share Repurchase Programs
In November 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $600 of company stock through fiscal 2008. In August 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized using up to $620 of the net proceeds from the sale of the United Kingdom and Ireland businesses to purchase company stock. The August 2006 program terminated at the end of fiscal 2007. In addition to these two publicly announced programs, the company repurchases shares to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under the company’s stock compensation plans.
In 2007, the company repurchased 30 million shares at a cost of $1,140. Of the 2007 repurchases, approximately 21 million shares at a cost of $820 were made pursuant to the company’s publicly announced share repurchase programs, with a portion executed under the accelerated share repurchase agreements described below.
Pursuant to the publicly announced programs, the company entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements (Agreements) on September 28, 2006 with Lehman Brothers Financial S.A. (Lehman), an affiliate of Lehman Brothers Inc., for approximately $600 of common stock.
Under the first Agreement, the company purchased approximately 8.3 million shares of its common stock from Lehman for $300, or $35.95 per share, subject to a purchase price adjustment payable upon settlement of the Agreement. Lehman was expected to purchase an equivalent number of shares during the term of the Agreement. On July 5, 2007,
upon conclusion of the Agreement, the company made a settlement payment of $22 to Lehman, which was recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital, based upon the difference between the volume weighted-average price of the company’s common stock during the Agreement’s term of $38.90 and the purchase price of $35.95.
Under the second Agreement, the company purchased approximately $300 of its common stock from Lehman. Under this Agreement, Lehman made an initial delivery of 6.3 million shares on September 29, 2006 at $35.95 per share and a second delivery of 1.3 million shares on October 25, 2006 at $36.72 per share. Under the Agreement, the number of additional shares (if any) to be delivered to the company at settlement would be based on the volume weighted-average price of company stock during the term of the Agreement, subject to a minimum and maximum price for the purchased shares. The volume weighted-average price during the term of the Agreement was $38.90. On July 5, 2007, upon conclusion of the Agreement, Lehman delivered approximately 200,000 shares to the company as a final settlement. Approximately $20 paid under the Agreement was recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.
In 2006, the company repurchased 15 million shares at a cost of $506. Of these repurchases, 6 million at a cost of $200 were made pursuant to the November 2005 program. The remaining repurchases were made to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under the company’s stock compensation plans.
In 2005, the company repurchased 4 million shares at a cost of $110 million to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under the company’s stock compensation plans.
Stock Plans
In 2003, shareowners approved the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which authorized the issuance of 28 million shares to satisfy awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, restricted stock (including performance restricted stock) and performance units. Approximately 3.2 million shares available under a previous long-term plan were rolled into the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, making the total number of available shares approximately 31.2 million. In November 2005, shareowners approved the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which authorized the issuance of an additional 6 million shares to satisfy the same types of awards.
Awards under the 2003 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans may be granted to employees and directors. The term of a stock option granted under these plans may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Options granted under these plans vest cumulatively over a three-year
period at a rate of 30%, 60% and 100%, respectively. The option price may not be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock granted in fiscal 2004 and 2005 vests in three annual installments of 1/3 each, beginning 21/2 years from the date of grant.
Pursuant to the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, in July 2005 the company adopted a long-term incentive compensation program which provides for grants of total shareowner return (TSR) performance restricted stock, EPS performance restricted stock, and time-lapse restricted stock. Initial grants made in accordance with this program were approved in September 2005. Under the program, awards of TSR performance restricted stock will be earned by comparing the company’s total shareowner return during the period 2006 to 2008 to the respective total shareowner returns of companies in a performance peer group. Based upon the company’s ranking in the performance peer group, a recipient of TSR performance restricted stock may earn a total award ranging from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. Awards of EPS performance restricted stock will be earned based upon the company’s achievement of annual earnings per share goals. During the period 2006 to 2008, a recipient of EPS performance restricted stock may earn a total award ranging from 0% to 100% of the initial grant. Awards of time-lapse restricted stock will vest ratably over the three-year period. Annual stock option grants are not part of the long-term incentive compensation program for 2006 and 2007. However, stock options may still be granted on a selective basis under the 2003 and 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plans.
Information about stock options and related activity is as follows:
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $76, $35, and $15, respectively. As of July 29, 2007, total remaining unearned compensation related to unvested stock options was $2, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of less than 1 year. There were no options granted during 2007. Options granted during 2006 were not material. The weighted-average fair value of options granted in 2006 and 2005 was
estimated as $6.85 and $4.74, respectively. The fair value of each option grant at grant date is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants in 2006 and 2005:
The following table summarizes time-lapse restricted stock and EPS performance restricted stock as of July 29, 2007:
The fair value of time-lapse restricted stock and EPS performance restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the company’s stock at the date of grant. Time-lapse restricted stock granted in fiscal 2004 and 2005 is expensed on a graded-vesting basis. Time-lapse restricted stock granted in fiscal 2006 and 2007 is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, except for awards issued to retirement-eligible participants, which are expensed on an accelerated basis. EPS performance restricted stock is expensed on a graded-vesting basis, except for awards issued to retirement-eligible participants, which are expensed on an accelerated basis.
As of July 29, 2007, total remaining unearned compensation related to nonvested time-lapse restricted stock and EPS performance restricted stock was $42, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 1.7 years. The fair value of restricted stock vested during 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $53, $16, and $24, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted during 2006 and 2005 was $29.48 and $26.32, respectively.
The following table summarizes TSR performance restricted stock as of July 29, 2007:
The fair value of TSR performance restricted stock is estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation. The grant-date fair value of TSR performance restricted stock granted during 2006 was $28.73. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period. As of July 29, 2007, total remaining unearned compensation related to TSR performance restricted stock was $39 which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 1.7 years.
Employees can elect to defer all types of restricted stock awards. These awards are classified as liabilities because of the possibility that they may be settled in cash. The fair value is adjusted quarterly. The total cash paid to settle the liabilities in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was not material. The liability for deferred awards was $17 at July 29, 2007.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the company presented the tax benefits of deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS No. 123R requires the cash flows from the excess tax benefits the company realizes on stock-based compensation to be presented as cash flows from financing activities. The excess tax benefits on the exercise of stock options and vested restricted stock presented as cash flows from financing activities in 2007 and 2006 were $25 and $11, respectively and presented as cash flows from operating activities in 2005 were $6. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $165, $236, and $71 for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, and is reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
For the periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, the calculations of basic earnings per share and earnings per share assuming dilution vary in that the weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution include the incremental effect of stock options and restricted stock programs, except when such effect would be antidilutive. The dilutive impact of the accelerated share repurchase agreements described under “Share Repurchase Programs” was not material. Stock options to purchase 1 million shares of capital stock for 2007, 3 million shares of capital stock for 2006 and 10 million shares of capital stock for 2005 were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price of the capital stock, and therefore, would be antidilutive.
NOTE 12.
Commitments and Contingencies
On March 30, 1998, the company effected a spinoff of several of its non-core businesses to Vlasic Foods International Inc. (VFI). VFI and several of its affiliates (collectively, Vlasic) commenced cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on January 29, 2001 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Vlasic’s Second Amended Joint Plan of Distribution under Chapter 11 (the Plan) was confirmed by an order of the Bankruptcy Court dated November 16, 2001, and became effective on or about November 29, 2001. The Plan provided for the assignment of various causes of action allegedly belonging to the Vlasic estates, including claims against the company allegedly arising from the spinoff, to VFB L.L.C., a limited liability company (VFB) whose membership interests were to be distributed under the Plan to Vlasic’s general unsecured creditors.
On February 19, 2002, VFB commenced a lawsuit against the company and several of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging, among other things, fraudulent conveyance, illegal dividends and breaches of fiduciary duty by Vlasic directors alleged to be under the company’s control. The lawsuit sought to hold the company liable in an amount necessary to satisfy all unpaid claims against Vlasic (which VFB estimated in the amended complaint to be $200), plus unspecified exemplary and punitive damages.
Following a trial on the merits, on September 13, 2005, the District Court issued Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, ruling in favor of the company and against VFB on all claims. The Court ruled that VFB failed to prove that the spinoff was a constructive or actual fraudulent transfer. The Court also rejected VFB’s claim of breach of fiduciary duty, VFB’s claim that VFI was an alter ego of the company, and VFB’s claim that the spinoff should be deemed an illegal dividend. The judgment of the District Court was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on March 30, 2007. The time for any further appeal has expired.
The company is a party to other legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business.
Management assesses the probability of loss for all legal proceedings and claims and has recognized liabilities for such contingencies, as appropriate. Although the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in management’s opinion, the final outcome of legal proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial condition of the company.
The company has certain operating lease commitments, primarily related to warehouse and office facilities, retail store space and certain equipment. Rent expense under operating lease commitments was $82 in 2007 and in 2006 and $84 in 2005. Future minimum annual rental payments under these operating leases are as follows:
The company guarantees approximately 1,700 bank loans made to Pepperidge Farm independent sales distributors by third party financial institutions for the purchase of distribution routes. The maximum potential amount of future payments the company could be required to make under the guarantees is $136. The company’s guarantees are indirectly secured by the distribution routes. The company does not believe it is probable that it will be required to make guarantee payments as a result of defaults on the bank loans guaranteed. The amounts recognized as of July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006 were not material.
The company has provided certain standard indemnifications in connection with divestitures, contracts and other transactions. Certain indemnifications have finite expiration dates. Liabilities recognized based on known exposures related to such matters were not material at July 29, 2007.
NOTE 13.
Supplemental Financial Statement Data
Balance Sheets
As of August 1, 2005, the company changed the method of accounting for certain U.S. inventories from the LIFO method to the average cost method. The company believes that the average cost method of accounting for U.S. inventories is preferable and will improve financial reporting by better matching revenues and expenses as average cost reflects the physical flow of inventory and current cost. In addition, the change from LIFO to average cost will enhance the comparability of the company’s financial statements with peer companies since the average cost method is consistent with methods used in the industry. The impact of the change was a pre-tax $13 benefit ($8 after tax or $.02 per share). Prior periods were not restated since the impact of the change on previously issued financial statements was not considered material.
The deferred compensation obligation represents unfunded plans maintained for the purpose of providing the company’s directors and certain of its executives the opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation. All forms of compensation contributed to the deferred compensation plans are accounted for in accordance with the underlying program. Contributions are credited to an investment account in the participant’s name, although no funds are actually contributed to the investment account and no investment choices are actually purchased. Six investment choices are available, including: (1) a book account that tracks the total return on company stock; (2) a book account that tracks performance of Fidelity’s Spartan U.S. Equity Index Fund; (3) a book account that tracks the performance of Fidelity’s Puritan Fund; (4) a book account that tracks the performance of Fidelity’s Spartan International Index Fund; (5) a book account that tracks the performance of Fidelity’s Spartan Extended Market Index Fund; and (6) a book account that credits interest based on the Wall Street Journal indexed prime rate. Participants can reallocate investments daily and are entitled to the gains and losses on investment funds. The company recognizes an amount in the Statements of Earnings for the market appreciation/depreciation of each fund.
Statements of Earnings
Statements of Cash Flows
NOTE 14.
Quarterly Data (unaudited)
REPORTS OF MANAGEMENT
Management’s Report on Financial Statements
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared by the company’s management in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles to reflect the financial position of the company and its operating results. The financial information appearing throughout this Annual Report is consistent with the financial statements. Management is responsible for the information and representations in such financial statements, including the estimates and judgments required for their preparation. The financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears herein.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed entirely of Directors who are not officers or employees of the company, meets regularly with the company’s worldwide internal auditing department, other management personnel, and the independent auditors. The independent auditors and the internal auditing department have had, and continue to have, direct access to the Audit Committee without the presence of other management personnel, and have been directed to discuss the results of their audit work and any matters they believe should be brought to the Committee’s attention. The internal auditing department and the independent auditors report directly to the Audit Committee.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
The company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
•
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and Directors of the company; and
•
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment using those criteria, management concluded that the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 29, 2007.
The effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears herein.
Douglas R. Conant
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert A. Schiffner
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Anthony P. DiSilvestro
Vice President - Controller
September 25, 2007
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE SHAREOWNERS AND DIRECTORS OF CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of shareowners’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Campbell Soup Company and its subsidiaries at July 29, 2007 and July 30, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 29, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 2, the company changed its accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as of July 29, 2007 and share-based compensation as of August 1, 2005.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 25, 2007
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of July 29, 2007 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, and are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information relating to the company
(including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The annual report of management on the company’s internal control over financial reporting is provided under “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” on page 44. The attestation report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, regarding the company’s internal control over financial reporting is provided under “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” on page 45.
During the quarter ended July 29, 2007, there were no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Directors and Executive Officers Stock Ownership Reports” in the company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on November 16, 2007 (the “2007 Proxy”) are incorporated herein by reference. The information presented in the section entitled “Corporate Governance-Board Committees” in the 2007 Proxy relating to the members of the company’s Audit Committee and the Audit Committee’s financial expert is incorporated herein by reference.
Certain of the information required by this Item relating to the executive officers of the company is set forth under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company.”
The company has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers that applies to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and members of the Chief Financial Officer’s financial leadership team. The Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers is posted on the
company’s website, www.campbellsoupcompany.com (under the “Governance” caption). The company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on its website.
The company has also adopted a separate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to the Board of Directors, the company’s officers and all of the company’s employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the company’s website, www.campbellsoupcompany.com (under the “Governance” caption). The company’s Corporate Governance Standards and the charters of the company’s four standing committees of the Board of Directors can also be found at this website. Printed copies of the foregoing are available to any shareowner requesting a copy by:
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information presented in the sections entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table - Fiscal 2007,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2007,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2007,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” “Post- Termination Compensation and Benefits,” “Director Compensation,” “Compensation and Organization Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation and Organization Committee Report” in the 2007 Proxy is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREOWNER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information presented in the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in the 2007 Proxy is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information about the company’s stock that may be issued under the company’s equity compensation plans as of July 29, 2007:
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Plans are unfunded and maintained for the purpose of providing the company’s directors and U.S.-based executives and key managers the opportunity to defer a portion of their earned compensation. Participants may defer a portion of their base salaries and all or a portion of their annual incentive compensation, long-term incentive awards, and director retainers and fees. The Plans were not submitted for security holder approval because they do not provide additional compensation to participants. They are vehicles for participants to defer earned compensation.
Each participant’s contributions to the Plans are credited to an investment account in the participant’s name. Gains and losses in the participant’s account are based on the performance of the investment choices the participant has selected. Six investment choices are available, including the Stock Account. In addition to the Stock Account, participants also generally have the opportunity to invest in (i) a book account that tracks the performance of Fidelity’s Spartan U.S. Equity Index Fund, (ii) a book account that tracks the performance of Fidelity’s Puritan Fund, (iii) a book account that tracks the performance of the Fidelity Spartan Extended Market Index Fund, (iv) a book account that tracks the performance of the Fidelity Spartan International Index Fund, and (v) a book account that credits interest at the Wall Street Journal indexed prime rate (determined on November 1 for the subsequent calendar year).
A participant may reallocate his or her investment account at any time among the six investment choices, except that (i) restricted stock awards must be invested in the Stock Account during the restriction period, (ii) reallocations of the Stock Account must be made in compliance with the company’s policies on trading company stock, and (iii) amounts invested prior to January 1, 2005 may not be reallocated to the Fidelity Spartan Extended Market Index Fund or the Fidelity Spartan International Index Fund. Dividends on amounts invested in the Stock Account may be reallocated among the six investment accounts, except that dividends on amounts invested in the Stock Account prior to January 1, 2005 may not be invested in the Fidelity Spartan Extended Market Index Fund or the Fidelity Spartan International Index Fund. The company credits a participant’s account with an amount equal to the matching contribution that the company would have made to the participant’s 401(k) Plan account if the participant had not deferred compensation under the Plan. In addition, for those individuals whose base salary and annual incentive compensation exceed the Internal Revenue
Service indexed compensation limit for the 401(k) Plan, the company credits such individual’s account with an amount equal to the contribution the company would have made to the 401(k) Plan but for the compensation limit. These company contributions vest in 20% increments over the participant’s first five (5) years of credited service; after the participant’s first five (5) years of service, the company contributions vest immediately. Except as described above, there is no company match on deferred compensation.
For terminations and retirements, a participant’s account is generally paid out in accordance with the last valid distribution election made by the participant. The applicable elections include: (i) a lump sum, (ii) 5 annual installments, (iii) 10 annual installments, (iv) 15 annual installments (not available to participants terminated prior to their 55th birthday), and (v) 20 annual installments (not available to participants terminated prior to their 55th birthday). For distributions upon death, if a participant’s beneficiary is his or her spouse, the account is generally paid out in accordance with the last valid death distribution election (or, if there is no death distribution election, the regular distribution election). If a participant’s beneficiary is not his or her spouse, then the account is generally paid out in a lump sum. The administrator of the Plans has also established procedures for hardship withdrawals and, for amounts vested prior to January 1, 2005, unplanned withdrawals. In the event of a change in control of the company, the Stock Account is automatically converted into cash based upon a formula provided in the Plans.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information presented in the section entitled “Transactions with Related Persons,” “Corporate Governance - Director Independence” and “Corporate Governance - Board Committees” in the 2007 Proxy is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information presented in the section entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” in the 2007 Proxy is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1.
Financial Statements
3(i)
Campbell’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended through February 24, 1997 was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with Campbell’s Form 10-K (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference.
3(ii)
Campbell’s By-Laws, as amended through May 25, 2006, were filed with the SEC on a Form 8-K (SEC file number 1-3822) on May 26, 2006, and are incorporated herein by reference.
4(i)
With respect to Campbell’s 6.75% notes due 2011, the form of Indenture between Campbell and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, and the associated form of security were filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Registration Statement No. 333-11497, and are incorporated herein by reference.
4(ii)
Except as described in 4(i) above, there is no instrument with respect to long-term debt of the company that involves indebtedness or securities authorized thereunder exceeding 10 percent of the total assets of the company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The company agrees to file a copy of any instrument or agreement defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the company upon request of the SEC.
Major Stockholders’ Voting Trust Agreement dated June 2, 1990, as amended, was filed with the SEC by (i) Campbell as Exhibit 99.C to Campbell’s Schedule 13E-4 (SEC file number 5-7735) filed on September 12, 1996, and (ii) with respect to certain subsequent amendments, the Trustees of the Major Stockholders’ Voting Trust as Exhibit 99.G to Amendment No. 7 to their Schedule 13D (SEC file number 5-7735) dated March 3, 2000, and as Exhibit 99.M to Amendment No. 8 to their Schedule 13D (SEC file number 5-7735) dated January 26, 2001, and as Exhibit 99.P to Amendment No. 9 to their Schedule 13D (SEC file number 5-7735) dated September 30, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(a)
Campbell Soup Company 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended on November 17, 2000, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s 2000 Proxy Statement (SEC file number 1-3822), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(b)
Campbell Soup Company 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s 2003 Proxy Statement (SEC file number 1-3822), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(c)
Campbell Soup Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s 2005 Proxy Statement (SEC file number 1-3822), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(d)
Campbell Soup Company Annual Incentive Plan, as amended on November 18, 2004, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s 2004 Proxy Statement (SEC file number 1-3822), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(e)
Campbell Soup Company Mid-Career Hire Pension Program, amended effective as of January 25, 2001, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-K (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(f)
Deferred Compensation Plan, effective November 18, 1999, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-K (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2000, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(g)
Severance Protection Agreement dated January 8, 2001, with Douglas R. Conant, President and Chief Executive Officer, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 28, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. Agreements with the other executive officers listed under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company” are in all material respects the same as Mr. Conant’s agreement.
10(h)
Letter Agreement between the company and Mark A. Sarvary, effective as of February 9, 2004, regarding severance arrangements was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(i)
Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(j)
Campbell Soup Company Supplemental Severance Pay Plan for Exempt Salaried Employees, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(k)
Agreement between Campbell’s UK Limited, Campbell Soup UK Limited, Campbell Netherlands Holdings B.V., Campbell Investment Company, Campbell Soup Company, Premier Foods Investments Limited, HL Foods Limited and Premier Foods plc dated July 12, 2006, was filed with the SEC with a Campbell Form 8-K (SEC file number 1-3822) filed on July 14, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(l)
Confirmation Agreement dated as of September 28, 2006, between Lehman Brothers Finance S.A. and the company relating to the company’s accelerated fixed share stock repurchase transaction was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(m)
Confirmation Agreement dated as of September 28, 2006, between Lehman Brothers Finance S.A. and the company relating to the company’s fixed dollar accelerated stock repurchase transaction was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10(n)
A special long-term incentive grant of 54,667 performance-restricted shares made to the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, in lieu of grants under the company’s regular long-term incentive program, was described in a Form 8-K (SEC file number 1-3822) filed on November 22, 2005, and such description is incorporated herein by reference.
Subsidiaries (Direct and Indirect) of the company.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Power of Attorney.
31(i)
Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31(ii)
Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32(i)
Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32(ii)
Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Campbell has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: September 26, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Campbell and in the capacity and on the date indicated.
Date: September 26, 2007
/s/ Robert A. Schiffner
Robert A. Schiffner
/s/ Anthony P. DiSilvestro
Anthony P. DiSilvestro
Senior Vice President
Vice President - Controller
and Chief Financial Officer
Harvey Golub
Chairman and Director
}
Douglas R. Conant
President, Chief Executive
}
Officer and Director
}
Edmund M. Carpenter
Director
}
Paul R. Charron
Director
}
Bennett Dorrance
Director
}
Kent B. Foster
Director
}
By:
/s/ Ellen Oran Kaden
Randall W. Larrimore
Director
}
Ellen Oran Kaden
Philip E. Lippincott
Director
}
Senior Vice President -
Mary Alice D. Malone
Director
}
Law and Government Affairs
Sara Mathew
Director
}
David C. Patterson
Director
}
Charles R. Perrin
Director
}
A. Barry Rand
Director
}
George Strawbridge, Jr.
Director
}
Les C. Vinney
Director
}
Charlotte C. Weber
Director
}
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s 2004 Proxy Statement (SEC file number 1-3822), and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (e)
Campbell Soup Company Mid-Career Hire Pension Program, as amended effective as of January 25, 2001, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-K (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (f)
Deferred Compensation Plan, effective November 18, 1999, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-K (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2000, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (g)
Severance Protection Agreement dated January 8, 2001, with Douglas R. Conant, President and Chief Executive Officer, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 28, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. Agreements with the other executive officers listed under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company” are in all material respects the same as Mr. Conant’s agreement.
10 (h)
Letter Agreement between the company and Mark A. Sarvary, effective as of February 9, 2004, regarding severance arrangements was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (i)
Campbell Soup Company Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (j)
Campbell Soup Company Supplemental Severance Pay Plan for Exempt Salaried Employees, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006, was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (k)
Agreement between Campbell’s UK Limited, Campbell Soup UK Limited, Campbell Netherlands Holdings B.V., Campbell Investment Company, Campbell Soup Company, Premier Foods Investments Limited, HL Foods Limited and Premier Foods plc dated July 12, 2006, was filed with the SEC with a Campbell Form 8-K (SEC file number 1-3822) filed on July 14, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (l)
Confirmation Agreement dated as of September 28, 2006, between Lehman Brothers Finance S.A. and the company relating to the company’s accelerated fixed share stock repurchase transaction was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (m)
Confirmation Agreement dated as of September 28, 2006, between Lehman Brothers
Finance S.A. and the company relating to the company’s fixed dollar accelerated stock repurchase transaction was filed with the SEC with Campbell’s Form 10-Q (SEC file number 1-3822) for the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10 (n)
A special long-term incentive grant of 54,667 performance-restricted shares made to the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, in lieu of grants under the company’s regular long-term incentive program, was described in a Form 8-K (SEC file number 1-3822) filed on November 22, 2005, and such description is incorporated herein by reference.
Subsidiaries (Direct and Indirect) of the company.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Power of Attorney.
31 (i)
Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31 (ii)
Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32 (i)
Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32 (ii)
Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.