these third party services. As of August 30, 2020, $1,337.1 million of our accounts payable were payable to suppliers who utilize these third-party services.
(7) Debt
The components of notes payable were as follows:
In Millions
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
May 30, 2021
|
U.S. commercial paper
|
$
|
730.0
|
|
$
|
-
|
Financial institutions
|
|
305.5
|
|
|
361.3
|
Total
|
$
|
1,035.5
|
|
$
|
361.3
|
In addition, we had $191.8 million of notes payable classified as held for sale as of August 29, 2021.
To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines and have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We also have committed and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations.
The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of August 29, 2021:
In Billions
|
Facility
Amount
|
|
Borrowed Amount
|
Credit facility expiring:
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2026
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
$
|
-
|
September 2022
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
|
Total committed credit facilities
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
0.2
|
Uncommitted credit facilities
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
0.3
|
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities
|
$
|
3.5
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
The credit facilities contain covenants, including a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 times. We were in compliance with all credit facility covenants as of August 29, 2021.
Long-Term Debt
The fair values and carrying amounts of long-term debt, including the current portion, were $12,982.6 million and $11,917.4 million, respectively, as of August 29, 2021. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash flows based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. Long-term debt is a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy.
In addition, we had $59.0 million of debt classified as held for sale as of August 29, 2021.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €500.0 million of floating-rate notes due July 27, 2023. We used the net proceeds to repay €500.0 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due August 21, 2021.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we repaid €200.0 million of 2.2 percent fixed-rate notes due June 24, 2021 using proceeds from the issuance of €50.0 million of 2.2 percent fixed-rate notes due November 29, 2021 and borrowings under a committed credit facility.
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we gave notice that we will redeem in full $1,000.0 million of 3.15 percent fixed-rate notes due December 15, 2021. The notes will be redeemed on October 14, 2021.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we repaid $600.0 million of 3.2 percent fixed-rate notes and $850.0 million of floating-rate notes with cash on hand.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we completed an offer to exchange certain series of outstanding notes for a combination of newly issued notes and cash. Holders exchanged $603.9 million of notes previously issued with rates between 4.15 percent and 5.4 percent for $605.2 million of newly issued 3.0 percent fixed-rate notes due February 1, 2051 and $201.4 million of cash, representing a participation incentive.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we issued €500.0 million principal amount of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due November 16, 2021. We used the net proceeds to repay €200.0 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes and for general corporate purposes.
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
INTRODUCTION
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 for important background regarding, among other things, our key business drivers. Significant trademarks and service marks used in our business are set forth in italics herein. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in the “Glossary” section below.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we expect the largest factor impacting our fiscal 2022 performance will be the relative balance of at-home versus away-from-home consumer food demand and the inflationary cost environment, both of which remain uncertain. We expect at-home food demand will decline year over year across most of our core markets, though will remain above pre-pandemic levels. Conversely, we expect away-from-home food demand to continue to recover, though not fully to pre-pandemic levels. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact to our business and consolidated results of operations.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter Results
In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, net sales increased 4 percent and organic net sales increased 2 percent compared to the same period last year. Operating profit decreased 1 percent to $844 million, primarily driven by higher input costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix, and a decrease in administrative expenses. Operating profit margin of 18.6 percent decreased 100 basis points. Adjusted operating profit of $819 million decreased 2 percent on a constant-currency basis, primarily driven by higher input costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix, and a decrease in administrative expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin decreased 110 basis points to 18.0 percent. Diluted earnings per share of $1.02 decreased 1 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.99 decreased 2 percent on a constant-currency basis compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2021. See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP.
A summary of our consolidated financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 follows:
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021
|
In millions, except per share
|
|
Quarter Ended
Aug. 29, 2021 vs. Aug. 30, 2020
|
Percent
of Net
Sales
|
Constant-Currency Growth (a)
|
Net sales
|
$
|
4,539.9
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
844.3
|
|
(1)
|
%
|
18.6
|
%
|
|
|
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
|
|
627.0
|
|
(2)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
$
|
1.02
|
|
(1)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Organic net sales growth rate (a)
|
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit (a)
|
|
819.2
|
|
(2)
|
%
|
18.0
|
%
|
(2)
|
%
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a)
|
$
|
0.99
|
|
(1)
|
%
|
|
|
(2)
|
%
|
(a) See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.
|
|
Consolidated net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
4,539.9
|
|
4%
|
|
$
|
4,364.0
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
Flat
|
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
3
|
pts
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
|
1
|
pt
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
|
|
|
The 4 percent increase in net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange.
Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021 vs
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
|
1
|
pt
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
|
2
|
pts
|
Organic net sales growth
|
|
2
|
pts
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
1
|
pt
|
Net sales growth
|
|
4
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Organic net sales increased 2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 primarily driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from organic volume growth.
Cost of sales increased $168 million to $2,942 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily driven by a $186 million increase attributable to product rate and mix partially offset by a $3 million decrease attributable to lower volume. We recorded a $24 million net decrease in cost of sales related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to a net decrease of $16 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded a $7 million charge related to a product recall in our international Green Giant business.
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $21 million to $757 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by net gains on corporate investments recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased 20 basis points compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs totaled a $4 million net recovery in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. We recorded an insignificant amount of restructuring charges in the same period last year (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).
Benefit plan non-service income totaled $30 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $33 million in the same period last year, primarily reflecting higher amortization of losses and lower expected return on plan assets, partially offset by higher amortization of prior service credits and lower interest costs.
Interest, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 totaled $96 million, down $15 million from the first quarter of fiscal 2021, primarily driven by lower rates and lower average debt levels.
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was 21.7 percent compared to 22.0 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The 0.3 percentage point decrease was primarily due to favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction. Our effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability was 21.7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to 21.9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The 0.2 percentage point decrease in the adjusted effective tax rate was primarily due to favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction.
The United States Congress is currently working to enact a tax reform bill, which would result in significant changes to the U.S. tax system. We expect that if a bill is enacted, it could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. We continue to monitor developments and assess the impact to General Mills.
After-tax earnings from joint ventures for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased to $29 million compared to $41 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by lower net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 at Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW). On a constant-currency basis, after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 30 percent (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).
The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021 vs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2020
|
|
CPW
|
HDJ (a)
|
Total
|
Contributions from volume growth (b)
|
|
(4)
|
pts
|
11
|
pts
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
Flat
|
|
3
|
pts
|
|
|
Net sales growth in constant currency
|
|
(5)
|
pts
|
14
|
pts
|
(1)
|
pt
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
3
|
pts
|
(3)
|
pts
|
2
|
pts
|
Net sales growth
|
|
(2)
|
pts
|
10
|
pts
|
Flat
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Häagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ)
|
(b) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Average diluted shares outstanding decreased by 5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 from the same period a year ago primarily due to share repurchases, partially offset by option exercises.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Our businesses are organized into five operating segments: North America Retail; Europe & Australia; Pet; Convenience Stores & Foodservice, and Asia & Latin America. Please refer to Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a description of our operating segments.
North America Retail Segment Results
North America Retail net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
2,638.9
|
|
(3)
|
%
|
$
|
2,707.0
|
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
(7)
|
pts
|
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
4
|
pts
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
|
1
|
pt
|
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
North America Retail net sales decreased 3 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange.
The components of North America Retail organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
(7)
|
pts
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
4
|
pts
|
Organic net sales growth
|
(3)
|
pts
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
1
|
pt
|
Net sales growth
|
(3)
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
North America Retail organic net sales decreased 3 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth, partially offset by favorable organic net price realization and mix.
North America Retail net sales percentage change by operating unit are shown in the following table:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
U.S. Meals & Baking
|
(7)
|
%
|
U.S. Cereal
|
(6)
|
|
U.S. Snacks
|
3
|
|
Canada (a)
|
12
|
|
U.S. Yogurt and Other
|
Flat
|
|
Total
|
(3)
|
%
|
(a)On a constant-currency basis, Canada net sales increased 3 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP.
Segment operating profit decreased 11 percent to $618 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $695 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and a decrease in administrative expenses. Segment operating profit decreased 12 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
Europe & Australia Segment Results
Europe & Australia net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
517.5
|
|
5
|
%
|
$
|
491.0
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
2
|
pts
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
pt
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
|
5
|
pts
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Europe & Australia net sales increased 5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable foreign currency exchange and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by unfavorable net price realization and mix.
The components of Europe & Australia organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
2
|
pts
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
(1)
|
pt
|
Organic net sales growth
|
Flat
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
5
|
pts
|
Net sales growth
|
5
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Europe & Australia organic net sales essentially matched the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth, offset by unfavorable organic net price realization and mix.
Segment operating profit decreased 15 percent to $45 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 from $53 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by unfavorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by favorable foreign currency exchange. Segment operating profit decreased 22 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
Pet Segment Results
Pet net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
488.0
|
|
25
|
%
|
$
|
391.7
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
13
|
pts
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
12
|
pts
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
|
Flat
|
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Pet net sales increased 25 percent during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business, and favorable net price realization and mix.
The components of Pet organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
12
|
pts
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
8
|
pts
|
Organic net sales growth
|
20
|
pts
|
Acquisition (b)
|
5
|
pts
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
Flat
|
|
Net sales growth
|
25
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
(b) Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
|
Pet organic net sales increased 20 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.
Segment operating profit increased 28 percent to $115 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $90 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by higher input costs and increased SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit increased 28 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
Convenience Stores & Foodservice Segment Results
Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
482.4
|
|
23
|
%
|
$
|
391.6
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
12
|
pts
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
11
|
pts
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales increased 23 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from volume growth and favorable net price realization and mix.
The components of Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
12
|
pts
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
11
|
pts
|
Organic net sales growth
|
23
|
pts
|
Net sales growth
|
23
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales increased 23 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.
Segment operating profit increased 47 percent to $102 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $70 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by higher input costs.
Asia & Latin America Segment Results
Asia & Latin America net sales were as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021 vs
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Net sales (in millions)
|
$
|
413.1
|
|
8
|
%
|
$
|
382.7
|
Contributions from volume growth (a)
|
|
|
|
(6)
|
pts
|
|
|
Net price realization and mix
|
|
|
|
10
|
pts
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
|
5
|
pts
|
|
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
|
Asia & Latin America net sales increased 8 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.
The components of Asia & Latin America organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
|
|
1
|
pt
|
Organic net price realization and mix
|
|
4
|
pts
|
Organic net sales growth
|
|
6
|
pts
|
Foreign currency exchange
|
|
5
|
pts
|
Divestiture (b)
|
|
(2)
|
pts
|
Net sales growth
|
|
8
|
pts
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
(b)Related to our sale of the Laticínios Carolina business in Brazil in fiscal 2021.
Asia & Latin America organic net sales increased 6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from organic volume growth.
Segment operating profit decreased 23 percent to $15 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 from $20 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and increased SG&A expenses, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix. Segment operating profit decreased 26 percent on a constant-currency basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).
UNALLOCATED CORPORATE ITEMS
Unallocated corporate expense totaled $56 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $74 million in the same period in fiscal 2021. We recorded a $24 million net decrease in expense related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to a $16 million net decrease in expense in the same period last year. We recorded $1 million of net losses related to valuation adjustments on certain corporate investments in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $13 million of net gains related to valuation adjustments in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. In addition, we recorded $12 million of integration costs related to our acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business and $11 million of transaction costs related to the agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. We also recorded a $21 million recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item and a $13 million insurance recovery in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded a $7 million charge related to a product recall in our international Green Giant business.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, cash provided by operations was $370 million compared to $584 million in the same period last year. The $214 million decrease was primarily driven by a $232 million change in current assets and liabilities. The $232 million change in current assets and liabilities was primarily driven by a $169 million change in accounts payable due to timing, and a $152 million change in receivables primarily driven by higher net sales and timing of collections, partially offset by a $96 million change in other current liabilities primarily driven by changes in accrued incentive costs.
Cash used by investing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was $1,298 million compared to $123 million for the same period in fiscal 2021. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we acquired the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 billion. In addition, investments of $104 million in land, buildings, and equipment in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased by $13 million compared to the same period a year ago.
Cash generated by financing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was $195 million compared to $373 million used in the same period in fiscal 2021. We had $669 million of net debt issuances in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $81 million of net debt repayments in the same period a year ago. We paid $312 million of dividends in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $303 million in the same period last year.
Our sources of liquidity were not materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we will continue to evaluate its impact to our sources of liquidity.
As of August 29, 2021, we had $711 million of cash and cash equivalents including cash held for sale in foreign jurisdictions. In anticipation of repatriating funds from foreign jurisdictions, we record local country withholding taxes on our international earnings, as applicable. As such, we may repatriate our cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries without such funds being subject to further U.S. income tax liability. Earnings prior to fiscal 2018 from our foreign subsidiaries remain permanently reinvested in those jurisdictions.
The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of August 29, 2021:
In Billions
|
Facility
Amount
|
|
Borrowed Amount
|
Credit facility expiring:
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2026
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
$
|
-
|
September 2022
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
|
Total committed credit facilities
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
0.2
|
Uncommitted credit facilities
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
0.3
|
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities
|
$
|
3.5
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
We have a 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and a 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl. Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) holds the remaining interests in each of these entities. We consolidate these entities into our consolidated financial statements. We record Sodiaal’s 50 percent interests in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl as noncontrolling interests, and its 49 percent interest in Yoplait SAS as a redeemable interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sodiaal has the ability to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value once per year, up to three times before December 2024. As of August 29, 2021, the redemption value of the redeemable interest was $584 million, which approximates its fair value.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal. In fiscal 2021, our European Yoplait operations had $732 million of net sales. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The third-party holder of the General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recent mark-to-market valuation (currently $252 million). On June 1, 2021, the floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A Interests was reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 160 basis points. The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction.
We have an option to purchase the Class A Interests for consideration equal to the then current capital account value, plus any unpaid preferred return and the prescribed make-whole amount. If we purchase these interests, any change in the third-party holder’s capital account from its original value will be charged directly to retained earnings and will increase or decrease the net earnings used to calculate EPS in that period.
To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines and have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We also have uncommitted and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations.
Certain of our long-term debt agreements, our credit facilities, and our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of August 29, 2021, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
We have $1,590 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current, including $1,000 million of 3.15 percent notes to be redeemed October 14, 2021, and, €500 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due November 2021. We believe that cash flows from operations, together with available short- and long-term debt financing, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021. The accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.
Our significant accounting estimates are those that have meaningful impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets, redeemable interest, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans. The assumptions and methodologies used in the determination of those estimates as of August 29, 2021, are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021.
Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2021, and we determined there was no impairment of our intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values.
While having significant coverage as of our fiscal 2021 assessment date, the Europe & Australia reporting unit and the Progresso, Green Giant, and EPIC brand intangible assets had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal. In connection with the agreement, we tested the individual assets associated with Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl for impairment, and determined there was no impairment as the fair value of these assets and liabilities exceeded their carrying values.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued optional accounting guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new standard provides expedients and exceptions to existing accounting requirements for contract modifications and hedge accounting related to transitioning from discontinued reference rates, such as LIBOR, to alternative reference rates, if certain criteria are met. The new accounting requirements can be applied as of the beginning of the interim period including March 12, 2020, or any date thereafter, through December 31, 2022. We are in the process of reviewing our contracts and arrangements that will be affected by a discontinued reference rate and are analyzing the impact of this guidance on our results of operations and financial position.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. We believe that these measures provide useful information to investors, and include these measures in other communications to investors.
For each of these non-GAAP financial measures, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure, an explanation of why we believe the non-GAAP measure provides useful information to investors, and any additional material purposes for which our management or Board of Directors uses the non-GAAP measure. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.
Significant Items Impacting Comparability
Several measures below are presented on an adjusted basis. The adjustments are either items resulting from infrequently occurring events or items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the year-to-year assessment of operating results.
The following are descriptions of significant items impacting comparability of our results.
Mark-to-market effects
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items. Please see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Non-income tax recovery
Recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item recorded in fiscal 2022.
Acquisition integration costs
Integration costs resulting from the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs related to the definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges for previously announced restructuring actions. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Investment activity, net
Valuation adjustments of certain corporate investments in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.
Product recall
Product recall costs recorded in fiscal 2021 related to our international Green Giant business.
Organic Net Sales Growth Rates
We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week, when applicable, have on year-to-year comparability. A reconciliation of these measures to reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in our Consolidated Results of Operations and Results of Segment Operations discussions in the MD&A above.
Adjusted Operating Profit as a Percent of Net Sales (Adjusted Operating Profit Margin)
We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing our operating profit margin on a comparable basis.
Our adjusted operating profit margins are calculated as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
|
In Millions
|
|
Value
|
|
Percent of
Net Sales
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Percent of
Net Sales
|
Operating profit as reported
|
$
|
844.3
|
|
18.6
|
%
|
|
$
|
853.7
|
|
19.6
|
%
|
Mark-to-market effects
|
|
(24.1)
|
|
(0.5)
|
%
|
|
|
(16.4)
|
|
(0.4)
|
%
|
Non-income tax recovery
|
|
(20.6)
|
|
(0.5)
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
%
|
Acquisition integration costs
|
|
12.4
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
%
|
Transaction costs
|
|
10.6
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
%
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
(4.1)
|
|
(0.1)
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
-
|
%
|
Investment activity, net
|
|
0.7
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
(13.0)
|
|
(0.3)
|
%
|
Product recall
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
%
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
Adjusted operating profit
|
$
|
819.2
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
832.5
|
|
19.1
|
%
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
Adjusted Operating Profit Growth on a Constant-currency Basis
This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the operating profit measure we use to evaluate operating profit performance on a comparable year-to-year basis. The measure is evaluated on a constant-currency basis by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given the volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.
Our adjusted operating profit growth on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Change
|
Operating profit as reported
|
$
|
844.3
|
|
$
|
853.7
|
(1)
|
%
|
Mark-to-market effects
|
|
(24.1)
|
|
|
(16.4)
|
|
|
Non-income tax recovery
|
|
(20.6)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Acquisition integration costs
|
|
12.4
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Transaction costs
|
|
10.6
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
(4.1)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
Investment activity, net
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
(13.0)
|
|
|
Product recall
|
|
-
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit
|
$
|
819.2
|
|
$
|
832.5
|
(2)
|
%
|
Foreign currency exchange impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
pt
|
Adjusted operating profit growth, on a constant-currency basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
%
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
Adjusted Diluted EPS and Related Constant-currency Growth Rate
This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate earnings performance on a comparable year-to-year basis.
The reconciliation of our GAAP measure, diluted EPS, to adjusted diluted EPS and the related constant-currency growth rate follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
Per Share Data
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
Change
|
|
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
|
$
|
1.02
|
|
$
|
1.03
|
(1)
|
%
|
Mark-to-market effects
|
|
(0.03)
|
|
|
(0.02)
|
|
|
Non-income tax recovery
|
|
(0.02)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Acquisition integration costs
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
(0.01)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Transaction costs
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
Investment activity, net
|
|
-
|
|
|
(0.02)
|
|
|
Product recall
|
|
-
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
|
$
|
0.99
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
(1)
|
%
|
Foreign currency exchange impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
pt
|
Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth, on a constant-currency basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
%
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
See our reconciliation below of the effective income tax rate as reported to the adjusted effective income tax rate for the tax impact of each item affecting comparability.
Constant-currency After-tax Earnings from Joint Ventures Growth Rate
We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our joint ventures by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
After-tax earnings from joint ventures growth rate on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:
|
Percentage Change in
After-Tax Earnings from Joint
Ventures as Reported
|
Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
|
Percentage Change in After-Tax
Earnings from Joint Ventures
on Constant-Currency Basis
|
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
(30)
|
%
|
Flat
|
|
(30)
|
%
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales Growth Rate for Our Canada Operating Unit on Constant-currency Basis
We believe that this measure of our Canada operating unit net sales provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to the underlying performance for the Canada operating unit within our North America Retail segment by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
Net sales growth rates for our Canada operating unit on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:
|
|
Percentage Change in
Net Sales
as Reported
|
Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
|
Percentage Change in
Net Sales on Constant-
Currency Basis
|
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
12
|
%
|
8
|
pts
|
3
|
%
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Constant-currency Segment Operating Profit Growth Rates
We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our segments by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
Our segments’ operating profit growth rates on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:
|
|
Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
|
Percentage Change in
Operating Profit
as Reported
|
Impact of Foreign
Currency
Exchange
|
Percentage Change in Operating
Profit on Constant-Currency
Basis
|
North America Retail
|
|
(11)
|
%
|
Flat
|
|
(12)
|
%
|
Europe & Australia
|
|
(15)
|
%
|
6
|
pts
|
(22)
|
%
|
Pet
|
|
28
|
%
|
Flat
|
|
28
|
%
|
Asia & Latin America
|
|
(23)
|
%
|
3
|
pts
|
(26)
|
%
|
Note: Tables may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
Adjusted Effective Income Tax Rate
We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it presents the adjusted effective income tax rate on a comparable year-to-year basis.
Adjusted effective income tax rates are calculated as follows:
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Aug. 30, 2020
|
In Millions
(Except Per Share Data)
|
Pretax
Earnings (a)
|
Income
Taxes
|
|
Pretax
Earnings (a)
|
Income
Taxes
|
As reported
|
$
|
778.0
|
$
|
168.9
|
|
$
|
775.9
|
$
|
170.8
|
Mark-to-market effects
|
|
(24.1)
|
|
(5.5)
|
|
|
(16.4)
|
|
(3.8)
|
Non-income tax recovery
|
|
(20.6)
|
|
(7.0)
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
Acquisition integration costs
|
|
12.4
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
Transaction costs
|
|
10.6
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
(4.1)
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
0.2
|
Investment activity, net
|
|
0.7
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(13.0)
|
|
(3.0)
|
Product recall
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
0.8
|
As adjusted
|
$
|
752.8
|
$
|
163.0
|
|
$
|
754.6
|
$
|
165.1
|
Effective tax rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
|
|
21.7%
|
|
|
|
|
22.0%
|
As adjusted
|
|
|
|
21.7%
|
|
|
|
|
21.9%
|
Sum of adjustment to income taxes
|
|
|
$
|
(5.9)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(5.7)
|
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS
|
|
|
|
614.8
|
|
|
|
|
619.8
|
Impact of income tax adjustments on adjusted diluted EPS
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01)
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01)
|
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.
(a) Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures.
Glossary
AOCI. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Adjusted diluted EPS. Diluted EPS adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.
Adjusted operating profit. Operating profit adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.
Adjusted operating profit margin. Operating profit adjusted for certain items affecting year-over-year comparability, divided by net sales.
Constant currency. Financial results translated to United States dollars using constant foreign currency exchange rates based on the rates in effect for the comparable prior-year period. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. Therefore, the foreign currency impact is equal to current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.
Core working capital. Accounts receivable plus inventories less accounts payable.
COVID-19. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Derivatives. Financial instruments such as futures, swaps, options, and forward contracts that we use to manage our risk arising from changes in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and stock prices.
Euribor. Euro Interbank Offered Rate.
Fair value hierarchy. For purposes of fair value measurement, we categorize assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions (inputs) used in valuing the asset or liability. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1:Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3:Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
Focus 6 platforms. The Focus 6 platforms for the Convenience Stores & Foodservice segment consist of cereal, yogurt, snacks, frozen meals, frozen biscuits, and frozen baked goods.
Free cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of land, buildings, and equipment.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Guidelines, procedures, and practices that we are required to use in recording and reporting accounting information in our financial statements.
Goodwill. The difference between the purchase price of acquired companies plus the fair value of any noncontrolling and redeemable interests and the related fair values of net assets acquired.
Gross margin. Net sales less cost of sales.
Hedge accounting. Accounting for qualifying hedges that allows changes in a hedging instrument’s fair value to offset corresponding changes in the hedged item in the same reporting period. Hedge accounting is permitted for certain hedging instruments and hedged items only if the hedging relationship is highly effective, and only prospectively from the date a hedging relationship is formally documented.
Holistic Margin Management (HMM). Company-wide initiative to use productivity savings, mix management, and price realization to offset input cost inflation, protect margins, and generate funds to reinvest in sales-generating activities.
Interest bearing instruments. Notes payable, long-term debt, including current portion, cash and cash equivalents, and certain interest bearing investments classified within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.
LIBOR. London Interbank Offered Rate.
Mark-to-market. The act of determining a value for financial instruments, commodity contracts, and related assets or liabilities based on the current market price for that item.
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts that will be allocated to segment operating profit when the exposure we are hedging affects earnings.
Net price realization. The impact of list and promoted price changes, net of trade and other price promotion costs.
Net realizable value. The estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.
Noncontrolling interests. Interests of subsidiaries held by third parties.
Notional amount. The amount of a position or an agreed upon amount in a derivative contract on which the value of financial instruments are calculated.
OCI. Other Comprehensive Income.
Organic net sales growth. Net sales growth adjusted for foreign currency translation, acquisitions, divestitures and a 53rd fiscal week, when applicable.
Project-related costs. Costs incurred related to our restructuring initiatives not included in restructuring charges.
Redeemable interest. Interest of subsidiaries held by a third party that can be redeemed outside of our control and therefore cannot be classified as a noncontrolling interest in equity.
Reporting unit. An operating segment or a business one level below an operating segment.
Strategic Revenue Management (SRM). A company-wide capability focused on generating sustainable benefits from net price realization and mix by identifying and executing against specific opportunities to apply tools including pricing, sizing, mix management, and promotion optimization across each of our businesses.
Supply chain input costs. Costs incurred to produce and deliver product, including costs for ingredients and conversion, inventory management, logistics, and warehousing.
Translation adjustments. The impact of the conversion of our foreign affiliates’ financial statements to United States dollars for the purpose of consolidating our financial statements.
Variable interest entities (VIEs). A legal structure that is used for business purposes that either (1) does not have equity investors that have voting rights and share in all the entity’s profits and losses or (2) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources to support the entity’s activities.
Working capital. Current assets and current liabilities, all as of the last day of our fiscal year.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations and assumptions. We also may make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our reports to stockholders.
The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or similar expressions identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those currently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.
In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important factors that could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from any current opinions or statements.
Our future results could be affected by a variety of factors, such as: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, suppliers, consumers, customers, and employees; disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain, including any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; competitive dynamics in the consumer foods industry and the markets for our products, including new product introductions, advertising activities, pricing actions, and promotional activities of our competitors; economic conditions, including changes in inflation rates, interest rates, tax rates, or the availability of capital; product development and innovation; consumer acceptance of new products and product improvements; consumer reaction to pricing actions and changes in promotion levels; acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets; changes in capital structure; changes in the legal and regulatory environment, including tax legislation, labeling and advertising regulations, and litigation; impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets; changes in accounting standards and the impact of significant accounting estimates; product quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liability; changes in consumer demand for our products; effectiveness of advertising, marketing, and promotional programs; changes in consumer behavior, trends, and preferences, including weight loss trends; consumer perception of health-related issues, including obesity; consolidation in the retail environment; changes in purchasing and inventory levels of significant customers; fluctuations in the cost and availability of supply chain resources, including raw materials, packaging, energy, and transportation; effectiveness of restructuring and cost saving initiatives; volatility in the market value of derivatives used to manage price risk for certain commodities; benefit plan expenses due to changes in plan asset values and discount rates used to determine plan liabilities; failure or breach of our information technology systems; foreign economic conditions, including currency rate fluctuations; and political unrest in foreign markets and economic uncertainty due to terrorism or war.
You should also consider the risk factors that we identify in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 which could also affect our future results.
We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of those statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The estimated maximum potential value-at-risk arising from a one-day loss in fair value for our interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity, and equity market-risk-sensitive instruments outstanding as of August 29, 2021, was as follows:
In Millions
|
|
One-day Loss
in Fair Value
|
|
|
Change During Quarter Ended Aug. 29, 2021
|
|
Analysis of Change
|
Interest rate instruments
|
$
|
48
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
Larger Portfolio & Higher Market Volatility
|
Foreign currency instruments
|
|
15
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
Smaller Portfolio
|
Commodity instruments
|
|
7
|
|
|
3
|
|
Larger Portfolio & Higher Market Volatility
|
Equity instruments
|
|
2
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Immaterial
|
For additional information, see Item 7A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of August 29, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ended August 29, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we purchased during the quarter ended August 29, 2021:
Period
|
Total Number
of Shares Purchased (a)
|
|
Average Price Paid Per Share
|
|
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program (b)
|
|
Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Program (b)
|
May 31, 2021 -
July 4, 2021
|
1,223,598
|
$
|
61.42
|
|
1,223,598
|
|
34,433,097
|
July 5, 2021 -
August 1, 2021
|
1,191,164
|
$
|
59.40
|
|
1,191,164
|
|
33,209,499
|
August 2, 2021 -
August 29, 2021
|
69,728
|
$
|
60.77
|
|
69,728
|
|
32,018,335
|
Total
|
2,484,490
|
$
|
60.43
|
|
2,484,490
|
|
31,948,607
|
(a)The total number of shares purchased includes shares of common stock withheld for the payment of withholding taxes upon the distribution of deferred option units.
(b)On May 6, 2014, our Board of Directors approved an authorization for the repurchase of up to 100,000,000 shares of our common stock. Purchases can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including the use of call options and other derivative instruments, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, and accelerated repurchase programs. The Board did not specify an expiration date for the authorization.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
GENERAL MILLS, INC.
|
|
(Registrant)
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|
|
Date: September 22, 2021
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/s/ Mark A. Pallot
|
|
Mark A. Pallot
|
|
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
|
|
(Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized
Officer)
|