SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Campbell PlaceCamden, New Jersey 08103-1799Principal Executive Offices
Telephone Number: (856) 342-4800
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ].
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
There were 410,969,505 shares of Capital Stock outstanding as of March 5, 2004.
PART I.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
Statements of Earnings
(unaudited)(millions, except per share amounts)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATEDBalance Sheets
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Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)(millions)
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Statements of Shareowners Equity (Deficit)
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CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATEDNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements(unaudited)(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
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Changes in the carrying amount for goodwill for the period ended February 1, 2004 are as follows:
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February 1, 2004
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January 26, 2003
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ITEM 2.
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATEDMANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OFRESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Results of Operations
Overview
The company reported net earnings of $235 million for the second quarter ended February 1, 2004 versus $231 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. Earnings per share were $.57, compared to $.56 a year ago. (All earnings per share amounts included in Managements Discussion and Analysis are presented on a diluted basis.) The increase in earnings was primarily driven by lower interest expense and the favorable impact of currency.
For the six months ended February 1, 2004, net earnings were $446 million, compared to $423 million a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. Earnings per share were $1.08 compared to $1.03 a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. The increase over the prior year is due to higher sales, lower interest expense, and the favorable impact of currency, partially offset by a decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales.
In connection with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 in fiscal 2003, the company recognized a non-cash charge of $31 million (net of a $17 million tax benefit) or $.08 per share, as a cumulative effect of accounting change. This charge related to impaired goodwill associated with the Stockpot business, a food service business acquired in August 1998.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, certain stock-based incentive compensation expenses were reclassified from Other expenses to reflect the costs by function on various lines of the Statements of Earnings. The prior period has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
SECOND QUARTER
Sales
Net sales in the quarter increased 9% to $2.1 billion from $1.9 billion last year. The growth was attributed to a 3% increase in volume and mix, a 2% increase from higher selling prices, a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs and a 5% increase due to currency.
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An analysis of net sales by reportable segment follows:
The 8% increase in sales from North America Soup and Away From Home was due to a 5% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from improved price realization, a 2% decrease attributable to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, and a 2% increase from currency. In the U.S., ready-to-serve soup sales increased 17 percent for the quarter on shipment growth of 17 percent. This strong performance was driven by significantly enhanced promotional activity behind Campbells Chunky canned soups, as well as the continued positive impact of the Mm! Mm! Good! To Goconvenience platform, which includes Chunky and Select microwaveable bowls andSoup At Hand, a line of microwaveable sippable soups designed for out-of-home consumption. Condensed soup sales were even with a year ago as higher prices offset a 2 percent decline in shipments during the quarter. Campbells Chicken Noodle soup achieved particularly strong shipment growth in the quarter, offset by declines in cooking soups. Broth sales declined 1%, as 1% shipment growth was more than offset by increased promotional spending. Away From Home reported a slight increase in sales due to higher sales of refrigerated soup and bakery products and the favorable impact of currency. The Canadian business reported a sales increase driven by increased marketing support and the favorable impact of currency.
North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 2% increase in sales due to a 5% increase in volume and mix and a 3% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. The sales increase was primarily due to strong gains in beverages generated by effective marketing programs and new product introductions. V8 vegetable juice reported sales gains due to more productive marketing programs. V8 Splash beverages also contributed to the sales growth driven by V8 Splash Smoothies, introduced in the second-half of last year. Prego pasta sauces experienced a decline in sales, attributable to weakness in the dry pasta category. Pace Mexican sauces and Franco-American canned pasta reported increases in sales, whileFranco-American gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales declined.
Biscuits and Confectionery reported a 13% increase in sales due to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization, a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs and a 9% increase from currency. The favorable currency impact principally
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reflects the strengthening of the Australian dollar. Pepperidge Farm contributed to the sales increase primarily as a result of growth in cookies, crackers, and fresh bread partially offset by a decline in frozen products. Arnotts reported a sales increase from gains in biscuit products driven by the performance of Shapes and chocolate varieties. Godiva Chocolatiers worldwide sales increased due to growth in the Asia Pacific region and improved same store sales trends in the U.S.
International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 14%. The sales increase was due to a 15% increase from the favorable impact of currency, a 1% increase from higher price realization, a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, offset by a 2% decline in volume and mix, and a 1% decline due to the divestiture of a private label business in the United Kingdom in 2003. In Europe, branded sales increased compared to the year-ago quarter, offsetting declines in sales of private label products. In Germany, new single serve pouches of Erasco soup performed well. Liebig aseptic soups in France also reported an increase in sales. In Asia Pacific, sales growth was driven by soup, broth, and V8beverages.
Gross Margin
Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, increased $26 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 44.9% in 2003 to 42.3% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 1.1 percentage points), higher promotional spending (approximately 0.7 percentage points), product mix and currency (approximately 0.5 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 3 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 1.1 percentage points) and productivity improvements (approximately 1.6 percentage points).
Marketing and Selling Expenses
Marketing and selling expenses increased 3% in 2004 as a result of the impact of currency translation. As a percent of sales, Marketing and selling expenses were 16% in 2004 and 17% in 2003.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses increased by $8 million, or 6%, primarily due to the impact of currency translation.
Operating Earnings
Segment operating earnings increased 2% from the prior year.
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An analysis of operating earnings by reportable segment follows:
Earnings from North America Soup and Away From Home increased 5% primarily due to the increase in sales.
Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages decreased 14% due to the higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements, and unfavorable sales mix.
Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery increased 3% due to the favorable impact of currency (approximately 6 percentage points). In the year ago period, earnings included an $8 million gain on the sale of a biscuit plant in Australia. The current year included a $4 million insurance settlement payment related to the loss on September 11, 2001 of Godivas World Trade Center store.
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 15% primarily due to the favorable impact of currency.
Nonoperating Items
Interest expense decreased to $42 million from $46 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt and interest rates.
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 32.3% for 2004 and 31.9% for 2003. The effective tax rate for the 2003 year was 32.2%.
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SIX MONTHS
Net sales for the six months increased 11% to $4.0 billion from $3.6 billion last year. The change was attributed to a 3% increase in volume and mix, a 2% increase from higher selling prices, a 1% increase from acquisitions and a 5% increase due to currency.
North America Soup and Away From Home sales increased 8% due to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization, a 1% increase attributable to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, and a 2% increase from currency. In the U.S., ready-to-serve soup sales increased 17% as shipments rose 12% and higher sales of microwaveable items improved mix. Condensed soup sales were down 1% reflecting shipment declines of 4% and higher prices. Broth sales increased 14% reflecting shipment growth of 7% and lower promotional spending. The ready-to-serve increase was driven by the strong performance of the new Mm! Mm! Good! To Go convenience platform including Campbells Select and Chunkysoups in microwaveable bowls, which were introduced this year, and Campbells Soup at Hand. The convenience platform delivered over $100 million in sales this year. Total sales of Campbells Chunky products increased compared to the prior year. Away From Home reported slightly increased sales due primarily to the favorable impact of currency. The Canadian business reported a sales increase versus prior year primarily due to currency.
North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 4% increase in sales due to a 4% increase in volume and mix and a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, partially offset by a 1% decline due to currency. The sales increase was primarily due to the performance of beverages. V8 vegetable juice reported sales gains. V8 SplashSmoothies, introduced in the second-half of last year, and Campbells tomato juice also contributed to the sales growth. Pace sales increased over the year-ago period with the aid of continued advertising support. Prego pasta sauces experienced a decline in sales, attributable in
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part to weakness in the dry pasta category. Franco-American gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales declined.
Biscuits and Confectionery reported a 16% increase in sales due to a 3% increase from the acquisition of Snack Foods Limited in Australia in 2003, a 3% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization and an 8% increase from currency, partially offset by a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. The favorable currency impact was attributable primarily to the strengthening of the Australian dollar. Pepperidge Farm contributed to the sales increase as a result of growth in cookies, crackers and fresh bread. Arnotts reported a sales increase primarily due to growth in biscuits. Godiva Chocolatiers worldwide sales increased primarily due to continued growth in the Asia Pacific region.
International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 16%. The favorable impact of currency accounted for a 14% increase, volume and mix added 3%, offset by a 1% decrease due to the divestiture of a private label business in the United Kingdom. In Europe, sales increased primarily due to the favorable impact of currency. In Asia Pacific, sales increased primarily due to the favorable impact of currency and growth of soup, broth and V8 beverages.
Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, increased $93 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 44.1% in 2003 to 42.1% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 1.1 percentage points), product mix and currency (approximately 0.8 percentage points), higher pension costs and the impact of acquisitions (approximately 0.4 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 2.7 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 1.1 percentage points), productivity improvements (approximately 1.7 percentage points) and reduced promotional spending (approximately 0.2 percentage points).
Marketing and selling expenses increased 5% in 2004 primarily as a result of the impact of currency translation. As a percent of sales, Marketing and selling expenses were 16% in 2004 and 17% in 2003.
Administrative expenses increased by $23 million, or 10%, primarily due to the impact of currency translation (approximately 5 percentage points) and expenses related to litigation and employee benefit costs.
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Segment operating earnings increased 5% from the prior year.
Earnings from North America Soup and Away From Home increased 7% primarily due to the increase in sales.
Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages decreased 7% due to higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements and unfavorable sales mix.
Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery increased 5% due to the favorable impact of currency (approximately 8 percentage points). The year ago period was impacted by an $8 million gain on the sale of a biscuit plant in Australia. The current year included a $4 million insurance settlement payment related to the loss on September 11, 2001 of Godivas World Trade Center store.
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 23% primarily due to the impact of currency (approximately 15 percentage points) and the sales gains.
Corporate expenses increased to $58 million from $49 million primarily due to increases in legal expenses related to ongoing litigation.
Interest expense decreased to $85 million from $91 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt and interest rates.
The effective tax rate for the six months was 32.2% for 2004 and 2003. The effective tax rate for the 2003 year was 32.2%.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The company generated cash from operations of $332 million compared to $473 million last year. This reduction in cash flow reflects a $50 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan, a higher seasonal increase in working capital than a year ago, and cash settlements of foreign exchange forward contracts and cross-currency swaps related to the financing of foreign operations. These factors were partially offset by increased earnings.
Capital expenditures were $76 million compared to $93 million a year ago. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $290 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $283 million in fiscal 2003, with the increase driven by currency.
Businesses acquired, as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows, reflect the acquisitions of Snack Foods Limited and Erin Foods in Ireland in the first quarter of 2003 and the acquisition of certain brands from George Weston Foods Limited in Australia in the first quarter of 2004.
The company purchased 710,000 shares in the six month period ended February 1, 2004 at a cost of approximately $19 million. The company repurchased 120,000 shares in the six month period last year at a cost of approximately $3 million. The company expects to repurchase sufficient shares over time to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under incentive stock compensation plans.
In September 2003, the company issued $300 million ten-year 4.875% fixed-rate notes. The proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. While planning for the issuance of these notes, the company entered into treasury lock agreements with a notional value of $100 million that effectively fixed a portion of the interest rate on the debt prior to issuance. These agreements were settled at a minimal gain upon issuance of the notes, which will be amortized over the life of the notes. In connection with this issuance, the company entered into ten-year interest rate swaps that convert $200 million of the fixed-rate debt to variable.
In September 2003, the company also entered into $100 million five-year interest rate swaps that convert a portion of the 5.875% fixed-rate notes due October 2008 to variable.
At February 1, 2004, the company had approximately $908 million of notes payable due within one year and $34 million of standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the company. The company maintains $1.8 billion of committed revolving credit facilities, which remain unused at February 1, 2004, except for the $34 million of standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the company. In September 2003, the company entered into a $900 million committed 364-day revolving credit facility, which replaced an existing $900 million 364-day facility that matured in September 2003. The 364-day revolving credit facility contains a one-year term-out feature. The company also has a $900 million revolving credit facility that matures in September 2006. The credit facilities support the companys commercial paper program. The company is in compliance with the covenants contained in its revolving credit facilities and debt securities.
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Shareowners equity includes a minimum liability, net of tax, of $214 million in 2004 and $209 million in 2003, principally related to a U.S. pension plan. Following stock market declines in July 2002, and continuing through 2003, the fair value of assets included in certain pension funds fell below the accumulated benefit obligation. As required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the company recognized the additional minimum liability and reclassified an existing pension asset to equity. Pension expense is expected to increase in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to a lower discount rate and a reduction in the estimated return on plan assets. As previously noted, the company made a $50 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan in 2004.
The company guarantees approximately 1,200 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 approximately $86 million. The companys 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 (l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on guarantees.
The company believes that foreseeable liquidity, including the resolution of the contingencies described in Note (k) to the Consolidated Financial Statements and capital resource requirements, are expected to be met through anticipated cash flows from operations, management of working capital, long-term borrowings under its shelf registration, and short-term borrowings, including commercial paper. 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 companys financial position at that time.
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. The significant accounting policies of the company are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the significant accounting estimates are described in Managements Discussion and Analysis included in the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The impact of new accounting standards is discussed in the following section. There have been no other changes in the companys accounting policies in the current period that had a material impact on the companys consolidated financial condition or results of operation.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51. This Interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities (VIEs). The Interpretation as amended is effective immediately for all enterprises with interests in VIEs created after January 31, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised version of FIN 46 (FIN 46R) which clarified the provisions of FIN 46 by addressing implementation issues. FIN 46R must be applied to all entities subject to the Interpretation as of the first interim quarter ending after March 15, 2004. The company has investments of approximately $150 million as of February 1, 2004 consisting of limited partnership interests in affordable housing partnership funds. The companys ownership ranges from approximately 12% to 19%. The company evaluated the nature of these investments, which were in existence before January 31, 2003, against the provisions of the guidance and determined that such investments do not need to be consolidated in the financial statements. The company will continue to monitor modifications to the Interpretation.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, could be classified as equity or mezzanine equity, by now requiring those instruments to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the statement of financial position. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. The guidance in SFAS No. 150 is generally effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not impact the financial statements.
In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised SFAS No. 132, Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which requires additional disclosures for benefit plans. The standard requires quarterly disclosure of the various components of pension expense and expanded annual disclosures, such as describing the types of plan assets, investment strategy, and measurement dates. The company will include interim disclosure requirements in the Form 10-Q for the third quarter 2004. Annual disclosures will be provided in the 2004 Form 10-K.
On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for prescription drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree medical plans. The company sponsors medical programs for certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this legislation will eventually reduce the costs for some of these programs. The company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the legislation since guidance from various governmental and regulatory agencies concerning the requirements that must be met to obtain these cost reductions, as well as the manner in which such savings should be measured, is still pending. In addition, authoritative guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy provided to a qualified employer-sponsored drug plan is pending. The expected effects of the Act will be factored into the
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companys annual year-end measurement of postretirement medical obligations and related expense calculation for fiscal 2005. If the final authoritative accounting guidance is issued after the provisions of the Act are reflected in the year-end measurement of the obligation and net postretirement medical costs estimate for fiscal 2005, the guidance could require the company to change previously reported information.
Recent Developments
On February 12, 2004, the company announced a new organization structure for its North American businesses.
On February 23, 2004, the company announced results for the second quarter 2004 and commented on the outlook for earnings per share for the third quarter of 2004 and for the full year. In that announcement, the company maintained its previous earnings estimate of approximately $1.58 per share for 2004 and announced that it expects diluted earnings to be approximately $.31 per share for the third quarter of 2004.
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report contains certain statements that reflect the companys 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 companys 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 other Securities and Exchange Commission filings of the company, or in the companys 2003 Annual Report, could affect the companys 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:
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This discussion of uncertainties is by no means exhaustive but is designed to highlight important factors that may impact the companys outlook. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update any forward-looking statements made by the company in order to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For information regarding the companys exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2003. There have been no significant changes in the companys portfolio of financial instruments or market risk exposures from the fiscal 2003 year-end except as follows:
In August 2003, the company entered into a pay variable CAD/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $53 million. The company also entered into two pay fixed CAD/receive fixed USD swaps with notional values of $61 million each.
In August 2003, a pay fixed SEK/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $31 million matured. The company entered into a pay variable SEK/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $18 million which matures in 2005.
In October 2003, the company entered into a pay variable GBP/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $125 million to replace a portion of a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.
In December 2003, the company entered into a pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $30 million to replace a portion of a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.
In January 2004, the company entered into two pay variable EUR/receive variable USD swaps with notional values of $32 million and $137 million. Both swaps replaced foreign exchange forward contracts that matured.
On February 19, 2004, the company entered into a pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $40 million to replace a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.
In addition, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion in Item 2 for information on the interest rate swap activity in fiscal 2004.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As previously reported, 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. Vlasics 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 provides 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 are to be distributed under the Plan to Vlasics 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 companys control. The lawsuit seeks to hold the company liable in an amount necessary to satisfy all unpaid claims against Vlasic (which VFB estimates in the amended complaint to be $200 million), plus unspecified exemplary and punitive damages. While the ultimate disposition of complex litigation is inherently difficult to assess, the company believes the action is without merit and is defending the case vigorously.
As also previously reported, the company received an Examination Report from the Internal Revenue Service on December 23, 2002, which included a challenge to the treatment of gains and interest deductions claimed in the companys fiscal 1995 federal income tax return, relating to transactions involving government securities. If the proposed adjustment were upheld, it would require the company to pay a net amount of approximately $100 million in taxes, accumulated interest to date, and penalties. Interest will continue to accrue until the matter is resolved. The company believes these transactions were properly reported on its federal income tax return in accordance with applicable tax laws and regulations in effect during the period involved and is challenging these adjustments vigorously. While the outcome of proceedings of this type cannot be predicted with certainty, the company believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.
As also previously reported, the company began discussions in April 2003 with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding certain air emissions from the companys South Plainfield, New Jersey flavoring and spice mix plant. These emissions may exceed limits established pursuant to the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act. The discussions are expected to result in the company modifying existing process equipment and installing air emission control equipment on an agreed upon schedule, which the company anticipates will cost up to $1.5 million. In addition,
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the NJDEP will likely require other expenditures, which the company anticipates will not exceed $500 thousand. As of February 1, 2004, the company incurred costs of approximately $236 thousand related to the evaluation of this issue. The company does not expect that the cost of installing the emission control equipment or any other expenditure required by the NJDEP will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.
As also previously reported, in July 2003, the company began discussions with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) regarding certain air emissions from the companys Milwaukee, Wisconsin flavoring and spice mix plant. These emissions may exceed limits established pursuant to the Wisconsin Clean Air Act Program. The discussions are likely to result in the company installing air emission control equipment on an agreed upon schedule. The WDNR may require additional expenditures, which cannot be determined at this time. As of February 1, 2004, the company incurred costs of approximately $168 thousand related to the evaluation of this issue, and the company expects to spend up to $1 million (exclusive of any other amounts) on the installation of required air emissions control equipment. The company does not expect that the cost of installing the emission control equipment or any other expenditures required by the WDNR will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.
As also previously reported, on July 15, 2003, Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, made a submission to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to its use and replacement of certain appliances containing ozone-depleting refrigerants. The submission was made pursuant to the terms of the Ozone-Depleting Substance Emission Reduction Bakery Partnership Agreement (the EPA Agreement) entered into by and between Pepperidge Farm and the EPA. Pepperidge Farm executed the EPA Agreement in April 2002 as part of a voluntary EPA-sponsored program relating to the reduction of ozone-depleting refrigerants used in the bakery industry. As a result of the EPA Agreement, as of February 1, 2004, Pepperidge Farm has incurred costs of approximately $4 million relating to the evaluation and replacement of certain of its refrigerant appliances. If the submission is approved by the EPA, in addition to the expenditures previously made, Pepperidge Farm will be required to (i) pay a penalty in the amount of approximately $370 thousand, and (ii) replace certain additional refrigerant appliances, which Pepperidge Farm expects to cost approximately $750 thousand. In December 2003, in anticipation of the EPAs approval of the submission, Pepperidge Farm began replacing the additional refrigerant appliances. The company does not expect that the cost of complying with the EPA Agreement will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Election of Directors
Ratification of Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Accountants
Approval of the companys 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
On November 24, 2003, the company furnished a report on Form 8-K to provide a copy of the press release dated that day announcing financial results for the quarter ended November 2, 2003.
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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.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibits
10(i) Campbell Soup Company 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with the companys 2003 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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.