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 410,487,750 shares of Capital Stock outstanding as of June 3, 2004.
PART I.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONCAMPBELL 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 CONSOLIDATED
Balance Sheets
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Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)(millions)
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Statements of Shareowners Equity (Deficit)
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Changes in the carrying amount for goodwill for the period ended May 2, 2004 are as follows:
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May 2, 2004
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April 27, 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 $142 million for the third quarter ended May 2, 2004 versus $129 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. Earnings per share were $.34, compared to $.31 a year ago. (All earnings per share amounts included in Managements Discussion and Analysis are presented on a diluted basis.) The current year net earnings included a $10 million gain (net of $6 million in taxes) or $.02 per share from a settlement of a class action lawsuit involving ingredient suppliers. The gain was recorded in Other expenses/(income). Current year earnings were favorably impacted by lower interest expense, a lower tax rate and favorable currency translation.
For the nine months ended May 2, 2004, net earnings were $588 million, compared to $552 million a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. Earnings per share were $1.43 compared to $1.34 a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. The current year results include the gain from the settlement of the lawsuit previously noted. The remaining 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.
THIRD QUARTER
Sales
Net sales in the quarter increased 4% to $1.7 billion from $1.6 billion last year. The growth was attributed to a 1% decrease from volume and mix, a 1% increase from higher
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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.
An analysis of net sales by reportable segment follows:
The 4% decrease in sales from North America Soup and Away From Home was due to a 4% decrease from volume and mix, a 3% increase from improved price realization, a 4% decrease attributable to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, and a 1% increase from currency. In the U.S., ready-to-serve soup sales decreased 13% for the quarter on shipment declines of 9%. This performance follows a strong first half and compares with a strong year-ago quarter. The Mm! Mm! Good! To Go convenience platform, including Campbells Select and Chunky soups in microwaveable bowls and Campbells Soup at Hand, continues to perform well. Condensed soup sales and shipments declined 6%. Broth sales declined 7%, as 1% shipment growth was more than offset by increased promotional spending. Away From Home reported an increase in sales due to higher sales of refrigerated soup. The Canadian business reported a sales volume decline.
North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 2% increase in sales due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. Volume and mix were flat. V8 vegetable juice and Campbells tomato juice reported strong sales gains accompanied by improved sales of Pace Mexican sauces and Prego pasta sauces. The increases were partially offset by declines in Franco-American canned pasta and gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales.
Biscuits and Confectionery reported an 11% increase in sales due to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 1% 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 reflects the strengthening of the Australian dollar. Pepperidge Farm sales increased slightly as growth in cookie and fresh bakery sales were partially offset by lower sales of frozen products and competitive pressures in cheese crackers. Arnotts reported a sales increase from gains in biscuit products and the introduction of new chocolate products. Godiva Chocolatiers worldwide sales also increased.
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International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 13%. The sales increase was due to a 14% increase from the favorable impact of currency and a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, offset by a 2% decline from volume and mix. In Europe, branded sales increased compared to the year-ago quarter, offsetting declines in sales of private label products. Liebig soups in France andBatchelors soup and Oxo stock cubes in the United Kingdom contributed to the increase in sales. Sales of Homepride sauces in the United Kingdom and both branded and non-branded products in Germany declined. In Asia Pacific, sales increased driven by Campbells broth and V8 beverages.
Gross Margin
Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, decreased $8 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 42.5% in 2003 to 40.3% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 0.9 percentage points), higher promotional spending (approximately 0.7 percentage points), product mix and currency (approximately 0.7 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 2.6 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 0.8 percentage points) and productivity improvements (approximately 1.9 percentage points).
Marketing and Selling Expenses
Marketing and selling expenses increased 5% in 2004 as a result of the impact of currency translation. As a percent of sales, Marketing and selling expenses were 17% in both 2004 and 2003.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses decreased by $2 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower costs associated with ongoing litigation and a decrease in bad debt expense compared to the prior year.
Operating Earnings
Segment operating earnings decreased 10% 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 decreased 23% primarily due to lower sales and increased promotional spending.
Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages increased 12% due to improved sales mix and lower administrative expenses.
Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery decreased 3% due to increased promotional spending in the Australian Snackfoods business, partially offset by the favorable impact of currency (approximately 8 percentage points).
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 3% as the favorable impact of currency (approximately 14 percentage points) was offset by increased advertising spending in Europe.
Corporate expenses decreased to $11 million from $46 million primarily due to the gain from the companys share of a settlement from a class action lawsuit involving ingredient suppliers, lower expenses related to the carrying value of the companys investment in affordable housing, lower expenses from currency hedging related to the financing of international activities and lower legal expenses.
Nonoperating Items
Interest expense decreased to $40 million from $45 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of debt.
The effective tax rate for the quarter was 30.0% for 2004 and 32.1% for 2003. The lower tax rate this year was due to a reduction in the fiscal 2003 tax liability following the filing of the fiscal 2003 U.S. tax return and the favorable resolution of certain state income tax audits.
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NINE MONTHS
Net sales for the nine months increased 9% to $5.7 billion from $5.2 billion last year. The change was attributed to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 2% increase from higher selling prices, and a 5% increase due to currency.
North America Soup and Away From Home sales increased 5% due to a 1% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization, a 1% 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 10% as shipments increased 7%. Condensed soup sales were down 2% reflecting shipment declines of 5%, partially offset by higher prices. Broth sales increased 8% reflecting shipment growth of 6%. 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. Away From Home reported increased sales as sales of refrigerated soups and the favorable impact of currency were partially offset by declines in entrees. The Canadian business reported a sales increase versus prior year due to currency.
North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 3% increase in sales due to a 2% increase from volume and mix and a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. The sales increase was primarily due to the performance of beverages, with V8 vegetable juice reporting strong sales gains. V8 Splash Smoothies, introduced in the second-half of last year, and Campbells tomato juice also contributed to the sales growth. Pace Mexican sauce sales increased over the year-ago period on distribution gains. Prego pasta sauces experienced a decline in sales, attributable in part to weakness in the dry pasta category.Franco-American canned pasta and gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales declined.
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Biscuits and Confectionery reported a 14% increase in sales due to a 2% increase from the acquisition of Snack Foods Limited in Australia, a 3% increase from volume and mix, a 2% 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 partially offset by a decline in frozen products. Arnotts reported a sales increase primarily due to growth in biscuits. Godiva Chocolatiers worldwide sales increased due to improving same store sales trends in North America and continued growth in the Asia Pacific region.
International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 15%. The favorable impact of currency accounted for a 14% increase, volume and mix added 2%, offset by a 1% decrease due to the divestiture of a private label business in the United Kingdom. The increase in volume and mix was driven primarily by sales gains in Belgium, France and Australia.
Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, increased $85 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 43.6% in 2003 to 41.6% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 1.0 percentage points), adverse product mix and currency (approximately 0.8 percentage points), higher pension expense and the impact of acquisitions (approximately 0.3 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 2.6 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 0.9 percentage points) and productivity improvements (approximately 1.8 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 $21 million, or 6%, primarily due to the impact of currency translation (approximately 5 percentage points) and expenses related to employee benefit costs.
Segment operating earnings increased 1% from the prior year.
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Earnings from North America Soup and Away From Home decreased 1% as increased sales were offset by higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements and product mix changes.
Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages decreased 2% as increased sales were offset by higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements, and higher marketing and selling expenses.
Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery increased 4% due to the favorable impact of currency (approximately 8 percentage points) partially offset by increased promotional spending in the Australian Snackfoods business.
Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 15% primarily due to the impact of currency (approximately 15 percentage points).
Corporate expenses decreased to $69 million from $95 million primarily due to the gain from the companys share of a class action settlement involving ingredient suppliers, lower expenses related to the carrying value of the companys investment in affordable housing and lower expenses from currency hedging related to financing of international activities.
Interest expense decreased to $125 million from $136 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of debt.
The effective tax rate for the nine months was 31.7% for 2004 and 32.2% for 2003. The effective tax rate for the 2003 year was 32.2%. The lower tax rate this year was due to a lower tax liability following the filing of the fiscal 2003 U.S. tax return and the favorable resolution of certain state income tax audits.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The company generated cash from operations of $576 million compared to $706 million last year. This reduction in cash flow reflects a $50 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan, a higher increase in working capital than a year ago primarily due to a decrease in accrued liabilities, and cash settlements of currency hedging contracts related to the financing of foreign operations. These factors were partially offset by increased earnings.
Capital expenditures were $142 million compared to $158 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 repurchased 700,000 shares in the quarter ended May 2, 2004 at the cost of $19 million. The company repurchased 1,410,000 shares in the nine month period ended May 2, 2004 at a cost of $38 million. The company repurchased 432,000 shares in the quarter ended April 27, 2003 at a cost of $9 million. The company repurchased 552,000 shares in the nine month period ended April 27, 2003 at a cost of $13 million. The company expects to repurchase sufficient shares over time to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under the companys stock compensation plans. See Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for more information.
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 May 2, 2004, the company had approximately $769 million of notes payable due within one year and $36 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 May 2, 2004, except for the $36 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
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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.
Shareowners equity includes a minimum liability, net of tax, of $213 million in 2004 and $208 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. Additional contributions to the U.S. pension plans are not expected this fiscal year.
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 $88 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 (n) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on guarantees.
The company believes that foreseeable liquidity, including the resolution of the contingencies described in Note (m) 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 May 2, 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 required interim disclosures are included in Note (l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D, as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. The company sponsors medical programs for certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this legislation will 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 is still pending. In April 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 106 - 2 to address the accounting and disclosure requirements
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related to the Act. The FSP is effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The expected effects of the Act will be factored into the companys fiscal 2004 year-end measurement of postretirement medical obligations and related expense calculation for fiscal 2005.
Recent Developments
On May 24, 2004, the company announced results for the third quarter 2004 and commented on the outlook for earnings per share for the full year. In that announcement, the company provided a full fiscal 2004 earnings estimate of approximately $1.60 per share, which includes $.02 per share related to the aforementioned litigation settlement. This compares to the 2003 reported amount of $1.52 before the cumulative effect of the accounting change. For the fourth quarter of 2004, the company expects diluted earnings per share to be approximately $.17.
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 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.
In February 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 April 2004, the company entered into a $50 million interest rate swap that converted a portion of the 6.9% fixed rate notes due October 2006 to variable.
On May 11, 2004 the company entered into a $50 million interest rate swap that converted a portion of the 6.9% fixed rate notes due October 2006 to variable.
In addition, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion in Part I, 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 December 23, 2002, 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. On April 22, 2004, the company entered into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) with the NJDEP to settle these alleged violations. Under the ACO, the company agreed to (i) modify existing process equipment and to install additional air emission control equipment by July 31, 2004, all at a cost of approximately $1.5 million,
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(ii) pay a $300 thousand penalty, (iii) pay $100 thousand for a supplemental environmental project, and (iv) pay approximately $185 thousand in outstanding air emission fees. These amounts are in addition to the approximately $285 thousand in evaluation costs incurred by the company. The ACO does not constitute an admission of liability by 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 May 2, 2004, the company incurred costs of approximately $222 thousand related to the evaluation of this issue, and the company expects to spend up to $700 thousand (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 May 2, 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 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
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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