J.M. Smucker Company - 10-Q quarterly report FY2011 Q3

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (330) 682-3000

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. Yes þ      No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ     No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o      No þ

The Company had 115,988,437 common shares outstanding on February 28, 2011.

The Exhibit Index is located at Page No. 34.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

( ) Denotes use of cash

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note A — Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications. For further information, reference is made to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2010.

Note B — Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements including transfers in and out of different levels of the fair value hierarchy and a higher level of disaggregation for different types of financial instruments. These disclosure requirements were effective in the current fiscal year for the Company and are reflected in Note N — Other Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. In addition, for the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, ASU 2010-06 requires information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements to be presented separately. These disclosure requirements will be effective in fiscal 2012 for the Company.

Note C — Restructuring

During fiscal 2010, the Company announced its plan to restructure certain operations as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the long-term strength and profitability of its leading brands. The initiative is a long-term investment to optimize production capacity and lower the overall cost structure and includes capital investments for a new state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Orrville, Ohio, and consolidation of coffee production in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Company expects to incur restructuring costs of approximately $190.0 million related to this plan.

Subsequently, on September 27, 2010, the Company expanded its restructuring plan and committed to an initiative to improve the overall cost structure in its Canadian pickle and condiments operations by transitioning production to third-party manufacturers in the U.S. The Company expects to incur additional restructuring costs of approximately $45.0 million related to this initiative.

Upon completion, the restructuring will result in a reduction of approximately 850 full-time positions and the closing of six of the Company’s facilities — Memphis, Tennessee; Ste. Marie, Quebec; Sherman, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Dunnville, Ontario; and Delhi Township, Ontario.

The Company expects to incur total restructuring costs of approximately $235.0 million, of which $79.0 million has been incurred through January 31, 2011. The balance of the costs is anticipated to be incurred over the next four fiscal years as the facilities are closed.

The following table summarizes the restructuring activity, including the reserves established and the total amount expected to be incurred.

Approximately $16,851 of the total restructuring charges of $25,265 in the three months ended January 31, 2011, and $38,376 of the total restructuring charges of $73,239 in the nine months ended January 31, 2011, were reported in cost of products sold in the accompanying Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income, while the remaining charges were reported in other restructuring costs. The restructuring costs classified as cost of products sold primarily include long-lived asset charges for accelerated depreciation related to property, plant, and equipment that will be used at the affected production facilities until they are closed or sold.

Expected employee separation costs include severance, retention bonuses, and pension costs. Severance costs and retention bonuses are being recognized over the estimated future service period of the affected employees. The obligation related to employee separation costs is included in other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information on the impact of the restructuring plan on defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, see Note J — Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.

Other costs include professional fees, costs related to closing the facilities, and miscellaneous expenditures associated with the Company’s restructuring initiative and are expensed as incurred.

Note D — Share-Based Payments

The Company provides for equity-based incentives to be awarded to key employees and nonemployee directors. These incentives are administered through various plans, and currently consist of restricted shares, restricted stock units, deferred shares, deferred stock units, performance units, and stock options.

The following table summarizes amounts related to share-based payments.

As of January 31, 2011, total compensation cost related to nonvested share-based awards not yet recognized was approximately $38,830. The weighted-average period over which this amount is expected to be recognized is approximately 3.0 years.

Note E — Impairment Charges

During the three months ended January 31, 2011, the Company became aware of a significant future reduction in its Europe’s Best^® frozen vegetable business with a customer in Canada. This was subsequent to declines in net sales and profit margins of the frozen fruit and vegetable business during 2011. The Company determined that these events together constituted a potential indicator of impairment and, thus, performed an other-than-annual impairment test of the Europe’s Best^® indefinite-lived and the finite-lived intangible assets recognized in its Special Markets segment under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350,Intangibles — Goodwill and Other and FASB ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, respectively.

The Company determined the estimated fair value of the Europe’s Best^® indefinite-lived trademark based on an analysis of the projected cash flows for the brand, discounted at a rate developed using a risk-adjusted, weighted-average cost of capital methodology. An impairment charge of $3,621 was recognized during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011, to reduce this trademark to its estimated fair value. During the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010, an impairment charge of $7,282 was recognized related to the Europe’s Best^® trademark after the Company became aware of a significant reduction in the frozen fruit business.

The Company determined that the carrying value of the finite-lived customer relationship intangible asset associated with the Europe’s Best^® business was not recoverable based on the undiscounted projected net cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. The estimated fair value of the customer relationship was then calculated based on a discounted cash flow model which utilized a forecast of future revenues and expenses related to the intangible asset. An impairment charge of $13,534 was recognized during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2011, to reduce the carrying value of the customer relationship to its estimated fair value.

Based on the relative insignificance of the Europe’s Best^® business to the Canada reporting unit and the substantial excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over its carrying value when goodwill was evaluated as of February 1, 2010, the Company determined it was not necessary to test for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Testing of the reporting unit will be part of the Company’s annual assessment of goodwill as of February 1, 2011.

During the three and nine months ended January 31, 2010, impairment charges of $2,525 were recognized related to other finite-lived trademarks.

Note F — Common Shares

The following table sets forth common share information.

Note G — Reportable Segments

The Company operates in one industry: the manufacturing and marketing of food products. The Company has four reportable segments: U.S. Retail Coffee Market, U.S. Retail Consumer Market, U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market, and Special Markets. The U.S. Retail Coffee Market segment represents the domestic sales of Folgers^®, Dunkin’ Donuts^®, and Millstone^® branded coffee to retail customers; the U.S. Retail Consumer Market segment primarily includes domestic sales of Smucker’s^®,Jif^®, and Hungry Jack^® branded products; the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment includes domestic sales of Crisco^®, Pillsbury^®, Eagle Brand^®, and Martha White^® branded products; and the Special Markets segment is comprised of the Canada,

foodservice, natural foods, and international strategic business areas. Special Markets segment products are distributed domestically and in foreign countries through retail channels, foodservice distributors and operators (e.g., restaurants, schools and universities, health care operations), and health and natural foods stores and distributors.

While the Company’s four reportable segments remain the same for 2011, the calculation of segment profit was modified at the beginning of 2011 to include intangible asset amortization and impairment charges related to segment assets, along with certain other items in each of the segments. These items were previously considered corporate expenses and were not allocated to the segments. This change more accurately aligns the segment financial results with the responsibilities of segment management, most notably in the area of intangible assets. Fiscal 2010 segment profit has been presented to be consistent with the current methodology.

The following table sets forth reportable segment information.

The results of the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment have been impacted by a highly competitive and promotional environment over the last several quarters. Should competitive pressure in these categories be sustained, long-term assumptions relative to growth rates and profitability of the segment or certain brands within it may not be attained which could result in an impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of January 31, 2011, approximately 13 percent of the Company’s total goodwill and intangible assets are included in the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment. Due to the increased risk of impairment resulting from the competitive environment, the Company performed an assessment during the third quarter of 2011, which indicated that the estimated fair value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets of the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment supported their carrying values. The Company will update this assessment during its annual evaluation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Note H — Debt and Financing Arrangements

Long-term debt consists of the following:

On June 15, 2010, the Company issued $400.0 million of 4.50 percent Senior Notes with a final maturity on June 1, 2025. The Senior Notes have a 12-year average maturity. Proceeds from the Senior Notes issuance will be used for general corporate purposes. On September 1, 2010, the Company repaid the $10.0 million of 7.94 percent Series C Senior Notes utilizing cash on hand.

All of the Company’s Senior Notes are unsecured and interest is paid semiannually. Scheduled payments are required on the 5.55 percent Senior Notes, the first of which is $50.0 million on April 1, 2013, and on the 4.50 percent Senior Notes, the first of which is $100.0 million on June 1, 2020.

On January 31, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a group of six lenders. The credit facility, which amends and restates in its entirety the credit agreement dated as of October 29, 2009, provides for an unsecured revolving credit line of $600.0 million and matures January 31, 2016. The Company’s borrowings under the credit facility will bear interest based on prevailing U.S. Prime Rate, Canadian Base Rate, London Interbank Offered Rate, or Canadian Dealer Offered Rate, as determined by the Company. Interest is payable either on a quarterly basis or at the end of the borrowing term. At January 31, 2011, the Company did not have a balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The Company’s $180.0 million revolving credit facility matured on January 31, 2011.

The Company’s debt instruments contain certain financial covenant restrictions including consolidated net worth, a leverage ratio, and an interest coverage ratio. The Company is in compliance with all covenants.

Note I — Earnings per Share

The following tables set forth the computation of net income per common share and net income per common share — assuming dilution.

The following table reconciles the weighted-average common shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share disclosures to the total weighted-average shares outstanding.

Note J — Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below.

Upon completion of the restructuring plan discussed in Note C — Restructuring, approximately 850 full-time positions will be reduced. The Company has included the estimated impact of the planned reductions in measuring the net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Included above are charges recognized for termination benefits and curtailment as a result of the restructuring plan.

Note K — Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the components of comprehensive income.

Note L — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company, like other food manufacturers, is from time to time subject to various administrative, regulatory, and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is a defendant in a variety of legal proceedings, some of which involve claims for damages in unspecified amounts. The Company cannot predict with certainty the results of these proceedings or reasonably determine a range of potential loss. The Company’s policy is to accrue costs for contingent liabilities when such liabilities are probable and amounts can be reasonably estimated. Based on information known to date, the Company does not believe the final outcome of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note M — Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in commodity pricing and foreign currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, the Company enters into various derivative transactions. By policy, the Company historically has not entered into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes or for speculation.

Commodity Price Management. The Company enters into commodity futures and options contracts to manage the price volatility and reduce the variability of future cash flows related to anticipated inventory purchases of green coffee, edible oils, flour, milk, corn, and corn sweetener. The Company also enters into commodity futures and options to manage price risk for energy input costs, including natural gas and diesel fuel. The derivative instruments generally have maturities of less than one year.

Certain of the derivative instruments associated with the Company’s U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market and U.S. Retail Coffee Market segments meet the hedge criteria within Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The mark-to-market gains or losses on qualifying hedges are deferred and included as a component of other comprehensive income to the extent effective, and reclassified to cost of products sold in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. In order to qualify as a hedge of commodity price risk, it must be demonstrated that the changes in the fair value of the commodity’s futures contracts are highly effective in hedging price risks associated with the commodity purchased. Hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and on a monthly basis.

The mark-to-market gains or losses on nonqualifying and ineffective portions of commodity hedges are recognized in cost of products sold immediately.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Hedging. The Company utilizes foreign currency forwards and options contracts to manage the effect of foreign currency exchange fluctuations on future cash payments primarily related to purchases of certain raw materials, finished goods, and fixed assets. The contracts generally have maturities of less than one year. At the inception of the contract, the derivative is evaluated and documented for hedge accounting treatment. If the contract qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, to the extent the hedge is deemed effective, the associated mark-to-market gains and losses are deferred and included as a component of other comprehensive income. These gains or losses are reclassified to earnings in the period the contract is executed. The ineffective portion of these contracts is immediately recognized in earnings. Instruments currently used to manage foreign currency exchange exposures do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment and the change in value of these instruments is immediately recognized in cost of products sold.

The following table sets forth the fair value of derivative instruments recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has elected to not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and its cash margin accounts executed with the same counterparty. The Company maintained cash margin accounts of $18,580 and $5,714 at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively, that are included in other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table presents information on gains and losses recognized on derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships, all of which hedge commodity price risk.

Included as a component in accumulated other comprehensive loss at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, were deferred pre-tax gains of $8,985 and $3,128, respectively. The related tax impact recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $3,263 and $1,134 at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010, respectively. The entire amount of the deferred gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at January 31, 2011, is expected to be recognized in earnings within one year as the related commodity is sold.

The following table presents the realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in cost of products sold on derivatives not designated as qualified hedging instruments.

The following table presents the gross contract notional value of outstanding derivative contracts at January 31, 2011 and April 30, 2010.

Note N — Other Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments, other than derivatives, that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of commercial paper, municipal obligations, and trade receivables. Under the Company’s investment policy, it may invest in securities deemed to be investment grade at the time of purchase. The Company determines the appropriate categorization of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date.

The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, other than certain of its fixed-rate long-term debt, approximates their carrying amounts. The following table provides information on the carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.

The following table is a summary of the fair values of the Company’s financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

During the three months ended January 31, 2011, the Company recognized fair value adjustments of $17,155 related to the impairment of the Europe’s Best^® indefinite-lived trademark and finite-lived customer relationship intangible asset. Other adjustments were recognized related to foreign currency exchange and amortization during the nine months ended January 31, 2011. The following table presents these nonfinancial assets adjusted to fair value as of January 31, 2011.

Note O — Income Taxes

During the three-month period ended January 31, 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate increased to 32.6 percent, compared to 31.3 percent in the three-month period ended January 31, 2010. This reflects reduced tax benefits associated with Canadian operations and changes to uncertain tax positions in the period ended January 31, 2011, as compared to the period ended January 31, 2010, partially offset by an increased benefit related to the domestic manufacturing deduction in 2011 as compared to 2010.

During the nine-month period ended January 31, 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 32.2 percent, compared to 33.7 percent in the nine-month period ended January 31, 2010, reflecting the impact of increased benefits realized from the domestic manufacturing deduction and lower state income taxes. At January 31, 2011, the effective income tax rate varied from the U.S. statutory income tax rate primarily due to the domestic manufacturing deduction offset slightly by state income taxes.

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the Company could decrease its unrecognized tax benefits by an additional $2.7 million, primarily as a result of expiring statute of limitations periods and settlements with tax authorities.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This discussion and analysis deals with comparisons of material changes in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three-month and nine-month periods ended January 31, 2011 and 2010.

The Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury^® , the Barrelhead logo, and the Doughboy character are trademarks of The Pillsbury Company LLC, used under license; Carnation^® is a trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., used under license; and Dunkin’ Donuts^® is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder LLC, used under license. Borden^® and Elsie are trademarks used under license.

Dunkin’ Donuts^® brand is licensed to the Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and drug stores. Information in this document does not pertain to Dunkin’ Donuts^® coffee or other products for sale in Dunkin’ Donuts^® restaurants. K-Cup^® and K-Cups^® are trademarks of Keurig, Incorporated.

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

Net sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 increased nine and three percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010, as the impact of pricing, sales mix, and exchange rate more than offset the impact of potato products divested in March 2010. Volume gains for the third quarter of 2011 also contributed to the net sales increase for the period, while overall volume was down for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010. Operating income increased one percent in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, as the net effect of price increases more than offset overall higher raw material costs, increased restructuring and merger and integration costs (“special project costs”) and impairment charges. Excluding special project costs, operating income increased 12 percent and nine percent for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010.

The Company’s net income per diluted share was $1.11 and $1.14 for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, and $3.23 and $3.14 for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company’s income per diluted share, excluding special project costs, was $1.27 and $1.17 for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, and $3.69 and $3.30 for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, an increase of nine percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2011 increased $106.5 million, or nine percent, compared to the third quarter of 2010, and increased 10 percent, excluding the impact of the 2010 potato products divestiture and foreign exchange. Overall volume increased three percent as solid gains were realized in Crisco^® oils, Jif^® peanut butter, Smucker’s^® fruit spreads, Dunkin’ Donuts^® packaged coffee, and natural foods beverages. The net impact of pricing contributed approximately four percent to net sales and the overall impact of sales mix was favorable.

Net sales for the first nine months of 2011 increased three percent, compared to the first nine months of 2010 and the net impact of the potato products divestiture and foreign exchange was not significant. Volume declined two percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010. The net impact of pricing contributed approximately three percent to net sales and the overall impact of sales mix was favorable.

The following table presents components of operating income as a percentage of net sales.

Gross profit increased $16.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010, as the increase in net sales offset the impact of overall higher raw material costs and $16.9 million of special project costs included in cost of products sold, primarily accelerated depreciation. Excluding special project costs, gross profit increased $33.0 million, or seven percent, yet decreased as a percent of net sales from 38.0 percent in the third quarter of 2010, to 37.4 percent in the third quarter of 2011. Raw material cost increases were most significant for green coffee, milk, sugar, and soybean oil, and more than offset lower costs for peanuts. Coffee price increases taken earlier in the year offset higher green coffee costs and contributed over one-half of the gross profit increase in the third quarter of 2011, but did not result in an overall gross margin gain. Gross margin was further impacted by price declines taken on oils during the second quarter in response to competitive dynamics. Unrealized mark-to-market adjustments on commodity instruments in the third quarter of 2011 were not material.

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2011, were flat compared to 2010, and decreased as a percentage of net sales from 17.8 percent to 16.3 percent. Marketing and distribution expenses for the third quarter of 2011 both decreased one percent, compared to 2010, while selling expenses increased approximately seven percent related to the increase in net sales. General and administrative expenses decreased three percent over the same period and reflect lower employee-related benefit costs.

Operating income increased $3.1 million, or one percent, in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010, despite an overall increase in special project costs of approximately $23.3 million. Excluding the impact of special project costs in both periods, operating income increased $26.4 million, or 12 percent, and improved from 17.8 percent of net sales in 2010, to 18.4 percent in 2011. Additionally, noncash impairment charges of $17.2 million and $9.8 million, primarily related to the Europe’s Best^® intangible assets in Canada, reduced the Company’s overall operating margin by 1.3 and 0.8 percentage points in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying value of the remaining intangible assets of the Europe’s Best^® business is approximately $11.0 million after the 2011 impairment charge.

For the first nine months of 2011, gross profit increased $20.9 million but decreased to 37.9 percent of net sales, compared to 38.4 percent of net sales in the first nine months of 2010. The first nine months of 2011 includes the impact of $38.4 million of special project costs in cost of products sold, primarily accelerated depreciation. Excluding special project costs, gross profit increased $59.3 million, or four percent, and increased as a percent of net sales from 38.4 percent in the first nine months of 2010, to 38.9 percent in the first nine months of 2011. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2011 included higher costs for green coffee, milk, sugar, and soybean oil while costs for peanuts and flour were lower, compared to the first nine months of 2010. Coffee price increases taken during the year more than offset higher green coffee costs and contributed

to the gross profit increase in the first nine months of 2011, compared to the first nine months of 2010 which benefited from volume-related plant efficiencies.

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses decreased one percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, and decreased as a percentage of net sales from 18.3 percent to 17.6 percent. Marketing expenses decreased six percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010 which included significant long-term investments in brand-equity initiatives and new advertising. Selling expenses and general and administrative expenses both increased two percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, while distribution expenses in the first nine months of 2011 were flat compared to 2010.

Operating income increased $8.3 million, or one percent, in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, despite an increase in special project costs of approximately $52.1 million. Excluding the impact of special project costs in both periods, operating income increased $60.4 million, or nine percent, and improved from 18.1 percent of net sales in 2010, to 19.2 percent in 2011.

Interest expense increased $3.9 million during the third quarter and $2.5 million for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, due to higher average debt outstanding. Debt repayments made during fiscal 2010 totaled $625.0 million, most of which were made in the third quarter, and were offset by the issuance of $400.0 million in Senior Notes on June 15, 2010.

Income taxes increased $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010. The effective tax rate was 32.6 percent in the third quarter of 2011 and 31.3 percent in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in the third quarter effective tax rate is primarily due to reduced tax benefits associated with the Canadian operations and changes to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by an increased benefit related to the domestic manufacturing deduction in 2011 compared to 2010.

Income taxes decreased $7.2 million during the first nine months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2011 was 32.2 percent, compared to 33.7 percent for the same period in 2010, reflecting the higher domestic manufacturing deduction for 2011 compared to the prior year.

In calendar 2010, the Company announced its plan to restructure certain coffee, fruit spreads, and its Canadian pickle and condiments operations as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the long-term strength and profitability of its leading brands. The initiative is a long-term investment to optimize production capacity and lower the overall cost structure. It includes estimated capital investments of approximately $220.0 million for a new state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Orrville, Ohio, and consolidation of coffee production in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition, the Company’s Canadian pickle and condiments production will be transitioned to third-party manufacturers in the U.S.

The restructuring plan calls for the future closing of six of the Company’s facilities — Memphis, Tennessee; Ste. Marie, Quebec; Sherman, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Dunnville, Ontario; and Delhi Township, Ontario. Upon completion, the restructuring will result in the reduction of approximately 850 full-time positions.

The Company expects to incur restructuring costs of approximately $235.0 million, of which $79.0 million has been incurred through January 31, 2011 including $25.3 million and $73.2 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively. The restructuring is proceeding as planned and the balance of the costs is anticipated to be incurred over the next four fiscal years as the facilities are closed.

While the Company’s four reportable segments remain the same for 2011, the calculation of segment profit was modified in 2011 to include intangible asset amortization and impairment charges related to segment assets, along with certain other items in each of the segments. These items were previously considered corporate expenses and were not allocated to the segments. This change more accurately aligns the segment financial results with the responsibilities of segment management, most notably in the area of intangible assets. Fiscal 2010 segment profit has been presented to be consistent with the current methodology.

The U.S. Retail Coffee Market segment net sales increased 18 percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. Through the third quarter, price increases totaling 13 percent were taken during 2011 to cover rising green coffee costs. The impact of these price increases and sales mix more than offset a two percent volume decline. Favorable sales mix includes the impact of the Folgers Gourmet Selections^® and Millstone^® K-Cups^® offerings introduced earlier in the fiscal year. While K-Cups^® added approximately four percent to U.S. Retail Coffee Market segment net sales in the third quarter of 2011, their impact on segment volume was less than one percent. Volume decreased three percent for the Folgers^® brand while Dunkin’ Donuts^® packaged coffee volume increased eight percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010.

U.S. Retail Coffee Market segment profit increased 19 percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. Green coffee costs were significantly higher in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, but were offset by price increases taken earlier in the year and favorable sales mix. Promotional spending, while up for the third quarter of 2011 compared to 2010, was at an overall lower rate during the 2011 Fall Bake and Holiday period. Marketing expenses decreased eight percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010. As a result, segment profit margin was 28.5 percent in 2011, compared to 28.1 percent in 2010. The Company expects to recognize higher green coffee costs in the fourth quarter and, as a result, announced a 10 percent price increase in early February for the majority of coffee items, primarily items sold under the Folgers^® and Dunkin’ Donuts^® brand names.

For the first nine months of 2011, net sales for the U.S. Retail Coffee Market increased 11 percent, compared to the first nine months of 2010. Price increases taken during the first nine months of the year more than offset a two percent volume decline, resulting in the net sales increase. Driven by higher net sales, segment profit increased 12 percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, and segment profit margin was relatively flat at 29.4 percent in 2011, compared to 29.3 percent in 2010.

The U.S. Retail Consumer Market segment net sales increased five percent while volume increased seven percent, excluding the effect of potato products divested in the fourth quarter of 2010. Net sales include the impact of a peanut butter price reduction of five percent taken earlier in the fiscal year. Volume gains were realized in Jif^® peanut butter, Smucker’s^® fruit spreads, andHungry Jack^® pancake mixes and syrup. Reported segment net sales were flat and volume increased three percent, respectively, for the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, reflecting the divested potato products.

The U.S. Retail Consumer Market segment profit increased nine percent for the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter in 2010, due to a decrease in supply chain and certain raw material costs, primarily peanuts. These more than offset a five percent increase in segment marketing expense during the third quarter of 2011. Segment profit margin for the quarter improved significantly from 24.2 percent in the third quarter of 2010, to 26.4 percent in 2011.

Net sales for the U.S. Retail Consumer Market increased one percent in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, and volume increased three percent over the same period, excluding potato products. On a reported basis, net sales and volume decreased three and one percent, respectively. Segment profit increased seven percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, and segment profit margin improved from 23.7 percent to 26.4 percent, primarily due to a decrease in supply chain costs.

Net sales and volume in the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment increased four percent and three percent, respectively, for the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010. Net sales for theCrisco^® brand increased 14 percent, on volume gains of 27 percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010, reflecting the impact of the price decline taken earlier in the fiscal year. While net sales were flat reflecting favorable sales mix and price increases, Pillsbury^® baking volume declined nine percent resulting from a combination of planned reductions in lower-margin products, and a continuing competitive and promotional environment. Volume also declined in branded canned milk in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010.

The U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment profit decreased 12 percent for the third quarter of 2011, compared to the third quarter of 2010, reflecting the pricing actions taken in response to competitive dynamics. Also, higher costs were realized for milk, sugar, and soybean oil. Segment profit margin decreased from 14.7 percent in the third quarter of 2010, to 12.4 percent in 2011.

U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment net sales and volume decreased five percent and six percent in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010. Segment profit decreased 11 percent for the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, and segment profit margin declined from 14.4 percent to 13.4 percent for the same period due to pricing declines taken in response to competitive dynamics combined with higher raw material costs.

The results of the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment have been impacted by a highly competitive and promotional environment over the last several quarters. As of January 31, 2011, approximately 13 percent of the Company’s total goodwill and intangible assets are included in the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment. Due to the increased risk of impairment resulting from the competitive environment, the Company performed an assessment during the third quarter of 2011, which indicated that the estimated fair value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets of the U.S. Retail Oils and Baking Market segment

supported their carrying values. Should competitive pressure in these categories be sustained, long-term assumptions relative to growth rates and profitability of the segment or certain brands within it may not be attained which could result in an impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets of the segment. The Company will update this assessment during its annual evaluation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net sales in the Special Markets segment increased seven percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010. Excluding foreign exchange, net sales increased four percent over the same time period. Volume increased seven percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010, driven by gains in the natural foods, pickles, baking, and coffee categories. The Company’s Bick’s^® pickles brand experienced above normal volume growth due to the temporary withdrawal of several competing products that is not expected to be sustained.

Special Markets segment profit decreased eight percent and profit margin declined to 12.3 percent from 14.2 percent for the third quarter of 2011, compared to 2010. Impairment charges of $17.2 million related to Europe’s’ Best^® intangible assets in Canada were recorded in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2010. The incremental charge of $9.9 million reduced segment profit margin by 4.2 percentage points.

Net sales and volume in the Special Markets segment both increased four percent in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010. Excluding foreign exchange, net sales increased one percent compared to the same period last year. Special Markets segment profit increased 16 percent and improved to 16.5 percent of net sales in the first nine months of 2011, from 14.8 percent of net sales in the first nine months of 2010. Segment profit benefited from lower flour and supply chain costs in Canada, and favorable sales mix which more than offset the impact of impairment charges.

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

On an annual basis, the Company’s principal source of funds is cash generated from operations, supplemented by borrowings against the Company’s revolving credit facility. Total cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2011, were $549.6 million compared to $283.6 million at April 30, 2010.

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2011 was $394.4 million compared to $511.6 million in 2010. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2011, compared to 2010, was primarily related to an increase in cash used for income tax payments of $135.1 million. Approximately $80.0 million of the increase in income tax payments represents a change in the timing

of the payments. Increases in trade receivable and inventory balances, primarily related to higher commodity costs and related price increases, also contributed to the decrease in cash provided by operating activities.

The Company expects a significant use of cash during the first half of each fiscal year, primarily due to the buildup of inventories to support the Fall Bake and Holiday period, and the additional increase of coffee inventory in advance of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Company expects cash provided by operations in the second half of the fiscal year to exceed the first half of the year, upon completion of the Company’s key promotional periods.

Cash used for investing activities was $144.8 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $100.0 million in the same period of 2010. The increased cash used for investing activities in 2011, compared to 2010, was primarily the purchase of $75.6 million of marketable securities in 2011. Cash used for capital expenditures was $111.1 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $112.7 million in 2010. The Company expects capital expenditures to total approximately $175.0 million for the full fiscal year, as expenditures for the coffee and fruit spreads restructuring project accelerate.

Cash provided by financing activities during the first nine months of 2011 was approximately $14.6 million. During the first nine months of 2011 the issuance of $400.0 million in Senior Notes more than offset quarterly dividend payments of $143.1 million and the purchase of treasury shares for $247.3 million, including the repurchase of 3.7 million common shares available under previous Board of Directors’ authorizations. During the first nine months of 2010, total cash of $747.0 million was used for financing purposes consisting primarily of $625.0 million in debt repayments and $124.6 million in quarterly dividend payments. The increased dividend payments in 2011, compared to 2010, resulted primarily from an increase in the quarterly dividend rate during the period.

The following table presents the Company’s capital structure: