INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Aug. 24, 2025

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

12. INCOME TAXES

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, we recognized income tax expense of $124.6 million and an income tax benefit of $138.9 million, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was 43.1% and (42.4)% for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025, respectively.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was negatively impacted by non-deductible goodwill related to the divestiture of the Chef Boyardee ^®, Mrs. Paul’s ^®, and Van de Kamp’s ^® businesses. This resulted in $62.8 million of tax expense being recognized on a pre-tax gain of $42.4 million. Additionally, a $5.5 million of tax expense was recognized related to stock-based compensation due to the decline in our stock price.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 reflected a $210.4 million deferred tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowances booked against certain deferred tax assets. Interactions with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding certain elections that had previously been under IRS review make the realization of certain deferred tax assets likely. The realization of these deferred tax assets allows for both current and future tax deductions through 2036.

On July 4, 2025, Public Law No. 119-21, referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (the “Act”), was enacted into law. The Act generally made permanent certain tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) and includes changes to U.S. tax law that will be applicable to Conagra beginning in fiscal 2026. These changes include provisions allowing accelerated tax deductions for qualified property and research expenditures. We currently expect a beneficial cash flow impact in fiscal 2026 from the enhanced expensing provisions. The Act does not materially impact our effective tax rate.