XML 68 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
DEBT
9 Months Ended
Feb. 24, 2013
Debt [Abstract]  
Debt

(7) Debt

 

The components of notes payable were as follows:

In Millions Feb. 24, 2013  May 27, 2012
U.S. commercial paper$ 596.7 $ 412.0
Financial institutions  86.0   114.5
Total$ 682.7 $ 526.5

To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines sufficient to cover our outstanding short-term borrowings. Commercial paper is a continuing source of short-term financing. We have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We have $2.7 billion of fee-paid committed credit lines, consisting of a $1.0 billion facility scheduled to expire in April 2015 and a $1.7 billion facility scheduled to expire in April 2017. We also have $364.9 million in uncommitted credit lines that support our foreign operations. As of February 24, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding on the fee-paid committed credit lines and $86.0 million was drawn on the uncommitted lines.

 

In January 2013, we issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes. The issuance consisted of $250.0 million 0.875 percent notes due January 29, 2016 and $500.0 million 4.15 percent notes due February 15, 2043. Interest on the fixed-rate notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The fixed rate notes due January 29, 2016 may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time for a specified make whole amount. The fixed rate notes due February 15, 2043 may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at our option at any time prior to August 15, 2042 for a specified make whole amount and any time on or after that date at par. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to reduce our commercial paper borrowings.

 

In January 2013, we issued $250.0 million floating rate notes due January 29, 2016. The floating-rate notes bear interest equal to three-month LIBOR plus 30 basis points, subject to quarterly reset. Interest on the floating-rate notes is payable quarterly in arrears. The floating rate notes are not redeemable prior to maturity. These notes are senior unsecured obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision. The net proceeds were used to reduce our commercial paper borrowings.

 

On September 10, 2012, we repaid $520.8 million of 5.65 percent notes. In February 2012, we repaid $1.0 billion of 6.0 percent notes. In November 2011, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.15 percent notes due December 15, 2021. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of our notes due February 2012, reduce our commercial paper borrowings, and for general corporate purposes. Interest on these notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. These notes may be redeemed at our option at any time prior to September 15, 2021 for a specified make whole amount and any time on or after that date at par. These notes are senior unsecured, unsubordinated obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision.

 

As part of our acquisition of Yoplait S.A.S. in fiscal 2012, we consolidated $457.9 million of primarily euro-denominated Euribor-based floating-rate bank debt. In December 2011, we refinanced this debt with $390.5 million of euro-denominated Euribor-based floating-rate bank debt due at various dates through December 15, 2014.

Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of February 24, 2013, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.