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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND FAIR VALUES
12 Months Ended
May 25, 2014
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND FAIR VALUES [Abstract]  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND FAIR VALUES

NOTE 7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, AND FAIR VALUES

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, other current liabilities, and notes payable approximate fair value. Marketable securities are carried at fair value. As of May 25, 2014, and May 26, 2013, a comparison of cost and market values of our marketable debt and equity securities is as follows:

 Cost Market Value Gross Gains Gross Losses
 Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
In Millions 2014 2013  2014 2013  2014 2013  2014 2013
Available for sale:                   
Debt securities$ 318.6$ 134.0 $ 318.8$ 134.1 $ 0.2$ 0.1 $ -$ -
Equity securities  1.8  1.8   7.2  6.4   5.4  4.6   -  -
Total$ 320.4$ 135.8 $ 326.0$ 140.5 $ 5.6$ 4.7 $ -$ -

Earnings include no realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale marketable securities. Gains and losses are determined by specific identification. Classification of marketable securities as current or noncurrent is dependent upon our intended holding period, the security's maturity date, or both. The aggregate unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effects, are classified in AOCI within stockholders' equity.

 

Scheduled maturities of our marketable securities are as follows:

  Available for Sale
In Millions Cost Market Value
Under 1 year (current)$ 316.9$ 317.1
From 1 to 3 years  1.1  1.1
From 4 to 7 years  0.6  0.6
Equity securities  1.8  7.2
Total$ 320.4$ 326.0

Marketable securities with a market value of $2.3 million as of May 25, 2014, were pledged as collateral for derivative contracts. As of May 25, 2014, $43.1 million of certain accounts receivable are pledged as collateral against a foreign uncommitted line of credit.

 

The fair value and carrying amounts of long-term debt, including the current portion, were $8,188.6 million and $7,674.1 million, respectively, as of May 25, 2014. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash flows based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. Long-term debt is a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy.

 

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

 

As a part of our ongoing operations, we are exposed to market risks such as changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and commodity and equity prices. To manage these risks, we may enter into various derivative transactions (e.g., futures, options, and swaps) pursuant to our established policies.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

 

Many commodities we use in the production and distribution of our products are exposed to market price risks. We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for our principal ingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils (principally soybean), dairy products, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Our primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. We manage our exposures through a combination of purchase orders, long-term contracts with suppliers, exchange-traded futures and options, and over-the-counter options and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as close to our planned cost as possible.

We use derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Although we do not meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, we nonetheless believe that these instruments are effective in achieving our objective of providing certainty in the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. Accordingly, for purposes of measuring segment operating performance these gains and losses are reported in unallocated corporate items outside of segment operating results until such time that the exposure we are managing affects earnings. At that time we reclassify the gain or loss from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit, allowing our operating segments to realize the economic effects of the derivative without experiencing any resulting mark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate items.

 

Unallocated corporate items for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 included:

 Fiscal Year
In Millions 2014  2013 2012
Net loss on mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions$ (4.9) $ (7.6)$ (122.5)
Net gain on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit  51.2   13.7  35.7
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories  2.2   (1.7)  (17.4)
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items$ 48.5 $ 4.4$ (104.2)

As of May 25, 2014, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $304.9 million, of which $124.1 million related to agricultural inputs and $180.8 million related to energy inputs. These contracts relate to inputs that generally will be utilized within the next 12 months.

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

We are exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt and existing and future issuances of floating-rate debt. Primary exposures include U.S. Treasury rates, LIBOR, Euribor, and commercial paper rates in the United States and Europe. We use interest rate swaps, forward-starting interest rate swaps, and treasury locks to hedge our exposure to interest rate changes, to reduce the volatility of our financing costs, and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed versus floating-rate debt, based on current and projected market conditions. Generally under these swaps, we agree with a counterparty to exchange the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts based on an agreed upon notional principal amount.

Floating Interest Rate Exposures — Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges, as are all hedges of forecasted issuances of debt. Effectiveness is assessed based on either the perfectly effective hypothetical derivative method or changes in the present value of interest payments on the underlying debt. Effective gains and losses deferred to AOCI are reclassified into earnings over the life of the associated debt. Ineffective gains and losses are recorded as net interest. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was less than $1 million in each of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.

 

Fixed Interest Rate Exposures — Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges with effectiveness assessed based on changes in the fair value of the underlying debt and derivatives, using incremental borrowing rates currently available on loans with similar terms and maturities. Ineffective gains and losses on these derivatives and the underlying hedged items are recorded as net interest. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was less than $1 million in each of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.

 

In advance of planned debt financing, we entered into $250.0 million of treasury locks with an average fixed rate of 1.99 percent. All of these treasury locks were cash settled for $17.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, coincident with the issuance of our $500.0 million 10-year fixed-rate notes.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into swaps to convert $250.0 million of 0.875 percent fixed-rate notes due January 29, 2016, to floating rates.

As of May 25, 2014, the pre-tax amount of cash-settled interest rate hedge gain or loss remaining in AOCI which will be reclassified to earnings over the remaining term of the related underlying debt follows:

 

In Millions Gain/(Loss)
5.2% notes due March 17, 2015$ (0.4)
5.7% notes due February 15, 2017  (6.0)
5.65% notes due February 15, 2019  2.3
3.15% notes due December 15, 2021  (74.8)
3.65% notes due February 15, 2024  17.3
5.4% notes due June 15, 2040  (14.5)
4.15% notes due February 15, 2043  11.3
Net pre-tax hedge loss in AOCI$ (64.8)

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates of our interest rate derivatives. Average floating rates are based on rates as of the end of the reporting period.

 

In Millions May 25, 2014  May 26, 2013
Pay-floating swaps - notional amount$ 250.0 $ 550.0
Average receive rate  0.9%   1.1%
Average pay rate  0.5%   0.4%
Treasury locks - notional amount$ - $ 250.0

The swap contracts mature in fiscal 2016.

The following tables reconcile the net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the net fair values that could be reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 May 25, 2014
   Assets      Liabilities   
    Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (e)     Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (e) 
In MillionsGross Amounts of Recognized AssetsGross Liabilities Offset in the Balance Sheet (a)Net Amounts of Assets (b)Financial InstrumentsCash Collateral ReceivedNet Amount (c) Gross Amounts of Recognized LiabilitiesGross Assets Offset in the Balance Sheet (a)Net Amounts of Liabilities (b)Financial InstrumentsCash Collateral ReceivedNet Amount (d)
Commodity contracts$ 19.1$ -$ 19.1$ (3.4)$ -$ 15.7 $ (4.0)$ -$ (4.0)$ 3.4$ -$ (0.6)
Interest rate contracts 0.7 - 0.7 - - 0.7  - - - - - -
Foreign exchange contracts 10.5 - 10.5 (8.0) - 2.5  (19.1) - (19.1) 8.0 - (11.1)
Total$ 30.3$ -$ 30.3$ (11.4)$ -$ 18.9 $ (23.1)$ -$ (23.1)$ 11.4$ -$ (11.7)

(a) Includes related collateral offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(b) Net fair value as recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(c) Fair value of assets that could be reported net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(d) Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(e) Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 May 26, 2013
   Assets      Liabilities   
    Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (e)     Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (e) 
In MillionsGross Amounts of Recognized AssetsGross Liabilities Offset in the Balance Sheet (a)Net Amounts of Assets (b)Financial InstrumentsCash Collateral ReceivedNet Amount (c) Gross Amounts of Recognized LiabilitiesGross Assets Offset in the Balance Sheet (a)Net Amounts of Liabilities (b)Financial InstrumentsCash Collateral ReceivedNet Amount (d)
Commodity contracts$ 33.0$ (19.6)$ 13.4$ -$ -$ 13.4 $ (23.5)$ 19.6$ (3.9)$ -$ -$ (3.9)
Interest rate contracts 10.3 - 10.3 - - 10.3  - - - - - -
Foreign exchange contracts 22.5 - 22.5 (1.7) - 20.8  (1.7) - (1.7) 1.7 - -
Total$ 65.8$ (19.6)$ 46.2$ (1.7)$ -$ 44.5 $ (25.2)$ 19.6$ (5.6)$ 1.7$ -$ (3.9)

(a) Includes related collateral offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(b) Net fair value as recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(c) Fair value of assets that could be reported net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(d) Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(e) Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK

 

Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency cash flows related to third party purchases, intercompany loans, product shipments, and foreign-denominated commercial paper. We are also exposed to the translation of foreign currency earnings to the U.S. dollar. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and Mexican peso. We mainly use foreign currency forward contracts to selectively hedge our foreign currency cash flow exposures. We also generally swap our foreign-denominated commercial paper borrowings and nonfunctional currency intercompany loans back to U.S. dollars or the functional currency of the entity with foreign exchange exposure; the gains or losses on these derivatives offset the foreign currency revaluation gains or losses recorded in earnings on the associated borrowings. We generally do not hedge more than 18 months forward.

As of May 25, 2014, the net notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was $1,222.9 million. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was less than $1 million in each of fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.

We also have many net investments in foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in euros. We previously hedged a portion of these net investments by issuing euro-denominated commercial paper and foreign exchange forward contracts. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we entered into a net investment hedge for a portion of our net investment in foreign operations denominated in euros by issuing €500.0 million of euro-denominated bonds. As of May 25, 2014, we had deferred net foreign currency transaction losses of $104.3 million in AOCI associated with hedging activity.

 

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy and as such, we remeasure the value of the assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiary based on the exchange rate at which we expect to remit dividends in U.S. dollars. In February 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued the bolivar by resetting the official exchange rate. The effect of the devaluation in fiscal 2013 was a $25.2 million foreign exchange loss in segment operating profit resulting from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiary. On February 19, 2014, the Venezuelan government established a new foreign exchange market mechanism (“SICAD 2”) and has indicated that this will be the market through which U.S. dollars will be obtained for the remittance of dividends. This market has significantly higher foreign exchange rates than those available through the other foreign exchange mechanisms. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded a $62.2 million foreign exchange loss in the International segment operating profit resulting from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiary at the SICAD 2 rate of 50.0 bolivars per U.S. dollar. We have been able to access U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 market. Our Venezuela operations represent less than 1 percent of our consolidated assets, liabilities, net sales, and segment operating profit. At May 25, 2014, we had $2.6 million of non-U.S. dollar cash balances in Venezuela.

 

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

 

Equity price movements affect our compensation expense as certain investments made by our employees in our deferred compensation plan are revalued. We use equity swaps to manage this risk. As of May 25, 2014, the net notional amount of our equity swaps was $104.4 million. These swap contracts mature in fiscal 2015.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

 

The fair values of our assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value and their respective levels in the fair value hierarchy as of May 25, 2014 and May 26, 2013, were as follows:

 May 25, 2014 May 25, 2014
 Fair Values of Assets Fair Values of Liabilities
In Millions Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                 
Interest rate contracts (a) (b) $ -$ 0.7$ -$ 0.7 $ -$ -$ -$ -
Foreign exchange contracts (c) (d)  -  9.9  -  9.9   -  (12.6)  -  (12.6)
Total   -  10.6  -  10.6   -  (12.6)  -  (12.6)
                  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                 
Foreign exchange contracts (c) (d)  -  0.6  -  0.6   -  (6.5)  -  (6.5)
Commodity contracts (c) (e)  11.1  8.0  -  19.1   -  (4.0)  -  (4.0)
Grain contracts (c) (e)  -  7.5  -  7.5   -  (4.9)  -  (4.9)
Total   11.1  16.1  -  27.2   -  (15.4)  -  (15.4)
                  
Other assets and liabilities reported at fair value:                 
Marketable investments (a) (f)  7.2  318.8  -  326.0   -  -  -  -
Total   7.2  318.8  -  326.0   -  -  -  -
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value$ 18.3$ 345.5$ -$ 363.8 $ -$ (28.0)$ -$ (28.0)

(a)       These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments are recorded as cash and cash equivalents.

(b)       Based on LIBOR and swap rates.

(c)       These contracts are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets or as other current liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position.

(d)       Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.

(e)       Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.

(f)       Based on prices of common stock and bond matrix pricing.

 

 May 26, 2013 May 26, 2013
 Fair Values of Assets Fair Values of Liabilities
In Millions Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                 
Interest rate contracts (a) (b) $ -$ 10.3$ -$ 10.3 $ -$ -$ -$ -
Foreign exchange contracts (c) (d)  -  15.7  -  15.7   -  (1.6)  -  (1.6)
Total   -  26.0  -  26.0   -  (1.6)  -  (1.6)
                  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                 
Foreign exchange contracts (c) (d)  -  6.7  -  6.7   -  (0.1)  -  (0.1)
Equity contracts (a) (e)  -  -  -  -   -  (0.2)  -  (0.2)
Commodity contracts (c) (e)  10.3  3.1  -  13.4   -  (3.9)  -  (3.9)
Grain contracts (c) (e)  -  7.5  -  7.5   -  (30.4)  -  (30.4)
Total   10.3  17.3  -  27.6   -  (34.6)  -  (34.6)
                  
Other assets and liabilities reported at fair value:                 
Marketable investments (a) (f)  6.4  134.1  -  140.5   -  -  -  -
Total   6.4  134.1  -  140.5   -  -  -  -
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value$ 16.7$ 177.4$ -$ 194.1 $ -$ (36.2)$ -$ (36.2)

(a)       These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments are recorded as cash and cash equivalents.

(b)       Based on LIBOR and swap rates.

(c)       These contracts are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets or as other current liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position.

(d)       Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.

(e)       Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.

(f)       Based on prices of common stock and bond matrix pricing.

 

We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.

 

Information related to our cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the fiscal years ended May 25, 2014, and May 26, 2013, follows:

  Interest Rate Contracts Foreign Exchange Contracts Equity Contracts Commodity Contracts Total
  Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
In Millions 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:                    
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) (a) $ 10.6$ 19.1$ 0.6$ 16.4$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 11.2$ 35.5
Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings (a) (b)  (11.7)  (12.5)  16.4  (4.8)  -  -  -  -  4.7  (17.3)
Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in earnings (c)  -  -  (0.1)  0.4  -  -  -  -  (0.1)  0.4
                     
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:                    
Amount of net gain recognized in earnings (d)  0.2  0.8  -  -  -  -  -  -  0.2  0.8
                     
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:                    
Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in earnings (d)  -  -  (20.0)  11.6  9.8  12.0  (4.9)  (7.6)  (15.1)  16.0

(a)       Effective portion.

(b)       Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(c)       Gain (loss) recognized in earnings is related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship, including SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts and interest, net for interest rate contracts. No amounts were reported as a result of being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

(d)       Gain (loss) recognized in earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate contracts, in cost of sales for commodity contracts, and in SG&A expenses for equity contracts and foreign exchange contracts.

AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

As of May 25, 2014, the after-tax amounts of unrealized gains and losses in AOCI related to hedge derivatives follows:

 

In Millions After-Tax Gain/(Loss)+
Unrealized losses from interest rate cash flow hedges$ (39.4)+
Unrealized gains from foreign currency cash flow hedges  0.6+
After-tax loss in AOCI related to hedge derivatives$ (38.8)+

The net amount of pre-tax gains and losses in AOCI as of May 25, 2014, that we expect to be reclassified into net earnings within the next 12 months is $7.4 million of loss.

CREDIT-RISK-RELATED CONTINGENT FEATURES

 

Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade credit rating on our debt from each of the major credit rating agencies. If our debt were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on May 25, 2014, was $9.0 million. We have posted no collateral under these contracts. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on May 25, 2014, we would have been required to post $9.0 million of collateral to counterparties.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK

 

During fiscal 2014, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (Wal-Mart) accounted for 21 percent of our consolidated net sales and 30 percent of our net sales in the U.S. Retail segment. No other customer accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated net sales. Wal-Mart also represented 7 percent of our net sales in the International segment and 7 percent of our net sales in the Convenience Stores and Foodservice segment. As of May 25, 2014, Wal-Mart accounted for 31 percent of our U.S. Retail receivables, 5 percent of our International receivables, and 9 percent of our Convenience Stores and Foodservice receivables. The five largest customers in our U.S. Retail segment accounted for 53 percent of its fiscal 2014 net sales, the five largest customers in our International segment accounted for 25 percent of its fiscal 2014 net sales, and the five largest customers in our Convenience Stores and Foodservice segment accounted for 42 percent of its fiscal 2014 net sales.

We enter into interest rate, foreign exchange, and certain commodity and equity derivatives, primarily with a diversified group of highly rated counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one party. These transactions may expose us to potential losses due to the risk of nonperformance by these counterparties; however, we have not incurred a material loss. We also enter into commodity futures transactions through various regulated exchanges.

 

The amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, should the counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the contracts, is $5.9 million against which we do not hold collateral. Under the terms of our swap agreements, some of our transactions require collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to threshold levels of exposure and counterparty credit risk. Collateral assets are either cash or U.S. Treasury instruments and are held in a trust account that we may access if the counterparty defaults.

 

We offer certain suppliers access to a third party service that allows them to view our scheduled payments online. The third party service also allows suppliers to finance advances on our scheduled payments at the sole discretion of the supplier and the third party. We have no economic interest in these financing arrangements and no direct relationship with the suppliers, the third party, or any financial institutions concerning this service. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of May 25, 2014, $285.5 million of our total accounts payable is payable to suppliers who utilize this third party service.