Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and its majority-owned investments, if any. Intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates in these consolidated financial statements include: allowances for doubtful trade receivables, estimates of future cash flows associated with assets, asset impairments, useful lives and residual values for depreciation and amortization, loss contingencies, net realizable value of inventories, accruals for trade marketing and merchandising programs, income taxes, and the determination of discount and other rate assumptions for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue, net of estimated returns and allowances, when all of the following criteria have been met: a valid customer order with a determinable price has been received; the product has been shipped and title has transferred to the customer; there is no further significant obligation to assist in the resale of the product; and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Major Customer

Major Customer: Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries amounted to approximately 26 percent of net sales in both 2012 and 2011, and 27 percent of net sales in 2010. These sales are primarily included in the two U.S. retail market segments. No other customer exceeded 10 percent of net sales for any year. Trade receivables at April 30, 2012 and 2011, included amounts due from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries of $84,068 and $87,623, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs: Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.

Trade Marketing and Merchandising Programs

Trade Marketing and Merchandising Programs: In order to support the Company’s products, various promotional activities are conducted through retail trade, distributors, or directly with consumers, including in-store display and product placement programs, feature price discounts, coupons, and other similar activities. The Company regularly reviews and revises, when it deems necessary, estimates of costs to the Company for these promotional programs based on estimates of what will be redeemed by retail trade, distributors, or consumers. These estimates are made using various techniques including historical data on performance of similar promotional programs. Differences between estimated expenditures and actual performance are recognized as a change in management’s estimate in a subsequent period. As the Company’s total promotional expenditures, including amounts classified as a reduction of net sales, represented approximately 23 percent of net sales in 2012, a possibility exists of materially different reported results if factors such as the level and success of the promotional programs or other conditions differ from expectations.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $119,600, $115,066, and $130,583 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs: Total research and development costs were $21,931, $20,981, and $20,963 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments: Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which includes a one-year performance period plus the defined forfeiture period, which is typically four years of service or the attainment of a defined age and years of service.

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

	Year Ended April 30,
	2012		2011		2010
Share-based compensation expense included in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses	$	19,292	$	19,896	$	20,687
Share-based compensation expense included in other merger and integration costs		2,419		4,148		5,262
Share-based compensation expense included in other restructuring costs		105		290		—
Total share-based compensation expense	$	21,816	$	24,334	$	25,949
Related income tax benefit	$	7,511	$	8,064	$	8,402

As of April 30, 2012, total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to nonvested share-based awards was approximately $29,881. The weighted-average period over which this amount is expected to be recognized is 2.9 years.

Corporate income tax benefits realized upon exercise or vesting of an award in excess of that previously recognized in earnings, referred to as excess tax benefits, are presented in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows as a financing activity. Realized excess tax benefits are credited to additional capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized shortfall tax benefits, amounts which are less than that previously recognized in earnings, are first offset against the cumulative balance of excess tax benefits, if any, and then charged directly to income tax expense. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, the actual tax deductible benefit realized from share-based compensation was $4,825, $7,310, and $3,005, including $4,832, $6,990, and $2,908, respectively, of excess tax benefits realized upon exercise or vesting of share-based compensation, and classified as other – net, under financing activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.

Defined Contribution Plans

Defined Contribution Plans: The Company offers employee savings plans for domestic and Canadian employees. The Company’s contributions under these plans are based on a specified percentage of employee contributions. Charges to operations for these plans in 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $16,078, $16,440, and $15,625, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the applicable tax rate is recognized in income or expense in the period that the change is effective. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A tax benefit is recognized when it is more likely than not to be sustained.

The Company accounts for the financial statement recognition and measurement criteria of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes. FASB ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

In accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC 740, uncertain tax positions have been classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as long term, except to the extent payment is expected within one year. The Company recognizes net interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all short-term, highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Trade Receivables

Trade Receivables: In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to customers. Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, reflect the net realizable value of receivables and approximate fair value. The Company evaluates its trade receivables and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors. When aware that a specific customer has been impacted by circumstances such as bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, potentially making it unable to meet its financial obligations, the Company records a specific reserve for bad debt to reduce the related receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes is collectible. The Company also records reserves for bad debt for all other customers based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and an evaluation of current and projected economic conditions at the balance sheet date. Trade receivables are charged off against the allowance after management determines the potential for recovery is remote. At April 30, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,715 and $1,882, respectively. The net provision for the allowance for doubtful accounts decreased $167 and $480 in 2012 and 2010, respectively, and increased $361 in 2011. The Company believes there is no concentration of risk with any single customer whose failure or nonperformance would materially affect the Company’s results other than as discussed in Major Customer.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for all inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out method applied on a consistent basis.

The cost of finished products and work-in-process inventory includes materials, direct labor, and overhead. Work-in-process is included in finished products in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $78,344 and $77,594 at April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company utilizes derivative instruments such as basis contracts, commodity futures and options contracts, foreign currency forwards and options, and interest rate swaps to manage exposures in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. The Company accounts for these derivative instruments in accordance with FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all derivative instruments to be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them. For derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge that are used to hedge an anticipated transaction, changes in fair value are deferred and recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to the extent the hedge is effective and then recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Income in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Hedge effectiveness is measured at inception and on a monthly basis. Any ineffectiveness associated with the hedge or changes in fair value of derivatives that are nonqualifying are recognized immediately in the Statements of Consolidated Income. Derivatives designated as fair value hedges that are used to hedge against changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt are recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in the Statements of Consolidated Income and are offset by the change in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. By policy, the Company historically has not entered into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes or for speculation. For additional information, see Note 12: Derivative Financial Instruments.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment: Property, plant, and equipment is recognized at cost and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset (3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, 3 to 7 years for capitalized software costs, and 5 to 40 years for buildings, fixtures, and improvements).

In 2012, the Company acquired a majority of the North American foodservice coffee and hot beverage business of Sara Lee Corporation (“Sara Lee foodservice business”), which included $36,168 of coffee brew equipment. Brew equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 3 to 5 years. Brew equipment is included in machinery and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and was $37,100 at April 30, 2012. For additional information, see Note 2: Acquisitions.

The Company leases certain land, buildings, and equipment for varying periods of time, with renewal options. Rent expense in 2012, 2011, and 2010 totaled $56,502, $57,572, and $55,010, respectively. As of April 30, 2012, the Company’s minimum operating lease obligations were as follows: $22,445 in 2013, $20,577 in 2014, $13,889 in 2015, $11,929 in 2016, and $9,561 in 2017.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: In accordance with FASB ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, long-lived assets, except goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of by sale are recognized as held for sale at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the net assets of the business acquired. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. The Company conducts its annual test for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets as of February 1 of each year. A discounted cash flow valuation technique and a market-based approach are utilized to estimate the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. For annual impairment testing purposes, the Company’s reporting units are its operating segments. The discount rates utilized in the analysis are developed using a weighted-average cost of capital methodology. In addition to the annual test, the Company will test for impairment if events or circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. For additional information, see Note 7: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Marketable Securities and Other Investments

Marketable Securities and Other Investments: Under the Company’s investment policy, it may invest in debt securities deemed to be investment grade at the time of purchase for general corporate purposes. The Company determines the appropriate categorization of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. The Company categorized all debt securities as available for sale as it had the intent to convert these investments into cash if and when needed. Classification of available-for-sale marketable securities as current or noncurrent is based on whether the conversion to cash is expected to be necessary for operations in the upcoming year, which is consistent with the security’s maturity date.

Securities categorized as available for sale are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. The fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities was $18,600 at April 30, 2011, and was included in other current assets. All available-for-sale securities had matured or were sold prior to April 30, 2012. Proceeds of $18,600, $57,100, and $13,519 have been realized upon maturity or sale of available-for-sale marketable securities in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company uses specific identification to determine the basis on which securities are sold.

The Company also maintains funds for the payment of benefits associated with nonqualified retirement plans. These funds include investments considered to be available-for-sale marketable securities. At April 30, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of these investments was $43,217 and $41,560, respectively, and was included in other noncurrent assets. Included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at April 30, 2012 and 2011, were unrealized gains of $3,984 and $2,817, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income and expenses are translated using average rates. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards: In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity and requires the presentation of net income and other comprehensive income to be in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 does not change the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05, which defers the requirement to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income while the FASB further deliberates this aspect of the standard. ASU 2011-05, as amended by ASU 2011-12, will be effective May 1, 2012, for the Company. Adoption of this guidance requires retrospective application and will affect the presentation of certain elements of the Company’s financial statements, but will not otherwise have an impact on the financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which simplifies the testing of goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 will allow the Company the option to perform either a qualitative test or the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test to assess the likelihood that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. This ASU will also be effective May 1, 2012, for the Company. The Company anticipates that adoption of ASU 2011-08 could change the annual process for goodwill impairment testing, but will not impact the financial statements or disclosures.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires the disclosure of both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet. This ASU will be effective May 1, 2013, for the Company and will require retrospective application. The Company anticipates the adoption of ASU 2011-11 will not impact the financial statements, but will expand the disclosures related to derivative instruments.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties: The raw materials used by the Company in each of its segments are primarily commodities and agricultural-based products. Glass, plastic, steel cans, caps, carton board, and corrugate are the principal packaging materials used by the Company. The fruit and vegetable raw materials used by the Company in the production of its food products are purchased from independent growers and suppliers. Green coffee, peanuts, edible oils, sweeteners, milk, flour, corn, and other ingredients are obtained from various suppliers. The availability, quality, and cost of many of these commodities have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, over time. Green coffee is sourced solely from foreign countries and its supply and price are subject to high volatility due to factors such as weather, global supply and demand, pest damage, and political and economic conditions in the source countries. Raw materials are generally available from numerous sources, although the Company has elected to source certain plastic packaging materials from single sources of supply pursuant to long-term contracts. While availability may vary year to year, the Company believes that it will continue to be able to obtain adequate supplies and that alternatives to single-sourced materials are available. The Company has not historically encountered significant shortages of key raw materials. The Company considers its relationships with key material suppliers to be good.

Approximately 28 percent of the Company’s employees are covered by union contracts at 11 locations. The contracts vary in term depending on the location, with three contracts expiring in 2013.

The Company insures its business and assets in each country against insurable risks, to the extent that it deems appropriate, based upon an analysis of the relative risks and costs.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications.