CONAGRA BRANDS INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 August (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 25, 2019

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-7275

CONAGRA BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		47-0248710
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1300 Chicago, Illinois		60654
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(312) 549-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

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

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $5.00 par value		CAG		New York Stock Exchange

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 the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

Number of shares outstanding of issuer’s common stock, as of August 25, 2019, was 486,654,153.

Table of Contents

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		1

Item 1	Financial Statements	1

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 25, 2019 and August 26, 2018	1

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 25, 2019 and August 26, 2018	2

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019	3

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks ended August 25, 2019 and August 26, 2018	4

	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	5

Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	39

Item 4	Controls and Procedures	40

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION		42

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	42

Item 1A	Risk Factors	43

Item 6	Exhibits	44

Signatures		45

Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32
Exhibit 101 Exhibit 104

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in millions except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Net sales	$	2,390.7		$	1,834.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold		1,726.2			1,318.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses		400.8			257.3
Pension and postretirement non-service income		(9.5	)		(10.2	)
Interest expense, net		122.7			49.0
Income before income taxes and equity method investment earnings		150.5			219.4
Income tax expense (benefit)		(11.5	)		57.4
Equity method investment earnings		12.3			16.2
Net income	$	174.3		$	178.2
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		0.5			-
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	173.8		$	178.2
Earnings per share — basic
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.36		$	0.45
Earnings per share — diluted
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	0.36		$	0.45

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in millions)

(unaudited)

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019									August 26, 2018
	Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After- Tax Amount			Pre-Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After- Tax Amount
Net income	$	162.8		$	11.5		$	174.3		$	235.6		$	(57.4	)	$	178.2
Other comprehensive income:
Derivative adjustments:
Unrealized derivative adjustments		(1.6	)		0.4			(1.2	)		(57.9	)		14.5			(43.4	)
Reclassification for derivative adjustments included in net income		(0.8	)		0.2			(0.6	)		—			—			—
Unrealized currency translation losses		(12.2	)		0.6			(11.6	)		(3.0	)		—			(3.0	)
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations:
Unrealized pension and post-employment benefit obligations		(14.8	)		3.7			(11.1	)		(0.4	)		—			(0.4	)
Reclassification for pension and post-employment benefit obligations included in net income		(0.4	)		0.1			(0.3	)		(0.2	)		0.1			(0.1	)
Comprehensive income		133.0			16.5			149.5			174.1			(42.8	)		131.3
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2.0	)		(0.2	)		(2.2	)		(2.1	)		(0.2	)		(2.3	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	135.0		$	16.7		$	151.7		$	176.2		$	(42.6	)	$	133.6

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions except share data)

(unaudited)

	August 25, 2019			May 26, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	64.7		$	236.6
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 and $2.2		776.3			818.2
Inventories		1,755.7			1,563.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		108.7			93.4
Current assets held for sale		22.6			22.3
Total current assets		2,728.0			2,733.8
Property, plant and equipment		4,997.0			4,952.1
Less accumulated depreciation		(2,649.0	)		(2,595.8	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,348.0			2,356.3
Goodwill		11,462.3			11,460.1
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net		4,524.8			4,559.5
Other assets		1,140.4			915.5
Noncurrent assets held for sale		151.0			188.6
	$	22,354.5		$	22,213.8
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable	$	56.0		$	1.0
Current installments of long-term debt		150.1			20.6
Accounts payable		1,316.9			1,252.1
Accrued payroll		96.4			173.7
Other accrued liabilities		823.5			690.6
Current liabilities held for sale		7.0			4.6
Total current liabilities		2,449.9			2,142.6
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments		10,127.5			10,459.8
Subordinated debt		195.9			195.9
Other noncurrent liabilities		2,058.8			1,951.8
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale		5.6			—
Total liabilities		14,837.7			14,750.1
Common stockholders' equity
Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 584,219,229		2,921.2			2,921.2
Additional paid-in capital		2,277.5			2,286.0
Retained earnings		5,118.0			5,047.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(132.4	)		(110.3	)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 97,565,076 and 98,133,747 common shares		(2,744.2	)		(2,760.2	)
Total Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders' equity		7,440.1			7,384.6
Noncontrolling interests		76.7			79.1
Total stockholders' equity		7,516.8			7,463.7
	$	22,354.5		$	22,213.8

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

(unaudited)

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	174.3		$	178.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		96.7			63.7
Asset impairment charges		67.0			0.5
Loss (gain) on divestiture		1.7			(13.3	)
Earnings of affiliates less than (in excess of) distributions		0.2			(3.0	)
Stock-settled share-based payments expense		10.2			11.4
Contributions to pension plans		(3.4	)		(4.2	)
Pension benefit		(5.7	)		(6.9	)
Other items		(2.6	)		7.4
Change in operating assets and liabilities excluding effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables		41.7			(18.9	)
Inventories		(198.0	)		(115.1	)
Deferred income taxes and income taxes payable, net		(23.9	)		49.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(16.1	)		(24.1	)
Accounts payable		94.3			50.4
Accrued payroll		(77.6	)		(70.0	)
Other accrued liabilities		48.2			(10.8	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		207.0			94.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(106.6	)		(86.1	)
Sale of property, plant and equipment		1.0			17.2
Purchase of marketable securities		(16.9	)		—
Sale of marketable securities		18.2			—
Proceeds from divestiture		—			30.3
Other items		(3.2	)		0.1
Net cash flows from investing activities		(107.5	)		(38.5	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net short-term borrowings		55.0			26.8
Repayment of long-term debt		(205.8	)		—
Bridge financing fees and other		—			(35.1	)
Payment of intangible asset financing arrangement		(13.6	)		(14.0	)
Cash dividends paid		(103.3	)		(83.0	)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of other stock awards, including tax withholdings		(3.1	)		(2.4	)
Other items		—			(1.9	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(270.8	)		(109.6	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(0.6	)		0.2
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(171.9	)		(53.2	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		237.6			129.0
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	65.7		$	75.8

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Thirteen Weeks ended August 25, 2019 and August 26, 2018

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in the Conagra Brands, Inc. (the "Company", "Conagra Brands", "we", "us", or "our") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2019.

The results of operations for any quarter or a partial fiscal year period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other periods or the full fiscal year.

Basis of Consolidation — The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Conagra Brands and all majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition — Our revenues primarily consist of the sale of food products which are sold to retailers and foodservice customers through direct sales forces, broker, and distributor arrangements. These revenue contracts generally have single performance obligations. Revenue, which includes shipping and handling charges billed to the customer, is reported net of variable consideration and consideration payable to our customers, including applicable discounts, returns, allowances, trade promotion, consumer coupon redemption, unsaleable product, and other costs. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables and require payment on a short-term basis and, therefore, we do not have any significant financing components.

We recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the goods to customers. Control is transferred upon delivery of the goods to the customer. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. We assess the goods and services promised in our customers' purchase orders and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct.

We offer various forms of trade promotions and the methodologies for determining these provisions are dependent on local customer pricing and promotional practices, which range from contractually fixed percentage price reductions to provisions based on actual occurrence or performance. Our promotional activities are conducted either through the retail trade or directly with consumers and include activities such as in-store displays and events, feature price discounts, consumer coupons, and loyalty programs. The costs of these activities are recognized at the time the related revenue is recorded, which normally precedes the actual cash expenditure. The recognition of these costs therefore requires management judgment regarding the volume of promotional offers that will be redeemed by either the retail trade or consumer. These estimates are made using various techniques including historical data on performance of similar promotional programs. Differences between estimated expense and actual redemptions are recognized as a change in management estimate in a subsequent period.

Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity, and changes in prior service cost and net actuarial gains (losses) from pension (for amounts not in excess of the 10% corridor) and post-retirement health care plans. On foreign investments we deem to be essentially permanent in nature, we do not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting an investment denominated in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. When we determine that a foreign investment, as well as undistributed earnings, are no longer permanent in nature, estimated taxes will be provided for the related deferred tax liability (asset), if any, resulting from currency translation adjustments.

The following table details the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income, net of tax:

	August 25, 2019			May 26, 2019
Currency translation losses, net of reclassification adjustments	$	(99.8	)	$	(90.9	)
Derivative adjustments, net of reclassification adjustments		32.2			34.0
Pension and post-employment benefit obligations, net of reclassification adjustments		(64.8	)		(53.4	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(132.4	)	$	(110.3	)

The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income:

	Thirteen weeks ended						Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings¹
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Net derivative adjustment, net of tax:
Cash flow hedges	$	(0.8	)	$	—		Interest expense, net
		(0.8	)		—		Total before tax
		0.2			—		Income tax expense
	$	(0.6	)	$	—		Net of tax
Pension and postretirement liabilities:
Net prior service cost	$	0.2		$	0.2		Pension and postretirement non-service income
Net actuarial gain		(1.2	)		(0.4	)	Pension and postretirement non-service income
Curtailment		0.6			—		Pension and postretirement non-service income
		(0.4	)		(0.2	)	Total before tax
		0.1			0.1		Income tax expense
	$	(0.3	)	$	(0.1	)	Net of tax

¹Amounts in parentheses indicate income recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition, including short-term time deposits and government agency and corporate obligations, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Reclassifications and other changes — Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Use of Estimates — Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Accounting Changes — In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, Topic 842, which requires lessees to reflect most leases on their balance sheet as assets and obligations. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 using the optional transition method provided under ASU 2018-11, Leases, Topic 842: Targeted Improvement, issued in July 2018, allowing for application of the standard at adoption date, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We also elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, including not reassessing whether existing contracts contain leases and carrying forward the historical classification of leases. The most significant impact of adoption on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements was the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. Our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Upon adoption, we had total lease assets of $238.4 million and total lease liabilities of $267.0 million. The difference is primarily due to prepaid and deferred rent balances that were reclassified to the ROU asset value. The adoption of this ASU did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and did not impact our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings or our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 12 for additional information related to our lease arrangements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), to update the methodology used to measure current expected credit losses (“CECL”). This ASU applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and trade accounts receivable as well as certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loan commitments. This ASU replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology to reflect CECL and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates. The guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU

2018-15”), which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The effective date for the standard is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We do not expect ASU 2018-15 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

2. ACQUISITIONS

On October 26, 2018, we acquired Pinnacle Foods Inc. ("Pinnacle"), a branded packaged foods company specializing in shelf-stable and frozen foods. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 26, 2018 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Pinnacle, and Patriot Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that ceased to exist at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of Pinnacle common stock was converted into the right to receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Shares") (together, the "Merger Consideration"), with cash payable in lieu of fractional Company Shares. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $8.03 billion and consisted of: (1) cash of $5.17 billion ($5.12 billion net of cash acquired); (2) 77.5 million Company Shares, with an approximate value of $2.82 billion, issued out of the Company's treasury; and (3) replacement awards issued to former Pinnacle employees representing the fair value attributable to pre-combination service (see Note 8) of $51.1 million.

In connection with the acquisition, we issued long-term debt of $8.33 billion (see Note 5) (which includes funding under the new term loan agreement) and received cash proceeds of $575.0 million ($555.7 million net of related fees) from the issuance of common stock in an underwritten public offering. We used such proceeds for the payment of the cash portion of the Merger Consideration, the repayment of Pinnacle debt acquired, the refinancing of certain Conagra Brands debt, and the payment of related fees and expenses.

The following table summarizes our current allocation of the total purchase consideration to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.

	October 26, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47.2
Receivables		202.8
Inventories		648.8
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14.9
Property, plant and equipment		721.0
Goodwill		7,020.9
Brands, trademarks and other intangibles		3,519.5
Other assets		24.3
Current liabilities		(605.5	)
Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments		(2,671.3	)
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(812.3	)
Other noncurrent liabilities		(76.3	)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$	8,034.0

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we made adjustments to our initial allocations, which resulted in an increase to goodwill of $5.0 million primarily as the result of changes in the values of certain inventory, deferred income taxes, and other noncurrent liabilities as we refine our fair value estimates. These changes did not have a significant impact on our net income for the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019.

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the preliminary estimate of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is primarily attributable to synergies and intangible assets such as assembled workforce, which are not separately recognizable. Of the total goodwill, $236.7 million is deductible for tax purposes. Amortizable brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $668.7 million and have a weighted average estimated useful life of 25 years. We are currently completing our fair value assessment of the acquired assets and liabilities and any adjustments identified in the measurement period, which will not exceed one year from the acquisition date, will be accounted for prospectively.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisition of Pinnacle had occurred on May 29, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. These unaudited pro forma results may not necessarily reflect the actual results of operations that would have been achieved, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations.

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 26, 2018
Pro forma net sales	$	2,557.1
Pro forma net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	206.3

The pro forma results include adjustments for amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation, and interest expense on debt issued to finance the acquisition, as well as the related income taxes. The pro forma results also include the following material nonrecurring adjustments, along with the related income tax effect of the adjustments:

•

Acquisition related costs incurred by the Company and Pinnacle of $7.5 million and $11.1 million, respectively, for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were excluded from the pro forma results.

•

Non-recurring expense of $5.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 related to securing bridge financing for the acquisition was excluded from the pro forma results.

3. DIVESTITURES AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

DSD Snacks Business

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our direct store delivery (“DSD”) snacks business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment. The purchase price under the agreement is $140.0 million in expected cash proceeds, subject to final working capital adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.

In connection with the pending sale of our DSD snacks business, we recognized an impairment charge of $31.4 million within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the DSD snacks business were as follows:

	August 25, 2019		May 26, 2019
Current assets	$	21.4	$	21.4
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $3.2 million and $34.6 million, respectively)		131.2		156.2
Current liabilities		7.0		4.6
Noncurrent liabilities		5.6		—

Other Divestitures

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Italian-based frozen pasta business, Gelit, for proceeds net of cash divested of $77.5 million, subject to final working capital adjustments. The business results were previously reported in our Refrigerated & Frozen segment.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Wesson^® oil business for net proceeds of $168.3 million, including working capital adjustments. The business results were previously reported primarily in our Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the Foodservice and International segments.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada, which was previously reported in our International segment, for combined proceeds of $32.2 million. We recognized a gain on the sale of $13.2 million, included within SG&A expenses.

Other Assets Held for Sale

In August 2019, we initiated a plan to sell a production facility and certain equipment within our Grocery & Snacks segment. These assets have been reclassified as assets held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. In connection with this planned divestiture, we recognized an impairment charge of $11.9 million within SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. This expense has been included in restructuring activities.

In addition, we are actively marketing certain other assets. These assets have been reclassified as assets held for sale within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented.

The assets classified as held for sale reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

	August 25, 2019		May 26, 2019
Current assets	$	1.2	$	0.9
Noncurrent assets (including goodwill of $4.9 million at May 26, 2019)		19.8		32.4

4. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan

In December 2018, our Board of Directors (the "Board") approved a restructuring and integration plan related to the ongoing integration of the recently acquired operations of Pinnacle (the "Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan") for the purpose of achieving significant cost synergies between the companies. We expect to incur material charges for exit and disposal activities under U.S. GAAP. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. We expect to incur up to $360.0 million ($285.0 million of cash charges and $75.0 million of non-cash charges) in relation to operational expenditures under the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately $260.9 million of charges ($251.8 million of cash charges and $9.1 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $27.7 million in association with the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. We expect to incur costs related to the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan over a three-year period.

We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first quarter of fiscal 2020):

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	—	$	0.6	$	—	$	—	$	0.6
Other cost of goods sold		1.6		3.5		0.7		—		5.8
Total cost of goods sold		1.6		4.1		0.7		—		6.4
Severance and related costs		—		—		1.5		116.6		118.1
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		0.2		—		—		3.6		3.8
Accelerated depreciation		—		—		—		8.2		8.2
Contract/lease termination		—		—		0.7		16.3		17.0
Consulting/professional fees		—		—		0.5		92.8		93.3
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		—		—		0.1		14.0		14.1
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		0.2		—		2.8		251.5		254.5
Consolidated total	$	1.8	$	4.1	$	3.5	$	251.5	$	260.9

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan:

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International			Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	—	$	0.1	$	—		$	—	$	0.1
Other cost of goods sold		0.1		—		—			—		0.1
Total cost of goods sold		0.1		0.1		—			—		0.2
Severance and related costs		—		—		0.2			3.7		3.9
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		0.2		—		—			3.6		3.8
Accelerated depreciation		—		—		—			1.8		1.8
Contract/lease termination		—		—		(0.1	)		7.7		7.6
Consulting/professional fees		—		—		0.3			7.4		7.7
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		—		—		—			2.7		2.7
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		0.2		—		0.4			26.9		27.5
Consolidated total	$	0.3	$	0.1	$	0.4		$	26.9	$	27.7

Included in the above results are $25.5 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $2.2 million in non-cash charges.

We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to August 25, 2019) pre-tax expenses for the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	—	$	0.1	$	—	$	—	$	0.1
Other cost of goods sold		1.6		1.5		0.7		—		3.8
Total cost of goods sold		1.6		1.6		0.7		—		3.9
Severance and related costs		—		—		1.5		114.5		116.0
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		0.2		—		—		3.6		3.8
Accelerated depreciation		—		—		—		6.5		6.5
Contract/lease termination		—		—		0.7		8.0		8.7
Consulting/professional fees		—		—		0.5		45.5		46.0
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		—		—		0.1		10.9		11.0
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		0.2		—		2.8		189.0		192.0
Consolidated total	$	1.8	$	1.6	$	3.5	$	189.0	$	195.9

Included in the above results are $189.0 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $6.9 million in non-cash charges.

Liabilities recorded for the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan and changes therein for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

	Balance at May 26, 2019		Costs Incurred and Charged to Expense		Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled			Changes in Estimates		Balance at August 25, 2019
Severance and related costs	$	76.9	$	3.9	$	(23.7	)	$	—	$	57.1
Contract termination		1.0		3.0		(1.0	)		—		3.0
Consulting/professional fees		18.4		7.7		(14.7	)		—		11.4
Other costs		1.2		2.7		(2.5	)		—		1.4
Total	$	97.5	$	17.3	$	(41.9	)	$	—	$	72.9

Conagra Restructuring Plan

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, management initiated a new restructuring plan (the "Conagra Restructuring Plan") for costs incurred in connection with actions taken to improve SG&A expense effectiveness and efficiencies and to optimize our supply chain network. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Conagra Restructuring Plan, we are reporting

on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. We have incurred or expect to incur $98.4 million of charges ($32.1 million of cash charges and $66.3 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Conagra Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $21.1 million in association with the Conagra Restructuring Plan. We expect to incur costs related to the Conagra Restructuring Plan over a multi-year period.

We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses in association with the Conagra Restructuring Plan (amounts include charges recognized from plan inception through the first quarter of fiscal 2020):

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	47.5	$	1.7	$	—	$	—	$	49.2
Other cost of goods sold		9.0		0.1		—		—		9.1
Total cost of goods sold		56.5		1.8		—		—		58.3
Severance and related costs		11.1		0.6		1.8		0.2		13.7
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		11.9		—		—		—		11.9
Contract/lease termination		0.2		—		—		0.1		0.3
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		12.3		1.3		—		—		13.6
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		35.5		1.9		1.8		0.3		39.5
Total	$	92.0	$	3.7	$	1.8	$	0.3	$	97.8
Pension and postretirement non-service income										0.6
Consolidated total									$	98.4

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized the following pre-tax expenses for the Conagra Restructuring Plan:

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	3.9	$	0.4	$	—	$	—	$	4.3
Total cost of goods sold		3.9		0.4		—		—		4.3
Severance and related costs		3.0		0.1		0.9		—		4.0
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		11.9		—		—		—		11.9
Contract/lease termination		—		—		—		0.1		0.1
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		0.2		—		—		—		0.2
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		15.1		0.1		0.9		0.1		16.2
Total	$	19.0	$	0.5	$	0.9	$	0.1	$	20.5
Pension and postretirement non-service income										0.6
Consolidated total									$	21.1

Included in the above results are $4.9 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $16.2 million in non-cash charges.

We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to August 25, 2019) pre-tax expenses for the Conagra Restructuring Plan related to our continuing operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations:

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International		Corporate		Total
Accelerated depreciation	$	3.9	$	1.2	$	—	$	—	$	5.1
Total cost of goods sold		3.9		1.2		—		—		5.1
Severance and related costs		3.0		0.6		1.6		0.2		5.4
Asset impairment (net of gains on disposal)		11.9		—		—		—		11.9
Contract/lease termination		—		—		—		0.1		0.1
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		0.2		—		—		—		0.2
Total selling, general and administrative expenses		15.1		0.6		1.6		0.3		17.6
Total	$	19.0	$	1.8	$	1.6	$	0.3	$	22.7
Pension and postretirement non-service income										0.6
Consolidated total									$	23.3

Included in the above results are $6.3 million of charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $17.0 million in non-cash charges.

Liabilities recorded for the Conagra Restructuring Plan and changes therein for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

	Balance at May 26, 2019		Costs Incurred and Charged to Expense		Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled			Changes in Estimates			Balance at August 25, 2019
Severance and related costs	$	1.2	$	4.1	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)	$	5.1
Contract termination		—		0.1		(0.1	)		—			—
Other costs		—		0.2		(0.2	)		—			—
Total	$	1.2	$	4.4	$	(0.4	)	$	(0.1	)	$	5.1

Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan

As of August 25, 2019, we had substantially completed our restructuring activities related to our Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"). In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized charges of $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in connection with the SCAE Plan.

We have recognized $471.2 million in pre-tax expenses ($103.3 million in cost of goods sold, $365.6 million in SG&A expenses, and $2.3 million in pension and postretirement non-service income) from the inception of the SCAE Plan through August 25, 2019, related to our continuing operations. Included in these results were $320.9 million of cash charges and $150.3 million of non-cash charges. Our total pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations are expected to be $471.9 million ($321.6 million of cash charges and $150.3 million of non-cash charges).

5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

Revolving Credit Facility

At August 25, 2019, we had a revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $1.6 billion (subject to increase to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion with the consent of the lenders). The Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 11, 2024 and is unsecured. The term of the Revolving Credit Facility may be extended for additional one-year or two-year periods from the then-applicable maturity date on an annual basis. As of August 25, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Pinnacle Acquisition Financing

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, in connection with the announcement of the Pinnacle acquisition, we secured $9.0 billion in fully committed bridge financing. Prior to the acquisition, we capitalized financing costs related to the bridge financing of $45.7 million to be amortized over the commitment period. Our net interest expense included $5.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 as a result of this amortization.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, to finance a portion of our acquisition of Pinnacle, we issued senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $7.025 billion.

We issued the notes in seven tranches: floating rate senior notes due October 22, 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of $525.0 million with interest equal to three-month LIBOR plus 0.75%, 3.8% senior notes due October 22, 2021 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.20 billion; 4.3% senior notes due May 1, 2024 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; 4.6% senior notes due November 1, 2025 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; 4.85% senior notes due November 1, 2028 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.30 billion; 5.3% senior notes due November 1, 2038 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion; and 5.4% senior notes due November 1, 2048 in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, to finance a portion of our acquisition of Pinnacle, we also borrowed $1.30 billion under a term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for term loans to the Company in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.30 billion. Our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement consisted of a $650.0 million tranche of three-year term loans and a $650.0 million tranche of five-year term loans. The three-year tranche loans mature on October 26, 2021 and the five-year tranche loans mature on October 26, 2023.

These term loans will bear interest at, at the Company's election, either (a) LIBOR plus a percentage spread (ranging from 1% to 1.625% for three-year tranche loans and 1.125% to 1.75% for five-year tranche loans) based on the Company's senior unsecured long-term indebtedness ratings or (b) the alternate base rate, described in the Term Loan Agreement as the greatest of (i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus a percentage spread (ranging from 0% to 0.625% for three-year tranche loans and 0.125% to 0.75% for five-year tranche loans) based on the Company's senior unsecured long-term indebtedness ratings. The Company may voluntarily prepay term loans under the Term Loan Agreement, in whole or in part, without penalty, subject to certain conditions.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we repaid $200.0 million of our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement, which repayment consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans. The remaining balance under the Term Loan Agreement as of August 25, 2019 was $200.0 million, which consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we entered into a deal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts (see Note 7) to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related to our anticipated issuance of long-term debt to help finance the Pinnacle acquisition. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we terminated the interest rate swap contracts and received proceeds of $47.5 million. This gain was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the lives of the related debt instruments. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, our net interest expense was reduced by $0.9 million due to the impact of these interest rate swap contracts.

General

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement generally require our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to interest expense not to be less than 3.0 to 1.0 and our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA not to exceed certain decreasing specified levels, ranging from 5.875 through the first quarter of fiscal 2020 to 3.75 from the second quarter of fiscal 2023 and thereafter, with each ratio to be calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis. As of August 25, 2019, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement.

Net interest expense consists of:

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Long-term debt	$	124.3		$	42.9
Short-term debt		0.5			7.5
Interest income		(0.6	)		(0.6	)
Interest capitalized		(1.5	)		(0.8	)
	$	122.7		$	49.0

Our accrued interest was $146.9 million and $61.3 million as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, respectively.

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, excluding amounts classified as held for sale (see Note 3), was as follows:

	Grocery & Snacks		Refrigerated & Frozen		International			Foodservice		Total
Balance as of May 26, 2019	$	4,746.7	$	5,661.7	$	299.0		$	752.7	$	11,460.1
Purchase accounting adjustments		1.2		3.8		—			—		5.0
Currency translation		—		—		(2.8	)		—		(2.8	)
Balance as of August 25, 2019	$	4,747.9	$	5,665.5	$	296.2		$	752.7	$	11,462.3

Other identifiable intangible assets, excluding amounts classified as held for sale, were as follows:

	August 25, 2019				May 26, 2019
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Non-amortizing intangible assets	$	3,557.7	$	—	$	3,577.7	$	—
Amortizing intangible assets		1,242.9		275.8		1,242.5		260.7
	$	4,800.6	$	275.8	$	4,820.2	$	260.7

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle business into our legacy reporting segments, to reflect how the business is now being managed. Accordingly, we reassigned goodwill from the legacy Pinnacle segment to the applicable reporting units of the legacy Conagra segments, consistent with the Company’s new management structure. The allocation of goodwill to Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice was $2.19 billion, $4.58 billion, $58.5 million, and $181.6 million, respectively. We tested goodwill for impairment both prior to and subsequent to the reallocation of Pinnacle goodwill and there were no impairments of goodwill. Such impairment tests are performed by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing that to the carrying amount of the net assets of the applicable reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, such deficit is recognized as an impairment of goodwill.

Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis which requires us to estimate the future cash flows as well as to select a risk-adjusted discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, we consider historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. We estimate cash flows for a reporting unit over a discrete period (typically five years) and a terminal period (considering expected long-term growth rates and trends). With the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist, we used a discount rate for our domestic reporting units of 7% and rates ranging from 8% to 11% for our International reporting units. We used terminal growth rates between 1% and 2% for all reporting units (excluding one international reporting unit with a 3% terminal growth rate). Estimating the fair value of individual reporting units requires us to make assumptions and estimates in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing, and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows, discount rates, or terminal growth rates could produce substantially different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units.

Several of our reporting units have an estimated fair value substantially in excess of the carrying value. Three of our reporting units with aggregate goodwill of $3.5 billion have an estimated fair value that exceed the respective carrying value as follows:

	Carrying Value of Goodwill		Excess Fair Value as of Fiscal 2020 Test Date
Sides, Components, Enhancers (part of Refrigerated & Frozen segment)	$	2,636.6		18.1	%
Foodservice		752.7		36.7	%
Canada (part of International segment)		96.2		32.0	%

If our future cash flow projections and other fair value assumptions for these reporting units change, we may be subject to potential impairment in subsequent quarters.

For our non-amortizing intangible assets, which are comprised of brands and trademarks, we use a “relief from royalty” methodology in estimating fair value. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded impairment charges totaling $19.3 million within our Refrigerated & Frozen segment and Grocery & Snacks segment for certain brands for which management changed its business strategy and that continued to have lower than expected sales and profit margins. This impairment was included within SG&A expenses.

Amortizing intangible assets, carrying a remaining weighted average life of approximately 20 years, are principally composed of customer relationships and acquired intellectual property. Amortization expense was $15.0 million and $8.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Based on amortizing assets recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 25, 2019, amortization expense is estimated to average $58.0 million for each of the next five years.

7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our operations are exposed to market risks from adverse changes in commodity prices affecting the cost of raw materials and energy, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. In the normal course of business, these risks are managed through a variety of strategies, including the use of derivatives.

Commodity and commodity index futures and option contracts are used from time to time to economically hedge commodity input prices on items such as natural gas, vegetable oils, proteins, packaging materials, dairy, grains, and electricity. Generally, we economically hedge a portion of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for periods of up to 36 months. We may enter into longer-term economic hedges on particular commodities, if deemed appropriate. As of August 25, 2019, we had economically hedged certain portions of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs using derivative instruments with expiration dates through October 2020.

In order to reduce exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we enter into forward exchange, option, or swap contracts from time to time for transactions denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign-denominated assets and liabilities. As of August 25, 2019, we had economically hedged certain portions of our foreign currency risk in anticipated transactions using derivative instruments with expiration dates through May 2020.

From time to time, we may use derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, to reduce risk related to changes in interest rates. This includes, but is not limited to, hedging against increasing interest rates prior to the issuance of long-term debt and hedging the fair value of our senior long-term debt.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we entered into deal-contingent forward starting interest rate swap contracts to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related to our issuance of long-term debt to help finance the acquisition of Pinnacle. We settled these contracts during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and deferred a $47.5 million gain in accumulated other comprehensive income. This gain will be amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the lives of the related debt instruments. The unamortized amount at August 25, 2019 was $44.6 million.

Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows

Many of our derivatives do not qualify for, and we do not currently designate certain commodity or foreign currency derivatives to achieve, hedge accounting treatment. We reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to economically hedge anticipated commodity consumption and to mitigate foreign currency cash flow risk in earnings immediately within general corporate expense (within cost of goods sold). The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being economically hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. In the event that management determines a particular derivative entered into as an economic hedge of a forecasted commodity purchase has ceased to function as an economic hedge, we cease recognizing further gains and losses on such derivatives in corporate expense and begin recognizing such gains and losses within segment operating results immediately.

Economic Hedges of Fair Values — Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We may use options and cross currency swaps to economically hedge the fair value of certain monetary assets and liabilities (including intercompany balances) denominated in a currency other than the functional currency. These derivatives are marked-to-market with gains and losses immediately recognized in SG&A expenses. These substantially offset the foreign currency transaction gains or losses recognized as values of the monetary assets or liabilities being economically hedged change.

All derivative instruments are recognized on our balance sheets at fair value (refer to Note 16 for additional information related to fair value measurements). The fair value of derivative assets is recognized within prepaid expenses and other current assets, while the fair value of derivative liabilities is recognized within other accrued liabilities. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we offset certain derivative asset and liability balances, as well as certain amounts representing rights to reclaim cash collateral and obligations to return cash collateral, where master netting agreements provide for legal right of setoff. At August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, $1.4 million, representing a right to reclaim cash collateral, and $0.1 million, representing an obligation to return cash collateral, respectively, were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative assets and liabilities and amounts representing a right to reclaim cash collateral or an obligation to return cash collateral were reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

August 25,

2019

May 26,

2019

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

2.6

5.9

Other accrued liabilities

1.2

1.4

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities, at August 25, 2019, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $1.4 million to total derivative assets and $2.5 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:

	Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	0.7	Other accrued liabilities	$	3.1
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		0.5	Other accrued liabilities		0.6
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	1.2		$	3.7

The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities at May 26, 2019, on a gross basis, prior to the setoff of $0.5 million to total derivative assets and $0.4 million to total derivative liabilities where legal right of setoff existed:

	Derivative Assets			Derivative Liabilities
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	4.9	Other accrued liabilities	$	0.9
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1.4	Other accrued liabilities		0.9
Other	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		0.1	Other accrued liabilities		-
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	6.4		$	1.8

The location and amount of gains (losses) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows:

	Location in Condensed Consolidated	Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen Weeks Ended
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Statements of Earnings of Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	$	(6.4	)	$	(7.0	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Cost of goods sold		(0.9	)		0.5
Total losses from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments		$	(7.3	)	$	(6.5	)

As of August 25, 2019, our open commodity contracts had a notional value (defined as notional quantity times market value per notional quantity unit) of $62.7 million and $14.8 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. As of May 26, 2019, our open commodity contracts had a notional value of $140.1 million and $18.5 million for purchase and sales contracts, respectively. The notional amount of our foreign currency forward contracts as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019 was $99.8 million and $88.2 million, respectively.

We enter into certain commodity, interest rate, and foreign exchange derivatives with a diversified group of counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and 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. We have not incurred a material loss due to nonperformance in any period presented and do not expect to incur any such material loss. We also enter into futures and options transactions through various regulated exchanges.

At August 25, 2019, the maximum amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, had the counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts, was $0.7 million.

8. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

For the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, performance shares, performance-based restricted stock units, and cash-settled stock appreciation rights) of $11.9 million and $12.3 million, respectively. Included in the total stock-based compensation for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is expense of $0.3 million for accelerated vesting of awards related to Pinnacle integration restructuring

activities, net of the impact of marking-to-market these awards based on a lower market price of shares of Conagra Brands common stock. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we granted 1.2 million restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of $28.20 and 0.6 million performance shares at a weighted average grant date price of $28.41.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, in connection with the completion of the Pinnacle acquisition, we granted the following awards to Pinnacle employees in replacement of their unvested equity awards that were outstanding as of the closing date: (1) 2.0 million cash-settled share unit awards at a grant date fair value of $36.37 per share unit and (2) 2.3 million cash-settled stock appreciation rights with a fair value estimated at closing date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and a grant date price of $36.37 per share. Approximately $51.1 million of the fair value of the replacement awards granted to Pinnacle employees was attributable to pre-combination service and was included in the purchase price and established as a liability. As of August 25, 2019, the liability of the replacement awards was $7.9 million, which includes post-combination service expense, the mark-to-market of the liability, and the impact of payouts since the acquisition. Post-combination expense of approximately $2.3 million, based on the market price of shares of Conagra Brands common stock as of August 25, 2019, is expected to be recognized related to the replacement awards over the remaining post-combination service period of approximately two years.

Performance shares are granted to selected executives and other key employees with vesting contingent upon meeting various Company-wide performance goals. The performance goals for the three-year performance periods ending in fiscal 2020 (the “2020 performance period”), fiscal 2021 (the “2021 performance period”), and fiscal 2022 (the “2022 performance period”) are based on our diluted earnings per share ("EPS") compound annual growth rate, subject to certain adjustments, measured over the defined performance periods. In addition, for certain participants, all performance shares for the 2020 performance period are subject to an overarching EPS goal that must be met in each fiscal year of the 2020 performance period before any pay out can be made to such participants on the performance shares. For each of the 2020 performance period, 2021 performance period, and 2022 performance period, the awards actually earned will range from zero to two hundred percent of the targeted number of performance shares for such performance period.

Awards, if earned, will be paid in shares of our common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in our performance share plan, any shares earned will be distributed after the end of the performance period, and only if the participant continues to be employed with the Company through the date of distribution. For awards where performance against the performance target has not been certified, the value of the performance shares is adjusted based upon the market price of our common stock and current forecasted performance against the performance targets at the end of each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of weighted average outstanding shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of basic weighted average outstanding shares of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities.

The following table reconciles the income and average share amounts used to compute both basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019		August 26, 2018
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc. common stockholders	$	173.8	$	178.2
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		486.8		391.7
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other dilutive securities		1.1		2.4
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		487.9		394.1

For the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, there were 2.1 million and 0.8 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares because the effect was antidilutive.

10. INVENTORIES

The major classes of inventories were as follows:

	August 25, 2019		May 26, 2019
Raw materials and packaging	$	263.7	$	273.7
Work in process		155.8		126.9
Finished goods		1,268.1		1,095.6
Supplies and other		68.1		67.1
Total	$	1,755.7	$	1,563.3

11. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019 was a benefit of $11.5 million and expense of $57.4 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 (7.0)% and 24.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflects the following:

•

additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill related to assets held for sale, for which an impairment charge was recognized,

•

a tax benefit resulting from state law changes,

•

a benefit from the settlement of tax issues that were previously reserved,

•

an additional benefit due to a change in the deferred state tax rates relating to the integration of Pinnacle activity for tax purposes, and

•

an income tax benefit associated with a tax planning strategy that will allow us to utilize certain state tax attributes.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflects the following:

•

the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including a reduction in the statutory federal income tax rate to 21%, partially offset by the repeal of the deduction for domestic manufacturing activities, changes in deductibility of executive compensation and the effect of the global intangible low-tax income inclusion,

•

the impact of foreign restructuring resulting in a benefit related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made,

•

additional tax expense on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings,

•

additional tax expense on non-deductible facilitative costs associated with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle, and

•

an income tax benefit allowed upon the vesting/exercise of employee stock compensation awards by our employees, beyond that which is attributable to the original fair value of the awards upon the date of grant.

The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $39.6 million as of August 25, 2019 and $44.1 million as of May 26, 2019. Included in those amounts was $1.0 million for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. The gross unrecognized tax benefits excluded related liabilities for gross interest and penalties of $7.3 million and $11.7 million as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, respectively.

The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019 that, if recognized, would impact the Company's effective tax rate was $33.8 million and $37.3 million, respectively. Included in those amounts is $6.7 million that would be reported in discontinued operations. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company's effective tax rate.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to $15.9 million over the next twelve months due to various federal, state, and foreign audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

As of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, we had a deferred tax asset of $688.9 million and $687.1 million, respectively, that was generated from the capital loss realized on the sale of the Private Brands operations with corresponding valuation allowances of $688.9 million and $687.1 million, respectively, to reflect the uncertainty regarding the ultimate realization of the tax asset.

We have not provided any deferred taxes on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. Deferred taxes will be provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies when we determine that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested and will result in a tax liability upon distribution.

12. LEASES

We have operating and finance leases of certain warehouses, plants, land, office space, production and distribution equipment, automobiles, and office equipment. We determine whether an agreement is or contains a lease at lease inception. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we calculate the lease liability at lease commencement as the present value of unpaid lease payments using our estimated incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate represents the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term and is determined using a portfolio approach based on information available at the commencement date of the lease.

We account for lease and non-lease components of an agreement separately based on relative standalone prices for all underlying asset classes.

Any lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. We recognize lease cost for these lease arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. We consider these options in determining the lease term used to establish our ROU asset and lease liabilities. A limited number of our lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Leases reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 25, 2019, are as follows, excluding balances related to assets and liabilities classified as held for sale:

	Operating Leases
	Balance Sheet Location	August 25, 2019
ROU assets, net	Other assets	$	229.3
Lease liabilities (current)	Other accrued liabilities		53.1
Lease liabilities (noncurrent)	Other noncurrent liabilities		212.4

	Finance Leases
	Balance Sheet Location	August 25, 2019
ROU assets, at cost	Property, plant and equipment	$	213.2
Less accumulated depreciation	Less accumulated depreciation		(44.6	)
ROU assets, net	Property, plant and equipment, net		168.6
Lease liabilities (current)	Current installments of long-term debt		20.1
Lease liabilities (noncurrent)	Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments		140.8

The components of total lease cost for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

Lease cost	Thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019
Operating lease cost	$	18.0
Finance lease cost
Depreciation of leased assets		3.8
Interest on lease liabilities		2.3
Short-term lease costs		0.7
Total lease cost	$	24.8

We recognized accelerated operating lease cost of $4.6 million and impairments of ROU assets of $3.6 million within SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. These charges are included in the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan.

The weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rate for our leases as of August 25, 2019, are as follows:

	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)		8.2			8.6
Weighted-average discount rate		3.62	%		5.40	%

Cash flows arising from lease transactions for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were as follows:

	Thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	$	13.9
Operating cash outflows from finance leases		2.8
Financing cash outflows from finance leases		5.8
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Operating leases		16.6
Finance leases		1.3

Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year as of August 25, 2019, are as follows (inclusive of amounts classified as held for sale):

	Operating Leases			Finance Leases			Total
2020 (remaining year)	$	42.5		$	21.3		$	63.8
2021		54.5			28.8			83.3
2022		41.0			27.4			68.4
2023		34.4			22.3			56.7
2024		26.0			17.9			43.9
Later years		125.1			90.1			215.2
Total lease payments		323.5			207.8			531.3
Less: Imputed interest		(50.9	)		(46.9	)		(97.8	)
Total lease liabilities	$	272.6		$	160.9		$	433.5

We have entered into lease agreements for certain facilities and equipment with payments totaling $32.4 million that have not yet commenced as of August 25, 2019.

A summary of non-cancelable operating lease commitments as of May 26, 2019 is as follows:

2020	$	52.1
2021		48.4
2022		38.0
2023		34.1
2024		25.6
Later years		114.4
	$	312.6

Rent expense under all operating leases was $83.5 million in fiscal 2019. This amount is inclusive of certain charges recognized at the cease use date for remaining lease payments associated with exited properties.

13. CONTINGENCIES

Litigation Matters

We are a party to certain litigation matters relating to our acquisition of Beatrice Company ("Beatrice") in fiscal 1991, including litigation proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of the company. These proceedings include suits against a number of lead paint and pigment manufacturers, including ConAgra Grocery Products Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("ConAgra Grocery Products") as alleged successor to W. P. Fuller & Co., a lead paint and pigment manufacturer owned and operated by a predecessor to Beatrice from 1962 until 1967. These lawsuits generally seek damages for personal injury, property damage, economic loss, and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paint, and/or injunctive relief for inspection and abatement. Although decisions favorable to us have been rendered in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Ohio, we remain a defendant in active suits in Illinois and California. ConAgra Grocery Products has denied liability in both suits, both on the merits of the claims and on the basis that we do not believe it to be the successor to any liability attributable to W. P. Fuller & Co. The California suit is discussed in the following paragraph. The Illinois suit seeks class-wide relief for reimbursement of costs associated with the testing of lead levels in blood. We do not believe it is probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to the Illinois case, nor is it possible to estimate any potential exposure.

In California, a number of cities and counties joined in a consolidated action seeking abatement of an alleged public nuisance in the form of lead-based paint potentially present on the interior of residences, regardless of its condition. On September 23, 2013, a trial of the California case concluded in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara, and on January 27, 2014, the court entered a judgment (the "Judgment") against ConAgra Grocery Products and two other defendants ordering the creation of a California abatement fund in the amount of $1.15 billion. Liability is joint and several. The Company appealed the Judgment, and on November 14, 2017 the California Court of Appeal for the Sixth Appellate District reversed in part, holding that the defendants were not liable to pay for abatement of homes built after 1950, but affirmed the Judgment as to homes built before 1951. The Court of Appeal remanded the case to the trial court with directions to recalculate the amount of the abatement fund estimated to be necessary to cover the cost of remediating pre-1951 homes, and to hold an evidentiary hearing regarding appointment of a suitable receiver. ConAgra Grocery Products and the other defendants petitioned the California Supreme Court for review of the decision, which we believe to be an unprecedented expansion of current California law. On February 14, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied the petition and declined to review the merits of the case, and the case was remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. ConAgra Grocery Products and the other defendants sought further review of certain issues from the Supreme Court of the United States, but on October 15, 2018, the Supreme Court declined to review the case. On September 4, 2018, the trial court recalculated its estimate of the amount needed to remediate pre-1951 homes in the plaintiff jurisdictions to be $409.0 million. As of July 10, 2019, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve this matter, which agreement was approved by the trial court on July 24, 2019, and the action against ConAgra Grocery Products was dismissed with prejudice. Pursuant to the settlement, ConAgra Grocery Products will pay a total of $101.7 million in seven installments to be paid annually from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2026. ConAgra Grocery Products will further provide a guarantee of up to $15.0 million in the event co-defendant, NL Industries, Inc., defaults on its payment obligations.

We have accrued $25.0 million and $74.1 million, within other accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, for this matter as of August 25, 2019. The extent of insurance coverage is uncertain and the Company's carriers are on notice; however, any possible insurance recovery has not been considered for purposes of determining our liability. We cannot assure that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

We are party to a number of putative class action lawsuits challenging various product claims made in the Company's product labeling. These matters include Briseno v. ConAgra Foods, Inc. in which it is alleged that the labeling for Wesson^® oils as 100% natural is false and misleading because the oils contain genetically modified plants and organisms. In February 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granted class certification to permit plaintiffs to pursue state law claims. The Company

appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which affirmed class certification in January 2017. The Supreme Court of the United States declined to review the decision and the case has been remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. On April 4, 2019, the trial court granted preliminary approval of a settlement in this matter.

We are party to matters challenging the Company's wage and hour practices. These matters include a number of class actions consolidated under the caption Negrete v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., et al, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in which the plaintiffs allege a pattern of violations of California and/or federal law at several current and former Company manufacturing facilities across the State of California. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of this or any other legal proceeding, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

We are party to a number of matters asserting product liability claims against the Company related to certain Pam^® and other cooking spray products. These lawsuits generally seek damages for personal injuries allegedly caused by defects in the design, manufacture, or safety warnings of the cooking spray products. We have put the Company's insurance carriers on notice. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of these or any other legal proceedings, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

The Company, its directors, and several of its executive officers are defendants in several class actions alleging violations of federal securities laws. The lawsuits assert that the Company's officers made material misstatements and omissions that caused the market to have an unrealistically positive assessment of the Company's financial prospects in light of the acquisition of Pinnacle, thus causing the Company's securities to be overvalued prior to the release of the Company's consolidated financial results on December 20, 2018 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2019. The first of these lawsuits, captioned West Palm Beach Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Conagra Brands, Inc., et al., with which subsequent lawsuits alleging similar facts have been consolidated, was filed February 22, 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In addition, on May 9, 2019, a shareholder filed a derivative action on behalf of the Company against the Company's directors captioned Klein v. Arora, et al. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asserting harm to the Company due to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and mismanagement in connection with the Pinnacle acquisition. On July 9, 2019 and September 20, 2019, the Company received two separate demands from stockholders under Delaware law to inspect the Company's books and records related to the Board of Directors' review of the Pinnacle business, acquisition, and the Company's public statements related to them. On July 22, 2019 and August 6, 2019, respectively, two additional shareholder derivative lawsuits captioned Opperman v. Connolly, et al. and Dahl v. Connolly, et al. were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asserting similar facts and claims as the Klein v. Arora, et al. matter. While we cannot predict with certainty the results of these or any other legal proceedings, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or business.

Environmental Matters

We are a party to certain environmental proceedings relating to our acquisition of Beatrice in fiscal 1991. Such proceedings include proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to our acquisition of Beatrice. The current environmental proceedings associated with Beatrice include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice's possible status as a potentially responsible party at approximately 40 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites (the "Beatrice sites"). These sites involve locations previously owned or operated by predecessors of Beatrice that used or produced petroleum, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, inks, solvents, polycholorinated biphenyls, acids, lead, sulfur, tannery wastes, and/or other contaminants. Reserves for these Beatrice environmental proceedings have been established based on our best estimate of the undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required clean-up, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties, and its experience in remediating sites. The accrual for Beatrice-related environmental matters totaled $52.1 million as of August 25, 2019, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, a final Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study was submitted for the Southwest Properties portion of the Wells G&H Superfund site, which is one of the Beatrice sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a Record of Decision (the "ROD") for the Southwest Properties portion of the site on September 29, 2017 and has entered into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to determine final responsibility for implementing the ROD.

Guarantees and Other Contingencies

We guarantee an obligation of the Lamb Weston business pursuant to a guarantee arrangement that existed prior to the Spinoff and remained in place following completion of the Spinoff until such guarantee obligation is substituted for guarantees issued by Lamb Weston. Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016 (the "Separation Agreement"), between us and Lamb Weston, this guarantee arrangement is deemed a liability of Lamb Weston that was transferred to Lamb Weston as part of the Spinoff. Accordingly, in the event that we are required to make any payments as a result of this guarantee arrangement, Lamb Weston is obligated to indemnify us for any such liability, reduced by any insurance proceeds received by us, in accordance with the terms of the indemnification provisions under the Separation Agreement. Lamb Weston is a party to an agricultural sublease

agreement with a third party for certain farmland through 2020 (subject, at Lamb Weston's option, to extension for two additional five-year periods). Under the terms of the sublease agreement, Lamb Weston is required to make certain rental payments to the sublessor. We have guaranteed the sublessor Lamb Weston's performance and the payment of all amounts (including indemnification obligations) owed by Lamb Weston under the sublease agreement, up to a maximum of $75.0 million. We believe the farmland associated with this sublease agreement is readily marketable for lease to other area farming operators. As such, we believe that any financial exposure to the Company, in the event that we were required to perform under the guarantee, would be largely mitigated.

In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. We guarantee certain leases resulting from the divestiture of the JM Swank business completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of August 25, 2019, the remaining terms of these arrangements did not exceed four years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $1.0 million. In addition, we guarantee a lease resulting from an exited facility. As of August 25, 2019, the remaining term of this arrangement did not exceed eight years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $18.5 million.

General

After taking into account liabilities recognized for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity; however, it is reasonably possible that a change of the estimates of any of the foregoing matters may occur in the future and, as noted, the lead paint matter could result in a material final judgment which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Costs of legal services associated with the foregoing matters are recognized in earnings as services are provided.

14. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We have defined benefit retirement plans ("plans") for eligible salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on years of credited service and average compensation or stated amounts for each year of service. We also sponsor postretirement plans which provide certain medical and dental benefits ("other postretirement benefits") to qualifying U.S. employees.

In connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle, we now include the components of pension and postretirement expense associated with the Pinnacle pension plans and post-employment benefit plan in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings from the date of the completion of the acquisition. These plans are frozen for future benefits. The tabular disclosures presented below are inclusive of the Pinnacle plans.

As a result of the anticipated exit of certain facilities, during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we remeasured the Company’s hourly pension plan as of August 25, 2019 and recorded a pension curtailment loss of $0.6 million previously within other comprehensive income (loss). In connection with the remeasurement, we updated the effective discount rate assumption for the impacted pension plan obligation from 3.90% to 3.13%. The curtailment loss and related remeasurement increased the underfunded status of the pension plan by $12.3 million with a corresponding loss within other comprehensive income (loss).

Components of pension benefit and other postretirement benefit costs are:

	Pension Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Service cost	$	2.8		$	2.7
Interest cost		31.3			32.0
Expected return on plan assets		(41.1	)		(42.3	)
Amortization of prior service cost		0.7			0.7
Curtailment loss		0.6			—
Benefit cost (benefit) — Company plans		(5.7	)		(6.9	)
Pension benefit cost — multi-employer plans		1.5			1.7
Total benefit cost (benefit)	$	(4.2	)	$	(5.2	)

	Postretirement Benefits
	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Service cost	$	—		$	0.1
Interest cost		0.7			0.9
Amortization of prior service benefit		(0.5	)		(0.5	)
Recognized net actuarial gain		(1.2	)		(0.4	)
Curtailment gain		—			(0.6	)
Total cost (benefit)	$	(1.0	)	$	(0.5	)

The Company uses a split discount rate (spot-rate approach) for the U.S. plans and certain foreign plans. The spot-rate approach applies separate discount rates for each projected benefit payment in the calculation of pension service and interest cost.

The weighted-average discount rates for service and interest costs under the spot-rate approach used for pension benefit cost from May 27, 2019 through August 25, 2019 were 4.04% and 3.51%, respectively. The weighted-average discount rates for service and interest costs subsequent to August 25, 2019 are 3.47% and 2.94%, respectively.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we contributed $3.4 million to our pension plans and contributed $1.2 million to our other postretirement plans. Based upon the current funded status of the plans and the current interest rate environment, we anticipate making further contributions of approximately $10.8 million to our pension plans for the remainder of fiscal 2020. We anticipate making further contributions of approximately $9.6 million to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of fiscal 2020. These estimates are based on ERISA guidelines, current tax laws, plan asset performance, and liability assumptions, which are subject to change.

15. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019:

	Conagra Brands, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
	Common Shares		Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at May 26, 2019		584.2	$	2,921.2	$	2,286.0		$	5,047.9		$	(110.3	)	$	(2,760.2	)	$	79.1		$	7,463.7
Stock option and incentive plans						(8.5	)		(0.3	)					16.0			(0.2	)		7.0
Currency translation adjustment, net												(8.9	)					(2.7	)		(11.6	)
Derivative adjustment, net												(1.8	)								(1.8	)
Activities of noncontrolling interests																	0.5				0.5
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits												(11.4	)								(11.4	)
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.2125 per share									(103.4	)											(103.4	)
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.								173.8													173.8
Balance at August 25, 2019		584.2	$	2,921.2	$	2,277.5		$	5,118.0		$	(132.4	)	$	(2,744.2	)	$	76.7		$	7,516.8

The following table presents a reconciliation of our stockholders' equity accounts for the thirteen weeks ended August 26, 2018:

	Conagra Brands, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
	Common Shares		Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at May 27, 2018		567.9	$	2,839.7	$	1,180.0		$	4,744.9		$	(110.5	)	$	(4,977.9	)	$	80.4		$	3,756.6
Stock option and incentive plans						(14.1	)		0.5						23.3			0.1			9.8
Adoption of ASU 2016-01									0.6			(0.6	)								—
Adoption of ASU 2014-09									0.5												0.5
Currency translation adjustment, net												(0.7	)					(2.3	)		(3.0	)
Derivative adjustment, net												(43.4	)								(43.4	)
Activities of noncontrolling interests						(0.3	)											0.3			—
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits												(0.5	)								(0.5	)
Dividends declared on common stock; $0.2125 per share									(83.2	)											(83.2	)
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.									178.2												178.2
Balance at August 26, 2018		567.9	$	2,839.7	$	1,165.6		$	4,841.5		$	(155.7	)	$	(4,954.6	)	$	78.5		$	3,815.0

16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price assets or liabilities. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities,

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The fair values of our Level 2 derivative instruments were determined using valuation models that use market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 primarily represent commodity and foreign currency option and forward contracts and cross-currency swaps.

The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of August 25, 2019:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Value
Assets:
Derivative assets	$	1.9	$	0.7	$	—	$	2.6
Marketable securities		16.3		—		—		16.3
Deferred compensation assets		10.5		—		—		10.5
Total assets	$	28.7	$	0.7	$	—	$	29.4
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	1.2	$	—	$	1.2
Deferred compensation liabilities		73.3		—		—		73.3
Total liabilities	$	73.3	$	1.2	$	—	$	74.5

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Net Value
Assets:
Derivative assets	$	3.0	$	2.9	$	—	$	5.9
Marketable securities		15.7		—		—		15.7
Deferred compensation assets		10.7		—		—		10.7
Total assets	$	29.4	$	2.9	$	—	$	32.3
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	1.4	$	—	$	1.4
Deferred compensation liabilities		70.4		—		—		70.4
Total liabilities	$	70.4	$	1.4	$	—	$	71.8

Certain assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and cost and equity investments, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges for the impairment of certain indefinite-lived brands. The fair values of these brands were estimated using the “relief from royalty” method (See Note 6). Impairments in our Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments totaled $3.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $43.3 million in the Grocery & Snacks segment for the impairment of certain long-lived assets. The impairment was measured based upon the estimated sales price of the assets held for sale.

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $10.47 billion and $10.68 billion as of August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, respectively. Based on current market rates, the fair value of this debt (level 2 liabilities) at August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019, was estimated at $11.66 billion and $11.24 billion, respectively.

17. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle business into our legacy reporting segments in order to better reflect how the business is now being managed. We now reflect our results of operations in four reporting segments: Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

The Grocery & Snacks reporting segment principally includes branded, shelf-stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

The Refrigerated & Frozen reporting segment includes branded, temperature-controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

The International reporting segment principally includes branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States.

The Foodservice reporting segment includes branded and customized food products, including meals, entrees, sauces and a variety of custom-manufactured culinary products packaged for sale to restaurants and other foodservice establishments primarily in the United States.

We do not aggregate operating segments when determining our reporting segments.

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each of the segments is based on net sales less all identifiable operating expenses. General corporate expense, net interest expense, and income taxes have been excluded from segment operations.

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Net sales
Grocery & Snacks	$	977.6		$	770.7
Refrigerated & Frozen		959.1			635.2
International		204.4			193.8
Foodservice		249.6			234.7
Total net sales	$	2,390.7		$	1,834.4
Operating profit
Grocery & Snacks	$	151.7		$	178.6
Refrigerated & Frozen		155.6			95.5
International		24.8			37.3
Foodservice		31.1			27.6
Total operating profit	$	363.2		$	339.0
Equity method investment earnings		12.3			16.2
General corporate expense		99.5			80.8
Pension and postretirement non-service income		(9.5	)		(10.2	)
Interest expense, net		122.7			49.0
Income tax expense (benefit)		(11.5	)		57.4
Net income	$	174.3		$	178.2
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		0.5			-
Net income attributable to Conagra Brands, Inc.	$	173.8		$	178.2

The following table presents further disaggregation of our net sales:

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019		August 26, 2018
Snacks	$	376.2	$	293.3
Other shelf-stable		601.4		477.4
Frozen		751.9		463.5
Refrigerated		207.2		171.7
International		204.4		193.8
Foodservice		249.6		234.7
Total net sales	$	2,390.7	$	1,834.4

Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) for Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows in Segment Results

Derivatives used to manage commodity price risk and foreign currency risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. We believe these derivatives provide economic hedges of certain forecasted transactions. As such, these derivatives are recognized at fair market value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in general corporate expenses. The gains and losses are subsequently recognized in the operating results of the reporting segments in the period in which the underlying transaction being economically hedged is included in earnings. In the event that management determines a particular derivative entered into as an economic hedge of a forecasted commodity purchase has ceased to function as an economic hedge, we cease recognizing further gains and losses on such derivatives in corporate expense and begin recognizing such gains and losses within segment operating results, immediately.

The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and the foreign currency risk of certain forecasted transactions, under this methodology:

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Gross derivative losses incurred	$	(7.3	)	$	(6.5	)
Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments		(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses	$	(7.2	)	$	(6.4	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
Net derivative gains allocated to International		0.1			0.3
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice		0.2			(0.1	)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)

As of August 25, 2019, the cumulative amount of net derivative losses from economic hedges that had been recognized in general corporate expenses and not yet allocated to reporting segments was $5.8 million. This amount reflected net losses of $6.9 million incurred during the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019 and net gains of $1.1 million incurred prior to fiscal 2020. Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of $4.7 million in fiscal 2020 and losses of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021 and thereafter.

Assets by Segment

The majority of our manufacturing assets are shared across multiple reporting segments. Output from these facilities used by each reporting segment can change over time. Also, working capital balances are not tracked by reporting segment. Therefore, it is impracticable to allocate those assets to the reporting segments, as well as disclose total assets by segment. Total depreciation expense was $81.7 million and $55.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Other Information

Our operations are principally in the United States. With respect to operations outside of the United States, no single foreign country or geographic region was significant with respect to consolidated operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019. Foreign net sales, including sales by domestic segments to customers located outside of the United States, were approximately $211.7 million and $211.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our long-lived assets located outside of the United States are not significant.

Our largest customer, Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 26% and 25% of consolidated net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily in the Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen segments.

Walmart, Inc. and its affiliates accounted for approximately 30% of consolidated net receivables as of both August 25, 2019 and May 26, 2019.

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 August 25, 2019, $196.6 million of our total accounts payable is payable to suppliers who utilize this third-party service.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expected future financial performance or position, results of operations, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and other statements that are not historical facts. You can identify forward-looking statements by their use of forward-looking words, such as "may", "will", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "should", "seek", or comparable terms.

Readers of this report should understand that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations and beliefs concerning future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and factors relating to our business and operations, all of which are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and factors include, among other things: the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Inc. (the "Pinnacle acquisition") may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that the Pinnacle acquisition may not be accretive within the expected timeframe or to the extent anticipated; the risks that the Pinnacle acquisition and related integration will create disruption to the Company and its management and impede the achievement of business plans; the risk that the Pinnacle acquisition will negatively impact the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and other third parties; risks related to our ability to successfully address Pinnacle's business challenges; risks related to our ability to achieve the intended benefits of other recent and pending acquisitions and divestitures, including the divestiture of our Wesson^® oil business in February 2019 and the pending divestiture of the direct store delivery (“DSD”) snacks business; risks related to the timing to complete a potential divestiture of the DSD snacks business; risks related to the ability and timing to obtain required regulatory approvals and satisfy other closing conditions for the divestiture of the DSD snacks business; risks associated with general economic and industry conditions; risks associated with our ability to successfully execute our long-term value creation strategies, including those in place for specific brands at Pinnacle before the Pinnacle acquisition; risks related to our ability to deleverage on currently anticipated timelines, and to continue to access capital on acceptable terms or at all; risks related to our ability to execute operating and restructuring plans and achieve targeted operating efficiencies from cost-saving initiatives, related to the Pinnacle acquisition and otherwise, and to benefit from trade optimization programs, related to the Pinnacle acquisition and otherwise; risks related to the effectiveness of our hedging activities and ability to respond to volatility in commodities; risks related to the Company's competitive environment and related market conditions; risks related to our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences and the success of its innovation and marketing investments; risks related to the ultimate impact of any product recalls and litigation, including litigation related to the lead paint and pigment matters, as well as any securities litigation, including securities class action lawsuits; risk associated with actions of governments and regulatory bodies that affect our businesses, including the ultimate impact of new or revised regulations or interpretations; risks related to the availability and prices of raw materials, including any negative effects caused by inflation or weather conditions; risks and uncertainties associated with intangible assets, including any future goodwill or intangible assets impairment charges, related to the Pinnacle acquisition or otherwise; the costs, disruption, and diversion of management's attention due to the integration of the Pinnacle acquisition; and other risks described in our reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no responsibility to update these statements, except as required by law.

The discussion that follows should be read together with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained in this report and with the financial statements, related notes, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2019 and subsequent filings with the SEC. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be attained in the future.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Conagra Brands, Inc. (the "Company", "Conagra Brands", "we", "us", or "our"), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, the Company combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The Company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Its iconic brands such as Birds Eye^®, Marie Callender's^®, Banquet^®, Healthy Choice^®, Slim Jim^®, Reddi-wip^®, and Vlasic^®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's^® BOOMCHICKAPOP^®, Duke's^®, Earth Balance^®, Gardein^®, and Frontera^®, offer choices for every occasion.

Fiscal 2019 Pinnacle Acquisition

On October 26, 2018, we completed our acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Inc ("Pinnacle"), a branded packaged foods company specializing in shelf-stable and frozen foods. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $8.03 billion, consisting of cash and shares of our stock, as described in more detail in the section entitled "Acquisitions" below.

In connection with the Pinnacle acquisition, we issued approximately $8.33 billion of long-term debt and received cash proceeds of $575.0 million ($555.7 million net of related fees) from the issuance of common stock in an underwritten public offering. We used such proceeds for the payment of the cash portion of the Merger Consideration (as defined below), the repayment of Pinnacle debt acquired, the refinancing of certain Conagra Brands debt, and the payment of related fees and expenses.

The integration of Pinnacle is continuing and on-track. We expect to achieve cost synergies of $285 million per year when the integration is concluded.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we reorganized our reporting segments to incorporate the Pinnacle operations into our legacy reporting segments in order to better reflect how the business is now being managed. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the revised segment presentation.

Fiscal 2020 First Quarter Results

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, results reflected an increase in net sales, including the impact of recent acquisitions, with organic (excludes the impact of foreign exchange and divested businesses, as well as acquisitions until the anniversary date of the acquisition) increases in our Refrigerated & Frozen operating segment, in each case compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Overall gross profit increased as the addition of Pinnacle's gross profit and cost synergies, along with supply chain realized productivity and improved pricing more than offset the reduction due to divested businesses, the decline in overall organic net sales, higher transportation costs, inflation, and increased investments in retailer marketing. Overall segment operating profit increased primarily due to the Pinnacle acquisition. Corporate expenses were higher primarily due to items impacting comparability, as discussed below. In addition, there were increased costs within Corporate expense in connection with the Pinnacle acquisition, largely offset by cost synergies as well as the benefit of timing of certain expenses. We recognized lower equity method investment earnings and higher interest expense, in each case compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. We recognized an income tax benefit in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, primarily due to items impacting comparability. Excluding items impacting comparability, our effective tax rate was comparable to the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $0.36. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were $0.45. Diluted earnings per share were affected by more shares outstanding in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as well as several significant items affecting the comparability of year-over-year results (see "Items Impacting Comparability" below).

Items Impacting Comparability

Segment presentation of gains and losses from derivatives used for economic hedging of anticipated commodity input costs and economic hedging of foreign currency exchange rate risks of anticipated transactions is discussed in the segment review below.

Items of note impacting comparability for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 included the following:

•

charges totaling $50.1 million ($38.6 million after-tax) in connection with our restructuring plans,

•

a charge of $31.4 million ($29.6 million after-tax) due to the impairment of a business held for sale,

•

charges totaling $19.3 million ($14.8 million after-tax) related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets,

•

a gain of $5.4 million ($4.1 million after-tax) related to the sale of an asset within the Ardent Mills joint venture, and

•

an income tax benefit of $51.0 million primarily related to the reorganization of various legacy Pinnacle legal entities and state tax planning strategies.

Items of note impacting comparability for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 included the following:

•

charges totaling $16.6 million ($14.3 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

•

charges totaling $4.3 million ($3.2 million after-tax) associated with costs incurred for integration activities related to the planned Pinnacle acquisition,

•

a gain of $13.3 million ($9.7 million after-tax) from the sale of the Del Monte^® Canada business, and

•

an income tax benefit of $4.8 million associated with a release of a Mexican tax reserve.

Acquisitions

On October 26, 2018, we completed the Pinnacle acquisition. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 26, 2018 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, Pinnacle, and Patriot Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that ceased to exist at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of Pinnacle common stock was converted into the right to receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Shares") (together, the "Merger Consideration"), with cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of Company Shares. The total amount of consideration paid in connection with the acquisition was approximately $8.03 billion and consisted of: (1) cash of $5.17 billion ($5.12 billion, net of cash acquired); (2) 77.5 million Company Shares, with an approximate value of $2.82 billion, issued out of the Company's treasury to former holders of Pinnacle stock; and (3) replacement awards issued to former Pinnacle employees representing the fair value attributable to pre-combination service of $51.1 million. Approximately $7.02 billion of the purchase price has been allocated to goodwill, pending determination of the final purchase price allocation. Approximately $3.52 billion has been allocated to brands, trademarks and other intangibles. Of the total goodwill, $236.7 million is deductible for tax purposes. Amortizable brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $668.7 million. Indefinite lived brands, trademarks and other intangibles totaled $2.85 billion.

Divestitures

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our DSD snacks business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.

On May 24, 2019, we completed the sale of our Italian-based frozen pasta business, Gelit, for proceeds net of cash divested of $77.5 million, subject to final working capital adjustments. The results of operations of the divested Gelit business are primarily included in our Refrigerated & Frozen segment for the periods preceding the completion of the transaction.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we also completed the sale of our Wesson^® oil business for net proceeds of $168.3 million. The results of operations of the divested Wesson^® oil business are primarily included in our Grocery & Snacks segment, and to a lesser extent within the Foodservice and International segments, for the periods preceding the completion of the transaction.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada for combined proceeds of $32.2 million. The results of operations of the divested Del Monte^® business are included in our International segment for the periods preceding the completion of the transaction.

Restructuring Plans

Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of cost expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. We have incurred or expect to incur approximately $260.9 million of charges ($251.8 million of cash charges and $9.1 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Pinnacle Integration Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $27.7 million ($25.5 million of cash charges and $2.2 million of non-cash charges).

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, management initiated a new restructuring plan (the "Conagra Restructuring Plan") for costs in connection with actions taken to improve selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense effectiveness and efficiencies and to optimize our supply chain network. Although we remain unable to make good faith estimates relating to the entire Conagra Restructuring Plan, we are reporting on actions initiated through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including the estimated amounts or range of amounts for each major type of costs expected to be incurred, and the charges that have resulted or will result in cash outflows. We have incurred or expect to incur $98.4 million of charges ($32.1 million of cash charges and $66.3 million of non-cash charges) for actions identified to date under the Conagra Restructuring Plan. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we recognized charges of $21.1 million ($4.9 million of cash charges and $16.2 million of non-cash charges) in connection with the Conagra Restructuring Plan.

As of August 25, 2019, we have substantially completed our restructuring activities related to the Supply Chain and Administrative Efficiency Plan (the "SCAE Plan"). In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized charges of $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in association with the SCAE Plan. Our total pre-tax expenses for the SCAE Plan related to our continuing operations are expected to be $471.9 million ($321.6 million of cash charges and $150.3 million of non-cash charges).

SEGMENT REVIEW

Grocery & Snacks

The Grocery & Snacks reporting segment principally includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

Refrigerated & Frozen

The Refrigerated & Frozen reporting segment principally includes branded, temperature-controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States.

International

The International reporting segment principally includes branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States.

Foodservice

Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) from Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows in Segment Results

	Thirteen weeks ended
	August 25, 2019			August 26, 2018
Gross derivative losses incurred	$	(7.3	)	$	(6.5	)
Less: Net derivative losses allocated to reporting segments		(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses	$	(7.2	)	$	(6.4	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Grocery & Snacks	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.2	)
Net derivative losses allocated to Refrigerated & Frozen		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
Net derivative gains allocated to International		0.1			0.3
Net derivative gains (losses) allocated to Foodservice		0.2			(0.1	)
Net derivative losses included in segment operating profit	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.1	)

Net Sales

	Net Sales
($ in millions)	Thirteen weeks ended
Reporting Segment	August 25, 2019	August 26, 2018	% Inc (Dec)
Grocery & Snacks	$977.6	$770.7	27%
Refrigerated & Frozen	959.1	635.2	51%
International	204.4	193.8	5%
Foodservice	249.6	234.7	6%
Total	$2,390.7	$1,834.4	30%

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $2.39 billion, an increase of $556.3 million, or 30%, from the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The increased net sales are principally due to the acquisition of Pinnacle on October 26, 2018.

Grocery & Snacks net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $977.6 million, an increase of $206.9 million, or 27%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected a decrease in volumes of 3%, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in volumes reflected continued momentum and innovation successes in the snacks businesses, which was more than offset by declines in certain grocery businesses, particularly in our Chef Boyardee^® and Hunt’s^® brands, due primarily to the lingering effects of competitive dynamics experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Price/mix decreased by 1% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 when compared to the prior-year period, reflecting favorable pricing and mix, which was more than offset by increases in brand building investments with retailers. The acquisition of Pinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 contributed $266.3 million, or 35%, to Grocery & Snacks net sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $31.9 million of net sales related to our Wesson^® oil business, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $959.1 million, an increase of $323.9 million, or 51%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Volume, excluding the impacts of acquisitions and divestitures, was flat and price/mix increased by 1% in first quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the prior-year period, due to solid performance across multiple brands. The acquisition of Pinnacle contributed $327.8 million, or 52%, to Refrigerated & Frozen net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $13.2 million of net sales related to our Italian-based frozen pasta business, Gelit, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

International net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $204.4 million, an increase of $10.6 million, or 5%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, reflected a 5% decrease in volume, a 2% increase in price/mix, and a 1% decrease due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates, in each case compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in volumes was primarily due to unplanned softness in the Puerto Rico export

market and the Indian business. The acquisition of Pinnacle contributed $26.8 million, or 14%, to International net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $4.1 million of net sales related to our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 also included $5.1 million of net sales related to our divested Wesson^® oil business.

Foodservice net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $249.6 million, an increase of $14.9 million, or 6%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected a 6% decrease in volume, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, compared to the prior-year period. The decline in volume reflected the continued execution of the segment's value-over-volume strategy. Price/mix increased by 3% in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the prior-year period, reflecting the value-over-volume strategy. The acquisition of Pinnacle contributed $35.4 million, or 15%, to Foodservice net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $11.6 million of net sales related to our divested Wesson^® oil business. The first quarter of fiscal 2019 also included net sales of $2.0 million related to our Trenton, Missouri production facility, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

SG&A Expenses (includes general corporate expenses)

SG&A expenses totaled $400.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, an increase of $143.5 million, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. SG&A expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected the following:

Items impacting comparability of earnings

•

expenses of $45.0 million in connection with our restructuring plans,

•

expense of $31.4 million related to the impairment of a business held for sale,

•

charges totaling $19.3 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets,

•

expenses of $1.9 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures, and

•

a loss of $1.7 million related to the divestiture of a business.

Other changes in expenses compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019

The increases in SG&A expenses below include the addition of expenses attributable to the Pinnacle business, partially offset by integration synergies:

•

an increase in salary and wage expense of $27.0 million,

•

an increase of $6.7 million of amortization of definite lived intangible assets,

•

an increase of $3.4 million in computer-related expenses,

•

an increase of $2.8 million related to short-term incentives,

•

an increase in advertising and promotion spending of $2.5 million, and

•

an increase of $2.4 million related to contract services and professional fees.

SG&A expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 included the following items impacting the comparability of earnings:

•

a gain of $13.3 million related to the sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada,

•

expenses of $11.0 million associated with costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures,

•

expenses of $4.3 million related to costs associated with preparing for the integration of Pinnacle, and

•

income of $1.1 million in connection with our SCAE Plan.

Operating Profit (Earnings before general corporate expenses, pension and postretirement non-service income, interest expense, net, income taxes, and equity method investment earnings)

	Operating Profit
($ in millions)	Thirteen weeks ended
Reporting Segment	August 25, 2019		August 26, 2018		% Inc (Dec)
Grocery & Snacks	$	151.7	$	178.6		(15	)%
Refrigerated & Frozen		155.6		95.5		63	%
International		24.8		37.3		(34	)%
Foodservice		31.1		27.6		13	%

Grocery & Snacks operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $151.7 million, a decrease of $26.9 million, or 15%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross profits were $46.1 million higher in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The higher gross profit was driven by the addition of Pinnacle and the benefits of supply chain realized productivity, partially offset by the impacts of higher input costs and a reduction in profit associated with the divestiture of our Wesson^® oil business. Operating profit of the Grocery & Snacks segment was impacted by expense of $19.1 million and $0.1 million related to our restructuring plans in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2020 included charges of $31.4 million related to the impairment of a business held for sale, $3.5 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets, and $1.7 million related to the divestiture of our Wesson^® oil business.

Refrigerated & Frozen operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $155.6 million, an increase of $60.1 million, or 63%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross profits were $97.5 million higher in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, driven by the addition of Pinnacle and supply chain realized productivity, partially offset by increased input costs. Operating profit of the Refrigerated & Frozen segment was impacted by charges of $15.8 million related to the impairment of certain brand intangible assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

International operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $24.8 million, a decrease of $12.5 million, or 34%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross profits were flat in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019, due to the addition of Pinnacle, improved price/mix, and realized productivity, which were offset by higher input costs and the sale of our Del Monte^® Canadian business and our Wesson^® oil business. Operating profit for the International segment included a gain of $13.3 million related to the sale of our Del Monte^® Canadian business and expense of $2.9 million related to costs incurred for acquisitions and planned divestitures in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Foodservice operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $31.1 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 13%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Gross profits were $5.6 million higher in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 than in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The higher gross profit primarily reflected the addition of Pinnacle, improved price/mix, and supply chain realized productivity, which more than offset higher input costs and the sales of our Wesson^® oil business and Trenton facility.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was $122.7 million and $49.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase reflected the issuance of $7.025 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes and borrowings of $1.30 billion under our new unsecured term loan agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for a $650.0 million tranche of three-year term loans and a $650.0 million tranche of five-year term loans to the Company (the "Term Loan Agreement"), in each case in connection with the acquisition of Pinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Since the acquisition, we have repaid $1.10 billion of our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement.

In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2019 included $5.6 million of interest expense related to the amortization of costs incurred to secure fully committed bridge financing in connection with the then-pending Pinnacle acquisition. The bridge financing was subsequently terminated in connection with our incurrence of permanent financing to fund the Pinnacle acquisition.

Income Taxes

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, we recognized an income tax benefit of $11.5 million and income tax expense of $57.4 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 approximately (7.0)% and 24.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected the following:

•

additional tax expense associated with non-deductible goodwill related to assets held for sale, for which an impairment charge was recognized,

•

a tax benefit resulting from state law changes,

•

a benefit from the settlement of tax issues that were previously reserved,

•

additional benefit due to a change in the deferred state tax rates relating to the integration of Pinnacle activity for tax purposes, and

•

an income tax benefit associated with a tax planning strategy that will allow us to utilize certain state tax attributes.

The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected the following:

•

the impact of foreign restructuring resulting in a benefit related to undistributed foreign earnings for which the indefinite reinvestment assertion is no longer made,

•

additional tax expense on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings,

•

additional tax expense on non-deductible facilitative costs associated with the planned acquisition of Pinnacle, and

•

Equity Method Investment Earnings

Equity method investment earnings were $12.3 million and $16.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Ardent Mills earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 reflected unfavorable market conditions. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 included a gain of $5.4 million from the sale of an asset by the Ardent Mills joint venture.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $0.36. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were $0.45. See “Items Impacting Comparability” above as several significant items affected the comparability of year-over-year results of operations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources of Liquidity and Capital

Our primary financing objective is to maintain a prudent capital structure that provides us flexibility to pursue our growth objectives. If necessary, we use short-term debt principally to finance ongoing operations, including our seasonal requirements for working capital (accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and inventories, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities), and a combination of equity and long-term debt to finance both our base working capital needs and our non-current assets. We are committed to maintaining an investment grade credit rating.

At August 25, 2019, we had a revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions providing for a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of $1.6 billion (subject to increase to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion with the consent of the lenders). We have historically used a credit facility principally as a back-up for our commercial paper program. As of August 25, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

As of August 25, 2019, we had $55.6 million outstanding under our commercial paper program. The highest level of borrowings during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $145.0 million. As of May 26, 2019, we had no amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.

In October 2018, we borrowed $1.30 billion under the Term Loan Agreement as part of the financing used to acquire Pinnacle. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we repaid $200.0 million of our borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement. The remaining

balance under the Term Loan Agreement as of August 25, 2019, was $200.0 million, which consisted of $100.0 million of the three-year tranche loans and $100.0 million of the five-year tranche loans.

The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement generally require that our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) to interest expense be not less than 3.0 to 1.0 and our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA not to exceed certain decreasing specified levels, ranging from 5.875 through the first quarter of fiscal 2020 to 3.75 from the second quarter of fiscal 2023 and thereafter. Each ratio is to be calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis. As of August 25, 2019, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.

As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, our senior long-term debt ratings were all investment grade. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings would not affect our ability to borrow amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility, although borrowing costs would increase. A downgrade of our short-term credit ratings would impact our ability to borrow under our commercial paper program by negatively impacting borrowing costs and causing shorter durations, as well as making access to commercial paper more difficult, or impossible.

We repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time after considering market conditions and in accordance with repurchase limits authorized by our Board. Under the share repurchase authorization, we may repurchase our shares periodically over several years, depending on market conditions and other factors, and may do so in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase authorization has no expiration date. The Company plans to repurchase shares under its authorized program only at times and in amounts as are consistent with the prioritization of achieving its leverage targets. The Company's total remaining share repurchase authorization as of August 25, 2019, was $1.41 billion.

On August 29, 2019, the Company paid a quarterly dividend payment of $0.2125 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 30, 2019. Subject to market and other conditions and the approval of our Board, we intend to maintain our quarterly dividend at the current annual rate of $0.85 per share during fiscal 2020.

On September 11, 2019, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our DSD snacks business, which is part of our Grocery & Snacks segment. The purchase price under the agreement is $140.0 million in expected cash proceeds, subject to final working capital adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.

We have access to our Revolving Credit Facility, our commercial paper program, and the capital markets. We believe we also have access to additional bank loan facilities, if needed.

We expect to maintain or have access to sufficient liquidity to retire or refinance long-term debt upon maturity, as market conditions warrant, from operating cash flows, our commercial paper program, proceeds from any divestitures and other disposition transactions, access to capital markets, and our Revolving Credit Facility.

Cash Flows

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we used $171.9 million of cash, which was the net result of $207.0 million generated from operating activities, $107.5 million used in investing activities, $270.8 million used in financing activities, and a decrease of $0.6 million due to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Cash generated from operating activities totaled $207.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, as compared to $94.7 million generated in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The increase in operating cash flows for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019 was largely due to the inclusion of the additional operating results from the acquisition of Pinnacle in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. There were larger cash outflows associated with seasonal inventory purchases from the Pinnacle acquisition, which were largely offset by the timing of accounts receivable collections.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $107.5 million and $38.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 consisted primarily of capital expenditures totaling $106.6 million. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 consisted mainly of capital expenditures totaling $86.1 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of our Del Monte^® processed fruit and vegetable business in Canada totaling $30.3 million.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $270.8 million and $109.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 consisted principally of the repayment of long-term debt totaling $205.8 million and cash dividends paid of $103.3 million, partially offset by net short-term borrowings primarily under our commercial paper program of $55.0 million. Financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 consisted primarily of cash

dividends paid of $83.0 million, the payment of bridge financing and other fees totaling $35.1 million, and net short-term borrowings of $26.8 million.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $64.7 million at August 25, 2019 and $236.6 million at May 26, 2019, of which $40.9 million at August 25, 2019 and $144.8 million at May 26, 2019 was held in foreign countries. We believe that our foreign subsidiaries have invested or will invest any undistributed earnings indefinitely, or that any undistributed earnings will be remitted in a tax-neutral transaction, and, therefore, do not provide deferred taxes on the cumulative undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.

Our estimate of capital expenditures for fiscal 2020 is approximately $400 million.

Management believes that existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our repayment of debt, including any repayment of debt or refinancing of debt, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for at least the next twelve months.

OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

As part of our ongoing operations, we enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future payments under contracts such as lease agreements, debt agreements, and unconditional purchase obligations (i.e., obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts). The unconditional purchase obligation arrangements are entered into in our normal course of business in order to ensure adequate levels of sourced product are available. Of these items, debt, notes payable, finance lease obligations, and operating lease obligations were recognized as liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report as of August 25, 2019. Unconditional purchase obligations, which totaled $1.40 billion as of August 25, 2019, were not recognized as liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A summary of our contractual obligations as of August 25, 2019 was as follows:

	Payments Due by Period (in millions)
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		After 5 Years
Long-term debt	$	10,356.6	$	126.7	$	2,520.9	$	2,187.0	$	5,522.0
Finance lease obligations		160.9		20.1		40.3		28.5		72.0
Operating lease obligations		323.5		56.3		90.7		56.6		119.9
Purchase obligations¹ and other contracts		1,433.7		1,281.4		92.6		19.3		40.4
Notes payable		56.0		56.0		—		—		—
Total	$	12,330.7	$	1,540.5	$	2,744.5	$	2,291.4	$	5,754.3

¹	Amount includes open purchase orders and agreements, some of which are not legally binding and/or may be cancellable. Such agreements are generally settleable in the ordinary course of business in less than one year.

We are also contractually obligated to pay interest on our long-term debt and finance lease obligations. The weighted average coupon interest rate of the long-term debt obligations outstanding as of August 25, 2019, was approximately 4.7%.

The operating lease obligations noted in the table above have not been reduced by non-cancellable sublease rentals of $5.4 million.

As of May 26, 2019, we had aggregate unfunded pension and postretirement obligations totaling $131.7 million and $87.8 million, respectively. These amounts are not included in the table above as the unfunded obligations are remeasured each fiscal year, thereby resulting in our inability to accurately predict the ultimate amount and timing of any future required contributions to such plans. Based on current statutory requirements, we are not obligated to fund any amount to our qualified pension plans during the next twelve months. We estimate that we will make payments of approximately $14.2 million and $10.8 million over the next twelve months to fund our pension and postretirement plans, respectively. See Note 14, Pension and Postretirement Benefits, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report and Note 19, Pension and Postretirement Benefits, to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Critical Accounting Estimates - Employment Related Benefits contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 26, 2019 for further discussion of our pension obligations and factors that could affect estimates of this liability.

As part of our ongoing operations, we also enter into arrangements that obligate us to make future cash payments only upon the occurrence of a future event (e.g., guarantees of debt or lease payments of a third party should the third party be unable to perform). In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, such commercial commitments are not recognized as liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of August 25, 2019, we had other commercial commitments totaling $4.7 million, of which $3.1 million expire in less than one year and $1.6 million expire in one to three years.

In addition to the commitments included in the table above, as of August 25, 2019, we had $57.3 million of standby letters of credit issued on our behalf. These standby letters of credit are primarily related to our self-insured workers compensation programs and are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets contained in this report.

In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. We guarantee certain leases resulting from the divestiture of the JM Swank business completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As of August 25, 2019, the remaining terms of these arrangements did not exceed four years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $1.0 million. In addition, we guarantee a certain lease resulting from an exited facility. As of August 25, 2019, the remaining term of this arrangement did not exceed eight years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $18.5 million.

We also guarantee an obligation of the Lamb Weston business pursuant to a guarantee arrangement that existed prior to the spinoff of the Lamb Weston business (the "Spinoff") and remained in place following completion of the Spinoff until such guarantee obligation is substituted for guarantees issued by Lamb Weston. Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016 (the "Separation Agreement"), between us and Lamb Weston, this guarantee arrangement is deemed a liability of Lamb Weston that was transferred to Lamb Weston as part of the Spinoff. Accordingly, in the event that we are required to make any payments as a result of these guarantee arrangement, Lamb Weston is obligated to indemnify us for any such liability, reduced by any insurance proceeds received by us, in accordance with the terms of the indemnification provisions under the Separation Agreement. Lamb Weston is a party to an agricultural sublease agreement with a third party for certain farmland through 2020 (subject, at Lamb Weston's option, to extension for two additional five-year periods). Under the terms of the sublease agreement, Lamb Weston is required to make certain rental payments to the sublessor. We have guaranteed the sublessor Lamb Weston's performance and the payment of all amounts (including indemnification obligations) owed by Lamb Weston under the sublease agreement, up to a maximum of $75.0 million. We believe the farmland associated with this sublease agreement is readily marketable for lease to other area farming operators. As such, we believe that any financial exposure to the Company, in the event that we were required to perform under the guarantee, would be largely mitigated.

The obligations and commitments tables above do not include any reserves for uncertainties in income taxes, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes. The liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits at August 25, 2019 was $39.6 million. The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at August 25, 2019, that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate was $33.8 million. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

A discussion of our critical accounting estimates can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section in Part I, Item 7, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2019.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The principal market risks affecting us are exposures to price fluctuations of commodity and energy inputs, interest rates, and foreign currencies.

Other than the changes noted below, there have been no material changes in our market risk during the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019. For additional information, refer to the "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2019.

Commodity Market Risk

We purchase commodity inputs such as wheat, corn, oats, soybean meal, soybean oil, meat, dairy products, nuts, sugar, natural gas, electricity, and packaging materials to be used in our operations. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. We enter into commodity hedges to manage this price risk using physical forward contracts or derivative instruments. We have policies governing the hedging instruments our businesses may use. These policies include limiting the dollar risk exposure for each of our businesses. We also monitor the amount of associated counter-party credit risk for all non-exchange-traded transactions.

Interest Rate Risk

We may use interest rate swaps to manage the effect of interest rate changes on the fair value of our existing debt as well as the forecasted interest payments for the anticipated issuance of debt.

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $10.47 billion as of August 25, 2019. Based on current market rates, the fair value of this debt at August 25, 2019 was estimated at $11.66 billion. As of August 25, 2019, a 1% increase in the interest rates would decrease the fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $700.8 million, while a 1% decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $802.0 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

In order to reduce exposures for our processing activities related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we may enter into forward exchange or option contracts for transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for certain of our operations. This activity primarily relates to economically hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory and capital equipment, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

Value-at-Risk (VaR)

We employ various tools to monitor our derivative risk, including value-at-risk ("VaR") models. We perform simulations using historical data to estimate potential losses in the fair value of current derivative positions. We use price and volatility information for the prior 90 days in the calculation of VaR that is used to monitor our daily risk. The purpose of this measurement is to provide a single view of the potential risk of loss associated with derivative positions at a given point in time based on recent changes in market prices. Our model uses a 95% confidence level. Accordingly, in any given one-day time period, losses greater than the amounts included in the table below are expected to occur only 5% of the time. We include commodity swaps, futures, and options and foreign exchange forwards, swaps, and options in this calculation. The following table provides an overview of our average daily VaR for our energy, agriculture, and foreign exchange positions during the thirteen weeks ended August 25, 2019 and August 26, 2018.

	Fair Value Impact
In Millions	Average During Thirteen Weeks Ended August 25, 2019		Average During Thirteen Weeks Ended August 26, 2018
Energy commodities	$	0.5	$	0.1
Agriculture commodities		0.8		0.7
Other commodities		0.2		—
Foreign exchange		0.6		0.8

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of August 25, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report and determined that there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For additional information on legal proceedings, please refer to Part I, Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" and Note 17 "Contingencies" to the financial statements, in each case contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 26, 2019, and Note 13 "Contingencies" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A discussion of our risk factors can be found in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2019, and our other filings with the SEC. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, there were no material changes to our previously disclosed risk factors.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Conagra Brands, Inc. (file number 001-07275), unless otherwise noted.

EXHIBIT		DESCRIPTION

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Conagra Brands, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 10, 2016

3.2		Amended and Restated By-Laws of Conagra Brands, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 23, 2017

31.1		Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer

31.2		Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

32		Section 906 Certificates

101		The following materials from Conagra Brands' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 25, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments with respect to long-term debt of Conagra Brands, Inc. are not filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company will furnish a copy of any such long-term debt agreement to the SEC upon request.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	CONAGRA BRANDS, INC.

	By:	/s/ DAVID S. MARBERGER
		David S. Marberger
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

	By:	/s/ ROBERT G. WISE
		Robert G. Wise
		Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller

Dated this 1st day of October, 2019.