As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2000.
Registration No. 333-_______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0248710 (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification No.) One ConAgra Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) ----------------------------- |
CONAGRA 2000 STOCK PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
James P. O'Donnell
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001
(Name and address of agent for service)
402-595-4000
(Telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- Proposed maximum Proposed maximum Title of securities Amount to be offering price per aggregate offering Amount of to be registered registered unit (1) price (1) registration fee ------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- Common Stock (2) ($5.00 par value) 30,000,000 $18.875 $566,250,000 $149,490 ------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- |
1. Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) on the basis of the average of the high and low sales prices as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions List on September 25, 2000.
2. This registration statement also applies to preferred share purchase rights which are attached to and trade with each share of common stock.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
As permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this registration statement omits the information specified in Part I of Form S-8. The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be delivered to the participants in the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan as required by Securities Act Rule 428(b). Such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. (the "Company") hereby incorporates by reference in this registration statement the following documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 28, 2000;
(b) Current Reports on Form 8-K dated June 22, 2000, August 24, 2000 and September 5, 2000; and
(c) The description of the Company's common stock contained in registration statements on Form 8-A filed under the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in the registration statement and to be a part thereof
from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Pursuant to Article V of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
the Company shall, to the extent required, and may, to the extent permitted, by
Section 102 and Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as amended from time to time, indemnify and reimburse all persons whom
it may indemnify and reimburse pursuant thereto. No director shall be liable to
the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director. A director shall continue to be liable for (1) any breach of
a director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (2) acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; (3) paying a dividend or approving a stock repurchase which
would violate Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware; or (4) any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
The by-laws of the Company provide for indemnification of Company officers and directors against all expenses, liability or losses reasonably incurred or suffered by the officer or director, including liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, to the extent legally permissible under Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware where any such person was, is, or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact such person was serving the Company in such capacity. Generally, under Delaware law, indemnification will only be available where an officer or director can establish that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.
The Company also maintains a director and officer insurance policy which insures the officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries against damages, judgments, settlements and costs incurred by reason of certain wrongful acts committed by such persons in their capacities as officers and directors.
Item 8. Exhibits
4.1 - ConAgra's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1996.
4.2 - ConAgra's Bylaws, as amended, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1999.
4.3 - Rights Agreement dated July 12, 1996, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's current report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996.
4.4 - Certificate of Adjustment dated October 1, 1997 to Rights Agreement, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 24, 1997.
4.5 - Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1998, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998.
4.6 - Form of Common Stock Certificate
5 - Opinion of McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
10.1 - ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan
23.1 - Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2 - Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.3 - Consent of McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C. (included as part of Exhibit 5)
24 - Powers of Attorney for Directors of the Company
Item 9. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered thereon, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(d) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-8, and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Omaha, and the State of Nebraska, on this 28th day of September, 2000.
CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
/s/ Bruce C. Rohde Bruce C. Rohde President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on the 28th day of September, 2000 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
Signature Title /s/ Bruce C. Rohde President, Chief Executive Officer Bruce C. Rohde and Director /s/ James P. O'Donnell Executive Vice President and Chief Financial James P. O'Donnell Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ Jay Bolding Senior Vice President and Corporate Jay Bolding Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) C. M. Harper* Director Robert A. Krane* Director Mogens Bay* Director Carl E. Reichardt* Director Ronald W. Roskens* Director Marjorie M. Scardino* Director Walter Scott, Jr.* Director Kenneth E. Stinson* Director Clayton K. Yeutter* Director |
* This registration statement has been signed by the undersigned as attorney-in-fact on behalf of each person so indicated pursuant to a power of attorney duly executed by each such person.
/s/ Bruce C. Rohde Bruce C. Rohde Attorney-in-Fact |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Exhibit
4.1 - ConAgra's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 1996.
4.2 - ConAgra's Bylaws, as amended, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1999.
4.3 - Rights Agreement dated July 12, 1996, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's current report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 1996.
4.4 - Certificate of Adjustment dated October 1, 1997 to Rights Agreement, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 24, 1997.
4.5 - Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1998, incorporated by reference to ConAgra's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998.
4.6 - Form of Common Stock Certificate
5 - Opinion of McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
10.1 - ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan
23.1 - Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2 - Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.3 - Consent of McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C. (included as part of Exhibit 5)
24 - Powers of Attorney for Directors of the Company
Exhibit 4.6
CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
$5.00 PAR VALUE
See Reverse For Certain Definitions
CUSIP 205887 10 2
This Certifies that
is the owner of
Full paid and non-assessable shares, of the common stock
of ConAgra Foods, Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation and all amendments thereto (copies of which are on file with the Corporation) to all of which the holder by acceptance hereof assents. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.
Dated
Secretary Chairman of the Board Countersigned and registered: Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. Transfer Agent and Registrar, By Authorized Officer |
Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Delaware
[Graphic Material consisting of the corporate seal and a statuary image holding horn of plenty amid fields of agricultural plenty]
CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants in common TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties JT TEN - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common TOD - transfer on death |
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - __________ Custodian __________
(Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts to Minors
Act __________________________
(State)
UNIF TRAN MIN ACT - __________ Custodian __________
(Cust) (Minor)
under Uniform Transfer to Minors
Act __________________________
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
The corporation will furnish to any stockholder upon request and without charge, a further statement of the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights of shares of each class to be issued and the variations in the relative rights and preferences between the shares of each series within each class so far as the same have been fixed and determined, and the authority of the Board of Directors to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of subsequent series of stock. Requests may be directed to the Secretary of the Corporation, One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001.
SALE OR TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION
For value received __________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee __________
_________________________________________________________________________ shares of the capital stock represented by this Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
Dated, ______________________________
______________________________ Signature of stockholder(s)
Signature(s) guaranteed by:
This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between ConAgra, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. (F.K.A. Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.), dated as of July 12, 1996, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive offices of ConAgra Foods, Inc. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will no longer be evidenced by this certificate. ConAgra Foods, Inc. will mail to the holder of this certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement without charge after receipt of a written request therefor. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to Acquiring Persons (as defined in the Rights Agreement) may become null and void and will no longer be transferable.
Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate, in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.
ALL GUARANTEES MUST BE MADE BY A FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (SUCH AS A BANK OR BROKER) WHICH IS A PARTICIPANT IN EITHER THE SECURITIES TRANSFER AGENTS MEDALLION PROGRAM ("STAMP"), THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. MEDALLION SIGNATURE PROGRAM ("MSP"), OR THE STOCK EXCHANGES MEDALLION PROGRAM ("SEMP") AND MUST NOT BE DATED. GUARANTEES ONLY BY A NOTARY PUBLIC ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Exhibit 5
McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
1400 One Central Park Plaza
222 South Fifteenth Street
Omaha, Nebraska
402-341-3070
September 28, 2000
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Gentlemen:
In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 30,000,000 shares of common stock (the "Common Stock"), $5.00 par value, of ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), authorized for issuance pursuant to the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan (the "Plan"), we have examined such corporate records and other documents, including the registration statement on Form S-8 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to such shares (the "Registration Statement"), and have reviewed such matters of law as we have deemed necessary for this opinion. Based on such examination, we advise you that in our opinion:
1. The Company is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
2. Upon the issuance of shares in accordance with the Plan, all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company will have been taken to authorize the issuance of up to 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock by the Company, and when issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement and related documents, such shares will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Yours very truly,
MCGRATH, NORTH, MULLIN & KRATZ, P.C.
By: /s/ Guy Lawson Guy Lawson |
Exhibit 10.1
CONAGRA 2000 STOCK PLAN
SECTION 1
NAME AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name. The name of the plan shall be the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan (the "Plan").
1.2. Purpose of Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the Company and increase stockholder value by (a) motivating superior performance by means of stock incentives, (b) encouraging and providing for the acquisition of an ownership interest in the Company by Employees and (c) enabling the Company to attract and retain the services of a management team responsible for the long-term financial success of the Company.
SECTION 2
DEFINITIONS
2.1 Definitions. Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
(a) "Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(b) "Award" means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus, or any combination thereof granted under the Plan, including Awards combining two or more types of Awards in a single grant.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e) "Committee" means the Human Resources Committee of the Board, which shall consist of two or more members, each of whom shall be a "non- employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under the Act.
(f) "Company" means ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation (and any successor thereto) and its Subsidiaries.
(g) "Director Award" means an award of Stock and an award of a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted to each Eligible Director pursuant to Section 7.1 without any action by the Board or the Committee.
(h) "Eligible Director" means a person who is serving as a member of the Board and who is not an Employee.
(i) "Employee" means any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(j) "Fair Market Value" means, on any date, the closing price of the Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or on such other recognized market or quotation system on which the trading prices of the Stock are traded or quoted at the relevant time) on such date. In the event that there are no Stock transactions reported on such exchange (or such other system) on such date, Fair Market Value shall mean the closing price on the immediately preceding date on which Stock transactions were so reported.
(k) "Option" means the right to purchase Stock at a stated price for a specified period of time. For purposes of the Plan, an Option may be either (i) an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code or (ii) a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
(l) "Participant" means any Employee designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan.
(m) "Plan" means the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, as in effect from time to time.
(n) "Restricted Stock" shall mean a share of Stock granted to a Participant subject to such restrictions as the Committee may determine.
(o) "Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company, par value $5.00 per share.
(p) "Stock Appreciation Right" means the right, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine, to receive an amount in cash or Stock, as determined by the Committee, equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value, as of the date such Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, of the number shares of Stock covered by the Stock Appreciation Right being exercised over (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such Stock Appreciation Right.
(q) "Stock Bonus" means the grant of Stock as compensation from the Company in lieu of cash salary or bonuses otherwise payable to the Participant and stock issued for service awards and other similar Employee recognition programs.
(r) "Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the voting power or of the capital interest or profits interest of such entity.
2.2 Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, words in the masculine gender used in the Plan shall include the feminine gender, the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
SECTION 3
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.1, the only persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be those Employees selected by the Committee as Participants.
SECTION 4
POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE
4.1 Power to Grant. The Committee shall determine the Participants to whom Awards shall be granted, the type or types of Awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of any and all such Awards. The Committee may establish different terms and conditions for different types of Awards, for different Participants receiving the same type of Awards, and for the same Participant for each Award such Participant may receive, whether or not granted at different times.
4.2 Administration. The Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan. The Committee, by majority action thereof, is authorized to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to provide for conditions deemed necessary or advisable to protect the interests of the Company, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan in order to carry out its provisions and purposes. Determinations, interpretations, or other actions made or taken by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons. Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Plan to the contrary, neither the Committee nor the Board shall have any discretion regarding whether an Eligible Director receives a Director Award pursuant to Section 7.1 or regarding the terms of any such Director Award, including, without limitation, the number of shares subject to any such Director Award.
SECTION 5
STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN
5.1 Number. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.3, the number of shares
of Stock subject to Awards (including Director Awards) under the Plan may not
exceed 30,000,000 shares of Stock. The shares to be delivered under the Plan may
consist, in whole or in part, of treasury Stock or authorized but unissued
Stock, not reserved for any other purpose. The maximum number of shares of Stock
with respect to which Awards may be granted to any one Employee under the Plan
is 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Stock available for Awards under
Section 5.1. A maximum of 10% of shares of Stock available for issuance under
the Plan may be issued as Restricted Stock and Stock Bonuses.
5.2 Cancelled, Terminated, Forfeited or Surrendered Awards. Any shares of Stock subject to an Award which for any reason are cancelled, terminated or otherwise settled without the issuance of any Stock shall again be available for Awards under the Plan. In the event that any Award is exercised through the delivery of Stock or in the event that withholding tax liabilities arising from such Award are satisfied by the withholding of Stock by the Company, the number of shares available for Awards under the Plan shall be increased by the number of shares so surrendered or withheld.
5.3 Adjustment in Capitalization. In the event of any Stock dividend or Stock split, recapitalization (including, without limitation, the payment of an extraordinary dividend), merger, consolidation, combination, spin-off, distribution of assets to stockholders, exchange of shares, or other similar corporate transaction or event, (i) the aggregate number of shares of Stock available for Awards under Section 5.1 and (ii) the number of shares and exercise price with respect to Options and the number, prices and dollar value of other Awards, shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive. If, pursuant to the preceding sentence, an adjustment is made to the number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan, a corresponding adjustment shall be made to the number of shares subject to each Director Award thereafter granted pursuant to Section 7.1.
SECTION 6
STOCK OPTIONS
6.1 Grant of Options. Options may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee. Options granted under the Plan may be of two types: (i) Incentive Stock Options and (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options. The Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Options, if any, to be granted to a Participant. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option agreement that shall specify the type of Option granted, the exercise price, the duration of the Option, the number of shares of Stock to which the Option pertains, the exercisability (if any) of the Option in the event of death, retirement, disability or termination of employment, and such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine. Options may also be granted in replacement of or upon assumption of options previously issued by companies acquired by the Company by merger or stock purchase, and any options so replaced or assumed may have the same terms including exercise price as the options so replaced or assumed.
6.2 Option Price. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall have an exercise price which is not less than the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted.
6.3 Exercise of Options. Options awarded to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable at such times and shall be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee may impose, subject to the Committee's right to accelerate the exercisability of such Option in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Option shall be exercisable for more than ten years after the date on which it is granted.
6.4 Payment. The Committee shall establish procedures governing the exercise of Options, which shall require that written notice of exercise be given and that the Option price be paid in full in cash or cash equivalents, including by personal check, at the time of exercise or pursuant to any arrangement that the Committee shall approve. The Committee may, in its discretion, permit a Participant to make payment (i) by tendering, by either actual delivery of shares or by attestation, shares of in Stock already owned by the Participant valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise (if such Stock has been owned by the Participant for at least six months) or (ii) by electing to have the Company retain Stock which would otherwise be issued on exercise of the Option, valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. As soon as practicable after receipt of a written exercise notice and full payment of the exercise price, the Company shall deliver to the Participant a certificate or certificates representing the acquired shares of Stock. The Committee may permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price upon the exercise of an Option by irrevocably authorizing a third party to sell shares of stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon the exercise of the Option and remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any required tax withholding resulting from such exercise.
6.5 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, no term of this Plan relating to Incentive Stock Options shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be so exercised, so as to disqualify the Plan under Section 422 of the Code, or, without the consent of any Participant affected thereby, to cause any Incentive Stock Option previously granted to fail to qualify for the Federal income tax treatment afforded under Section 421 of the Code.
SECTION 7
DIRECTOR AWARDS
7.1 Amount of Award. Each Eligible Director shall receive annually (i) a grant of a Nonstatutory Stock Option for 9,000 shares of Stock and (ii) a grant of 1,800 shares of Stock from the Company's treasury shares. Such grants shall be made each year immediately following the annual meeting of Company stockholders to those persons who are Eligible Directors immediately following such meeting.
7.2 No Other Awards. An Eligible Director shall not receive any other Award under the Plan.
SECTION 8
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
8.1 SAR's In Tandem with Options. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants in tandem with any Option granted under the Plan, either at or after the time of the grant of such Option, subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine. Each Stock Appreciation Right shall only be exercisable to the extent that the corresponding Option is exercisable, and shall terminate upon termination or exercise of the corresponding Option. Upon the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right, the corresponding Option shall terminate.
8.2 Other Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights may also be granted to Participants separately from any Option, subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine.
SECTION 9
RESTRICTED STOCK
9.1 Grant of Restricted Stock. The Committee may grant Restricted Stock to Participants at such times and in such amounts, and subject to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as it shall determine. Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be subject to such restrictions, which may relate to continued employment with the Company, performance of the Company, or other restrictions, as the Committee may determine. Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by a written agreement setting forth the terms of such Award.
9.2 Removal of Restrictions. The Committee may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part at any time in its discretion.
SECTION 10
STOCK BONUSES
10.1 Grant of Stock Bonuses. The Committee may grant a Stock Bonus to a Participant at such times and in such amounts, and subject to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan, as it shall determine. Such stock bonuses shall only be granted in lieu of cash compensation otherwise payable to an employee.
SECTION 11
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
11.1 General. The Board may from time to time amend, modify or terminate
any or all of the provisions of the Plan, subject to the provisions of this
Section 11.1. The Board may not change the Plan in a manner which would prevent
outstanding Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan from being Incentive
Stock Options without the written consent of the optionees concerned.
Furthermore, the Board may not make any amendment which would (i) materially
modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, (ii) increase the number
of shares of Stock subject to Awards under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.1, or
(iii) change the minimum exercise price for stock options as provided in Section
6.2, in each case without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Stock entitled to vote thereon. No amendment or modification shall affect the
rights of any Employee with respect to a previously granted Award, nor shall any
amendment or modification affect the rights of any Eligible Director pursuant to
a previously granted Director Award, without the written consent of the Employee
or Eligible Director.
11.2 Termination of Plan. No further Options shall be granted under the Plan subsequent to September 30, 2010, or such earlier date as may be determined by the Board.
SECTION 12
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12.1 Nontransferability of Awards. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, no Awards granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
12.2 Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingent or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid or by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of his death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when filed in writing with the Committee. In the absence of any such designation, Awards outstanding at death may be exercised by the Participant's surviving spouse, if any, or otherwise by his estate.
12.3 No Guarantee of Employment or Participation. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate any Participant's employment at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary. No Employee shall have a right to be selected as a Participant, or, having been so selected, to receive any future Awards.
12.4 Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the power to withhold, or
require a Participant or Eligible Director to remit to the Company, an amount
sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax requirements on
any Award under the Plan, and the Company may defer issuance of Stock until such
requirements are satisfied. The Committee may, in its discretion, permit a
Participant to elect, subject to such conditions as the Committee shall impose,
(i) to have shares of Stock otherwise issuable under the Plan withheld by the
Company or (ii) to deliver to the Company previously acquired shares of Stock,
in each case having a Fair Market Value sufficient to satisfy all or part of the
Participant's estimated total federal, state and local tax obligation associated
with the transaction.
12.5 Change of Control. On the date of a Change of Control (as herein defined), all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable and all restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock shall lapse. Change of Control shall mean:
(a) The acquisition (other than from the Company) by any person, entity or "group," within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Act (excluding any acquisition or holding by (i) the Company or its subsidiaries (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Act) of 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or
(b) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (as of the date hereof the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for the election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Plan, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(c) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, in which the Company is not the surviving entity and with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company's then outstanding voting securities, or a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or of the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
12.6 Agreements with Company. An Award under the Plan shall be subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe. The terms and conditions of any Award to any Participant shall be reflected in such form of written document as is determined by the Committee or its designee.
12.7 Company Intent. The Company intends that the Plan comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 under the Act, and any ambiguities or inconsistencies in the construction of the Plan shall be interpreted to give effect to such intention.
12.8 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of shares of Stock shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or securities exchanges as may be required.
12.9 Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective upon its adoption by the Board subject to approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2000 annual stockholders' meeting.
12.10 Governing Law. The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our reports dated July 14, 2000, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (formerly ConAgra, Inc.) and subsidiaries for the year ended May 28, 2000.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Omaha, Nebraska September 28, 2000 |
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of ConAgra Foods, Inc. of our report dated February 11, 2000 relating to the financial statements of International Home Foods, Inc., which appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K of ConAgra Foods, Inc. dated August 24, 2000.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP September 27, 2000 |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ C. M. Harper C.M. Harper |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Robert A. Krane Robert A. Krane |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Mogens Bay Mogens Bay |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Carl E. Reichardt Carl E. Reichardt |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Ronald W. Roskens Ronald W. Roskens |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for her and in her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Marjorie M. Scardino Marjorie M. Scardino |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Walter Scott, Jr. Walter Scott, Jr. |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Kenneth E. Stinson Kenneth E. Stinson |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Director of ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby constitutes and appoints Bruce C. Rohde and James P. O'Donnell, or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power to act for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or desirable to enable ConAgra, Inc. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of shares of common stock of this Corporation, which may be offered for sale or sold under the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan, including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of ConAgra, Inc. and the name of the undersigned Director to the registration statement, any amendments thereto, and to any instruments and documents filed as part of or in connection with said registration statement or amendments thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto signed this power of attorney this 28th day of September, 2000.
/s/ Clayton K. Yeutter Clayton K. Yeutter |