Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended November 23, 2008

OR

 

¨ 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 FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   47-0248710

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska   68102-5001
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(402) 595-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

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   x     No   ¨

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

Large accelerated filer   x     Accelerated filer   ¨     Non-accelerated filer   ¨     Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Number of shares outstanding of issuer’s common stock, as of December 21, 2008, was 447,108,396.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION    3

Item 1

   Financial Statements    3
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen and Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007    3
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen and Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007    4
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007    5
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007    6
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    8

Item 2

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    27

Item 3

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    42

Item 4

   Controls and Procedures    43
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION    44

Item 1

   Legal Proceedings    44

Item 2

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    44

Item 4

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    44

Item 6

   Exhibits    45

Signatures

   46

Exhibit Index

  

Exhibit 10.1

   48

Exhibit 10.2

   60

Exhibit 10.3

   86

Exhibit 10.4

   103

Exhibit 10.5

   109

Exhibit 10.6

   111

Exhibit 10.7

   113

Exhibit 10.8

   125

Exhibit 10.9

   133

Exhibit 10.10

   138

Exhibit 10.11

   144

Exhibit 10.12

   150

Exhibit 10.13

   155

Exhibit 10.14

   161

Exhibit 10.15

   177

Exhibit 10.16

   190

Exhibit 12

   203

Exhibit 31.1

   204

Exhibit 31.2

   205

Exhibit 32.1

   206

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in millions except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended    Twenty-six weeks ended
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
   November 23,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Net sales

   $ 3,264.3     $ 2,951.2    $ 6,329.9    $ 5,572.3

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of goods sold

     2,577.8       2,209.0      5,051.9      4,211.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     389.9       489.3      758.9      870.8

Interest expense, net

     42.7       62.2      92.8      117.0
                            

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings

     253.9       190.7      426.3      373.2

Income tax expense

     84.4       68.6      150.3      129.7

Equity method investment earnings

     1.9       12.5      2.8      22.1
                            

Income from continuing operations

     171.4       134.6      278.8      265.6

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (3.3 )     110.2      331.7      154.6
                            

Net income

   $ 168.1     $ 244.8    $ 610.5    $ 420.2
                            

Earnings per share - basic

          

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.38     $ 0.28    $ 0.61    $ 0.54

Income from discontinued operations

     —         0.22      0.72      0.32
                            

Net income

   $ 0.38     $ 0.50    $ 1.33    $ 0.86
                            

Earnings per share - diluted

          

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.38     $ 0.27    $ 0.60    $ 0.54

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     (0.01 )     0.23      0.72      0.31
                            

Net income

   $ 0.37     $ 0.50    $ 1.32    $ 0.85
                            

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
    November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 168.1     $ 244.8     $ 610.5     $ 420.2  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net derivative adjustment, net of tax

     —         (1.1 )     —         (1.8 )

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax:

        

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

     (0.6 )     0.5       (0.9 )     0.8  

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     0.3       —         0.3       (3.8 )

Currency translation adjustment:

        

Unrealized translation gains (losses) arising during the period

     (96.1 )     34.3       (120.5 )     42.3  

Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income

     —         —         2.0       —    

Pension and postretirement healthcare liabilities, net of tax

     0.1       1.7       (2.3 )     3.4  
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 71.8     $ 280.2     $ 489.1     $ 461.1  
                                

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions except share data)

(unaudited)

 

     November 23,
2008
    May 25,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

ASSETS

      

Current assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 132.1     $ 140.9     $ 140.8  

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $14.4, $17.6, and $16.5

     972.1       890.6       957.1  

Inventories

     2,280.8       1,931.5       2,048.8  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     455.5       451.6       347.2  

Current assets held for sale

     —         2,667.4       2,314.1  
                        

Total current assets

     3,840.5       6,082.0       5,808.0  
                        

Property, plant and equipment

     5,160.4       5,023.4       4,852.4  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (2,594.7 )     (2,533.6 )     (2,585.1 )
                        

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2,565.7       2,489.8       2,267.3  
                        

Goodwill

     3,477.6       3,483.3       3,463.2  

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net

     824.3       816.7       803.4  

Other assets

     1,062.6       553.2       240.8  

Noncurrent assets held for sale

     —         257.5       229.3  
                        
   $ 11,770.7     $ 13,682.5     $ 12,812.0  
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities

      

Notes payable

   $ 300.1     $ 599.8     $ 321.7  

Current installments of long-term debt

     316.8       14.9       15.4  

Accounts payable

     1,019.5       786.0       920.5  

Accrued payroll

     175.5       374.2       238.9  

Other accrued liabilities

     860.0       688.3       781.5  

Current liabilities held for sale

     —         1,188.1       1,126.0  
                        

Total current liabilities

     2,671.9       3,651.3       3,404.0  
                        

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

     2,856.6       3,186.9       3,173.7  

Subordinated debt

     195.9       200.0       200.0  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     1,271.7       1,293.0       1,213.4  

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

     —         13.9       16.5  
                        

Total liabilities

     6,996.1       8,345.1       8,007.6  
                        

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

      

Common stockholders’ equity

      

Common stock of $5 par value, authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; issued 567,075,215, 566,653,605, and 566,635,803

     2,835.5       2,833.4       2,833.3  

Additional paid-in capital

     788.1       866.9       835.2  

Retained earnings

     3,844.9       3,409.5       3,084.5  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     165.1       286.5       36.5  

Less treasury stock, at cost, 119,984,111, 82,282,300, and 79,239,532 common shares

     (2,859.0 )     (2,058.9 )     (1,985.1 )
                        

Total common stockholders’ equity

     4,774.6       5,337.4       4,804.4  
                        
   $ 11,770.7     $ 13,682.5     $ 12,812.0  
                        

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 610.5     $ 420.2  

Income from discontinued operations

     331.7       154.6  
                

Income from continuing operations

     278.8       265.6  

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     155.2       146.3  

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     (3.1 )     (1.6 )

Gain on sale of businesses

     (19.7 )     —    

Distributions from affiliates greater (less) than current earnings

     4.5       (12.2 )

Share-based payments expense

     22.8       27.5  

Non-cash interest income on payment-in-kind notes

     (30.6 )     —    

Other items

     (48.7 )     67.6  

Change in operating assets and liabilities before effects of business acquisitions and dispositions:

    

Accounts receivable

     (100.3 )     (144.3 )

Inventory

     (339.6 )     (405.7 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (3.9 )     (25.8 )

Accounts payable

     249.1       184.4  

Accrued payroll

     (80.5 )     (66.5 )

Other accrued liabilities

     8.7       (29.6 )
                

Net cash flows from operating activities – continuing operations

     92.7       5.7  

Net cash flows from operating activities – discontinued operations

     (729.5 )     (269.5 )
                

Net cash flows from operating activities

     (636.8 )     (263.8 )
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of marketable securities

     —         (1,351.0 )

Sales of marketable securities

     —         1,352.0  

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (221.4 )     (254.2 )

Purchase of leased warehouses

     —         (39.2 )

Sale of leased warehouses

     —         35.6  

Sale of property, plant and equipment

     14.8       14.5  

Sale of businesses

     29.8       —    

Purchase of businesses and intangible assets

     (76.3 )     (122.0 )

Increase in investment in affiliates

     —         (0.7 )

Notes receivable and other items

     1.0       0.6  
                

Net cash flows from investing activities – continuing operations

     (252.1 )     (364.4 )

Net cash flows from investing activities – discontinued operations

     2,253.1       (7.5 )
                

Net cash flows from investing activities

   $ 2,001.0     $ (371.9 )
                

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net short-term borrowings

   $ (285.6 )   $ 297.4  

Issuance of long-term debt by variable interest entity

     20.0       —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (57.5 )     (9.0 )

Repurchase of ConAgra Foods common shares

     (900.0 )     (88.1 )

Cash dividends paid

     (178.2 )     (176.9 )

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

     6.1       14.9  

Other items

     (8.6 )     3.0  
                

Net cash flows from financing activities – continuing operations

     (1,403.8 )     41.3  

Net cash flows from financing activities – discontinued operations

     —         —    
                

Net cash flows from financing activities

     (1,403.8 )     41.3  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (39.6 )     (594.4 )

Discontinued operations cash activity included above:

    

Add: Cash balance included in assets held for sale at beginning of period

     30.8       4.4  

Less: Cash balance included in assets held for sale at end of period

     —         —    

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     140.9       730.8  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 132.1     $ 140.8  
                

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(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 Foods, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, as updated in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2008.

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 Foods and all majority-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the accounts of all variable interest entities for which we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date such determination is made. All significant intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates The investments in and the operating results of 50%-or-less-owned entities not required to be consolidated are included in the consolidated financial statements on the basis of the equity method of accounting or the cost method of accounting, depending on specific facts and circumstances.

We review our investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be fully recoverable. Evidence of a loss in value that is other than temporary might include the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, the inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment, or, where applicable, estimated sales proceeds which are insufficient to recover the carrying amount of the investment. Management’s assessment as to whether any decline in value is other than temporary is based on our ability and intent to hold the investment and whether evidence indicating the carrying value of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary. Management generally considers our investments in our equity method investees to be strategic long-term investments. Therefore, management completes its assessments with a long-term viewpoint. If the fair value of the investment is determined to be less than the carrying value and the decline in value is considered to be other than temporary, an appropriate write-down is recorded based on the excess of the carrying value over the best estimate of fair value of the investment.

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.

Shipping and Handling – Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity, changes in the value of available-for-sale investments, and changes in prior service cost and net actuarial gains/losses from pension and postretirement health care plans. We generally deem our foreign investments to be essentially permanent in nature and we do not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. When we determine that a foreign investment is no longer permanent in nature, estimated taxes are provided for the related deferred tax liability (asset), if any, resulting from currency translation adjustments. We reclassified $2.0 million of foreign currency translation net losses to net income due to the disposal or substantial liquidation of foreign subsidiaries in the first half of fiscal 2009.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

The following details the income tax expense (benefit) on components of other comprehensive income:

 

     Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
    November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Net derivative adjustment

   $ —       $ (0.7 )   $ —       $ (1.1 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

     (0.3 )     0.3       (0.5 )     0.5  

Reclassification adjustment for gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income

     0.2       —         0.2       (2.2 )

Pension and postretirement healthcare liabilities

     0.6       1.5       3.5       2.9  
                                
   $ 0.5     $ 1.1     $ 3.2     $ 0.1  
                                

Accounting Changes – We adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Contracts , as of the beginning of fiscal 2009. EITF 06-4 requires an employer to recognize a liability for future benefits provided to employees under a split-dollar life insurance arrangement. As a result of the implementation of EITF 06-4, we recognized a $6.2 million liability for such future benefits with a corresponding adjustment, net of tax, of $3.9 million to retained earnings.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 were effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements , which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 were effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2009 for our financial assets and liabilities, as well as for other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in our consolidated financial statements. The FASB has provided for a one-year deferral of the implementation of this standard for other nonfinanical assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities subject to this deferral include goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments, and nonfinancial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. See further discussion in Note 16.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 . This standard requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement is effective for our third quarter of fiscal 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 . This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon its adoption, effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2010, noncontrolling interests will be classified as equity in our financial statements and income and comprehensive income attributed to the noncontrolling interest will be included in our income and comprehensive income. The provisions of this standard must be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 160 on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) are effective for our business combinations occurring on or after June 1, 2009.

Use of Estimates – Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses as reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Trading and Merchandising Operations

On March 27, 2008, we entered into an agreement with affiliates of Ospraie Special Opportunities Fund to sell our commodity trading and merchandising operations conducted by ConAgra Trade Group (previously principally reported as the Trading and Merchandising segment). The operations included the domestic and international grain merchandising, fertilizer distribution, agricultural and energy commodities trading and services, and grain, animal, and oil seed byproducts merchandising and distribution business. In June 2008, the sale of the trading and merchandising operations was completed for before-tax proceeds of: 1) approximately $2.2 billion in cash, net of transaction costs (including incentive compensation amounts due to employees due to accelerated vesting), 2) $550 million (face value) of payment-in-kind debt securities issued by the purchaser (the “Notes”) which were recorded at an initial estimated fair value of $479 million, 3) a short-term receivable of $37 million due from the purchaser, and 4) a four-year warrant to acquire approximately 5% of the issued common equity of the parent company of the divested operations, which has been recorded at an estimated fair value of $1.8 million. We recognized an after-tax gain on the disposition of approximately $294 million in the first half of fiscal 2009.

The Notes were issued in three tranches: $99,990,000 principal amount of 10.5% notes due June 19, 2010; $200,035,000 principal amount of 10.75% notes due June 19, 2011; and $249,975,000 principal amount of 11.0% notes due June 19, 2012.

The Notes permit payment of interest in additional Notes. The Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. Until June 23, 2009, the redemption price is 92.5% of face value, plus accrued interest. Thereafter, redemption is at par plus accrued interest. The Notes contain covenants that, among other things, govern the issuer’s ability to make restricted payments and enter into certain affiliate transactions. The Notes also provide for the making of mandatory offers to repurchase upon certain change of control events involving the purchaser, their co-investors, or their affiliates. The Notes, which are classified as other assets, have a carrying value of $510 million at November 23, 2008.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we collected $31 million of the short-term receivable due from the purchaser. The remaining $6 million receivable is expected to be collected in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

We reflect the results of these operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the divested trading and merchandising operations have been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets for all periods prior to the divestiture.

Knott’s Berry Farm ® Operations

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we completed our divestiture of the Knott’s Berry Farm ® (“Knott’s”) jams and jellies brand and operations for proceeds of approximately $55 million, resulting in no significant gain or loss. We reflected the results of these operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the divested Knott’s business have been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets for all periods prior to divestiture.

Summary of Operational Results

The summary comparative financial results of the discontinued operations were as follows:

 

     Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
    November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Net sales

   $ 0.2     $ 559.7     $ 204.5     $ 893.6  
                                

Operating results from discontinued operations before income taxes

     2.3       175.1       60.1       245.7  

Gain from disposal of businesses

     2.0       —         490.0       —    
                                

Income before income taxes

     4.3       175.1       550.1       245.7  

Income tax expense

     (7.6 )     (64.9 )     (218.4 )     (91.1 )
                                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (3.3 )   $ 110.2     $ 331.7     $ 154.6  
                                

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as of May 25, 2008 and November 25, 2007 are as follows:

 

     May 25,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 30.8    $ —  

Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts

     614.9      532.4

Inventories

     1,294.2      1,300.3

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     727.5      481.4
             

Current assets held for sale

   $ 2,667.4    $ 2,314.1
             

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 119.0    $ 114.8

Goodwill and other intangibles

     17.0      43.2

Other assets

     121.5      71.3
             

Noncurrent assets held for sale

   $ 257.5    $ 229.3
             

Notes payable

   $ —      $ —  

Current installments of long-term debt

     0.3      0.3

Accounts payable

     596.6      550.2

Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities

     591.2      575.5
             

Current liabilities held for sale

   $ 1,188.1    $ 1,126.0
             

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

   $ 1.2    $ 1.3

Other noncurrent liabilities

     12.7      15.2
             

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

   $ 13.9    $ 16.5
             

Other Divestitures

In July 2008, we completed the sale of our Pemmican ® beef jerky business for proceeds of approximately $29.4 million, resulting in a pretax gain of approximately $19.4 million ($10.6 million, after tax), reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. We will also receive the greater of $2 million per year or 10% of the buyer’s net sales of Pemmican ® products for the next five years, not to exceed a total of $25 million. We will continue to provide sales and distribution services to the buyer for a period of five years. Due to our continuing involvement with the business, the results of operations of the Pemmican ® business have not been reclassified as discontinued operations.

 

3. ACQUISITIONS

On September 22, 2008, we acquired a 49.99% interest in Lamb Weston BSW, LLC (“Lamb Weston BSW” or the “venture”), a potato processing joint venture with Ochoa Ag Unlimited Foods, Inc. (“Ochoa”), for approximately $46 million in cash. Lamb Weston BSW subsequently distributed $10.0 million of our initial investment to us. This venture is considered a variable interest entity and is consolidated in our financial statements (see Note 4). Based on the initial purchase price allocation, approximately $18 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. This business is included in the Commercial Foods segment.

On August 1, 2008, we acquired Saroni Sugar & Rice, Inc., a distribution company included in the Commercial Foods segment, for approximately $9 million in cash plus assumed liabilities. Approximately $5 million of the purchase price was allocated to brands, trademarks, and other intangibles.

On February 25, 2008, we acquired Watts Brothers, which has farming, processing and warehousing operations, for approximately $132 million in cash plus assumed liabilities of approximately $101 million. The Watts Brothers operations are included in the Commercial Foods segment. Approximately $19 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill.

On October 21, 2007, we acquired the manufacturing assets of Twin City Foods, Inc. (“Twin City Foods”), a potato processing business, for approximately $23 million in cash. These operations are included in the Commercial Foods segment.

On September 5, 2007, we acquired Lincoln Snacks Holding Company, Inc. (“Lincoln Snacks”) for approximately $50 million in cash plus assumed liabilities. Lincoln Snacks, which is included in the Snacks and Store Brands subsegment of the Consumer Foods segment, offers a variety of snack food brands and private label products. Approximately $20 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $17 million to other intangible assets.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

On July 23, 2007, we acquired Alexia Foods, Inc. (“Alexia Foods”) for approximately $50 million in cash plus assumed liabilities. Alexia Foods, which is included in our Frozen Foods subsegment of the Consumer Foods segment, offers premium natural and organic food items including potato products, appetizers, and artisan breads. Approximately $34 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $19 million to other intangible assets.

Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair values are subject to refinement as we complete our analyses relative to the fair values at the respective acquisition dates.

 

4. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In September 2008, we entered into a potato processing venture, Lamb Weston BSW. We provide all sales and marketing services to the venture. Commencing on June 1, 2018, or on an earlier date under certain circumstances, we have a contractual right to purchase the remaining equity interest in Lamb Weston BSW from Ochoa (the “call option”). Commencing on July 30, 2011, or on an earlier date under certain circumstances, we are subject to a contractual obligation to purchase all of Ochoa’s equity investment in Lamb Weston BSW at the option of Ochoa (the “put option”). The purchase prices under the call option and the put option (the “options”) are based on the book value of Ochoa’s equity interest at the date of exercise, as modified by an agreed-upon rate of return for the holding period of the investment balance. The agreed-upon rate of return varies depending on the circumstances under which any of the options are exercised. We have determined that the venture is a variable interest entity and that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. Accordingly, we consolidate the financial statements of the venture.

We also consolidate the assets and liabilities of several entities from which we lease corporate aircraft. Each of these entities has been determined to be a variable interest entity and we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of each of these entities.

Due to the consolidation of these variable interest entities, we reflect in our balance sheets:

 

     November 23,
2008
   May 25,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2.0    $ —      $ —  

Receivables, net

     21.4      —        —  

Inventories

     1.6      —        —  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     114.5      51.8      53.3

Goodwill

     18.0      —        —  

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net

     0.1      —        —  
                    

Total assets

   $ 157.6    $ 51.8    $ 53.3
                    

Notes payable

   $ 6.8    $ —      $ —  

Current installments of long-term debt

     4.8      3.3      3.2

Accounts payable

     3.2      —        —  

Accrued payroll

     0.3      —        —  

Other accrued liabilities

     6.1      0.6      0.6

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

     67.5      50.9      52.6

Other noncurrent liabilities (minority interest)

     36.1      —        —  
                    

Total liabilities

   $ 124.8    $ 54.8    $ 56.4
                    

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these entities do not represent additional claims on our general assets. The creditors of these entities have claims only on the assets of the specific variable interest entities to which they have advanced credit.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first half of fiscal 2009 was as follows:

 

     Consumer
Foods
    Commercial Foods     Total  

Balance as of May 25, 2008

   $ 3,380.5     $ 102.8     $ 3,483.3  

Acquisitions

     —         19.9       19.9  

Divestitures

     (4.1 )     —         (4.1 )

Translation and other

     (19.9 )     (1.6 )     (21.5 )
                        

Balance as of November 23, 2008

   $ 3,356.5     $ 121.1     $ 3,477.6  
                        

Other identifiable intangible assets were as follows:

 

     November 23, 2008    May 25, 2008    November 25, 2007
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Non-amortizing intangible assets

   $ 778.3    $ —      $ 778.3    $ —      $ 780.8    $ —  

Amortizing intangible assets

     65.8      19.8      55.2      16.8      38.2      15.6
                                         
   $ 844.1    $ 19.8    $ 833.5    $ 16.8    $ 819.0    $ 15.6
                                         

Non-amortizing intangible assets are comprised of brands and trademarks.

Amortizing intangible assets, carrying a weighted average life of approximately 13 years, are principally composed of licensing arrangements and customer relationships. Based on amortizing assets recognized in our balance sheet as of November 23, 2008, amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $5.0 million for each of the next five years.

 

6. 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 futures and options contracts are used from time to time to reduce the volatility of commodity input prices on items such as natural gas, vegetable oils, proteins, 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 November 23, 2008, we had economically hedged certain portions of our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs using derivative instruments with expiration dates through July 2010.

In order to reduce exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, when deemed prudent, we enter into forward exchange or option contracts 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.

From time to time, we may use derivative instruments, including interest rate swaps, to reduce exposures related to changes in interest rates. No interest rate swap agreements were outstanding during the periods presented.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

In prior periods, we have designated certain derivatives as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges qualifying for hedge accounting treatment. We discontinued designating derivatives as cash flow hedges during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and had no fair value hedges during the periods covered by this report.

Economic Hedges of Forecasted Cash Flows

Many of our derivatives do not qualify for, and, as noted above, we are not currently designating any derivatives to achieve hedge accounting treatment. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to hedge anticipated commodity consumption and to mitigate foreign currency cash flow risk in earnings immediately within general corporate expense. The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, these derivative gains and losses were recorded immediately in our segment results as a component of cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses, regardless of when the item being hedged impacted earnings.

Other Derivative Activity (Primarily in the Milling Operations)

We also use derivative instruments within our milling operations, which are part of the Commercial Foods segment. Derivative instruments used to economically hedge commodity inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts are marked-to-market such that realized and unrealized gains and losses are immediately included in operating results. The underlying inventory and forward contracts being hedged are also marked-to-market with changes in market value recognized immediately in operating results.

For derivative trading activities within our milling operations that are not intended to mitigate commodity input cost risk, the derivative instrument is marked-to-market each period with gains and losses included in net sales of the Commercial Foods segment. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, net derivative gains from trading activities of $0.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively, were included in the results of operations for the Commercial Foods segment. In the first half of fiscal 2009 there was no net derivative gain or loss from trading activities included in the results of operations for the Commercial Foods segment. In the first half of fiscal 2008, the net derivative gain from trading activities included in the results of operations for the Commercial Foods segment was $1.7 million.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of derivative assets is recognized within prepaid expenses and other current assets and current assets held for sale, while the fair value of derivative liabilities is recognized within other accrued liabilities and current liabilities held for sale.

The following derivative assets and liabilities are reflected in our balance sheets:

 

     November 23,
2008
   May 25,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 203.4    $ 207.0    $ 61.1

Current assets held for sale

     —        536.6      215.0

Other accrued liabilities

     37.2      55.8      55.9

Current liabilities held for sale

     —        301.6      217.3

 

7. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended November 23, 2008, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares, and restricted cash) of $10.2 million and $22.8 million, respectively. For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended November 25, 2007, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $14.0 million and $27.5 million, respectively. During the first half of fiscal 2009, we granted 1.0 million restricted stock units at a weighted average grant date price of $21.21, 7.4 million stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $21.21, and 0.5 million performance shares at a weighted average grant date price of $21.26.

The performance shares are granted to selected executives and other key employees with vesting contingent upon the Company meeting various Company-wide performance goals. The performance goals are based upon our earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and our return on average invested capital (ROAIC) measured over a defined performance period. The awards actually earned will range from zero to three hundred percent of the targeted number of performance shares granted and be paid in shares of common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in the plan, any shares earned will be distributed at the end of the three-year period. The value of the performance shares granted in fiscal 2009 is adjusted based upon the market price of our stock at the end of each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

The weighted average Black-Scholes assumptions for stock options granted during the first half of fiscal 2009 were as follows:

 

Expected volatility (%)

   18.04

Dividend yield (%)

   3.29

Risk-free interest rate (%)

   3.39

Expected life of stock option (years)

   4.66

The weighted average value of stock options granted during the first half of fiscal 2009 was $2.87 per option, based upon a Black-Scholes methodology.

 

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of basic weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock 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    Twenty-six weeks ended
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
   November 23,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Net income:

          

Income from continuing operations

   $ 171.4     $ 134.6    $ 278.8    $ 265.6

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (3.3 )     110.2      331.7      154.6
                            

Net income

   $ 168.1     $ 244.8    $ 610.5    $ 420.2
                            

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     447.1       487.3      458.5      488.4

Add: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock awards, and other dilutive securities

     2.4       3.4      2.5      3.5
                            

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     449.5       490.7      461.0      491.9
                            

For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, there were 34.5 million and 33.3 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of shares contingently issuable upon the exercise of stock options because exercise prices exceeded the average market value of common stock during the period. For the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, there were 17.8 million and 15.1 million stock options, respectively, excluded from the calculation.

The decline in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 resulted principally from our repurchase of 38.4 million shares during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 under an accelerated share repurchase plan.

 

9. INVENTORIES

The major classes of inventories were as follows:

 

     November 23,
2008
   May 25,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Raw materials and packaging

   $ 746.9    $ 580.8    $ 726.5

Work in process

     120.0      100.0      101.0

Finished goods

     1,337.4      1,179.1      1,157.3

Supplies and other

     76.5      71.6      64.0
                    
   $ 2,280.8    $ 1,931.5    $ 2,048.8
                    

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

10. RESTRUCTURING

2006-2008 Restructuring Plan

In February 2006, our board of directors approved a plan recommended by executive management to simplify our operating structure and reduce our manufacturing and selling, general, and administrative costs (“2006-2008 plan”). The plan included supply chain rationalization initiatives, the relocation of a divisional headquarters from Irvine, California to Naperville, Illinois, the centralization of shared services, salaried headcount reductions, and other cost-reduction initiatives. The plan was substantially completed by the end of fiscal 2008. The forecasted cost of the plan, as updated through November 23, 2008, was $231.9 million, of which, expenses of $0.4 million was recorded in the first half of fiscal 2009, a benefit of $1.6 million was recorded in fiscal 2008, $103.0 million of expense was recorded in fiscal 2007, and $129.6 million of expense was recorded in the second half of fiscal 2006. We have recorded expenses associated with this restructuring plan, including but not limited to, asset impairment charges, accelerated depreciation (i.e., incremental depreciation due to an asset’s reduced estimated useful life), inventory write-downs, severance and related costs, and plan implementation costs (e.g., consulting, employee relocation, etc.). At November 23, 2008, approximately $3.6 million of liabilities related to this plan remained outstanding.

Included in the above estimates are $132.9 million of charges which have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $99.0 million of non-cash charges.

During fiscal 2008, we reassessed certain aspects of our plan to rationalize our supply chain. We determined that we will continue to operate three production facilities that we had previously planned to close. As a result of this determination, previously established reserves, primarily for related severance costs and pension costs, were reversed in fiscal 2008. We are currently evaluating the best use of a new production facility, the construction of which is in progress, in connection with our restructuring plans. We believe, based on our current assessment of likely scenarios, the carrying value of this facility ($40.6 million at November 23, 2008) is recoverable. In the event we determine that the future use of the new facility will not result in recovery of the recorded value of the asset, an impairment charge would be required.

2008-2009 Restructuring Plan

During fiscal 2008, our board of directors approved a plan (“2008-2009 plan”) recommended by executive management to improve the efficiency of our Consumer Foods operations and related functional organizations and to streamline our international operations to reduce our manufacturing and selling, general, and administrative costs. This plan includes the reorganization of the Consumer Foods operations, the integration of the international headquarters functions into our domestic business, and exiting a number of international markets. These plans are expected to be substantially completed by the end of fiscal 2009. The forecasted cost of this plan, as updated through November 23, 2008, was $42.9 million, of which $9.7 million was recorded during the first half of fiscal 2009 and $27.8 million was recorded in fiscal 2008. We have recorded expenses associated with this restructuring plan, including but not limited to, inventory write-downs, severance and related costs, and plan implementation costs (e.g., consulting, employee relocation, etc.). We anticipate that we will recognize the following pre-tax expenses associated with the 2008-2009 plan in the fiscal 2008 to 2009 timeframe (amounts include charges recognized in the first half of fiscal 2009 and full-year fiscal 2008):

 

     Consumer
Foods
   Corporate    Total

Inventory write-downs

   $ 2.4    $ —      $ 2.4
                    

Total cost of goods sold

     2.4      —        2.4
                    

Asset impairment

     0.8      —        0.8

Severance and related costs

     17.7      3.7      21.4

Contract termination

     4.7      —        4.7

Plan implementation costs

     2.4      4.1      6.5

Goodwill/Brand impairment

     0.2      —        0.2

Other, net

     6.9      —        6.9
                    

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     32.7      7.8      40.5
                    

Consolidated total

   $ 35.1    $ 7.8    $ 42.9
                    

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

Included in the above estimates are $39.5 million of charges which have resulted or will result in cash outflows and $3.4 million of non-cash charges.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized the following pre-tax charges in our consolidated statement of earnings for the 2008-2009 plan:

 

     Consumer
Foods
    Corporate    Total  

Severance and related costs

   $ (0.4 )   $ 0.1    $ (0.3 )

Plan implementation costs

     1.4       0.4      1.8  
                       

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     1.0       0.5      1.5  
                       

Consolidated total

   $ 1.0     $ 0.5    $ 1.5  
                       

During the first half of fiscal 2009, we recognized the following pre-tax charges in our consolidated statement of earnings for the 2008-2009 plan:

 

     Consumer
Foods
   Corporate    Total

Severance and related costs

   $ 0.1    $ 0.4    $ 0.5

Plan implementation costs

     1.9      1.0      2.9

Other, net

     6.3      —        6.3
                    

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     8.3      1.4      9.7
                    

Consolidated total

   $ 8.3    $ 1.4    $ 9.7
                    

We recognized the following cumulative (plan inception to November 23, 2008) pre-tax charges related to the 2008-2009 plan in our consolidated statements of earnings:

 

     Consumer
Foods
   Corporate    Total

Inventory write-downs

   $ 2.4    $ —      $ 2.4
                    

Total cost of goods sold

     2.4      —        2.4
                    

Asset impairment

     0.8      —        0.8

Severance and related costs

     16.9      3.5      20.4

Contract termination

     2.3      —        2.3

Plan implementation costs

     2.2      2.3      4.5

Goodwill/Brand impairment

     0.2      —        0.2

Other, net

     6.9      —        6.9
                    

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     29.3      5.8      35.1
                    

Consolidated total

   $ 31.7    $ 5.8    $ 37.5
                    

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

Liabilities recorded for the various initiatives and changes therein for the thirteen weeks ended November 23, 2008 under the 2008-2009 plan were as follows:

 

     Balance at
August 24,
2008
   Costs Paid
or Otherwise
Settled
    Costs Incurred
and Charged
to Expense
   Changes in
Estimates
    Balance at
November 23,
2008

Severance and related costs

   $ 10.0    $ (4.5 )   $ —      $ (0.3 )   $ 5.2

Plan implementation costs

     3.0      (1.9 )     1.2      0.6       2.9
                                    

Total

   $ 13.0    $ (6.4 )   $ 1.2    $ 0.3     $ 8.1
                                    

 

11. INCOME TAXES

Our income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was $84.4 million and $68.6 million, respectively. Income tax expense for the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was $150.3 million and $129.7 million, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income from continuing operations, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 33% and 35% for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, and 34% and 33% for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively.

The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits, was $73.8 million as of November 23, 2008, $75.8 million as of May 25, 2008, and $124.0 million as of November 25, 2007. The net amount of unrecognized tax benefits at November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007 that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate was $50.0 million, $46.2 million, and $40.0 million, respectively. Recognition of these tax benefits would have a favorable impact on the Company’s effective tax rate. Gross unrecognized tax benefits exclude related liabilities for gross interest and penalties of $13.7 million, $21.8 million, and $17.7 million as of November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $3 million to $7 million over the next twelve months due to various federal, state, and foreign audit settlements and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

 

12. CONTINGENCIES

In fiscal 1991, we acquired Beatrice Company (“Beatrice”). As a result of the acquisition and the significant pre-acquisition contingencies of the Beatrice businesses and its former subsidiaries, our consolidated post-acquisition financial statements reflect liabilities associated with the estimated resolution of these contingencies. These include various litigation and environmental proceedings related to businesses divested by Beatrice prior to its acquisition by us. The litigation includes public nuisance and personal injury suits against a number of lead paint and pigment manufacturers, including ConAgra Grocery Products and the Company as alleged successors to W. P. Fuller Co., a lead paint and pigment manufacturer owned and operated by Beatrice until 1967. Although decisions favorable to us have been rendered in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, we remain a defendant in active suits in Illinois, Ohio, and California. The Illinois suit seeks class-wide relief in the form of medical monitoring for elevated levels of lead in blood. The State of Ohio seeks abatement of the alleged nuisance and unspecified damages. In California, a number of cities and counties have joined in a consolidated action seeking abatement of the alleged public nuisance.

The environmental proceedings include litigation and administrative proceedings involving Beatrice’s status as a potentially responsible party at 34 Superfund, proposed Superfund, or state-equivalent sites; these sites involve locations previously owned or operated by predecessors of Beatrice that used or produced petroleum, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, inks, solvents, PCBs, acids, lead, sulfur, tannery wastes, and/or other contaminants. Beatrice has paid or is in the process of paying its liability share at 32 of these sites. Reserves for these matters have been established based on our best estimate of the undiscounted remediation liabilities, which estimates include evaluation of investigatory studies, extent of required cleanup, the known volumetric contribution of Beatrice and other potentially responsible parties, and our experience in remediating sites. The reserves for Beatrice environmental matters totaled $91.5 million as of November 23, 2008, a majority of which relates to the Superfund and state-equivalent sites referenced above. Expenditures for these matters are expected to continue for a period of up to 20 years.

In limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. At the time in which we initially provide such a guarantee, we assess the risk of financial exposure to us under these agreements. We consider the credit-worthiness of the guaranteed party, the value of any collateral pledged against the related obligation, and any other factors that may mitigate our risk (e.g., letters of credit from a financial institution). We periodically monitor market and entity-specific conditions which may result in a change of our assessment of our risk of loss under these agreements.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

We have outstanding guarantees of various trade obligations of the divested Trading and Merchandising business (now operating as the Gavilon Group, LLC, “Gavilon”). The guarantees were in place prior to the divestiture and are in the process of being released by the trade counterparties. The nominal amount of these guarantees was $37 million at November 23, 2008. We have not established a liability in connection with these guarantees, as we believe the likelihood of financial exposure to us under these guarantees is remote. During this transitional period, Gavilon is contractually required to, and has, obtained letters of credit under their financing facilities (led by JP Morgan Chase) for our benefit, the effect of which is to effectively mitigate any financial exposure to us from the guarantees. We also guarantee payment of certain railcar leases of Gavilon; the railcar leases were in place prior to the divestiture and the parties are working with the lessors to secure the Company’s release. The remaining terms of these lease agreements do not exceed ten years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $5 million as of November 23, 2008. We have not established a liability for these guarantees as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.

We guarantee certain leases and other commercial obligations resulting from our fresh beef and pork divestiture. The remaining terms of these arrangements do not exceed seven years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed is approximately $19.9 million as of November 23, 2008. We have also guaranteed the performance of the divested fresh beef and pork business with respect to a hog purchase contract. The hog purchase contract requires the fresh beef and pork business to purchase a minimum of approximately 1.2 million hogs annually through 2014. The contract stipulates minimum price commitments, based in part on market prices and, in certain circumstances, also includes price adjustments based on certain inputs. We have not established a liability for these guarantees. We have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.

We are a party to various potato supply agreements. Under the terms of certain such potato supply agreements, we have guaranteed repayment of short-term bank loans of the potato suppliers, under certain conditions. At November 23, 2008, the amount of supplier loans effectively guaranteed by us was approximately $2 million. We have not established a liability for these guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.

We are a party to a supply agreement with an onion processing company. We have guaranteed repayment of a loan of this supplier, under certain conditions. At November 23, 2008, the amount of this loan was $25 million. In the event of default on this loan by the supplier, we have the contractual right to purchase the loan from the lender, thereby giving us the rights to underlying collateral. We have not established a liability in connection with these guarantees, as we believe the likelihood of financial exposure to us under this agreement is remote.

We are party to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of our business, including lawsuits and claims related to the February 2007 recall of our peanut butter products. We believe that the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. On June 28, 2007, officials from the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations executed a search warrant at our peanut butter manufacturing facility in Sylvester, Georgia, to obtain a variety of records and information relating to plant operations. We have cooperated with officials in regard to the investigation.

After taking into account liabilities recorded for all of the foregoing matters, we believe the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. Costs of legal services are recognized in earnings as services are provided.

 

13. 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 benefits”) to qualifying U.S. employees.

We historically had used February 28 as the measurement date for our plans. Beginning May 28, 2007, we elected to early adopt the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans . These provisions require the measurement date for plan assets and liabilities to coincide with the sponsor’s fiscal year-end. We used the “alternative” method for adoption. As a result, during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 we recorded a decrease to retained earnings of approximately $11.7 million, net of tax, and an increase to accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $1.6 million, net of tax, representing the periodic benefit cost for the period from March 1, 2007 through our fiscal 2007 year-end.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

Components of pension benefit and other postretirement benefit costs included:

 

     Pension Benefits  
     Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
    November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 12.7     $ 14.9     $ 25.6     $ 29.9  

Interest cost

     35.3       33.4       70.6       66.7  

Expected return on plan assets

     (39.6 )     (37.2 )     (79.2 )     (74.3 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     0.8       0.9       1.6       1.7  

Recognized net actuarial loss

     0.5       2.1       1.0       4.2  
                                

Benefit cost - Company plans

     9.7       14.1       19.6       28.2  

Pension benefit cost - multi-employer plans

     2.5       2.9       4.8       4.7  
                                

Total benefit cost

   $ 12.2     $ 17.0     $ 24.4     $ 32.9  
                                
     Postretirement Benefits  
     Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
    November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 0.2     $ 0.2     $ 0.4     $ 0.5  

Interest cost

     5.8       5.4       11.5       10.7  

Expected return on plan assets

     (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     (2.8 )     (2.9 )     (5.6 )     (5.8 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     2.4       3.0       4.9       6.0  
                                

Total cost - Company plans

   $ 5.5     $ 5.6     $ 11.1     $ 11.3  
                                

During the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, we contributed $2.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively, to our pension plans and contributed $9.2 million and $17.6 million, respectively, 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 $4.6 million to our pension plans for the remainder of fiscal 2009. We anticipate making further contributions of $19.4 million to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of fiscal 2009. These estimates are based on current tax laws, plan asset performance, and liability assumptions, which are subject to change.

 

14. LONG-TERM DEBT

During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we retired approximately $6.1 million of 7.125% senior long-term debt due October 2026 and $4.1 million of 9.75% senior subordinated long-term debt due March 2021, prior to the maturity of the notes, resulting in no significant gain or loss.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we retired approximately $21.5 million of 7.125% senior long-term debt due October 2026 and $17.9 million of 7% senior long-term debt due October 2028, prior to the maturity of the notes, resulting in no significant gain or loss.

Included in current installments of long-term debt is $300 million of 6.7% senior debt due August 2027 due to the existence of a put option that is exercisable by the holders of the debt from June 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009. If the put option is not exercised by the holders of the debt, we would reclassify the $300 million balance to senior long-term debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, when the put option has expired.

In September 2008, we formed a potato processing venture, Lamb Weston BSW, with Ochoa Ag Unlimited Foods, Inc. We have determined that the venture is a variable interest entity and that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. Accordingly, we consolidate the financial statements of the venture. Lamb Weston BSW entered into a loan agreement with a bank for $20.0 million of 4.34% senior long-term debt due September 2018. The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating this entity do not represent additional claims on our general assets. The creditors of this entity have claims only on the assets of Lamb Weston BSW.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current installments) was $3.37 billion as of November 23, 2008. Based on market rates, the fair value of this debt at November 23, 2008 was $3.22 billion.

 

15. ACCELERATED SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

We initiated an accelerated share repurchase program during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We paid $900 million and have received 38.4 million shares under this program, to date. Under certain circumstances, we may receive additional shares, not to exceed 5.6 million shares, under the program in the second half of fiscal 2009 at no additional cost to us. Under certain circumstances, the likelihood of which we have determined to be remote, we could be required to surrender shares received to date under this program.

 

16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements , which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 were effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2009 for our financial assets and liabilities, as well as for other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in our consolidated financial statements. The FASB has provided for a one-year deferral of the implementation of this standard for other nonfinanical assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price assets or liabilities. The hierarchy requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. 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

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 following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of November 23, 2008:

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets:

           

Derivative assets

   $ 14.2    $ 189.2    $ —      $ 203.4

Available for sale securities

     1.0      —        —        1.0

Deferred compensation assets

     8.1      —        —        8.1
                           

Total assets

   $ 23.3    $ 189.2    $ —      $ 212.5
                           

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities

   $ —      $ 37.2    $ —      $ 37.2

Deferred and share-based compensation liabilities

     26.0      —        —        26.0
                           

Total liabilities

   $ 26.0    $ 37.2    $ —      $ 63.2
                           

 

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Sales to affiliates (equity method investees) of $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, are included in net sales. Sales to affiliates (equity method investees) of $1.4 million and $2.4 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively, are included in net sales. We received management fees from affiliates of $4.6 million and $8.9 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, while we received management fees from affiliates of $4.2 million and $7.9 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively. Accounts receivable from affiliates totaled $0.7 million, $3.2 million, and $3.5 million at November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively, of which $3.0 million and $1.5 million are included in current assets held for sale at May 25, 2008 and November 25, 2007, respectively. Accounts payable to affiliates totaled $16.6 million, $15.6 million, and $13.0 million at November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

18. BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

Historically, we reported our results of operations in three segments: the Consumer Foods segment, the Food and Ingredients segment, and the International Foods segment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we completed the assimilation of the international operations primarily into the domestic Consumer Foods business and completed the transition of the direct management of the Consumer Foods reporting segment to the Chief Executive Officer. Accordingly, we have begun to report our operations in two reporting segments: Consumer Foods and Commercial Foods. The majority of the former International Foods segment operations are now managed within the Consumer Foods segment. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began including the earnings (losses) from equity method investments in segment results below operating profit. Fiscal 2008 financial information has been conformed to reflect these changes.

Consumer Foods

The Consumer Foods reporting segment includes branded, private label, and customized food products which are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, principally in North America. The products include a variety of categories (meals, entrees, condiments, sides, snacks, and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable temperature classes. The segment is comprised of and managed through five subsegments as described below:

Grocery Foods North America – includes branded and customized refrigerated or shelf-stable food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Angela Mia ® , Chef Boyardee ® , Egg Beaters ® , Healthy Choice ® Fresh Mixers, Hebrew National ® , Hunt’s ® , Manwich ® , PAM ® , Peter Pan ® , Snack Pack ® , Reddi-wip ® , Rosarita ® , Ro*Tel ® , Swiss Miss ® , and Van Camp’s ® . The segment also includes the Consumer Foods businesses in Mexico and Canada which distribute packaged foods that are both locally manufactured and imported from the United States.

Frozen Foods – includes branded and customized frozen food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Alexia ® , Banquet ® , Healthy Choice ® , Kid Cuisine ® , and Marie Callender’s ® .

Snacks and Store Brands – includes branded popcorn, meats, seeds, and specialty snacks, as well as private label food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: ACT II ® , DAVID ® , Orville Redenbacher’s ® , and Slim Jim ® .

Enabler Brands – includes national and regional branded food products across shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen temperature classes. Products are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Blue Bonnet ® , La Choy ® , Libby’s ® , The Max ® , Parkay ® , and Wesson ® .

Domestic Export – includes branded shelf-stable food products sold through distributors in various markets throughout the world.

The Consumer Foods’ supply chain and order-to-cash functions are centrally managed and largely integrated. Accordingly, we do not maintain balance sheets at the subsegment level. Selling, general and administrative expenses, other than advertising and promotion, are managed at the primary segment level, and as such, we do not separately allocate selling, general and administrative expenses other than advertising and promotion expenses to the Consumer Foods subsegments.

Commercial Foods

The Commercial Foods reporting segment includes commercially branded foods and ingredients, which are sold principally to foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. The segment’s primary products include: specialty potato products, milled grain ingredients, a variety of vegetable products, seasonings, blends, and flavors which are sold under brands such as Lamb Weston ® , ConAgra Mills ® , Gilroy Foods ® , and Spicetec ® to food processors.

****

Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each of the primary 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.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007

Net sales

    

Consumer Foods:

    

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 731.7     $ 714.0

Frozen Foods

     458.3       453.0

Snacks and Store Brands

     379.2       352.1

Enabler Brands

     430.6       387.3

Domestic Export

     46.7       47.4

Other

     (3.7 )     2.4
              

Total Consumer Foods

     2,042.8       1,956.2

Commercial Foods

     1,221.5       995.0
              

Total net sales

   $ 3,264.3     $ 2,951.2
              

Profit contribution margin (Net sales, less cost of goods sold and advertising and promotion)

    

Consumer Foods:

    

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 186.5     $ 201.5

Frozen Foods

     89.5       72.6

Snacks and Store Brands

     83.5       74.6

Enabler Brands

     61.9       63.7

Domestic Export

     12.5       9.1

Other

     (2.1 )     32.9
              

Total Consumer Foods

     431.8       454.4

Commercial Foods

     208.8       179.5
              

Total profit contribution margin

   $ 640.6     $ 633.9
              

Selling, general and administrative expenses (except advertising and promotion)

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 179.3     $ 207.3

Commercial Foods

     53.3       47.7
              

Total selling, general and administrative expenses at segments (except advertising and promotion)

   $ 232.6     $ 255.0
              

Operating profit

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 252.5     $ 247.1

Commercial Foods

     155.5       131.8
              

Total operating profit

   $ 408.0     $ 378.9
              

Equity method investment earnings

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 0.8     $ 0.4

Commercial Foods

     1.1       12.1
              

Total equity method investment earnings

   $ 1.9     $ 12.5
              

Operating profit plus equity method investment earnings

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 253.3     $ 247.5

Commercial Foods

     156.6       143.9
              

Total operating profit plus equity method investment earnings

   $ 409.9       391.4
              

General corporate expenses

   $ 111.4     $ 126.0

Interest expense, net

     42.7       62.2

Income tax expense

     84.4       68.6
              

Income from continuing operations

   $ 171.4     $ 134.6
              

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
 

Net sales

    

Consumer Foods:

    

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 1,412.5     $ 1,328.7  

Frozen Foods

     876.9       847.7  

Snacks and Store Brands

     738.7       691.8  

Enabler Brands

     794.4       710.0  

Domestic Export

     94.6       90.9  

Other

     (5.9 )     (1.9 )
                

Total Consumer Foods

     3,911.2       3,667.2  

Commercial Foods

     2,418.7       1,905.1  
                

Total net sales

   $ 6,329.9     $ 5,572.3  
                

Profit contribution margin (Net sales, less cost of goods sold and advertising and promotion)

    

Consumer Foods:

    

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 360.5     $ 345.3  

Frozen Foods

     152.3       143.2  

Snacks and Store Brands

     150.9       156.4  

Enabler Brands

     96.3       118.4  

Domestic Export

     24.2       15.4  

Other

     (4.2 )     40.6  
                

Total Consumer Foods

     780.0       819.3  

Commercial Foods

     386.8       342.3  
                

Total profit contribution margin

   $ 1,166.8     $ 1,161.6  
                

Selling, general and administrative expenses (except advertising and promotion)

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 340.4     $ 384.9  

Commercial Foods

     98.5       89.9  
                

Total selling, general and administrative expenses at segments (except advertising and promotion)

   $ 438.9     $ 474.8  
                

Operating profit

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 439.6     $ 434.4  

Commercial Foods

     288.3       252.4  
                

Total operating profit

   $ 727.9     $ 686.8  
                

Equity method investment earnings

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 2.1     $ 0.5  

Commercial Foods

     0.7       21.6  
                

Total equity method investment earnings

   $ 2.8     $ 22.1  
                

Operating Profit and equity method investment earnings

    

Consumer Foods

   $ 441.7     $ 434.9  

Commercial Foods

     289.0       274.0  
                

Total operating profit and equity method investment earnings

   $ 730.7     $ 708.9  
                

General corporate expenses

   $ 208.8     $ 196.6  

Interest expense, net

     92.8       117.0  

Income tax expense

     150.3       129.7  
                

Income from continuing operations

   $ 278.8     $ 265.6  
                

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we discontinued the practice of designating derivatives as cash flow hedges of commodity inputs. As such, during fiscal 2008, derivative instruments used to create economic hedges of such commodity inputs were marked-to-market each period with both realized and unrealized changes in market value immediately included in cost of goods sold within segment operating profit.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

In fiscal 2009, following the sale of our trading and merchandising operations and related organizational changes, we transferred the management of commodity hedging activities (except for those related to our milling operations) to a centralized procurement group. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to hedge anticipated commodity consumption in earnings immediately within general corporate expenses. The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, these derivative gains and losses were recorded immediately in our segment results as a component of cost of goods sold, regardless of when the item being hedged impacted earnings. We believe this change will result in better segment management focus on key operational initiatives and improved transparency to derivative gains and losses. We did not recharacterize fiscal 2008 segment results in a comparable manner, as it was impracticable to retrospectively apply the processes which we began to use in fiscal 2009 to determine the appropriate period in which to allocate derivative gains and losses from general corporate expenses to segment operating results.

In fiscal 2008, we began to centrally manage foreign currency risk for all of our reporting segments. Foreign currency derivatives used to manage foreign currency risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. We believe that these derivatives provide economic hedges of the foreign currency risk 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.

The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, under this new methodology:

 

Net derivative losses incurred

   $ (45.7 )

Less: Net derivative gains allocated to reporting segments

     1.9  
        

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

   $ (47.6 )
        

Net derivative gains allocated to Consumer Foods

   $ 0.4  

Net derivative gains allocated to Commercial Foods

     1.5  
        

Net derivative gains included in segment operating profit

   $ 1.9  
        

The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations for the first half of fiscal 2009, under this new methodology:

 

Net derivative losses incurred

   $ (79.2 )

Less: Net derivative gains allocated to reporting segments

     1.4  
        

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

   $ (80.6 )
        

Net derivative losses allocated to Consumer Foods

   $ (0.5 )

Net derivative gains allocated to Commercial Foods

     1.9  
        

Net derivative gains included in segment operating profit

   $ 1.4  
        

Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of $70.9 million and $9.7 million in fiscal 2009 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Twenty-six Weeks ended November 23, 2008 and November 25, 2007

(columnar dollars in millions except per share amounts)

 

In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, net derivative gains from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations were $24.4 million and $24.7 million, respectively, in the Consumer Foods segment and $1.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in the Commercial Foods segment.

We also use derivative instruments within our milling operations, which are part of the Commercial Foods segment. Derivative instruments used to economically hedge commodity inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts are marked-to-market such that realized and unrealized gains and losses are immediately included in operating results. The underlying inventory and forward contracts being hedged are also marked-to-market with changes in market value recognized immediately in operating results. For derivative trading activities within our milling operations that are not intended to mitigate commodity input cost risk, the derivative instrument is marked-to-market each period with gains and losses included in net sales of the Commercial Foods segment. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, net derivative gains from trading activities of $0.2 million, were included in the results of operations for the Commercial Foods segment. There was no net gain or loss from trading activities during the first half of fiscal 2009. In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, net derivative gains from trading activities of $3.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, were included in the results of operations for the Commercial Foods segment.

Our largest customer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 17% and 16% of consolidated net sales in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, and 15% of consolidated net sales in both the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates accounted for approximately 16%, 13%, and 14% of consolidated net receivables as of November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively, primarily in the Consumer Foods segment.

 

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report, including Management’s Discussion & Analysis, contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions of future events and financial performance and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Readers of this report should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Many factors could affect our actual financial results and cause them to vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in this report. These factors include, among other things, availability and prices of raw materials, future economic circumstances, industry conditions, our performance and financial results, product pricing, competitive environment and related market conditions, operating efficiencies, the ultimate impact of recalls, access to capital, actions of governments and regulatory factors affecting our businesses, and other risks described in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

The following discussion should be read together with our financial statements and related notes contained in this report and with the financial statements, related notes, and Management’s Discussion & Analysis in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, as updated in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2008. Results for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended November 23, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be attained in the future.

Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter Executive Overview

ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America’s largest packaged food companies, serving grocery retailers, as well as restaurants and other foodservice establishments. Popular ConAgra Foods consumer brands include: Banquet ® , Chef Boyardee ® , Egg Beaters ® , Healthy Choice ® , Hebrew National ® , Hunt’s ® , Marie Callender’s ® , Orville Redenbacher’s ® , Reddi-wip ® , PAM ® , Peter Pan ® , and many others.

Diluted earnings per share were $0.37 in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, including $0.38 per diluted share from continuing operations and a loss of $0.01 per diluted share from discontinued operations. Diluted earnings per share were $0.50 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, including $0.27 per diluted share from continuing operations and $0.23 per diluted share from discontinued operations. Several significant items affect the comparability of year-over-year results of continuing operations. See “Other Significant Items of Note - Items Impacting Comparability” below.

Dispositions of Businesses

Trading and Merchandising Operations

On March 27, 2008, we entered into an agreement with affiliates of Ospraie Special Opportunities Fund to sell our commodity trading and merchandising operations conducted by ConAgra Trade Group (previously principally reported as the Trading and Merchandising segment). The operations included the domestic and international grain merchandising, fertilizer distribution, agricultural and energy commodities trading and services, and grain, animal, and oil seed byproducts merchandising and distribution businesses. In June 2008, the sale of the trading and merchandising operations was completed for before-tax proceeds of 1) approximately $2.2 billion in cash, net of transaction costs (including incentive compensation amounts due to employees due to accelerated vesting), 2) $550 million (face value) of payment-in-kind debt securities issued by the purchaser (the “Notes”) which were recorded at an initial estimated fair value of $479 million, 3) a short-term receivable of $37 million due from the purchaser, and 4) a four-year warrant to acquire approximately 5% of the issued common equity of the parent company of the divested operations, which has been recorded at an estimated fair value of $1.8 million. We recognized an estimated after-tax gain on the disposition of approximately $294 million in the first half of fiscal 2009.

The Notes were issued in three tranches: $99,990,000 principal amount of 10.5% notes due June 19, 2010; $200,035,000 principal amount of 10.75% notes due June 19, 2011; and $249,975,000 principal amount of 11.0% notes due June 19, 2012.

The Notes permit payment of interest in additional notes. The Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. Until June 23, 2009, the redemption price is 92.5% of face value, plus accrued interest. Thereafter, redemption is at par plus accrued interest. The Notes contain covenants that, among other things, govern the issuer’s ability to make restricted payments and enter into certain affiliate transactions. The Notes also provide for the making of mandatory offers to repurchase upon certain change of control events involving the purchaser, their co-investors, or their affiliates. The Notes, which are classified as other assets, have a carrying value of $510 million at November 23, 2008.

 

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During the first half of fiscal 2009, we collected $31 million of the short-term receivable due from the purchaser. The remaining $6 million receivable is expected to be collected in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

We reflect the results of these operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the divested trading and merchandising operations have been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets for all periods prior to the divestiture.

Knott’s Berry Farm ® Operations

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we completed our divestiture of the Knott’s Berry Farm ® (“Knott’s”) jams and jellies brand and operations for proceeds of approximately $55 million, resulting in no significant gain or loss. We reflect the results of these operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the divested Knott’s business have been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets for all periods prior to divestiture.

Operating Initiatives

We are implementing operational improvement initiatives that are intended to generate profitable sales growth, improve profit margins, and expand returns on capital over time.

Recent developments in our strategies and action plans include:

 

   

Pricing initiatives: We have faced significant increases in input costs during fiscal 2008 and the first half of fiscal 2009. We implemented price increases across a significant portion of our Consumer Foods portfolio in the last half of fiscal 2008 and the first half of fiscal 2009. We also increased prices in fiscal 2008 and the first half of fiscal 2009 in our Commercial Foods segment in order to pass on higher input costs. Although the cost of certain commodity inputs has been moderating, we continue to monitor the challenging input cost environment and will consider implementing additional pricing actions as appropriate to offset these effects.

 

 

 

Innovation: Our recent innovation investments in the Consumer Foods operations resulted in the development of a variety of new products, including Healthy Choice ® Café Steamers in fiscal 2008. In early fiscal 2009 we introduced Healthy Choice ® Asian Steamers and Healthy Choice ® Fresh Mixers. In addition, our Commercial Foods businesses, principally Lamb Weston, ConAgra Mills, and Gilroy Foods and Flavors, continue to invest in a variety of new foodservice products and ingredients for foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. Together with additional new products planned for fiscal 2009 and beyond, these products are expected to contribute to additional sales growth in the future.

 

   

Sales growth initiatives: We continue to implement sales improvement initiatives focused on penetrating the fastest growing channels, better return on customer trade arrangements, and optimal shelf placement for our most profitable products.

 

   

Reducing costs throughout the supply chain and the general and administrative functions:

 

   

We began an intense focus on cost reduction initiatives in February 2006, when we initiated the fiscal 2006-2008 restructuring plan (the “2006-2008 restructuring plan”). Substantially completed by the end of fiscal 2008, the 2006-2008 restructuring plan focused on streamlining the supply chain and reducing selling, general, and administrative costs. During fiscal 2008, we identified additional opportunities to create a more efficient organization, particularly in our Consumer Foods operations and related functional organizations and the international foods operations (the “2008-2009 restructuring plan”). The combined cost of these plans, updated through November 23, 2008, is forecasted at $275 million. We have incurred total charges under these plans, since inception through November 23, 2008, of $269 million.

References to our restructuring plans (“the plans”) refer to both the 2006-2008 restructuring plan and the 2008-2009 restructuring plan, unless otherwise noted.

 

   

In addition to restructuring activities, we have ongoing initiatives, principally focused on supply chain activities (manufacturing, logistics, and procurement functions), which have resulted in significant cost savings in recent periods.

 

   

Portfolio changes: In recent years, we divested non-core operations that had limited our ability to achieve our efficiency targets. Divesting these operations is helping to simplify our operations and enhance efficiency initiatives going forward. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we entered into a potato processing venture, Lamb Weston BSW, with an initial investment of $46 million. We consolidated this venture, of which we hold a 49.99% equity interest beginning as of the date of its formation. In fiscal 2008, we acquired Alexia Foods, Lincoln Snacks, Watts Brothers, and Twin City Foods for a total of approximately $255 million in cash plus assumed liabilities, enhancing our Consumer Foods and Commercial Foods portfolios.

 

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Capital Allocation

During the first half of fiscal 2009, we have funded the following:

 

   

an accelerated share repurchase program of $900 million (approximately 38.4 million shares of common stock have been repurchased to date),

 

   

repayment of $286 million of short-term debt and approximately $58 million of long-term debt,

 

   

capital expenditures of approximately $221 million, and

 

   

dividend payments of approximately $178 million.

Opportunities and Challenges

We believe that our operating initiatives will favorably impact future sales, profits, profit margins, and returns on capital. Because of the scope of change underway, there is risk that these broad change initiatives will not be successfully implemented. Input costs, competitive pressures, the ability to execute the operational changes planned, and successfully implementing pricing actions, among other factors, will affect the timing and impact of these initiatives.

We have faced increased costs for many of our significant raw materials, packaging, and energy inputs. We seek to mitigate the higher input costs through pricing and productivity initiatives, and through the use of derivative instruments used to economically hedge a portion of forecasted future consumption. We have taken further price increases during the first half of fiscal 2009. We are also focusing on selling, general, and administrative cost initiatives, as evidenced by the initiation of our restructuring plans. The rate of input cost increases has moderated for certain key commodities in the first half of fiscal 2009. However, if early benefits from pricing actions, supply chain productivity improvements, economic hedges, moderating input costs, and selling, general, and administrative cost reduction initiatives cannot be sustained and grown, results of operations, particularly Consumer Foods operating profit, may continue to be negatively impacted. Further, significant declines in the costs for raw materials, packaging, and energy inputs could result in intensified competitive pressures. If not effectively managed, these pressures could negatively impact Consumer Foods sales volumes and profit.

Changing consumer preferences may impact sales of certain of our products. We offer a variety of food products which appeal to a range of consumer preferences and utilize innovation and marketing programs to develop products that fit with changing consumer trends. As part of these programs, we introduce new products and product extensions.

Consolidation of many of our customers continues to result in increased buying power, negotiating strength, and complex service requirements for those customers. This trend, which is expected to continue, may negatively impact gross margins, particularly in the Consumer Foods segment. In order to effectively respond to this customer consolidation, we continually evaluate our consumer marketing, sales, and customer service strategies. We are implementing trade promotion programs designed to improve return on investment, and pursuing shelf placement and customer service improvement initiatives.

Other Significant Items of Note - Items Impacting Comparability

Items of note impacting comparability for the first half of fiscal 2009 included the following:

Reported within Continuing Operations

 

 

 

a gain of $19 million ($11 million after tax) on the sale of the Pemmican ® beef jerky business and

 

   

charges totaling $10 million ($9 million after tax) for costs under our restructuring plans.

See the discussion of segment presentation of gains and losses from derivatives used for hedging of anticipated commodity input costs in the segment review below.

Reported within Discontinued Operations

 

   

a gain of $490 million ($294 million after tax) on the sale of the trading and merchandising business.

Items of note impacting comparability for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 included the following:

Reported within Continuing Operations

 

   

charges totaling $31 million ($19 million after tax) related to the peanut butter and pot pie recalls.

 

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Items of note impacting comparability for the first half of fiscal 2008 included the following:

Reported within Continuing Operations

 

   

a benefit of $9 million ($5 million after tax) for recoveries of restructuring charges under the 2006-2008 restructuring plan and

 

   

charges totaling $42 million ($26 million after tax) related to the peanut butter and pot pie recalls.

Segment Review

Historically, we reported our results of operations in three segments: the Consumer Foods segment, the Food and Ingredients segment, and the International Foods segment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we completed the assimilation of the international operations primarily into the domestic Consumer Foods business and completed the transition of the direct management of the Consumer Foods reporting segment to the Chief Executive Officer. Accordingly, we have begun to report our operations in two reporting segments: Consumer Foods and Commercial Foods. The majority of the former International Foods segment operations are now managed within the Consumer Foods segment. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began including the earnings (losses) from equity method investments in segment results below operating profit. Fiscal 2008 financial information has been conformed to reflect these changes.

Consumer Foods

The Consumer Foods reporting segment includes branded, private label, and customized food products which are sold in various retail and foodservice channels, principally in North America. The products include a variety of categories (meals, entrees, condiments, sides, snacks, and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable temperature classes. The segment is comprised of and managed through five subsegments as described below:

Grocery Foods North America – includes branded and customized refrigerated or shelf-stable food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Angela Mia ® , Chef Boyardee ® , Egg Beaters ® , Healthy Choice ® Fresh Mixers, Hebrew National ® , Hunt’s ® , Manwich ® , PAM ® , Peter Pan ® , Snack Pack ® , Reddi-wip ® , Rosarita ® , Ro*Tel ® , Swiss Miss ® , and Van Camp’s ® . The segment also includes the consumer foods businesses in Mexico and Canada which distribute packaged foods that are both locally manufactured and imported from the United States.

Frozen Foods – includes branded and customized frozen food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Alexia ® , Banquet ® , Healthy Choice ® , Kid Cuisine ® , and Marie Callender’s ® .

Snacks and Store Brands – includes branded popcorn, meats, seeds, and specialty snacks, as well as private label food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: ACT II ® , DAVID ® , Orville Redenbacher’s ® , and Slim Jim ® .

Enabler Brands – includes national and regional branded food products across shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen temperature classes. Products are sold in various retail and foodservice channels across the United States. Major brands include: Blue Bonnet ® , La Choy ® , Libby’s ® , The Max ® , Parkay ® , and Wesson ® .

Domestic Export – includes branded shelf-stable food products sold through distributors in various markets throughout the world.

The Consumer Foods’ supply chain and order-to-cash functions are centrally managed and largely integrated. Accordingly, we do not maintain balance sheets at the subsegment level. Selling, general and administrative expenses, other than advertising and promotion, are managed at the primary segment level, and as such, we do not separately allocate selling, general and administrative expenses other than advertising and promotion expenses to the Consumer Foods subsegments.

Commercial Foods

The Commercial Foods reporting segment includes commercially branded foods and ingredients, which are sold principally to foodservice, food manufacturing, and industrial customers. The segment’s primary products include: specialty potato products, milled grain ingredients, a variety of vegetable products, seasonings, blends, and flavors which are sold under brands such as ConAgra Mills ® , Lamb Weston ® , Gilroy Foods ® , and Spicetec ® to food processors.

Presentation of Derivative Gains (Losses) in Segment Results

In fiscal 2009, following the sale of our trading and merchandising operations and related organizational changes, we transferred the management of commodity hedging activities (except for those related to our milling operations) to a centralized procurement group. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to reflect realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives (except for those related to our milling operations) used to hedge anticipated commodity consumption in earnings immediately within general corporate expenses. The gains and losses are reclassified to segment operating results in the period in which the underlying item being

 

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hedged is recognized in cost of goods sold. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, these derivative gains and losses were recorded immediately in our segment results as a component of cost of goods sold regardless of when the item being hedged impacted earnings. We believe this change will result in better segment management focus on key operational initiatives and improved transparency to derivative gains and losses.

In fiscal 2008, we began to centrally manage foreign currency risk for all of our reporting segments. Foreign currency derivatives used to manage foreign currency risk are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. We believe that these derivatives provide economic hedges of the foreign currency risk 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.

The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, under this new methodology:

 

Net derivative losses incurred

   $ (45.7 )

Less: Net derivative gains allocated to reporting segments

     1.9  
        

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

   $ (47.6 )
        

Net derivative gains allocated to Consumer Foods

   $ 0.4  

Net derivative gains allocated to Commercial Foods

     1.5  
        

Net derivative gains included in segment operating profit

   $ 1.9  
        

The following table presents the net derivative gains (losses) from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations for the first half of fiscal 2009, under this new methodology:

 

Net derivative losses incurred

   $ (79.2 )

Less: Net derivative gains allocated to reporting segments

     1.4  
        

Net derivative losses recognized in general corporate expenses

   $ (80.6 )
        

Net derivative losses allocated to Consumer Foods

   $ (0.5 )

Net derivative gains allocated to Commercial Foods

     1.9  
        

Net derivative gains included in segment operating profit

   $ 1.4  
        

Based on our forecasts of the timing of recognition of the underlying hedged items, we expect to reclassify to segment operating results losses of $70.9 million and $9.7 million in fiscal 2009 and 2010, respectively.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, net derivative gains from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations were $24.4 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $1.4 million in the Commercial Foods segment. In the first half of fiscal 2008, net derivative gains from economic hedges of forecasted commodity consumption and currency risk of our foreign operations were $24.7 million in the Consumer Foods segment and $2.5 million in the Commercial Foods segment.

 

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Net Sales

 

($ in millions)    Net Sales  
Reporting Segment    Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
   % Inc /
(Dec)
    November 23,
2008
     November 25,
2007
     % Inc 
 

Consumer Foods:

               

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 732     $ 714    %   $ 1,412      $ 1,329      6 %

Frozen Foods

     458       453    %     877        847      3 %

Snacks and Store Brands

     379       352    %     739        692      7 %

Enabler Brands

     431       387    11  %     794        710      12 %

Domestic Export

     47       47    (1 )%     95        91      4 %

Other

     (4 )     3    N/A       (6 )      (2 )    N/A  
                                     

Total Consumer Foods

     2,043       1,956    4 %     3,911        3,667      7 %

Commercial Foods

     1,221       995    23 %     2,419        1,905      27 %
                                     

Total

   $ 3,264     $ 2,951    11 %   $ 6,330      $ 5,572      14 %
                                     

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were $3.3 billion, an increase of $313 million, or 11%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Net sales for the first half of fiscal 2009 were $6.3 billion, an increase of $758 million, or 14%, from the first half of fiscal 2008. The increase in net sales for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 was largely due to net pricing increases across all segments and subsegments, including significantly higher net sales in our milling operations driven by increases in wheat costs.

Consumer Foods net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were $2.0 billion, an increase of 4%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected net pricing increases of 8%, partially offset by volume and mix declines of approximately 3%. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies resulted in a reduction of sales of approximately 1% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Consumer Foods net sales for the first half of fiscal 2009 were $3.9 billion, an increase of $244 million, or 7%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected net pricing increases of approximately 6%, and volume and mix increases of approximately 1%. Highlights by subsegment are as follows:

Grocery Foods North America

Grocery Foods North America subsegment sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were $732 million, an increase of $18 million, or 2%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected a 4% increase in net pricing with volume and mix remaining flat. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies resulted in a reduction of sales (principally related to our operations in Canada and Mexico) of approximately 2% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. We achieved sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 for the following brands: Healthy Choice ® , Hebrew National ® , Peter Pan ® , Ro*Tel ® , Snack Pack ® , and Swiss Miss ® . Sales declines occurred for Chef Boyardee ® and Egg Beaters ® in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Peter Pan ® peanut butter was reintroduced in August 2007. Sales of Peter Pan ® peanut butter products in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were $12 million higher than in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

Net sales for Grocery Foods North America were $1.4 billion in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $83 million, or 6% from the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected a 5% increase in net pricing and increased volume and mix of 2%. Sales of Peter Pan ® peanut butter products in the first half of fiscal 2009 were $31 million higher than in the first half of fiscal 2008. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies resulted in a reduction of sales (principally related to our operations in Canada and Mexico) of approximately 1% as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008.

Frozen Foods

Frozen Foods subsegment sales were $458 million, an increase of 1% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected increased net pricing of approximately 3%, partially offset by decreased volume and mix of approximately 2%. Net sales were higher by approximately $25 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, relative to the comparable period of fiscal 2008, due to product returns and lost sales of Banquet ® pot pies related to the pot pie recall in fiscal 2008. Sales of Banquet ® and Marie Callender’s ® increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales of Healthy Choice ® declined in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

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Net sales for the Frozen Foods subsegment were $877 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $30 million, or 3%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected increased pricing of approximately 1% and a 2% increase in volume and mix. Net sales were higher by approximately $29 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, relative to the comparable period in fiscal 2008, due to product returns and lost sales of Banquet ® pot pies related to the pot pie recall in fiscal 2008.

Snacks and Store Brands

Snacks and Store Brands subsegment sales were $379 million, an increase of 8% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected an increase of 7% in net pricing and an increase of 1% for volume and mix. We achieved sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 for DAVID ® , Orville Redenbacher’s ® , and Slim Jim ® . Sales declined for ACT II ® , while sales for the other brands were essentially flat.

Net sales for the Snacks and Store Brands subsegment were $739 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $47 million, or 7%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected net pricing increases of 7% with flat volume and mix. Net sales from the Lincoln Snacks business, acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, resulted in an increase of sales in the first half of fiscal 2009 of approximately 1%.

Enabler Brands

Enabler Brands subsegment sales were $431 million, an increase of 11% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected a 19% increase in net pricing, primarily in our oil and tablespreads products, and an 8% reduction in volume and mix. We achieved sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 for the following brands: Blue Bonnet ® , The Max ® , Libby’s ® , Parkay ® , Wesson ® , and Wolf ® . Sales for other brands were essentially flat as a group.

Net sales for the Enabler Brands subsegment were $794 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $84 million, or 12%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected increased net pricing of 18%, primarily in our oil and tablespreads products, and a 6% reduction in volume and mix.

Domestic Export

Domestic Export subsegment sales were $47 million, essentially unchanged compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Results reflected increased net pricing of 17%, offset by unfavorable volume and mix. Increased net sales of Blue Bonnet ® , Orville Redenbacher’s ® , and Slim Jim ® were offset by lower sales of Chef Boyardee ® and ACT II ® .

Net sales for the Domestic Export subsegment sales in the first half of fiscal 2009 were $95 million, an increase of $4 million, or 4%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results reflected increased net pricing of 15%, partially offset by unfavorable volume and mix.

Commercial Foods net sales were $1.2 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of $226 million, or 23%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Commercial Foods net sales were $2.4 billion in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $514 million, or 27%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 reflected higher selling prices in the segment’s flour milling operations due to significantly higher wheat prices and price increases in our Lamb Weston specialty potato products business. Net sales from Watts Brothers and Lamb Weston BSW, businesses acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and second quarter of fiscal 2009, respectively, were $35 million and $56 million, in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively.

 

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Profit Contribution Margin

(Net sales less cost of goods sold and advertising and promotion expense)

 

($ in millions)    Profit Contribution Margin  
Reporting Segment    Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
    November 25,
2007
   % Inc /
(Dec)
    November 23,
2008
     November 25,
2007
   % Inc /
(Dec)
 

Consumer Foods:

               

Grocery Foods North America

   $ 186     $ 201    (7 )%   $ 361      $ 345    4 %

Frozen Foods

     89       73    23 %     152        143    6 %

Snacks and Store Brands

     84       74    12 %     151        157    (4 )%

Enabler Brands

     62       64    (3 )%     96        118    (19 )%

Domestic Export

     13       9    37 %     24        15    57 %

Other

     (2 )     33    N/A       (4 )      41    N/A  
                                   

Total Consumer Foods

     432       454    (5 )%     780        819    (5 )%

Commercial Foods

     209       180    16 %     387        342    13 %

Included in general corporate expenses

     (48 )     —      N/A       (81 )      —      N/A  

Consumer Foods profit contribution margin (“PCM”) for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 was $432 million, a decrease of $22 million, or 5%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease in PCM reflected significantly higher input costs in all subsegments that were partially offset by supply chain productivity savings and increased net pricing. We estimate that the Consumer Foods segment experienced approximately $170 million of increased input costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Advertising and promotion expense decreased approximately $16 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 over the same period in the prior year.

Highlights by subsegment are as follows:

Grocery Foods North America

Grocery Foods North America PCM was $186 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, a decrease of 7% from the second quarter of fiscal 2008, reflecting the impact of higher input costs which were not entirely recovered from increased net sales prices, increased volume, and supply chain productivity savings. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies resulted in a reduction of PCM of approximately 2% as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Advertising and promotion costs were in line with prior year levels. PCM was $361 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $16 million, or 4%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Increased net pricing and volumes were partially offset by higher input costs. Costs associated with the Peter Pan ® recall were approximately $7 million in the first half of fiscal 2008.

Frozen Foods

Frozen Foods PCM was $89 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of 23% from the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Net pricing increases were offset by decreased volumes and mix, as well as higher input costs. Frozen Foods PCM was $152 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $9 million, or 6%, over the first half of fiscal 2008. Net pricing increases, higher volumes and mix, and lower advertising and promotion costs were offset by higher input costs. PCM was higher by approximately $17 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, relative to the comparable periods of fiscal 2008, primarily due to recall costs of Banquet ® pot pies in fiscal 2008.

Snacks and Store Brands

Snacks and Store Brands PCM was $84 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of $10 million, or 12%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2008, as impacts of net pricing increases and lower advertising and promotion expenses more than offset higher input costs. Costs of product recalls reduced PCM in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 by approximately $2 million. Snacks and Store Brands PCM was $151 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, a decrease of $6 million, or 4%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008, as net pricing increases were more than offset by increased input costs and unfavorable volume and mix.

 

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Enabler Brands

Enabler Brands PCM was $62 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, a decrease of $2 million, or 3%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2008, as net pricing increases were more than offset by increased input costs and unfavorable volume and mix. Enabler Brands PCM was $96 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, a decrease of $22 million, or 19%, from the first half of fiscal 2008, as net pricing increases were more than offset by increased input costs, particularly for the Wesson ® brand, and unfavorable volume and mix.

Domestic Export

Domestic Export PCM was $13 million, an increase of $4 million, or 37%, over the second quarter of fiscal 2008, reflecting net pricing increases and decreased advertising and promotion expenses. Domestic Export PCM was $24 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, an increase of $9 million, or 57%, over the first half of fiscal 2008, reflecting increased net pricing and decreased advertising and promotion expenses.

Other

Other Consumer Foods PCM included $24.4 million and $24.7 million of realized and unrealized net gains on derivative instruments used to economically hedge anticipated commodity inputs costs and foreign currency cash flows in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively.

Commercial Foods PCM was $209 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and $180 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, an increase of 16%. All major businesses in this segment experienced significantly higher input costs in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 than in the comparable periods of the prior year and increased pricing to offset these higher costs. The acquisitions of Watts Brothers in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and Lamb Weston BSW in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 added approximately $11 million and $18 million of PCM in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively.

Corporate PCM includes $48 million and $81 million of realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments used to economically hedge anticipated commodity input costs and foreign currency cash flows, in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively (See page 30).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Includes general corporate expenses)

Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $390 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, a decrease of $99 million, or 20%, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 reflected the impact of cost containment initiatives, as well as the following:

 

   

a decrease in incentive compensation accruals of $37 million,

 

   

a decrease in advertising and promotion expense of $17 million,

 

   

a decrease in contract services expense of $9 million, and

 

   

a decrease in stock compensation expense of $4 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 included:

 

   

charges related to the peanut butter and pot pie recalls of $12 million,

 

   

foreign currency derivative losses of $7 million, and

 

   

income of $5 million for reimbursement of expenses related to transition services provided to the buyers of certain divested businesses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $759 million for the first half of fiscal 2009, a decrease of $112 million, or 13%, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first half of fiscal 2009 reflected the impact of cost containment initiatives, as well as the following:

 

   

a decrease in incentive compensation accruals of $50 million,

 

 

 

a $19 million gain on the disposition of the Pemmican ® business,

 

   

a decrease of contract services expense of $18 million,

 

   

a decrease in advertising and promotion expense of $13 million,

 

   

a decrease in pension and postretirement expense of $10 million,

 

   

charges of approximately $10 million related to the execution of our restructuring plans,

 

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an $8 million decrease in reimbursements of expenses related to transition services provided to the buyers of certain divested businesses,

 

   

a decrease in stock compensation expense of $5 million,

 

   

a gain of $5 million on the sale of a facility in our Commercial Foods segment, and

 

   

charges related to the peanut butter and pot pie recalls of $4 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first half of fiscal 2008 included:

 

   

charges related to the peanut butter and pot pie recalls of $16 million,

 

   

a benefit of approximately $9 million due to a reduction of accruals for estimated costs related to the execution of our restructuring plans, and

 

   

foreign currency derivative losses of $7 million.

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

 

($ in millions)    Operating Profit  
Reporting Segment    Thirteen weeks ended     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     November 23,
2008
   November 25,
2007
   % Inc 
    November 23,
2008
   November 25,
2007
   % Inc 
 

Consumer Foods

   $ 253    $ 247    2 %   $ 440    $ 434    1 %

Commercial Foods

     156      132    18 %     288      253    14 %

Consumer Foods operating profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 was $253 million, an increase of $6 million, or 2%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008. PCM was $22 million lower for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 than for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, as discussed above. Incentive compensation expense was $13 million lower in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 than in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Consumer Foods operating profit was adversely impacted in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 by $31 million due to the peanut butter and pot pie recall charges ($19 million in PCM and $12 million in selling, general and administrative expenses).

Consumer Foods operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2009 was $440 million, an increase of $6 million, or 1%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. PCM was $39 million lower in the first half of fiscal 2009 than in the first half of fiscal 2008. Incentive compensation expense was $15 million lower in the first half of fiscal 2009 than in the first half of fiscal 2008. Consumer Foods operating profit was adversely impacted in the first half of fiscal 2008 by $42 million due to the peanut butter and pot pie recall charges ($26 million in PCM and $16 million in selling, general and administrative expenses). We sold our Pemmican ® beef jerky business in the first half of fiscal 2009, recognizing a gain of $19 million. The Consumer Foods segment incurred costs of $9 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 and recognized a benefit of $8 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 in connection with our restructuring plans.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, operating profit for the Commercial Foods segment was $156 million, an increase of $24 million, or 18%, from the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Commercial Foods operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2009 was $288 million, an increase of $35 million, or 14%, compared to the first half of fiscal 2008. Improved operating profit for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 was reflective of increased PCM, discussed above, partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses, largely due to the acquisitions of Watts Brothers and Lamb Weston BSW.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense was $43 million and $62 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. Net interest expense was $93 million and $117 million for the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease reflected $19 million and $33 million of interest income in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, principally from the payment-in-kind notes received in connection with the disposition of the trading and merchandising business, partially offset by interest expense on higher commercial paper borrowings early in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

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Income Taxes

In the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, our income tax expense was $84 million and $69 million, respectively. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income from continuing operations, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 33% and 34% for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 reflected benefits from changes in tax laws and changes in estimates. Income tax expense was $150 million and $130 million for the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was approximately 35% and 33%, respectively. Income tax expense for the first half of fiscal 2009 reflected the impacts of divestitures of international subsidiaries, benefits from changes in tax laws, changes in estimates, and a change in deferred tax items related to the divestiture of the trading and merchandising business.

Equity Method Investment Earnings

Equity method investment earnings were $2 million and $3 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, while equity method investment earnings were $13 million and $22 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively. Decreased equity method investment earnings were the result of less profitable operations of a foreign potato processing venture.

Discontinued Operations

In June 2008, we completed the sale of the trading and merchandising operations and recognized an after-tax gain on the disposition of approximately $294 million in the first half of fiscal 2009.

The trading and merchandising operations generated after-tax earnings of $36 million during the first half of fiscal 2009, prior to the divestiture.

Results from discontinued operations in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008 reflected $110 million and $155 million of after-tax earnings from operating the discontinued businesses.

Earnings Per Share

Our diluted earnings per share in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 were $0.37 (including $0.38 per diluted share from continuing operations and a loss of $0.01 per diluted share from discontinued operations) and $1.32 (including $0.60 per diluted share from continuing operations and $0.72 per diluted share from discontinued operations). Our diluted earnings per share in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008 were $0.50 (including $0.27 per diluted share from continuing operations and $0.23 per diluted share from discontinued operations) and $0.85 (including $0.54 per diluted share from continuing operations and $0.31 per diluted share from discontinued operations). See “Other Significant Items of Note – Items Impacting Comparability” above as several other 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. We currently use short-term debt principally to finance ongoing operations, including our seasonal working capital (accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other current assets, less accounts payable, accrued payroll, and other accrued liabilities) needs and a combination of equity and long-term debt to finance both our base working capital needs and our noncurrent assets.

Commercial paper borrowings (usually less than 30 days maturity) are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets within notes payable. At November 23, 2008, we had a $1.5 billion multi-year revolving credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions which matures in December 2011. The multi-year facility has historically been used solely as a back-up facility for our commercial paper program. However, the recent capital market dynamics have led us to draw limited amounts from the facility’s available credit line. Borrowings under the multi-year facility bear interest at or below prime rate and may be prepaid without penalty. As of November 23, 2008, we had short-term borrowings (including commercial paper) of approximately $300 million. The multi-year revolving credit facility requires us to repay borrowings if our consolidated funded debt exceeds 65% of the consolidated capital base, or if fixed charges coverage, each as defined in the applicable agreements, is less than 1.75 to 1.0. As of the end of the first half of fiscal 2009, we were in compliance with the credit agreements’ financial covenants.

As of the end of the first half of fiscal 2009, 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 facilities, although

 

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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 more difficult.

Included in current installments of long-term debt (payments due in less than one year) is $300 million of 6.7% senior debt due August 2027 due to the existence of a put option that is exercisable by the holders of the debt from June 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009. If the put option is not exercised by the holders of the debt, we will reclassify the $300 million balance to senior long-term debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, when the put option has expired.

We have repurchased our shares from time to time based on market conditions. We began fiscal 2008 with an authorization to purchase up to $88 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. During fiscal 2008, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to an additional $500 million of our common stock. We repurchased $188 million of our shares during fiscal 2008. Subsequent to fiscal 2008, our authorization increased an additional $500 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we executed an accelerated share repurchase, buying back approximately 38 million shares of our stock, to date, for $900 million, essentially exhausting our current share repurchase authorization. We expect to complete the accelerated share repurchase in the second half of fiscal 2009.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we sold our trading and merchandising operations for proceeds of: 1) approximately $2.2 billion in cash, net of transaction costs, 2) $550 million (face value) of payment-in-kind debt securities issued by the purchaser which was recorded at an initial estimated fair value of $479 million, 3) a short-term receivable of $37 million due from the purchaser (of which $31 million was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2009), and 4) a four-year warrant to acquire approximately 5% of the issued common equity of the parent company of the divested operations, which has been recorded at an estimated fair value of $1.8 million. The Notes, which are classified as other assets, had a carrying value of $510 million at November 23, 2008.

Cash Flows

During the first half of fiscal 2009, we used $40 million of cash, which was the net impact of $637 million used in operating activities, $2.0 billion generated from investing activities, and $1.4 billion used in financing activities.

Cash generated in operating activities of continuing operations totaled $93 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to $6 million generated in the same period of the prior year. Increased working capital requirements, particularly due to increased quantities and unit costs of inventory have resulted in reduced cash generation from operating activities in the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008. Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations was approximately $730 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, as compared to $270 million of cash used in the first half of fiscal 2008.

Cash used in investing activities from continuing operations totaled $252 million in the first half of fiscal 2009, versus cash used in investing activities of $364 million in the same period of fiscal 2008. Investing activities of continuing operations in the first half of fiscal 2009 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $221 million and expenditures of $76 million for the purchase of businesses and intangible assets, offset by $30 million from the sale of businesses and $15 million of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. Investing activities for the first half of fiscal 2008 consisted primarily of $293 million of capital expenditures, which included approximately $39 million of expenditures related to our purchase of certain warehouse facilities from our lessors (these warehouses were sold for proceeds of approximately $36 million to unrelated third parties immediately thereafter) and purchases of businesses and intangible assets of $122 million, offset by proceeds of $15 million from the sale of property, plant and equipment. We generated $2.3 billion of cash from investing activities of discontinued operations in the first half of fiscal 2009 from the disposition of the trading and merchandising business. We used $8 million of cash from investing activities of discontinued operations in the first half of fiscal 2008.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $1.4 billion in the first half of fiscal 2009 versus cash generated of $41 million in the first half of fiscal 2008. During the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, we paid dividends of $178 million and $177 million, respectively. In the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, we repurchased $900 million and $88 million, respectively, of our common stock as part of our share repurchase program. During the first half of fiscal 2009 we decreased our short-term debt by approximately $286 million, and had repayments of our long-term debt of approximately $58 million, largely with the cash proceeds from the trading and merchandising disposition.

We estimate our capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 will be approximately $475 million. We believe that existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, scheduled and potential debt repayments, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We use off-balance sheet arrangements (e.g., operating leases) where the economics and sound business principles warrant their use. We periodically enter into guarantees and other similar arrangements as part of transactions in the ordinary course of business. These are described further in “Obligations and Commitments,” below.

In September 2008, we formed a potato processing venture (“Lamb Weston BSW”) with Ochoa Ag Unlimited Foods, Inc. We provide all sales and marketing services to the venture. We have determined that Lamb Weston BSW is a variable interest entity and that we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. Accordingly, we consolidate the financial statements of Lamb Weston BSW. We also consolidate the assets and liabilities of several entities from which we lease corporate aircraft. Each of these entities has been determined to be a variable interest entity and we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of each of these entities.

Due to the consolidation of these variable interest entities, we reflect in our balance sheets:

 

     November 23,
2008
   May 25,
2008
   November 25,
2007

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2.0    $ —      $ —  

Receivables, net

     21.4      —        —  

Inventories

     1.6      —        —  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     114.5      51.8      53.3

Goodwill

     18.0      —        —  

Brands, trademarks and other intangibles, net

     0.1      —        —  
                    

Total assets

   $ 157.6    $ 51.8    $ 53.3
                    

Notes payable

   $ 6.8    $ —      $ —  

Current installments of long-term debt

     4.8      3.3      3.2

Accounts payable

     3.2      —        —  

Accrued payroll

     0.3      —        —  

Other accrued liabilities

     6.1      0.6      0.6

Senior long-term debt, excluding current installments

     67.5      50.9      52.6

Other noncurrent liabilities (minority interest)

     36.1      —        —  
                    

Total liabilities

   $ 124.8    $ 54.8    $ 56.4
                    

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these entities do not represent additional claims on our general assets. The creditors of these entities have claims only on the assets of the specific variable interest entities to which they have advanced credit.

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 and capital lease obligations, which totaled $3.4 billion and $66 million, respectively, as of November 23, 2008, were recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease obligations and unconditional purchase obligations, which totaled $1.0 billion as of November 23, 2008, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, were not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

 

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A summary of our contractual obligations as of November 23, 2008 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

   $ 3,427.0    $ 312.0    $ 1,212.5    $ 46.8    $ 1,855.7

Capital lease obligations

     66.4      4.8      8.1      5.5      48.0

Operating lease obligations

     377.1      60.3      109.2      79.6      128.0

Purchase obligations

     667.5      541.6      100.6      14.8      10.5
                                  

Total

   $ 4,538.0    $ 918.7    $ 1,430.4    $ 146.7    $ 2,042.2
                                  

We are also contractually obligated to pay interest on our long-term debt and capital lease obligations. The weighted average interest rate of the long-term debt obligations outstanding as of November 23, 2008 was approximately 7.2%.

Included in current installments of long-term debt (payments due in less than one year) is $300 million of 6.7% senior debt due August 2027 due to the existence of a put option that is exercisable by the holders of the debt from June 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009. If the put option is not exercised by the holders of the debt, we will reclassify the $300 million balance to senior long-term debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, when the put option has expired.

We consolidate the assets and liabilities of certain entities from which we lease corporate aircraft. These entities have been determined to be variable interest entities and we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of these entities. The amounts reflected in contractual obligations of long-term debt, in the table above, include $53 million of liabilities of these variable interest entities to the creditors of such entities. The long-term debt recognized as a result of consolidating these entities does not represent additional claims on our general assets. The creditors of these entities have claims only on the assets of the specific variable interest entities. As of November 23, 2008, we were obligated to make rental payments of $64 million to the variable interest entities, of which $7 million is due in less than one year, $14 million is due in one to three years, and $43 million is due in three to five years. Such amounts are not reflected in the table above.

The purchase obligations noted in the table above do not reflect approximately $750 million of open purchase orders, some of which are not legally binding. These purchase orders are settleable in the ordinary course of business in less than one year.

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). The following commercial commitments are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. A summary of our commitments, including commitments associated with equity method investments, as of November 23, 2008 was as follows:

 

     Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
(in millions)

Other Commercial Commitments

   Total    Less than
1 Year
   1-3 Years    3-5 Years    After 5
Years

Guarantees

   $ 95.1    $ 46.9    $ 9.7    $ 6.7    $ 31.8

Other commitments

     0.5      0.5      —        —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 95.6    $ 47.4    $ 9.7    $ 6.7    $ 31.8
                                  

In certain limited situations, we will guarantee an obligation of an unconsolidated entity. We have outstanding guarantees of various trade obligations of the divested trading and merchandising business (now operating as the Gavilon Group, LLC (“Gavilon”)). The guarantees were in place prior to the divestiture and are in the process of being released by the trade counterparties. The nominal amount of these guarantees was $37 million at November 23, 2008. We have not established a liability in connection with these guarantees, as we believe the likelihood of financial exposure to us under these guarantees is remote. During this transitional period, Gavilon is contractually required to, and has, obtained letters of credit under their financing facilities (led by JP Morgan Chase) for our benefit, the effect of which is to mitigate any financial exposure to us from the guarantees. We also guarantee payment of certain railcar leases of Gavilon; the railcar leases were in place prior to the divestiture and the parties are working with the lessors to secure the Company’s release. The remaining terms of these lease agreements do not exceed ten years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was $5 million as of November 23, 2008. We have not established a liability for these guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.

We guarantee certain leases and other commercial obligations resulting from our fresh beef and pork divestiture. The remaining terms of these arrangements do not exceed seven years and the maximum amount of future payments we have guaranteed was approximately $20 million as of November 23, 2008. We have also guaranteed the performance of the divested fresh beef and pork

 

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business with respect to a hog purchase contract. The hog purchase contract requires the fresh beef and pork business to purchase a minimum of approximately 1.2 million hogs annually through 2014. The contract stipulates minimum price commitments, based in part on market prices and, in certain circumstances, also includes price adjustments based on certain inputs.

We are a party to various potato supply agreements. Under the terms of certain such potato supply agreements, we have guaranteed repayment of short-term bank loans of the potato suppliers, under certain conditions. At November 23, 2008, the amount of supplier loans effectively guaranteed by us was approximately $2 million. We have not established a liability for these guarantees, as we have determined that the likelihood of our required performance under the guarantees is remote.

We are a party to a supply agreement with an onion processing company. We have guaranteed repayment of a loan of this supplier, under certain conditions. At November 23, 2008, the amount of this loan was $25 million. In the event of default on this loan by the supplier, we have the contractual right to purchase the loan from the lender, thereby giving us the rights to underlying collateral. We have not established a liability in connection with these guarantees, as we believe the likelihood of financial exposure to us under this agreement is remote.

The obligations and commitments tables above do not include any reserves for income taxes under FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (as amended) , 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 November 23, 2008 was $74 million.

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 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, as updated in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2008.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 . This standard requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement is effective for our third quarter of fiscal 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 . This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon its adoption, effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2010, noncontrolling interests will be classified as equity in our financial statements and income and comprehensive income attributed to the noncontrolling interest will be included in our income and comprehensive income. The provisions of this standard must be applied retrospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 160 on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) are effective for our business combinations occurring on or after June 1, 2009.

 

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Part I - Financial Information

 

Related Party Transactions

Sales to affiliates (equity method investees) of $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, are included in net sales. Sales to affiliates (equity method investees) of $1.4 million and $2.4 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively, are included in net sales. We received management fees from affiliates of $4.6 million and $8.9 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, while we received management fees from affiliates of $4.2 million and $7.9 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively. Accounts receivable from affiliates totaled $0.7 million, $3.2 million, and $3.5 million at November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively, of which $3.0 million and $1.5 million are included in current assets held for sale at May 25, 2008 and November 25, 2007, respectively. Accounts payable to affiliates totaled $16.6 million, $15.6 million, and $13.0 million at November 23, 2008, May 25, 2008, and November 25, 2007, respectively.

From time to time, we have used the services of a firm whose chief executive officer serves on our Board of Directors. Payments to this firm for environmental and agricultural engineering services performed and structures acquired totaled $0.2 million in both the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, respectively.

 

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 twenty-six weeks ended November 23, 2008. 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 25, 2008.

Commodity Market Risk

We purchase commodity inputs such as wheat, corn, oats, soybean meal, soybean oil, petroleum products, natural gas, 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 business. We also monitor the amount of associated counter-party credit risk for all non-exchanged-traded transactions.

One measure of market risk exposure can be determined using sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis is the measurement of potential loss of fair value of a derivative instrument resulting from a hypothetical change of 10% in market prices. Actual changes in market prices may differ from hypothetical changes. In reality, as markets move, we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate. This sensitivity analysis excludes the underlying commodity positions that are being hedged. These positions have a high inverse correlation to price changes of the derivative commodity instrument.

Fair value was determined using quoted market prices and was based on our net derivative position by commodity.

Based on our net derivative positions at the end of the first and second quarters of fiscal 2009, the maximum potential loss of fair value resulting from a hypothetical change of 10% in market prices was as follows:

Processing Activities

 

($ in millions)

    

Grains/Foods

   $ 14

Energy

     4

Packaging

     1

Foreign Currency Risk

In order to reduce exposures 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.

One measure of market risk exposure can be determined using sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis is the measurement of potential loss of fair value resulting from a hypothetical change of 10% in exchange rates. Actual changes in exchange rates may differ from hypothetical changes. This sensitivity analysis excludes the underlying foreign denominated transactions that are being hedged, which have a high inverse correlation to price changes of the derivative hedging instrument.

 

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ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Part I - Financial Information

 

Based on our net foreign currency derivative positions at the end of the first and second quarters of fiscal 2009, the maximum potential loss of fair value resulting from a hypothetical change of 10% in exchange rates was $5 million.

 

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 November 23, 2008. 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 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Part II - Financial Information

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of our business, including lawsuits and claims related to the February 2007 recall of our peanut butter products. After taking into account liabilities recorded for these matters, we believe the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table presents the total number of shares purchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the average price paid per share, the number of shares that were purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase program, and the approximate dollar value of the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the share repurchase program:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Programs
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
may yet be Purchased
under the Programs (1)

August 25 through September 21, 2008

   —      —      —      $ 62,000

September 22 through October 19, 2008

   —      —      —      $ 62,000

October 20 through November 23, 2008

   —      —      —      $ 62,000
               

Total Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter Activity

   —      —      —      $ 62,000
               

 

(1) Pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase programs, since December 2003, the Company has repurchased 100.9 million shares at a cost of $2.5 billion. The program has no expiration date.

We initiated an accelerated share repurchase program during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We paid $900 million and have received 38.4 million shares under this program to date. Under certain circumstances, we may receive additional shares under the program in the second half of fiscal 2009 at no additional cost to us.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Disclosure pursuant to this item was provided in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 24, 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Part II - Other Information

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibits

   

10.1*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Qualified CRISP Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)

10.2*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Non-Qualified Pension Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)

10.3*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)

10.4*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (September, 2009 Restatement)

10.5*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods 1999 Executive Incentive Plan

10.6*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods 2004 Executive Incentive Plan

10.7*

  Amendment One to The ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document (Amended and Restated Effective June 1, 1998)

10.8*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods, Inc. 2006 Performance Share Plan

10.9*

  Amendment One to Restricted Stock Unit Awards (ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan)

10.10*

  Amendment One to FY 2004 Long-Term Compensation Awards Terms And Conditions – Restricted Share Equivalent Units

10.11*

  Amendment One to FY 2004 Restricted Cash Award

10.12*

  Amendment One to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan (Pre-July, 2007))

10.13*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan) (Post-July, 2007)

10.14*

  Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between ConAgra Foods and its executives

10.15*

  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between ConAgra Foods and Gary M. Rodkin

10.16*

  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between ConAgra Foods and Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.

12

  Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

31.1

  Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

  Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer

32.1

  Section 906 Certificates

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

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Table of Contents

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 FOODS, INC.
  By:  

/s/ ANDRE J. HAWAUX

    Andre J. Hawaux
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  By:  

/s/ JOHN F. GEHRING

    John F. Gehring
    Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
Dated this 31st day of December, 2008.    

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT

 

DESCRIPTION

   PAGE

10.1*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Qualified CRISP Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)    48

10.2*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Non-Qualified Pension Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)    60

10.3*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (January 1, 2009 Restatement)    86

10.4*

  ConAgra Foods, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (September, 2009 Restatement)    103

10.5*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods 1999 Executive Incentive Plan    109

10.6*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods 2004 Executive Incentive Plan    111

10.7*

  Amendment One to The ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document (Amended and Restated Effective June 1, 1998)    113

10.8*

  Amendment One to ConAgra Foods, Inc. 2006 Performance Share Plan    125

10.9*

  Amendment One to Restricted Stock Unit Awards (ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan)    133

10.10*

  Amendment One to FY 2004 Long-Term Compensation Awards Terms And Conditions – Restricted Share Equivalent Units    138

10.11*

  Amendment One to FY 2004 Restricted Cash Award    144

10.12*

  Amendment One to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan (Pre-July, 2007))    150

10.13*

  Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan) (Post-July, 2007)    155

10.14*

  Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between ConAgra Foods and its executives    161

10.15*

  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between ConAgra Foods and Gary M. Rodkin    177

10.16*

  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between ConAgra Foods and Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.    190

12

  Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges    203

31.1

  Section 302 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer    204

31.2

  Section 302 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer    205

32.1

  Section 906 Certificates    206

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

47

Exhibit 10.1

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

NONQUALIFIED CRISP PLAN

(January 1, 2009 Restatement)

1. Purpose . The Company has previously adopted the ConAgra Retirement Income Savings Plan (“Qualified CRISP”). The Qualified CRISP is qualified under Code § 401(a). Regardless of a qualified plan’s benefit formula, the Code imposes restrictions upon the benefits that may be provided under plans qualified under Code § 401(a), such as limitations under Code §§ 401(a)(17), 401(k), 402(g) and 415 (“Code Restrictions”). These Code Restrictions limit the amount of retirement benefits that may be provided to certain Company executives under the Qualified CRISP. This Plan is created for the sole purpose of making up, and is intended to make up the employer-provided benefits not available under the Qualified CRISP benefit formula because of the Code Restrictions.

This plan is intended to be an unfunded and unsecured plan primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees. The plan is further intended to be construed and administered in conformance with the applicable requirements of ERISA, and the requirements to avoid a violation of Code § 409A or the guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service with respect to Code § 409A. This plan document shall be administered and construed in a manner consistent with said intent and according to the laws of the State of Nebraska to the extent that such laws are not preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

2. Definitions . The following definitions shall apply to the Plan:

 

  2.1 “Account” means the bookkeeping account and any subaccounts to which amounts pursuant to Section 4, and earnings and losses thereon, are credited.

 

  2.2 “Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

  2.3 “Change of Control Event” . A “Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

 

  (a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, 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

 

  (b)

The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the

 

48


 

Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

  (c) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

  2.4 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

  2.5 “Committee” means the Company’s Employee Benefits Administrative Committee.

 

  2.6 “Company” or “ConAgra” means ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation or other entity resulting from a merger or consolidation into or with the Company or a transfer or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 

  2.7 “Disability” means any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, which entitles a Participant to receive income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

  2.8 “Employee” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Qualified CRISP.

 

  2.9 “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

  2.10 “HR Committee” means the HR Committee of the Board.

 

49


  2.11 “Participant” means an Employee who has satisfied the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 3 of the Plan and who has not received all of his benefits under the Plan.

 

  2.12 “Participant’s Account” means an account established pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

 

  2.13 “Plan” means the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified CRISP Plan, set forth herein, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

  2.14 “Plan Year” means the calendar year.

 

  2.15 “Related Company” means: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) that includes the Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

 

  2.16 “Separation from Service” means the date that the Participant separates from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (a) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6)-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty-nine (29)-month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6)-month period.

 

  (b)

Dual Status. Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is

 

50


 

not aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Plan.

 

  (c) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor, except as provided in section 2.16(b)) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in section 2.16(b)) over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36)-month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty-six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (c) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (c) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty-six (36)-month (or shorter) period).

 

  (d) Service with Related Companies. For purposes of determining whether a separation from service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies.

 

  2.17 A “Specified Employee” is a key employee, as defined under Code Section 416(i), without regard to paragraph (5) thereof (and any successor or comparable Code sections).

 

  2.18 “Valuation Date” means the last business day of each Plan Year, and such other dates as the Committee, in its discretion, designates as Valuation Dates.

3. Eligibility and Participation . Each Employee who meets the following requirements shall participate in the Plan:

 

  (a) The Employee’s benefits under the Qualified CRISP are limited by the Code Restrictions;

 

  (b) The Employee is among a select group of management or highly compensated Employees; and

 

  (c) The HR Committee has selected the Employee to participate in the Plan.

The Employee shall become a Participant in the Plan as of the first day the Employee has met each of the above three (3) requirements, or such other subsequent date as selected by the HR Committee. Each Participant shall continue to participate in the Plan until all the benefits payable to the Participant under the Plan have been paid.

 

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4. Credits . The Company shall credit to each Participant’s Account on the last day of each Plan Year an amount equal to the excess of (a) over (b), where:

 

  (a) equals three percent (3%) of the Participant’s “compensation” for the Plan Year. For this purpose, “compensation” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Qualified CRISP (ignoring the Code Restrictions on compensation), and

 

  (b) equals the employer matching contribution that would have been made to the Qualified CRISP for the Participant if the Participant had made the maximum employee contribution allowed under the Qualified CRISP.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, a Participant shall be eligible for credits under this Section 4 for any Plan Year only if he meets all of the requirements described in Section 3 throughout the entire Plan Year, unless the HR Committee provides otherwise.

5. Participants’ Accounts . A separate account shall be established for each Participant in the Plan (“Participant’s Account”). Each Participant’s Account shall be credited with earnings and losses based on investment in phantom shares of Company common stock (“ConAgra Stock”) in which the Participant’s Account is deemed to be invested. Each Participant’s Account shall be valued as of each Valuation Date. A Participant’s Account shall not be forfeitable for any reason.

6. Time and Form of Payment .

 

  (a) Time of Payment. This Section 6(a) shall apply, except to the extent Section 7(d), or another subsection of this Section 6 is applicable. The date on which payment of a Participant’s Account shall be made or commence is the January that next follows the Participant’s Separation from Service, unless a different date is elected pursuant to Section 7.

The Committee shall determine the payment date within the parameters required by this Plan. A payment that is made after the earliest date payment could have been made, but by the later of the last day of the Participant’s taxable year that includes the earliest date payment could have been made, or by the fifteenth day of the third calendar month following the earliest date payment could have been made, shall be treated as having been made on the earliest date payment could have been made.

 

  (b)

Form of Payment. This Section 6(b) shall apply, except to the extent another subsection of this Section 6 or Section 7 is applicable. A Participant’s Account shall be paid in a single lump sum payment equal to the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date that precedes the payment date, unless the Participant elects, pursuant to Section 7, that payment shall be made in installments over a period elected by the Participant that is not less than one (1) nor more than ten (10) years. An election to receive installments will be effective

 

52


 

only if the Participant is at least age fifty (50) and has an Account balance of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), in both cases as of the Separation from Service. Each installment payment shall equal the quotient of the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date that precedes the date the installment is to be paid, divided by the sum of one plus the number of installments to be paid after the current installment. Any installments shall be paid annually during January of each year an installment is due.

 

  (c) Death. Upon the death of the Participant before distribution of the Participant’s entire Account (whether employed or not at the time of death), the Participant’s Account shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary as soon as reasonably practical following the Participant’s death, but not later than the 90th day following the Participant’s death in a single lump sum equal to the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date preceding the payment.

 

  (d) Disability. If a Participant becomes Disabled prior to the time payment is to be made or commenced pursuant to Section 6(a), the Participant’s Account shall be paid in the same manner as in Section 6(b), except that the age requirement for installment distributions shall not apply, commencing as soon as reasonably practical following the determination of Disability, but not later than the 90th day following such determination. Each installment payment shall equal the quotient of the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date that precedes the date the installment is to be paid, divided by the sum of one plus the number of installments to be paid after the current installment.

 

  (e) Change of Control Event. Each Participant may elect, within the time period specified by Section 7(a) or (c), that such Participant’s Account shall be paid in a single lump sum as soon as reasonably practical following, but no later than ninety days following, the earlier of Separation from Service or either the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, or eighteen (18) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control Event. Such payment shall equal the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date preceding the payment. If an election is not made under this Section 6(e), then payment shall be made in accordance with the other Plan provisions without regard to the occurrence of a Change of Control Event.

 

  (f) Distributions to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a “Specified Employee”, no portion of his or her Account shall be distributed on account of a Separation from Service before the earlier of (a) the date which is six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service, or (b) the date of death of the Participant. Amounts that would have been paid during the delay will be adjusted for earnings and losses and paid on the first business day following the end of the six month delay.

 

  (g) Participants in Pay Status Before 2009. Only lump sum distributions were permitted prior to 2009.

 

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  (h) Committee Discretion. The Committee in its sole and absolute discretion may revise, remove or add any restriction on time or form payment, including limits on elections with respect to any Distribution Sub-Account, prior to the deadline for the initial election under Section 7(a) to be received from the Participant. Such Committee action must be in writing and may be set forth in distribution election form materials approved by the Committee. Any such Committee action shall be deemed to be a permitted amendment to this Plan.

7. Elections Regarding Time and Form of Payment . A Participant’s elections regarding the time and form of payment of his or her Account shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.

 

  (a) Initial Elections. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, a Participant’s initial election of the time and form of payment pursuant to Sections 6(a), (b) and (e) must be received by the Plan Administrator no later than the deadline set by the Committee, which may not be later than the day preceding the date the Participant first becomes eligible pursuant to Section 3. If a time and form of payment election is not timely received by the Committee, payment shall be made as if no election has been made. An initial election of time and form of payment shall become irrevocable as of the deadline for making such election, except as set forth in Section 7(b) and (c).

 

  (b) Change in Elections. A Participant may elect to change the timing or form of distribution after the later of December 31, 2008, or the deadline for making an initial election, only in accordance with this Section 7(b). Any election under this Section 7(b) must comply with Code Section 409A and the guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury with respect to the application of Code Section 409A. Except as permitted by Sections 7(c) and 7(d), a Participant may not elect to accelerate the date payment is to be made or commenced. Except as permitted by Section 7(d), a Participant may elect, in accordance with policies and procedures of the Committee, to delay the time payment is to be made or commenced and may change the form of payment from lump sum to installments, or vice versa, only if the following conditions are met:

 

  (i) the election is received by the Committee not less than twelve (12) months before the date payment would have otherwise been made or commenced without regard to this election;

 

  (ii) the election shall not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is received by the Committee; and

 

  (iii) except in the case of elections relating to payment on account of death or Disability, payment pursuant to the election shall not be made or commenced sooner than five (5) years from the date payment would have otherwise been made or commenced without regard to this election.

 

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For purposes of application of Code Section 409A to this provision, installments shall be treated as a single payment.

 

  (c) Special Transition Rule. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, a new payment election shall be permitted under the Plan without violating the subsequent deferral and anti-acceleration rules of Code Section 409A, if such election is received by the Committee on or before December 31, 2008 and such election complies with Section 7(a) (other than the deadline under Section 7(a) for making elections). With respect to an election made on or after January 1, 2008, and on or before December 31, 2008, to change the time or form of payment, the election may apply only to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2008 and may not cause an amount to be paid in 2008 that otherwise would not be payable in 2008, and may not elect a date for payment that precedes 2010 (provided that payment due to Separation from Service may precede 2010).

 

  (d) Unforeseeable Emergency. A Participant may request that the Committee accelerate payment due to the occurrence of an “unforeseeable emergency” as defined by, and to the extent permitted by, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(3).

8. Plan Administrator . The operation of the Plan shall be under the exclusive supervision of the Committee. It shall be a principal duty of the Committee to see that the Plan is carried out in accordance with its terms, and for the exclusive benefit of persons entitled to participate in the Plan without discrimination. The Committee shall have full and exclusive power to administer and interpret the Plan in all of its details; subject, however, to the requirements of ERISA and all pertinent provisions of the Code. For this purpose, the Committee’s powers will include, but will not be limited to, the following authority, in addition to all other powers provided by this Plan:

 

  (a) to make and enforce such rules and regulations as the Committee deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;

 

  (b) to interpret the Plan, the Committee’s interpretations thereof in good faith to be final, conclusive and binding on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;

 

  (c) to decide all questions concerning the Plan and the eligibility of any person to participate in the Plan and to receive benefits provided under the Plan;

 

  (d) to approve and authorize the payment of benefits;

 

  (e) to appoint such agents, counsel, accountants and consultants as may be required to assist in administering the Plan; and

 

  (f) to allocate and delegate the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan and to designate other person to carry out any of the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan, any such allocation, delegation or designation to be in accordance with Section 405 of ERISA.

 

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No Committee member shall be involved in a decision that only affects that member’s benefit under the Plan, if any. The Committee may delegate any of its powers to any number of other persons. Committee determinations (or those of the Committee’s delegate or agent) may be memorialized and reflected in communications and forms provided to Participants in lieu of Committee meeting minutes.

9. Claims . It is the intent of the Company that benefits payable under the Plan shall be payable without the Participant having to complete or submit any claim forms. However, a Participant who believes he or she is entitled to a payment under the Plan may submit a claim for payments in writing to the Company. A claim for benefits under the Plan shall be made in writing by the Participant, or, if applicable the Participant’s executor or administrator or authorized representative (collectively, the “Claimant”) to the Committee.

 

  (a) Claim Denials; Claim Appeals . If a claim for benefits under the Plan is denied, the Claimant shall be notified, in writing, within sixty (60) days (forty-five (45) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after the claim is filed. The notice shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and shall set forth: (i) the specific reason(s) for the denial; (ii) specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based; (iii) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation as to why such information is necessary; and (iv) an explanation of the Plan’s appeal procedure.

Within sixty (60) days (or within one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after receipt of the above material, the Claimant shall have a reasonable opportunity to appeal the claim denial to the Committee for a full and fair review. The Claimant may: (i) request a review upon written notice to the Committee; (ii) review pertinent documents; and (iii) submit issues and comments in writing.

A decision by the Committee shall be made not later than sixty (60) days (or within forty-five (45) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after receipt of a request for review, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing, in which event a decision should be rendered as soon as possible, but in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days (or within ninety (90) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after such receipt. The decision of the Committee shall be written and shall include specific reasons for the decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, with specific references to the pertinent Plan provision on which the decision is based.

 

  (b)

Claims Limitations and Exhaustion . No claim shall be considered under these procedures unless it is filed with the Committee within one (1) year after the claimant knew (or reasonably should have known) of the principal facts on which the claims is based. Every untimely claim shall be denied by the Committee without regard to the merits of the claim. No legal action (whether arising under ERISA Section 502 or ERISA Section 510 or under any other statute or non-statutory law) may be brought by any claimant on any matter pertaining to this Plan unless the legal action is commenced in the proper forum before the earlier of:

 

56


 

(i) two (2) years after the claimant knew (or reasonably should have known) of the principal facts on which the claim is based, or (ii) ninety (90) days after the claimant has exhausted the procedures outlined in Section 9(a). Knowledge of all facts that a Participant knew (or reasonably should have known) shall be imputed to each claimant who is or claims to be a beneficiary of the Participant (or otherwise claims to derive an entitlement by reference to a Participant) for the purpose of applying the one (1) year and two (2) year periods. The exhaustion of the procedures outlined in Section 9(a) is mandatory for resolving every claim and dispute arising under this Plan. No claimant shall be permitted to commence any legal action relating to any such claim or dispute unless a timely claim has been filed under the procedures outline in Section 9(a) and those procedures have been exhausted and any legal action all explicit and implicit determinations by the Committee shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted by law.

10. Amendment and Termination . The HR Committee reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at its sole and absolute discretion. Any such amendment or termination shall be made pursuant to a resolution of the HR Committee and shall be effective as of the date of such resolution unless the resolution specifies a different effective date.

11. Effect of Amendment or Termination . No amendment or termination of the Plan shall directly or indirectly reduce the balance of any Account held hereunder as of the later of the adoption or effective date of such amendment or termination. The Participant’s Account will continue to share in earnings and losses until complete distribution of the Account. Upon and following the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, no amendment or termination of the Plan may reduce any Participant’s rights with respect to his or her Account as of the later of the adoption or effective date of such amendment or termination without such Participant’s consent. Upon termination of the Plan, distribution of amounts credited to the Accounts (which does not include Grandfathered Amounts) shall be made to Participants and their Beneficiaries in one of the following manners elected by the Company:

 

  (i) In the manner and at the time otherwise provided under the Plan; or

 

  (ii) In a lump sum payable at a time permitted by Code Section 409A, provided that all conditions of Code Section 409A are and will be satisfied.

12. Beneficiary Designation . The beneficiary under the Plan shall be the applicable beneficiary under the Qualified CRISP.

13. Section 409A Compliance . The Plan was amended and restated as of January 1, 2005 and as of January 1, 2008 for purposes of complying with the provisions of Code Section 409A, and is amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 for purposes of complying with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the final regulations promulgated thereunder (Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance issued with respect thereto, may be referred to as “409A”). The Plan shall be interpreted, operated and applied to comply with 409A so as not to subject any Participant to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under 409A and not to cause inclusion in any Participant’s income of a Participant’s Account (and any related penalty and interest) until such amount or amounts are actually distributed to such Participant.

 

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However, it is understood that 409A is ambiguous in certain respects. The Committee and Company will attempt in good faith not to take any action, and will attempt in good faith to refrain from taking any action, that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon any Participant under 409A. To the extent the Committee and Company have acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section, neither it, its employees, contractors and agents, the Board, each member of the Board nor any Plan fiduciary (the “Released Parties”) shall in any way be liable for, and by participating in this Plan, each Participant automatically releases the Released Parties from any liability due to, any failure to follow the requirements of 409A, and no Participant shall be entitled to any damages related to any such failure even though the Plan and this Amendment require certain actions to be taken in conformance with 409A.

14. Spendthrift Provision . No interest of any person or entity in, or right to receive a distribution under, the Plan shall be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, attachment, garnishment, or other alienation or encumbrance of any kind; nor may such interest or right to receive a distribution be taken, either voluntarily or involuntarily for the satisfaction of the debts of, or other obligations or claims against, such person or entity, including claims for alimony, support, separate maintenance and claims in bankruptcy proceedings, other than by will or the laws of descent.

15. Tax Withholding . The Company may determine, withhold and report the amount of any foreign, federal, state, or local taxes as the Company determines may be required to cover any taxes for which the Company may be liable with respect to any payment under this Plan. The Company shall have the authority, duty and power to reduce any benefit payable pursuant to the Plan by the amount of any foreign, federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld by the Company under applicable law with respect to such payment of benefits, and if required by law, the Participant’s share of Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes, and any other employment taxes. The Company may in accordance with and to the extent it is able under the laws of the jurisdiction with respect to which a tax is owed, deduct the relevant amount from other earnings payable to the Participant or beneficiary. The Company shall be entitled to withhold and deduct from future wages of a Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to a Participant from the Company), including all payments under this Plan, or make other arrangements for the collection of all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all foreign, federal, state, or local, tax withholding and employment-related tax requirements.

16. Funding . Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, this Plan shall be unfunded and the Participants in this Plan shall be no more than general, unsecured creditors of the Employer with regard to benefits payable pursuant to this Plan.

17. No Guarantee of Benefits . Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute a guarantee by the Company or any other person or entity that the assets of the Company will be sufficient to pay any benefit hereunder.

18. No Enlargement of Employee Rights . No Participant shall have any right to receive a distribution of contributions made under the Plan except in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Establishment of the Plan shall not be construed to give any Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Employer.

 

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19. Incapacity of Recipient . If any person entitled to a distribution under the Plan is deemed by the Company to be incapable of personally receiving or giving a valid receipt for such payment, then, unless and until claim therefore shall have been made by a duly appointed guardian or other legal representative of such person, the Company may provide for such payment or any part thereof to be made to any other person or institution then contributing toward or providing for the care and maintenance of such person. Any such payment shall be a payment of the account of such person and a complete discharge of any liability of the Company and the Plan therefore.

20. Corporate Successors . The Plan shall not be automatically terminated by a transfer or sale of assets of the Company or by the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation or other entity, but the Plan shall be continued after such sale, merger or consolidated only if and to the extent that the transferee, purchaser or successor entity agrees to continue the Plan. In the event that the Plan is not continued by the transferee, purchaser or successor entity, then the Plan shall terminate and the termination provision of Section 10 shall apply.

21. Governing Law . The Plan shall be construed and administered under the laws of the State of Nebraska to the extent federal law is not applicable.

22. Offsets . When any payment becomes due hereunder, the Company, without notice, demand, or any other action, may withhold payment and use the funds to offset any amounts owed by the Participant to the Company or any of its affiliates.

23. Severability . If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, its invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included herein.

24. Effective Date . The Plan was adopted effective January 1, 1988. This restatement is effective January 1, 2009, except as otherwise provided herein.

 

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Exhibit 10.2

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

NONQUALIFIED PENSION PLAN

(January 1, 2009 Restatement)

 

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Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE/SECTION

 

TITLE/SECTION HEADINGS

   PAGE
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLAN DOCUMENT    64
  1.01   “Affiliated Company”    64
  1.02   “Beneficiary”    64
  1.03   “Board”    64
  1.04   “Change of Control”    66
  1.05   “Code”    66
  1.06   “Committee”    66
  1.07   “Credited Service”    66
  1.08   “Company”    66
  1.09   “Default Payment Form”    66
  1.10   “Default Payment Period”    66
  1.11   “Disability”    66
  1.12   “Employee”    66
  1.13   “Employer”    66
  1.14   “Executive”    66
  1.15   “Grandfathered Participant”    66
  1.16   “Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan”    66
  1.17   “Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit”    66
  1.18   “Participant”    66
  1.19   “Pilot”    67
  1.20   “Pilot’s Benefits”    67
  1.21   “Plan”    67
  1.22   “Plan Administrator”    67
  1.23   “Plan Year”    67
  1.24   “Qualified Plan Accrued Benefit”    67
  1.25   “Related Company”    67
  1.26   “Salaried Plan”    67
  1.27   “Separation From Service”    67
  1.28   “Total Accrued Benefit”    69
  1.29   Gender and Number    69
  1.30   Titles    69
ARTICLE II ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION    69
  2.01   Eligibility to Participate    69
ARTICLE III AMOUNT OF BENEFITS    70
  3.01   Amount of Benefits    70
ARTICLE IV TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT    75
  4.01   Time and Form of Payment    75
  4.02   Additional Distribution Provisions    76
  4.03   Method of Payment    77
  4.04   De Minimis Cash Out    77
  4.05   Elections Regarding Time and Form of Payment    77
  4.06   Distributions to Specified Employees    78
ARTICLE V BENEFICIARY    79
  5.01   Beneficiary Designation    79
  5.02   Proper Beneficiary    79

 

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   5.03    Minor or Incompetent Beneficiary    79
ARTICLE VI ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN    79
   6.01    Majority Vote    79
   6.02    Finality of Determination    79
   6.03    Certificates and Reports    79
   6.04    Indemnification and Exculpation    79
   6.05    Expenses    80
ARTICLE VII CLAIMS PROCEDURE    81
   7.01    Written Claim    81
   7.02    Denied Claim    81
   7.03    Review Procedure    81
   7.04    Committee Review    81
ARTICLE VIII NATURE OF COMPANY’S OBLIGATION    82
   8.01    Employer’s Obligation    82
   8.02    Creditor Status    82
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS    82
   9.01    Written Notice    82
   9.02    Change of Address    82
   9.03    Merger Consolidation or Acquisition    82
   9.04    Amendment and Termination    82
   9.05    Employment    84
   9.06    Nontransferability    84
   9.07    Legal Fees    84
   9.08    Tax Withholding    84
   9.09    Acceleration of Payment    84
   9.10    Applicable Law    84
   9.11    Effective Date    84
   9.12    409A Compliance    84
   9.13    Grandfathered Participants    85

 

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PREAMBLE

The purpose of this Nonqualified Pension Plan is to provide payments of equivalent value from the general assets of ConAgra Foods, Inc. to those participants in the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees (Salaried Plan) who, due to the application of United States Internal Revenue Code Sections 415 and 401(a)(17), are precluded from receiving from the assets of the Salaried Plan all the payments to which they would otherwise be entitled. The Plan expresses ConAgra Foods’ commitment to provide such equivalent payments and sets forth the method for doing so. This Plan is also intended to provide additional benefits on an unfunded basis to certain selected management and highly compensated employees. This restatement is effective January 1, 2009. This January 1, 2009 restatement allows the Company the discretion to cash out terminated Participants who have small accrued benefits. This January 1, 2009 restatement applies only to Participants who have accrued or who accrue a benefit under this Plan after December 31, 2004. The plan terms applicable to Participants who accrued no benefits after December 31, 2004 are the Plan terms in effect on October 3, 2004, which are attached hereto as Appendix G.

 

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ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLAN DOCUMENT

1.01 Affiliated Company means any corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code) which includes an Employer; any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is under common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the Code) with an Employer; any organization (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of an affiliated service group (as defined in Section 414(m) of the Code) which includes an Employer; or any other entity required to be aggregated with an Employer pursuant to regulations under Section 414(o) of the Code.

1.02 “ Beneficiary means the person or persons or the estate of a Participant entitled to receive any benefits under this Plan.

1.03 “ Board means the Board of Directors of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

1.04 “ Change of Control . A “Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, 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

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such

 

64


shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

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1.05 “ Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. 1.07 Committee means the Human Resource Committee of the Board.

1.06 “ Committee means the Human Resource Committee of the Board.

1.07 “ Credited Service shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the applicable Salaried Plan.

1.08 “ Company means ConAgra Foods, Inc.

1.09 “ Default Payment Form shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.01.

1.10 “ Default Payment Period shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.01.

1.11 “ Disability A Participant has a “Disability” or shall be considered “Disabled” if the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

1.12 “ Employee means an individual employed by an Employer.

1.13 “ Employer means ConAgra Foods, Inc. and any entity which has adopted the Plan.

1.14 “ Executive means any member of management of an Employer or any highly compensated employee.

1.15 “ Grandfathered Participant means any Participant who has not and does not accrue a benefit under this Plan after December 31, 2004.

1.16 “ Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan means the Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan which is merged into this Plan, as defined in this Section, effective December 31, 2002. This Plan accepts the obligation for benefits due pursuant to the Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan for current and former employees and provides additional accrual of benefits for active Participants as provided in Article III of the Plan.

1.17 “ Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit means, except as specifically provided in an individual agreement under Section 3.01(c), the difference between the Total Accrued Benefit and, to the extent permitted by Treasury Regulation sections 1.409A-2(a)(9) and 1.409A-3(j)(5) related to increases and decreases in non-qualified deferred compensation due to the operation of a “qualified plan” (as defined in the 409A regulations), the Qualified Plan Accrued Benefit, expressed as a single life annuity commencing as of the first day of the month following age 65.

1.18 “ Participant means a person who is or was employed by an Employer and who is eligible for the Plan as defined in Article III.

 

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1.19 “ Pilot means an Employee who functions as a pilot or copilot for ConAgra Foods’ flight operations and is eligible for Pilot’s Benefits as defined in Section 3.01(d) of the Plan.

1.20 “ Pilot’s Benefits are the benefits provided under the Plan for Pilots which are defined in Section 3.01(d) of the Plan.

1.21 “ Plan means the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified Pension Plan as described in this instrument and as amended from time to time.

1.22 “ Plan Administrator means the ConAgra Foods Employee Benefits Administrative Committee or such person or persons designated by the Committee from time to time.

1.23 “ Plan Year means the calendar year.

1.24 “ Qualified Plan Accrued Benefit means the accrued benefit under the Salaried Plan, expressed as a single life annuity commencing as of the first day of the month following age 65. Such accrued benefit shall not be reduced for any amount payable to an alternate payee pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or to any other person or entity.

1.25 “ Related Company means: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b) that includes the Company); and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

1.26 “ Salaried Plan means the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees and any other plan that is qualified under Code Section 401(a) and that provides pension benefits for the period of employment during which an individual is a participant.

1.27 “ Separation From Service means the date that the Participant separates from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (a)

Leaves of Absence . The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in

 

67


 

death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

 

  (b) Dual Status . Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A 1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Plan.

 

  (c) Termination of Employment . Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (c) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (c) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

 

  (d) Service with Related Companies . For purposes of determining whether a separation from service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies.

 

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1.28 “ Total Accrued Benefit means the total accrued benefits for a Participant described in Article III, expressed as a single life annuity commencing as of the first day of the month following age 65.

1.29 Gender and Number Wherever the context so requires, masculine pronouns include the feminine and singular words shall include the plural.

1.30 Titles Titles of the Articles of this Plan are included for ease of reference only and are not to be used for the purpose of construing any portion or provision of this Plan document.

ARTICLE II

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

2.01 Eligibility to Participate

2.01(a) An Employee who accrued a benefit under Section 3.01(a) of this Plan as of or prior to December 31, 2007 is a Participant. Any other Employee who has become a participant in the Salaried Plan shall become eligible to participate in this Plan, provided payment of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit is limited as described in Section 3.01(a) of this Plan and provided the Employee has been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Committee or the Employer to accrue a benefit under Section 3.01(a) in which case the Employee will become a Participant and begin accruing benefits as of the date designated on Exhibit 1.

2.01(b) An Executive who accrued a benefit under Section 3.01(b) of this Plan as of or prior to December 31, 2007 is a Participant. Any other Executive who has been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Committee or the Employer to accrue a benefit under Section 3.01(b) shall be eligible to participate in the Plan and begin accruing the benefits described in said Section 3.01(b) as of the date designated on Exhibit 1.

2.01(c) An Executive who accrued a benefit under Section 3.01(c) of this Plan as of or prior to December 31, 2007 is a Participant. Any other Executive who has been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Committee or the Employer to accrue certain benefits under this Plan shall become eligible to participate in this Plan and begin accruing the benefits described in Section 3.01(c) of this Plan as of the date designated on Exhibit 1.

2.01(d) A Pilot who accrued a benefit under Section 3.01(d) of this Plan as of or prior to December 31, 2007 is a Participant. Any other Pilot who is a participant in the Salaried Plan and who has been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Plan Administrator shall become eligible to participate in the Plan and begin accruing the benefits described in Section 3.01(d) as of the date designated on Exhibit 1.

2.01(e) Effective January 1, 2003, each Participant in the Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan will become a Participant in the Plan and each active

 

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Participant in the Lamb-Weston Supplemental Plan will accrue benefits as provided in Section 3.01(e). Each Lamb-Weston Participant who became a Participant after January 1, 2003 and by December 31, 2007 and has been designated by the Committee as being eligible to accrue a benefit under Section 3.01(e) will accrue benefits as provided in Section 3.01(e). Further, all other Lamb-Weston Participants who have been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Committee or the Employer to accrue a benefit under Section 3.01(e) will accrue benefits as provided in Section 3.01(e).

2.01(f) An Employee who is a participant in the Salaried Plan, who is listed on an Appendix and who accrued a benefit under Section 3.01 of this Plan as of or prior to December 31, 2007 is a Participant. Any other Employee who is listed on an Appendix and who has been designated on Exhibit 1 by the Committee or the Employer shall become eligible to participate in the Plan and begin accruing the benefits described in the applicable subsection of Section 3.01 as of the dated designated on Exhibit 1.

ARTICLE III

AMOUNT OF BENEFITS

3.01 Amount of Benefits Except as specifically provided in an individual agreement under Section 3.01(c), the benefits from this Plan complement benefits payable from the Salaried Plan and are subject to the same eligibility, vesting provisions and ancillary benefits applicable to the Participant in that Plan. The amount defined in this Article III is the Total Accrued Benefit, the calculation of which shall include all benefit accrual service and earnings taken into account under the Salaried Plan, regardless of the date a Participant becomes eligible to participate in this Plan. The benefit accrued under this Plan is the Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit. The Total Accrued Benefit for Participants is as follows:

3.01(a) With respect to any participant in the Salaried Plan whose benefits from that plan are limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17), the Total Accrued Benefit is the total accrued benefit to which the Participant would have been entitled under the Salaried Plan formula applicable to the Participant disregarding any limitation or reduction brought about by the amendment to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1994. For purposes of this section, the limitation under Code Section 401(a)(17) as indexed and in effect on the last day of the Plan Year prior to the effective date of the OBRA ‘93 amendment shall apply and shall be adjusted for cost of living increases concurrently with any adjustment to the current limit under Code Section 401(a)(17) by multiplying the limit applicable under this section by a fraction the numerator of which is the Code Section 401(a)(17) limit immediately after the adjustment (disregarding the change in 2002 made by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001) and the denominator of which is the Code Section 401(a)(17) limit effective for plan years beginning in 1994, with the result truncated to the next lower multiple of $10,000. No further adjustments will be made in the limit after 2002 resulting in the following limits on pay under this paragraph:

 

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Year(s)*

   Limit ($)*

1994

   235,840

1995

   235,840

1996

   235,840

1997

   250,000

1998

   250,000

1999

   250,000

2000

   260,000

2001

   260,000

After 2001

   280,000

 

* For years prior to 1994 the limitation was per IRC 401(a)(17).

3.01(b) With respect to any Executive in the Salaried Plan, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(b) is the total accrued benefit to which the Participant would be entitled computed under the Salaried Plan formula applicable to that Participant disregarding any reductions, restrictions, or limitations brought about by Code Section 415 or Code Section 401(a)(17).

3.01(c) With respect to any Executive, to the extent that such Executive has been selected to participate in this Plan pursuant to Section 2.01(c) hereof, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(c) shall be the amount determined by the Board, the Committee, the Employer, or the Plan Administrator in its sole and absolute discretion. Such payments may be designated to provide benefits under plan formulas which have been frozen or which were provided pursuant to plans which were terminated by the Employer or Affiliated Company or were sponsored by a prior employer or which are not otherwise provided under a qualified plan maintained by the Employer or as provided in an agreement specific to the Executive.

3.01(d) The Total Accrued Benefit for a Pilot who terminates employment on or after his 62nd birthday shall be the Pilot’s Benefits under this paragraph. The Total Accrued Benefit shall be calculated as in 3.01(a) above with no reduction for commencement of benefits prior to age 65 but with the adjustments in (i), (ii), and (iii) as follows:

 

  (i) Average Monthly Pay shall be calculated as if the Pilot had attained age 65 and assuming the Pilot’s base pay as of the date of the calculation continued to the Pilot’s age 65,

 

  (ii) Credited Service for purposes of the Plan will be changed to the Credited Service the Pilot would have earned under the Salaried Plan had he worked continuously until age 65, and

 

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  (iii) A Pilot who has satisfied the plan’s eligibility requirements and is an active Participant at age 62 will be vested in the Pilot’s Benefits, regardless of the Pilot’s Vesting Service.

3.01(e) With respect to each Participant who is to accrue a benefit under this Section 3.01(e), effective January 1, 2003 and thereafter the Total Accrued Benefit is the total accrued benefit to which the Participant would have been entitled under Supplement Thirty-two of the Salaried Plan disregarding any limitation or reduction brought about by the amendment to Code Section 401(a)(17) contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 1994. For purposes of this section, the limitation under Code Section 401(a)(17) as indexed and in effect on the last day of the Plan Year prior to the effective date of the OBRA ‘93 amendment shall apply and shall be adjusted for cost of living increases. No further adjustments will be made in the limit after 2002 resulting in the following limits on pay under this paragraph:

 

Year(s)*

   Limit ($)*

1994

   242,280

1995

   248,700

1996

   255,300

1997

   263,440

1998

   268,360

1999

   272,520

2000

   279,660

2001

   289,260

After 2001

   294,620

 

* For years prior to 1994 the limitation was per IRC 401(a)(17).

3.01(f) For a participant listed on Appendix A, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(f) shall be the greater of the amount determined under 3.01(b) above or the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-four Section 3.01(c) of the Salaried Plan calculated based on the following:

 

  (i) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation and is not limited as required under Code Section 401(a)(17),

 

  (ii) benefits are calculated as if all Credited Service for the participant under the Plan was Credited Service earned prior to March 1, 1994,

 

  (iii) reduced for early commencement, if applicable, as provided in Supplement Twenty-four Section 3.03(c), and

 

  (iv) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

3.01(g) For a participant listed on Appendix B, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(g) shall be the greater of the amount determined under 3.01(a) above or the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-four Section 3.01(c) of the Salaried Plan calculated based on the following:

 

  (i) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation and is limited as indicated in section 3.01(a) above,

 

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  (ii) benefits are calculated as if all Credited Service for the participant under the Plan was Credited Service earned prior to March 1, 1994,

 

  (iii) reduced for early commencement, if applicable, as provided in Supplement Twenty-four Section 3.03(c), and

 

  (iv) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

3.01(h) For a participant listed on Appendix C, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(h) shall be the greatest of (i), (ii) or (iii) below:

 

  (i) the amount determined under 3.01(b) above, or

 

  (ii) the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-five Section 3.01(c) of the Salaried Plan with the following modifications:

 

  (I) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation and is not limited as required under Code Section 401(a)(17),

 

  (II) Pay as defined in Section 1.24 of Supplement Twenty-five will be defined for all years using the definition applicable to periods before January 1, 1993 and considers severance pay, if any, paid to the participant as Pay under that Section,

 

  (III) benefits are calculated as if all Credited Service for the participant under the Plan was Credited Service earned prior to March 1, 1994,

 

  (IV) reduced for early retirement, if applicable, as provided in Section 3.03(c) of Supplement Twenty-five, and

 

  (V) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

 

  (iii) the benefit payable under the Hunt-Wesson Foods, Inc. Salaried Pension Plan (Amended and Restated as of June 30, 1985), in existence on February 28, 1989 calculated with the following modifications:

 

  (I) Final Average Compensation is not limited as required under Code Section 401(a)(17),

 

  (II) Compensation considers severance pay, if any, paid to the participant,

 

  (III) benefits are calculated as if all Credited Service for the participant under the Plan was Credited Service, and

 

  (IV) disregarding application of any limitations under Code Section 415.

3.01(i) For a participant listed on Appendix D, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(i) shall be the greater of (i) and (ii) below:

 

  (i) the amount determined under 3.01(a) above, or

 

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  (ii) the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-five Section 3.01(c) of the Salaried Plan with the following modifications:

 

  (I) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation and is not limited as required under Code Section 401(a)(17),

 

  (II) Pay as defined in Section 1.24 of Supplement Twenty-five will be defined for all years using the definition applicable to periods before January 1, 1993 and considers severance pay, if any, paid to the participant as Pay under that Section,

 

  (III) benefits are calculated as if all Credited Service for the participant under the Plan was Credited Service earned prior to March 1, 1994,

 

  (IV) reduced for early retirement, if applicable, as provided in Section 3.03(c) of Supplement Twenty-five, and

 

  (V) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

3.01(j) For a participant listed on Appendix E who remains continuously employed by an Affiliated Company after July 31, 1997 and retires from active employment on or after age 62, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(j) shall be the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-nine Section 3.01(b)(iv) of the Salaried Plan with the following modifications or clarifications:

 

  (i) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation, and is limited under Code Section 401(a)(17) as defined by the Salaried Plan,

 

  (ii) benefits are calculated using the Credited Service at age 62 for the participant under the Plan and treating that Credited Service as if it was earned prior to August 1, 1997,

 

  (iii) reduced for early retirement, if applicable, on an actuarial equivalent basis as defined in Exhibit A of Supplement Twenty-nine and

 

  (iv) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

3.01(k) For a participant listed on Appendix F who remains continuously employed by an Affiliated Company after July 31, 1997 and retires from active employment on or after age 65, the Total Accrued Benefit under this subsection 3.01(k) shall be the amount determined under Supplement Twenty-nine Section 3.01(b)(iv) of the Salaried Plan with the following modifications or clarifications:

 

  (i) Final Average Monthly Earnings is determined as of the date of calculation, and is limited under Code Section 401(a)(17) as defined by the Salaried Plan,

 

  (ii) benefits are calculated using the Credited Service at age 65 for the participant under the Plan and treating that Credited Service as if it was earned prior to August 1, 1997, and

 

  (iii) disregarding the eligibility requirements of that section.

 

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ARTICLE IV

TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT

4.01 Time and Form of Payment This Section 4.01 shall apply, except to the extent another section of this Article IV is applicable. The normal date and form of payment of a Participant’s Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit shall be ten annual installments (the “Default Payment Form”) commencing during the January that next follows the earlier of the Participant’s Disability or Separation from Service (the “Default Payment Period”); provided that the Default Payment Period will be July, 2009, if such date is later than the Default Payment Period that would otherwise apply; and provided further that the Default Payment Period for Gavilon Participants shall be July, 2009. Such Default Payment Form and Period shall apply if an election pursuant to Section 4.05 and this Section is not timely received from the Participant. Each Participant may elect, pursuant to Section 4.05, that such Participant’s Account shall instead be paid (or installments or an annuity shall commence), as follows:

 

  (a) A lump sum, five or ten substantially equal annual installments may be elected to be made or commenced during the Default Payment Period, or the later of the Default Payment Period or January of the year elected by the Participant; provided that (i) if January, 2009 is elected then payment shall be made during July, 2009; and (ii) an election under this provision by a Participant whose employment transferred from the Company’s Related Company group to the Gavilon Related Company group during 2008 (a “Gavilon Participant”) shall be treated as an election to receive the amount at the stated time (which shall be July, 2009 for those electing January, 2009) without regard to when such Participant Separated or Separates from Service.

 

  (b) One of the following life annuity forms may be elected to commence during the month following the month during which Separation from Service occurs, or during the later of the month following the month during which Separation from Service occurs or the month and year elected by the Participant (which must precede the date the Participant attains age 70 and must be later than the date the Participant attains age 65 (or age 55, if the Participant has at least ten years of “Service,” as that term is defined in the applicable Salaried Plan as in effect on December 31, 2008), provided that the commencement date will be July, 2009, if such date is later than the date payments would otherwise commence under this Section 4.01(b); and provided further that the Committee may designate (and such designation may be on the applicable payment election form) fewer than all of the following alternatives for any one or more of the Participants:

 

  (i) Single life;

 

  (ii) Joint and 50% survivor;

 

  (iii) Joint and 66.67% survivor;

 

  (iv) Joint and 75% survivor;

 

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  (v) Joint and 100% survivor; or

 

  (vi) Single life with ten year certain.

If a Participant has elected a life annuity without specifying the specific form, the default form for an unmarried Participant shall be single life and the default form for a married Participant shall be joint and 50% survivor. All annuity forms shall be paid monthly.

 

  (c) Any Participant election that specifies a date that does not comply with this Plan will be deemed to be an election of the nearest permitted date. For example, if a Participant were to elect to receive a lump sum at the later of the Default Payment Period or January, 2020 and such Participant attains age 70 in 2019, such election will be reformed to be to receive the lump sum at the later of the Default Payment Period or January, 2019.

 

  (d) The Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit is expressed as a single life annuity payable as of the first of the month that next follows the month during which the Participant attains age 65. If the benefit is to be paid in another form or at another time, the Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit shall be converted to the scheduled form and time of payment by those administering this Plan using the factors used for comparable determinations under the Salaried Plan; provided, however, for purposes of calculating a lump sum or installments (but not any life annuity form), the discount rate and mortality assumptions used by the Company for purposes of calculating pension expense under FAS 87 (or is successor) for this Plan for the Company’s fiscal year during which the lump sum is paid or installments commence will be used (the “Applicable FAS 87 Assumption”). If any payment would have been made or commenced prior to July, 2009 but for a provision in this Section 4.01 that delays the making or commencement of payment until July, 2009, then the payment or payments that are made or commence during July, 2009 shall be adjusted as follows: (i) a lump sum or all installments shall be adjusted using the discount rate under the Applicable FAS 87 Assumption, and (ii) any monthly annuity payments that would have been paid before July, 2009 but are instead paid during July, 2009 will be adjusted using the discount rate under the Applicable FAS 87 Assumption.

4.02 Additional Distribution Provisions

 

  (a) Death . If the Participant has elected or is to receive a life annuity, then payment following death of the Participant (if any) shall be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary in accordance with the elected or default form of life annuity, whichever is applicable, commencing during the month following the month during which death occurs, regardless of whether payments had commenced prior to death. If the Participant has elected any other form of payment or has failed to timely elect any form of payment, then the Participant’s Beneficiary shall receive any unpaid Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit in a lump sum payable during the month following the month during which death occurs, regardless of whether payouts had commenced prior to death.

 

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  (b) Participants in Pay Status Before 2009 . Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, if a Participant or Beneficiary received one (1) or more payments pursuant to this Plan or the Lamb-Weston Plan on or before December 31, 2008, then payment shall continue to be made to such Participant (and, if applicable such Participant’s Beneficiary following the Participant’s death after 2008) or Beneficiary in accordance with the payment schedule in effect on or before December 31, 2008, and such Participant may not make an election under Section 4.05 of this Restatement.

 

 

(e)

Payment Time . The Plan Administrator shall determine the payment date within the parameters required by this Plan. A payment that is made by the later of the last day of the Participant’s taxable year that includes the month payment is due, or the 15 th day of the third calendar month following the month payment is due, shall be treated as having been made during such month.

4.03 Method of Payment All payments hereunder shall be made in cash.

4.04 De Minimis Cash Out Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the present value of a Participant’s Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit is equal to or less than the applicable dollar amount under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B) ($15,500 for 2008) and to the extent permitted by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(4)(v), the Company may, in its sole discretion, pay the present value of the Participant’s accrued benefit to the Participant in a single lump sum during the January that next follows the earlier of the Participant’s Separation from Service or Disability, provided that such payment represents the Participant’s entire interest in the Plan and all other deferred compensation arrangements that are aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(c)(2). The applicable dollar amount under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B) shall be the amount in effect for the calendar year during which payment pursuant to this paragraph may be made.

4.05 Elections Regarding Time and Form of Payment A Participant’s election regarding the time and form of payment of his or her Account shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this subsection 4.05.

 

  (a) Initial Elections . Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, the Participant’s election of the time and form of payment pursuant to Section 4.01 must be received by the Plan Administrator no later than the day preceding the date the Participant is designated on Exhibit 1 as first becoming an eligible Participant. If a time and form of payment election is not timely received by the Plan Administrator, payment shall be made as if no election has been made. An initial election of time and form of payment shall become irrevocable as of the deadline for making such election, except as set forth in Section 4.05(b) and (c).

 

  (b)

Switching among life annuities . If the Participant has timely elected to receive payment in any form of a “life annuity” (as defined in Treasury Regulation

 

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Section 1.409A-2(b)(2), which previously elected “life annuity” is the “scheduled life annuity”), the Participant may elect a different form of “life annuity” that has the same starting payment date as the scheduled life annuity and that is considered to be actuarially equivalent to the scheduled life annuity under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2), provided that the election is received before any annuity payment has been made.

 

  (c) Special Transition Rule . This paragraph is effective January 1, 2009. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, pursuant to IRS Notice 2005-1, IRS Notice 2006-79, IRS Notice 2007-86, and Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iv) of the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A, new payment elections shall be permitted for certain Participants under the Plan without violating the subsequent deferral and anti-acceleration rules of Code Section 409A. Accordingly, each Participant who has not received and does not receive one or more payments under this Plan before January 1, 2009, may elect, or change a previous election concerning, the time or form of payment under this Plan or may make an election so that the Default Payment Form or Default Payment Period does not apply, if such election or change is received by the Plan Administrator during 2008 and such election complies with Section 4.05(a) (other than the deadline under Section 4.05(a) for making elections). With respect to an election received during 2008, the election may apply only to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2008 and may not cause an amount to be paid in 2008 that otherwise would not be payable in 2008.

4.06 Distributions to Specified Employees Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a “Specified Employee”, no portion of his or her Non-Qualified Accrued Benefit shall be distributed on account of a Separation from Service before the earlier of (a) the date which is six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service, or (b) the date of death of the Participant. A “Specified Employee” is a key employee, as defined under Code Section 416(i), without regard to paragraph (5) thereof (and any successor or comparable Code sections). Amounts that would have been paid during the delay will be adjusted for interest (using the interest assumption used for determining actuarial equivalency) and paid on the first business day following the end of the six month delay.

 

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ARTICLE V

BENEFICIARY

5.01 Beneficiary Designation A Participant may designate his Beneficiary to receive benefits under the Plan by completing the appropriate form provided by the Plan Administrator. Any change of Beneficiary must satisfy all requirements for designation of a Beneficiary.

5.02 Proper Beneficiary If the Company has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive payments hereunder, the Company shall have the right to withhold such payments until the matter is finally adjudicated. However, any payment made by the Company, in good faith and in accordance with this Plan, shall fully discharge the Company and the Plan Administrator from all further obligations with respect to that payment.

5.03 Minor or Incompetent Beneficiary In making any payments to or for the benefit of any minor or an incompetent Beneficiary, the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, may (a) make a distribution to a legal or natural guardian or other relative of a minor or court appointed committee of such incompetent; or (b) make a payment to any adult with whom the minor or incompetent temporarily or permanently resides. The receipt by a guardian, committee, relative or other person shall be a complete discharge to the Company. Neither the Plan Administrator nor the Company shall have any responsibility to see to the proper application of any payments so made.

ARTICLE VI

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

6.01 Majority Vote All resolutions or other actions taken by the Plan Administrator shall be by vote of a majority of those present at a meeting at which a majority of the members are present, or in writing by all the members, at the time in office, if they act without a meeting.

6.02 Finality of Determination Subject to the Plan, the Committee or Plan Administrator shall, from time to time, establish rules, forms and procedures for the administration of the Plan. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, the Committee and Plan Administrator shall have full and absolute discretion to (i) construe and interpret the Plan, (ii) decide all questions arising with respect to the Plan, including but not limited to, eligibility to participate in the Plan, and determine the amount, manner and time of payment of any benefits to any Participant or Beneficiary. The respective decisions, actions and records of the Committee and Plan Administrator shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and all persons having or claiming to have any right or interest in or under the Plan.

6.03 Certificates and Reports The members of the Committee, the Plan Administrator and the officers and directors of the Company shall be entitled to rely on all certificates, opinions, and reports made by any duly appointed accountants and consultants, and on all opinions given by any duly appointed legal counsel, which legal counsel may be counsel for the Company.

6.04 Indemnification and Exculpation The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee, the Plan Administrator and any person acting on behalf of or pursuant to appointment by the Plan Administrator (hereinafter referred to as “designee”) in connection with the administration of the Plan against any and all expenses and

 

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liabilities arising out of his membership on the Committee or administration of the Plan or any action or failure to act by the Committee, Plan Administrator, any member of the Committee or any designee, except if such action or failure to act constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct. Expenses against which a member of the Committee, the Plan Administrator or any designee shall be indemnified hereunder shall include, without limitation, the amount of any settlement or judgment, costs, counsel fees, and related charges reasonably incurred in connection with a claim asserted, or a proceeding brought or settlement thereof. The foregoing rights of indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which the any such member of the Committee, Plan Administrator or designee may be entitled as a matter of law.

6.05 Expenses The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company.

 

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ARTICLE VII

CLAIMS PROCEDURE

7.01 Written Claim Benefits shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. The Participant, or a designated Beneficiary or any other person claiming through the Participant, shall make a written request for benefits under this Plan. This written claim shall be mailed or delivered to the Plan Administrator. Such claim shall be reviewed by the Plan Administrator or his delegate.

7.02 Denied Claim If the claim is denied, in full or in part, the Plan Administrator shall provide a written notice within ninety (90) days setting forth the specific reasons for denial and any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary and appropriate information and explanation of the steps to be taken if a review of the denial is desired.

7.03 Review Procedure If the claim is denied and a review is desired, the Participant (or Beneficiary) shall notify the Plan Administrator, in writing, within sixty (60) days (a claim shall be deemed denied if the Plan Administrator does not take any action within the aforesaid ninety (90) day period) after receipt of the written notice of denial. In requesting a review, the Participant or his Beneficiary may request a review of the Plan document or other pertinent documents with regard to the employee benefit plan created under this agreement, may submit any written issues and comments, may request an extension of time for such written submission of issues and comments and may request that a hearing be held, but the decision to hold a hearing shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee.

7.04 Committee Review The decision on the review of the denied claim shall be rendered by the Committee within sixty (60) days after the receipt of the request for review (if no hearing is held) or within sixty (60) days after the hearing if one is held. The decision shall be written and shall state the specific reasons for the decision including reference to the specific provisions of this Plan on which the decision is based.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

NATURE OF COMPANY’S OBLIGATION

8.01 Employer’s Obligation Each Employer’s payment obligations in connection with the benefits under this Plan shall be an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay the benefit due in accordance with the Plan. No Employer shall be obligated under any circumstances to fund its financial obligations under this Plan; provided, however, that each Employer may establish a trust and contribute assets to the trust for the purpose of satisfying its obligations under the Plan. An Employer’s obligations hereunder shall be discharged and satisfied to the extent proper payments are made from such trust to a Participant or Beneficiary. Immediately prior to or within sixty (60) days following a Change of Control, an amount equal to the net present value (determined in the same manner that a lump sum payment is determined under this Plan) of the total accrued benefits under this Plan (as increased by any other commitments or agreements by the Company) shall be deposited, in one lump sum payment, in an irrevocable trust in the form of the model grantor trust contained in IRS Revenue Procedure 92-64, which trust is incorporated by reference. The acquiror, the Company and its subsidiaries shall make up any supplemental pension benefit payments the Participants do not receive under the trust. The trustee of such trust shall be a national or state chartered bank.

8.02 Creditor Status Any assets which an Employer may acquire or set aside to help cover its financial liabilities are and shall remain general assets of such Employer subject to the claims of its general, unsecured creditors. Neither the Employer nor this Plan gives the Participant or any other person any beneficial or equitable ownership interest in any asset of the Employer. All rights of ownership in any such assets are, and remain, in the Employer.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

9.01 Written Notice Any notice which shall or may be given under this Plan shall be in writing and shall be mailed by United States mail, postage prepaid. If notice is to be given to the Committee or the Plan Administrator, such notice shall be addressed to the Employee Benefits Committee at One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, NE 68102-5001.

9.02 Change of Address Any Participant may, from time to time, change the address to which notices shall be mailed by giving written notice of such new address.

9.03 Merger Consolidation or Acquisition The Plan shall be binding upon each Employer, its assigns, and any successor company which shall succeed to substantially all of its assets and business through merger, acquisition or consolidation, and upon a Participant, his Beneficiary, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.

9.04 Amendment and Termination The Company, by action of the Committee, retains the sole and unilateral right to terminate, amend, modify or supplement this Plan, in whole or in part, at any time. This right includes the right to make retroactive amendments and the right to discontinue benefit accruals. However, in no event shall the Company have the right to amend the Plan in a manner which adversely affects any rights of any Participant (to the extent already accrued) or, if deceased, such Participant’s Beneficiary, including, but not limited to, the right to payment of benefits pursuant to Article III hereof. No amendment may be made to

 

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Section 8.01 after the date of a Change of Control without the consent of any affected Participant. Upon termination of the Plan, distribution of amounts credited to the Accounts shall be made to Participants and their Beneficiaries in one of the following manners elected by the Company:

 

  (i) In the manner and at the time otherwise provided under the Plan; or

 

  (ii) In a lump sum payable at a time permitted by Code Section 409A, provided that all conditions of Code Section 409A are and will be satisfied.

 

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9.05 Employment This Plan does not provide a contract of employment between the Employer and the Participant, and, except as provided in any other contractual arrangement, if any, between a Participant and the Employer, the Employer reserves the right to terminate the Participant’s employment, for any reason, at any time, notwithstanding the existence of this Plan.

9.06 Nontransferability Except insofar as prohibited by applicable law, no sale, transfer, alienation, assignment, pledge, collateralization or attachment of any benefits under this Plan shall be valid or recognized by the Company. Neither the Participant, his spouse, or designated Beneficiary, shall have any power to hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance of any of the benefits payable hereunder, nor shall any of said benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony maintenance, owed by the Participant or his Beneficiary, or be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise.

9.07 Legal Fees All reasonable legal fees incurred by any Participant (or former Participant) to successfully enforce his valid rights under this Plan shall be paid by the Company in addition to sums due under this Plan. Any reimbursements or in-kind benefits to be provided pursuant to this Plan (including but not limited to this section) that are taxable to Executive shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) each reimbursement must be paid no later than the last day of the calendar year following the Employee’s tax year during which the expense was incurred; and (b) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits provided, during a tax year of the Employee may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other tax year of the Employee; (c) the period during which any reimbursement may be paid or in-kind benefit may be provided terminates ten years after termination of this Plan; and (d) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

9.08 Tax Withholding The Company may withhold from a payment any federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payment and such sum as the Company may reasonably estimate as necessary to cover any taxes for which the Company may be liable and which may be assessed with regard to such payment.

9.09 Acceleration of Payment To the extent permitted by Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder, the Company reserves the right to accelerate the payment of any benefits payable under this Plan at any time without the consent of the Participant, his estate, his Beneficiary or any other person claiming through the Participant.

9.10 Applicable Law This Plan shall be governed by the laws of the state of Nebraska.

9.11 Effective Date The Plan was adopted effective January 1, 1988. This amended and restated document reflects all Plan amendments through January 1, 2009.

9.12 409A Compliance The Plan is hereby amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 for purposes of complying with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the final regulations promulgated thereunder, except as otherwise provided herein (Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance issued with respect hereto may be referred to as “409A”). With respect to benefits under this Plan for Participants other than Grandfathered Participants, the Plan

 

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shall be interpreted, operated and applied to comply with 409A so as not to subject any Participant to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under 409A and not to cause inclusion in any Participant’s income of any benefit under this Plan (and any related penalty and interest) until such amount or amounts are actually distributed to such Participant. With respect to Grandfathered Participants, the Plan shall be interpreted and administered to prevent 409A from applying to Grandfathered Participants’ benefits under this Plan; this shall include, but not be limited to, avoiding a material modification of the terms that were applicable to the Grandfathered Participants’ benefits under this Plan on October 3, 2004. However, it is understood that 409A is ambiguous in certain respects. The Plan Administrator and Company will attempt in good faith not to take any action, and will attempt in good faith to refrain from taking any action, that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon any Participant under 409A. To the extent the Plan Administrator and Company have acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section, neither they, their employees, contractors and agents, the Board, each member of the Board nor any Plan fiduciary (the “Released Parties”) shall in any way be liable for, and by participating in this Plan, each Participant automatically releases the Released Parties from any liability due to, any failure to follow the requirements of 409A, and no Participant shall be entitled to any damages related to any such failure even though the Plan and this Amendment require certain actions to be taken in conformance with 409A.

9.13 Grandfathered Participants The terms of this Plan that were in effect on October 3, 2004 shall continue to apply to Grandfathered Participants and the terms of this restatement shall not apply to Grandfathered Participants except to the extent Grandfathered Participants are referenced in this Section and Section 9.12.

 

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Exhibit 10.3

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

(January 1, 2009 Restatement)

The ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) was adopted effective January 1, 2005, and is amended and restated effective January 1, 2009. In addition, effective January 1, 2009, the Lamb-Weston Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Lamb-Weston Plan”) is merged into this Plan.

The Plan is established and maintained by ConAgra Foods, Inc. for the purpose of permitting certain key employees of the Company and of corporations which are related to the Company to defer the receipt of a portion of their income and/or participate in any appreciation in the value of Company Stock. Accordingly, ConAgra Foods, Inc. hereby adopts the Plan pursuant to the terms and provisions set forth below:

PART I

NON-GRANDFATHERED AMOUNTS

The provisions of this Part I shall apply to amounts due pursuant to this Plan that are not “Grandfathered Amounts,” as that term is defined in Part II.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Account . The term “Account” means the bookkeeping account established by the Company to which post-2004 Compensation Deferral Contributions, and earnings and losses thereon, are credited for any Participant, except that for a Participant who had an account balance in the Lamb-Weston Plan immediately before the Lamb-Weston Plan was merged into this Plan, the term shall mean the Participant’s entire account in this Plan, including any amounts credited to the Participant’s account in the Lamb-Weston Plan before 2005.

1.2 Change of Control Event . A “Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

 

  (a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, 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

 

  (b)

The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not,

 

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immediately thereafter, own 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

 

  (c) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

1.3 Compensation Deferral Agreement . The term “Compensation Deferral Agreement” means the written compensation deferral agreement entered into by a Participant with the Company pursuant to this Plan.

1.4 Compensation Deferral Contribution . “Compensation Deferral Contribution” means a contribution made to the Plan by a Participant pursuant to Section 3.1.

1.5 Disability . A Participant has a “Disability” or shall be considered “Disabled” if the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

1.6 Distribution Sub-Account . The term “Distribution Sub-Account” shall refer to each sub-account elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 4.1 for the purpose of applying a specific election concerning time and form of payment to only such sub-account.

1.7 Lamb-Weston Balance . “Lamb-Weston Balance” means the amount credited from time to time to the bookkeeping account established by the Company to which a Participant’s balance from the Lamb-Weston Plan will be credited as of January 1, 2009, together with earnings and losses thereon.

1.8 Lamb-Weston Merged Participant . “Lamb-Weston Participant” means each Participant who has a balance credited from the Lamb-Weston Plan as of January 1, 2009.

 

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1.9 Related Company . The term “Related Company” means: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b) that includes the Company); and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

1.10 Separation from Service . The term “Separation from Service” means the date that the Participant separates from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (a) Leaves of Absence . The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6)-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty-nine (29)-month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6)-month period.

 

  (b) Dual Status . Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Plan.

 

  (c)

Termination of Employment . Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in subsection (b) of this section would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36)-month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty-six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of

 

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absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this subsection (c) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this subsection (c) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty-six (36)-month (or shorter) period).

 

  (d) Service with Related Companies . For purposes of determining whether a separation from service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies.

ARTICLE II

ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

Employees eligible to participate in the Plan shall be those employees of the Employer who either have been selected by, and at the sole and absolute discretion of, the HR Committee, or whose annual base salary equals or exceeds one-hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000.00) or such other amount approved by the HR Committee. Employees eligible to participate in the Plan with respect to merged balances shall also include employees and former employees of Lamb-Weston, Inc. who, immediately before the Lamb-Weston Plan was merged into this Plan, had an account balance in the Lamb-Weston Plan and now have an account balance in this Plan. The Committee shall have sole and absolute discretion to determine whether an individual’s base salary equals or exceeds the required dollar amount. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the contrary, the Plan is intended to be a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of management or highly compensated employees (as that expression is used in ERISA) and participation shall be limited to such employees. Each Participant shall continue to be a participant in the Plan until all payments due under the Plan have been paid. The HR Committee may determine at any time that a Participant shall no longer be eligible to make Compensation Deferral Contributions.

Notwithstanding any provision apparently to the contrary in the Plan document or in any written communications, summary, resolution, oral communication or other document, in the event it is determined that a Participant will no longer be eligible to make Compensation Deferral Contributions, then the election for Compensation Deferral Contributions made by that individual in accordance with the provisions of the Plan will continue for the remainder of the calendar year during which such determination is made. However, no additional amounts shall be deferred and credited to the Participant’s Account under the Plan for any future calendar year until such time as the individual is again determined to be eligible to make Compensation Deferral Contributions and makes a new election under the provisions of the Plan. Amounts credited to the Account of such individual shall continue to be adjusted pursuant to the other provisions of the Plan until fully distributed.

ARTICLE III

DEFERRALS

3.1 Employee Deferrals . During one or more window periods each Plan Year determined by the Company, a Participant may elect to have a portion of his pay for the

 

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following Plan Year deposited in the Plan (“Compensation Deferral Contribution”). Unless the Committee specifies otherwise, any Compensation Deferral Contribution election will continue from year-to-year until timely changed by the Participant (and such change will be effective for the Plan Year following the Plan Year during which such change election is received by the Company) or until specified otherwise by the Committee. The minimum deposit shall be five percent (5%) of the Participant’s base salary or short-term incentive. The maximum deposit shall be determined and changed by the Committee from time to time (which may be set forth in the Compensation Deferred Agreement) and, in the absence of any such determination shall be fifty percent (50%) of the Participant’s normal salary and eighty-five percent (85%) of the Participant’s short-term incentive. The Participant’s election shall be made in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Committee and in accordance with a Compensation Deferral Agreement. The elected deferral percentage shall not apply to compensation that is not eligible for deferral under the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan in effect on December 31, 2008 (ignoring for this purpose the limitations imposed by Code Sections 401(a)(17), 401(k)(3) and 415). The Compensation Deferral Contribution shall be credited to the Participant’s Account under the Plan as soon as reasonably practicable following the date the Participant would have otherwise been entitled to receive cash compensation absent an election to defer under this Section 3.1. A Compensation Deferral Contribution election shall be irrevocable as of the earlier of the deadline specified by the Company of the last day of a Plan Year, with respect to Compensation Deferral Contributions to be made during the following Plan Year, except for a cancellation permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409-3(j)(4).

3.2 Employer Contributions . No Employer contributions will be made to the Plan.

ARTICLE IV

DISTRIBUTIONS

4.1 Time and Form of Payment

 

  (a) Distribution Sub-Accounts . Each Participant may elect, pursuant to Section 4.2, that such Participant’s Account shall be divided into Distribution Sub-Accounts for the purpose of the Participant making separate elections in accordance with this Article IV concerning time and form of payment with respect to each Distribution Sub-Account. The maximum number of Distribution Sub-Accounts will be specified by the Committee or its delegate from time to time. If an election under this Section 4.1(a) is not timely received from a Participant, then such Participant’s Account shall be deemed to be a single Distribution Sub-Account for purposes of this Plan.

 

  (b) Time of Payment . This Section 4.1(b) shall apply, except to the extent another subsection of this Section 4.1 or Section 4.3 is applicable. The normal date on which payment of a Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts shall be made or commence is the January that next follows the Participant’s Separation from Service (the default time of payment). However, each Participant may elect, pursuant to Section 4.2, that any of such Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts shall instead be paid (or installments shall commence), as follows:

 

  (i) in the January of the calendar year specified by the Participant (which calendar year may not be later than the year during which the Participant attains age 70); or

 

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  (ii) on the earlier of the normal payment date or the January of the calendar year specified by the Participant (which calendar year may not be later than the year during which the Participant attains age 70).

The Committee shall determine the payment date within the parameters required by this Plan. A payment that is made after the earliest date payment could have been made, but by the later of the last day of the Participant’s taxable year that includes the earliest date payment could have been made, or by the fifteenth day of the third calendar month following the earliest date payment could have been made, shall be treated as having been made on the earliest date payment could have been made.

Any Participant election that specifies a date that does not comply with this Plan will be deemed to be an election of the nearest permitted date. For example, if a Participant were to elect to receive a lump sum at the later of the January after Separation from Service or January, 2020 and such Participant attains age 70 in 2019, such election will be reformed to be to receive the lump sum at the later of the January following Separation from Service or January, 2019.

 

  (c) Normal Form of Payment . This Section 4.1(c) shall apply, except to the extent another subsection of this Section 4.1 or Section 4.3 is applicable. The normal form of payment of a Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts shall be a single lump sum payment (the default form of payment) equal to the value of each of the Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts as of the most recent Valuation Date that precedes the payment date. However, a Participant may elect, pursuant to Section 4.2, that payment of any Distribution Sub-Account shall be made in annual installments over a period elected by the Participant that is not less than one (1) nor more than ten (10) years. Installments will commence following Separation Service only if the Participant is at least age fifty (50) and the balance of all Distribution Sub-Accounts is at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), both determined as of the Separation from Service. If a Participant does not satisfy, as of such Participant’s Separation from Service, the applicable age and Distribution Sub-Account balance requirement to commence installments, all of the balance of the Distribution Sub-Accounts from which installments had not commenced prior to Separation from Service will be paid in a lump sum at the time provided herein. If installments commenced prior to Separation from Service from a Distribution Sub-Account, then such installments shall continue after Separation from Service regardless of age or balance. Each installment payment shall equal the quotient resulting from dividing the value of the Participant’s applicable Distribution Sub-Account as of the most recent Valuation Date that precedes the date the installment is to be paid by the sum of one plus the number of installments to be paid after the current installment. Any installments shall be paid annually during January of each year an installment is due.

 

  (d) Death . Upon the death of the Participant before distribution of the Participant’s entire Account (whether employed or not at the time of death), the Participant’s Account shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary as soon as reasonably practical following the Participant’s death, but not later than the 90th day following the Participant’s death in a single lump sum equal to the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date preceding the payment.

 

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  (e) Disability . If a Participant becomes Disabled prior to or coincident with Separation from Service and prior to the time payment of all of the Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts is to be made or commenced pursuant to Section 4.1(b), the Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts with respect to which distribution has not commenced shall be paid in the same manner as in Section 4.1(c), except that the age requirement for installment distributions shall not apply, and distribution shall be made or commenced as soon as reasonably practical following the determination of Disability, but not later than the 90th day following such determination. Payment of any Distribution Sub-Account with respect to which distribution had commenced prior to the time the Participant became Disabled shall continue as scheduled.

 

  (f) Change of Control Event . Each Participant may elect, within the time period specified by Section 4.2(a) or (c), that any Distribution Sub-Account shall be paid in a single lump sum as soon as reasonably practical following, but no later than ninety days following, the earlier of Separation from Service or either the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, or eighteen (18) months following the occurrence of a Change of Control Event. Such payment shall equal the value of the Participant’s Account as of the most recent Valuation Date preceding the payment. If an election is not made under this Section 4.1(f), then payment shall be made in accordance with the other Plan provisions.

 

  (g) Participants in Pay Status Before 2009 . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for Participants or Beneficiaries who have received one (1) or more payments pursuant to this Plan or the Lamb-Weston Plan on or before December 31, 2008, payment shall continue to be made in accordance with the applicable payment schedule.

 

  (i) Committee Discretion . The Committee in its sole and absolute discretion may revise, remove or add any restriction on time or form payment, including limits on elections with respect to any Distribution Sub-Account, prior to the deadline for the initial election under Section 4.2(a) to be received from the Participant. Such Committee action must be in writing and may be set forth in distribution election form materials approved by the Committee. Any such Committee action shall be deemed to be a permitted amendment to this Plan.

4.2 Elections Regarding Time and Form of Payment . A Participant’s elections regarding the time and form of payment of each Distribution Sub-Account shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.2.

 

  (a) Initial Elections . Except as otherwise provided in this Plan, the Participant’s election of the time and form of payment, pursuant to Sections 4.1(b), (c), (e) and (f), must be received by the Committee no later than before the deadline set by the Committee, which may not be later than date the Participant’s election to make a Compensation Deferral Contribution to which the time and form of payment election will apply becomes irrevocable. If a time and form of payment election is not timely received by the Committee, payment shall be made as if no election has been made. An election of time and form of payment shall become irrevocable as of the time determined by the Committee which shall not be later than the deadline for making such election, except as set forth in Section 4.2(b) and (c).

 

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  (b) Change in Elections . A Participant may elect to change the timing or form of distribution after the later of December 31, 2008, or the deadline for making an initial election only in accordance with this Section 4.2(b). Any election under this Section 4.2(b) must comply with Code Section 409A and the guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury with respect to the application of Code Section 409A. Except as permitted by Section 4.3, a Participant may not elect to accelerate the date payment is to be made or commenced. Except as permitted by Section 4.3, a Participant may elect to delay the time payment is to be made or commenced and may change the form of payment from lump sum to installments, or vice versa, only if the following conditions are met:

 

  (i) the election is received by the Committee not less than twelve (12) months before the date payment would have otherwise been made or commenced without regard to this election;

 

  (ii) the election shall not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is received by the Committee; and

 

  (iii) except in the case of elections relating to payment on account of death or Disability, payment pursuant to the election shall not be made or commenced sooner than five (5) years from the date payment would have otherwise been made or commenced without regard to this election.

For purposes of application of Code Section 409A to this provision, installments shall be treated as a single payment.

 

  (c) Special Transition Rule . This paragraph is effective September 1, 2007. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, pursuant to IRS Notice 2005-1, IRS Notice 2006-79, IRS Notice 2007-86, and Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iv) of the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A, new payment elections shall be permitted for certain Participants under the Plan without violating the subsequent deferral and anti-acceleration rules of Code Section 409A. Accordingly, each Participant and each individual who immediately before the merger of the Lamb-Weston Plan into this Plan has an account balance in the Lamb-Weston Plan who has not received and does not receive one or more payments under this Plan or the Lamb-Weston Plan before January 1, 2009, may elect to change the time or form of payment under this Plan, if such election is received by the Committee on or before December 31, 2008. Such election must comply with Section 4.2(a) (other than the deadline under Section 4.2(a) for making elections), except that, in addition to the other available alternatives, a Participant may elect to receive his Lamb-Weston Balance in a lump sum during the seventh month following the month during which this election is received by the Committee. An election made on or after January 1, 2007 and on or before December 31, 2007 may not create a Distribution Sub-Account and may change the time or form of payment only with respect to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2007, may not cause an amount to be paid in 2007 that otherwise would not be payable in 2007, and may not elect a date for payment before Separation from Service that precedes 2009. With respect to an election made on or after January 1, 2008 and on or before December 31, 2008, to designate Distribution Sub-Accounts or change the time or form of payment, the election may apply only to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2008, may not cause an amount to be paid in 2008 that otherwise would not be payable in 2008, and may not elect a date for payment that precedes 2010 (provided that payment due to Separation from Service may precede 2010).

 

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  (d) Special Rule for Lamb-Weston Merged Participant . A Lamb-Weston Merged Participant may elect, under Section 4.2(a), (b) or (c) to receive any Distribution Sub-Account in installments following Separation from Service even if such Participant is under age 50 or the balance of all of such Participant’s Distribution Sub-Accounts is less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), in either case as of the date of Separation from Service.

4.3 Unforeseeable Emergency . A Participant may request that the Committee accelerate payment due to the occurrence of an “unforeseeable emergency” as defined by, and to the extent permitted by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(3).

4.4 Withholding . The Company may determine, withhold and report the amount of any foreign, federal, state, or local taxes as the Company determines may be required to cover any taxes for which the Company may be liable with respect to any payment under this Plan. The Company shall have the authority, duty and power to reduce any benefit payable pursuant to the Plan by the amount of any foreign, federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld by the Company under applicable law with respect to such payment of benefits, and if required by law, the Participant’s share of Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes, and any other employment taxes. The Company may in accordance with and to the extent it is able under the laws of the jurisdiction with respect to which a tax is owed, deduct the relevant amount from other earnings payable to the Participant or beneficiary. The Company shall be entitled to withhold and deduct from future wages of a Participant (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to a Participant from the Company), including all payments under this Plan, or make other arrangements for the collection of all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all foreign, federal, state, or local, tax withholding and employment-related tax requirements.

4.5 Distributions to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a “Specified Employee”, no portion of his or her Account shall be distributed on account of a Separation from Service before the earlier of (a) the date which is six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service, or (b) the date of death of the Participant. A “Specified Employee” is a key employee, as defined under Code Section 416(i), without regard to paragraph (5) thereof (and any successor or comparable Code sections). Amounts that would have been paid during the delay will be adjusted for earnings and losses and paid on the first business day following the end of the six month delay.

PART II

GRANDFATHERED AMOUNTS

For amounts deferred under this Plan prior to January 1, 2005, that were fully vested on December 31, 2004, together with the earnings thereon (collectively the “Grandfathered Amounts”), which shall not include any amount deferred under the Lamb-Weston Plan prior to January 1, 2005, the provisions of this Part II shall apply.

 

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ARTICLE V

DISTRIBUTION OF GRANDFATHERED AMOUNTS

5.1 Definition of Change of Control . The term “Change of Control” means:

 

  (i) 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries, or 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 Exchange Act) of thirty percent (30%) or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

 

  (ii) 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 election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of the Plan, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

  (iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, in each case, 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 fifty percent (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.

5.2 Definition of Disability . The term “Disability” means total and permanent disability as determined pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability plan.

5.3 Definition of Retirement

 

  (a) Early Retirement . The term “Early Retirement” means termination of employment with the Employer by a Participant who has at least ten (10) years of service with the Employer and who is at least age fifty-five (55).

 

  (b) Normal Retirement . The term “Normal Retirement” means termination of employment with the Employer by a Participant who is at least age sixty-five (65).

5.4 Distribution upon Disability or Retirement . Upon termination of employment because of Disability or Early or Normal Retirement, a Participant’s Grandfathered Amount shall be paid over a ten (10) year period. The first payment shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment with annual payments over the next nine (9) years. A Participant’s Grandfathered Amount shall share in earnings and losses during the payout period. Notwithstanding the preceding, a Participant who

 

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is receiving his or her distribution in installments, or who expects to receive his or her distribution in installments, may request that the Committee distribute the Grandfathered Amounts in one (1) lump sum payment. The Participant shall provide the Committee information regarding the reasons for requesting a lump sum distribution, supporting facts and documents and any other information requested by the Committee. The Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may grant the lump sum distribution if the facts and circumstances warrant such a distribution. Examples of when the Committee should determine that a lump sum distribution is warranted are financial hardships beyond the reasonable control of the Participant.

5.5 Distribution Upon Termination of Employment . Upon termination of employment for reasons other than death, Disability, or Early or Normal Retirement, the Participant’s Account shall be paid in one (1) lump sum payment. The payment shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment.

5.6 Distribution Upon Death . Upon the death of the Participant before distribution of the Participant’s entire Account (whether employed or not at the time of death), the Participant’s Account shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary as soon as reasonably practicable following the death of the Participant.

5.7 Distribution Upon Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control, the Grandfathered Amounts shall be paid to the Participant in one (1) lump sum payment within thirty (30) days of the Change of Control.

5.8 Distribution Upon Elective Withdrawal By Participant . A Participant may elect to withdraw all of the Grandfathered Amounts. In the event of such elective withdrawal of Grandfathered Amounts, the Participant shall receive a distribution of ninety percent (90%) of the Grandfathered Amounts in the Participant’s Account and forfeit the remaining ten percent (10%).

5.9 Distribution Upon Termination by Corporate Successor . The Plan shall not be automatically terminated by a transfer or sale of assets of the Company or by the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation or other entity, but the Plan shall be continued after such sale, merger or consolidated only if and to the extent that the transferee, purchaser or successor entity agrees to continue the Plan. In the event that the Plan is not continued by the transferee, purchaser or successor entity, then the Plan shall terminate and the Grandfathered Amounts shall be distributed to the Participant in one (1) lump sum payment within thirty (30) days of such termination.

5.10 Distributions to Specified Employees . Distributions of Grandfathered Amounts may be distributed, as permitted by the Plan, to Specified Employees (as defined in Section 4.5) prior to the date which is six (6) months after the date of separation from service, or if earlier, the date of death of the Participant.

PART III

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO GRANDFATHERED AND

NON-GRANDFATHERED AMOUNTS

This Part III applies for all purposes of this Plan, including with respect to Grandfathered Amounts and amounts due under this Plan that are not Grandfathered Amounts.

 

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ARTICLE VI

INVESTMENTS AND PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS

6.1 Investments . The Company’s Employee Benefits Investment Committee shall select the deemed investments available with respect to the Participant’s interests in the Plan. Each Participant shall select, in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Company’s Employee Benefits Investment Committee, the method of hypothetically investing the Participant’s Account and Grandfathered Amount. The Committee may permit Participants to designate different deemed investments for each Distribution Sub-Account. Transfers among deemed investments and changes in investment elections may be made only in accordance with the rules, procedures and limitations established by the Company’s Employee Benefits Investment Committee.

6.2 ConAgra Stock . Notwithstanding Section 6.1, phantom shares of Company common stock (“ConAgra Stock”) shall be an investment available for selection by Participants. If ConAgra Stock is selected by a Participant, then the number of shares of ConAgra Stock that equals the phantom shares credited under the Plan shall be deposited in the trust described in Section 6.4 below. The ConAgra Stock may be acquired by the trust through the ConAgra Employee Flexible Bonus Payment Plan, the ConAgra 1995 Stock Plan, or any subsequent Stock Plan adopted by the Company which allows for such. An account under the Plan (“Participant’s ConAgra Stock Account’) shall be established for the Participant for the number of shares of phantom ConAgra Stock to be credited to the Participant. The Participant’s ConAgra Stock Account shall be credited with dividends paid on the shares of ConAgra Stock credited to the Participant’s ConAgra Stock Account. Such dividends shall be reinvested in the ConAgra Stock Account in a manner similar to Compensation Deferral Contributions. Upon distribution to a Participant, amounts credited to a Participant’s ConAgra Stock Account shall be paid in ConAgra Stock. If installment payments are made, each distribution shall include ConAgra Stock in proportion to the ConAgra Stock credited to the Participant’s Account.

6.3 Accounting . Separate accounting shall be maintained for each Participant’s Account and Grandfathered Amounts. Each Participant’s Account and Grandfathered Amount shall be adjusted for Compensation Deferral Contributions and earnings and losses, to the extent applicable.

6.4 Funding . The Company, by action of the HR Committee, may establish one or more “rabbi” trusts to hold ConAgra Stock acquired pursuant to Section 6.2 above. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the existence of any trust, or any authority granted by the Company to a Participant to change the investment of any rabbi trust or Company assets, this Plan shall be unfunded and the Participants in this Plan shall be no more than general, unsecured creditors of the Employer with regard to benefits payable pursuant to this Plan. Any such trust(s) shall be subject to all the provisions of this Plan, shall be property of the Company until distributed, and shall be subject to the Company’s general, unsecured creditors and judgment creditors. Any such trust(s) shall not be deemed to be collateral security for fulfilling any obligation of the Employer to the Participants. Except to the extent otherwise determined or directed by the Board or HR Committee, the Company’s policy related to deposits and withdrawals from any trust(s), and the terms of any trust(s), shall be determined by the Company’s Employee Benefits Investment Committee.

 

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ARTICLE VII

ADMINISTRATION

7.1 Plan Administrator . The operation of the Plan shall be under the exclusive supervision of the Committee. It shall be a principal duty of the Committee to see that the Plan is carried out in accordance with its terms, and for the exclusive benefit of persons entitled to participate in the Plan without discrimination. The Committee shall have full and exclusive power to administer and interpret the Plan in all of its details; subject, however, to the requirements of ERISA and all pertinent provisions of the Code. For this purpose, the Committee’s powers will include, but will not be limited to, the following authority, in addition to all other powers provided by this Plan:

 

  (i) to make and enforce such rules and regulations as the Committee deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;

 

  (ii) to interpret the Plan, the Committee’s interpretations thereof in good faith to be final, conclusive and binding on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;

 

  (iii) to decide all questions concerning the Plan and the eligibility of any person to participate in the Plan and to receive benefits provided under the Plan;

 

  (iv) to approve and authorize the payment of benefits;

 

  (v) to appoint such agents, counsel, accountants and consultants as may be required to assist in administering the Plan; and

 

  (vi) to allocate and delegate the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan and to designate another person to carry out any of the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan, provide that any such allocation, delegation or designation shall, to the extent applicable, be in accordance with Section 405 of ERISA.

No Committee member shall be involved in a decision that only affects that member’s benefit under the Plan, if any. The Committee may delegate any of its powers to any number of other persons. Committee determinations (or those of the committee’s delegate or agent) may be memorialized and reflected in communications and forms provided to Participants in lieu of Committee meeting minutes.

7.2 Claims . It is the intent of the Company that benefits payable under the Plan shall be payable without the Participant having to complete or submit any claim forms. However, a Participant who believes he or she is entitled to a payment under the Plan may submit a claim for payments in writing to the Company. A claim for benefits under the Plan shall be made in writing by the Participant, or, if applicable the Participant’s executor or administrator or authorized representative, (collectively, the “Claimant”) to the Committee.

7.3 Claim Denials; Claim Appeals . If a claim for benefits under the Plan is denied, the Claimant shall be notified, in writing, within sixty (60) days (forty-five (45) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after the claim is filed. The notice shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant and shall set forth: (i) the specific reason(s) for the denial; (ii) specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based; (iii) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation as to why such information is necessary; and (iv) an explanation of the Plan’s appeal procedure.

 

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Within sixty (60) days (or within one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after receipt of the above material, the Claimant shall have a reasonable opportunity to appeal the claim denial to the Committee for a full and fair review. The Claimant may: (i) request a review upon written notice to the Committee; (ii) review pertinent documents; and (iii) submit issues and comments in writing.

A decision by the Committee shall be made not later than sixty (60) days (or within forty-five (45) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after receipt of a request for review, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing, in which event a decision should be rendered as soon as possible, but in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days (or within ninety (90) days in the case of a claim due to Participant’s Disability) after such receipt. The decision of the Committee shall be written and shall include specific reasons for the decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, with specific references to the pertinent Plan provision on which the decision is based.

7.4 Claims Limitations and Exhaustion . No claim shall be considered under these procedures unless it is filed with the Committee within one (1) year after the claimant knew (or reasonably should have known) of the principal facts on which the claims is based. Every untimely claim shall be denied by the Committee without regard to the merits of the claim. No legal action (whether arising under ERISA Section 502 or ERISA Section 510 or under any other statute or non-statutory law) may be brought by any claimant on any matter pertaining to this Plan unless the legal action is commenced in the proper forum before the earlier of: (i) two (2) years after the claimant knew (or reasonably should have known) of the principal facts on which the claim is based, or (ii) ninety (90) days after the claimant has exhausted the procedures outlined in Section 7.3. Knowledge of all facts that a Participant knew (or reasonably should have known) shall be imputed to each claimant who is or claims to be a beneficiary of the Participant (or otherwise claims to derive an entitlement by reference to a Participant) for the purpose of applying the one (1) year and two (2) year periods. The exhaustion of the procedures outlined in Section 7.3 is mandatory for resolving every claim and dispute arising under this Plan. No claimant shall be permitted to commence any legal action relating to any such claim or dispute unless a timely claim has been filed under the procedures outline in Section 7.3 and those procedures have been exhausted and in any legal action all explicit and implicit determinations by the Committee shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted by law.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

8.1 Amendment or Termination . The HR Committee reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at its sole and absolute discretion. Any such amendment or termination shall be made pursuant to a resolution of the HR Committee and shall be effective as of the date of such resolution unless the resolution specifies a different effective date.

8.2 Effect of Amendment or Termination . No amendment or termination of the Plan shall directly or indirectly reduce the balance of any Account held hereunder as of the later of the adoption or effective date of such amendment or termination, or make any material modification related to any Grandfathered Amounts. The Participant’s Account and Grandfathered Amounts

 

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will continue to share in earnings and losses until complete distribution of the Account. Upon and following the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, no amendment or termination of the Plan may reduce any Participant’s rights with respect to his or her Account as of the later of the adoption or effective date of such amendment or termination without such Participant’s consent. Upon termination of the Plan, distribution of amounts credited to the Accounts (which does not include Grandfathered Amounts) shall be made to Participants and their Beneficiaries in one of the following manners elected by the Company:

 

  (i) In the manner and at the time otherwise provided under the Plan; or

 

  (ii) In a lump sum payable at a time permitted by Code Section 409A, provided that all conditions of Code Section 409A are and will be satisfied.

ARTICLE IX

409A COMPLIANCE

The Plan was amended and restated as of January 1, 2005 for purposes of complying with the provisions of Code Section 409A and is amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 for purposes of complying with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the final regulations promulgated thereunder, except as otherwise provided herein (Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance issued with respect thereto, may be referred to as “409A”). With respect to amounts other than Grandfathered Amounts, the Plan shall be interpreted, operated and applied to comply with 409A so as not to subject any Participant to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under 409A and not to cause inclusion in any Participant’s income of a Participant’s Account (and any related penalty and interest) until such amount or amounts are actually distributed to such Participant. With respect to Grandfathered Amounts, this Plan shall be interpreted and administered to prevent 409A from applying to Grandfathered Amounts; this shall include, but not be limited to, avoiding a material modification of the terms that were applicable to the Grandfathered Amounts on October 3, 2004. However, it is understood that 409A is ambiguous in certain respects. The Committee and Company will attempt in good faith not to take any action, and will attempt in good faith to refrain from taking any action, that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon any Participant under 409A. To the extent the Committee and Company have acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section, neither they, their employees, contractors and agents, the Board, each member of the Board nor any Plan fiduciary (the “Released Parties”) shall in any way be liable for, and by participating in this Plan, each Participant automatically releases the Released Parties from any liability due to, any failure to follow the requirements of 409A, and no Participant shall be entitled to any damages related to any such failure even though the Plan requires certain actions to be taken in conformance with 409A.

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Beneficiary . The term “Beneficiary” means one or more persons or other entities designated by the Participant to receive the benefits payable by reason of the Participant’s death as provided under this Plan. The designation shall be in writing on a form approved by the Committee, signed by the Participant and delivered to the Committee to be valid. If the Participant makes no valid designation, or if the designated primary and secondary Beneficiaries fail to survive the Participant or otherwise fail to elect to receive such benefits, Participant’s Beneficiary shall then be the first of the following persons who survives the Participant: (i) the

 

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Participant’s spouse (that is, the person to whom the Participant is legally married at the time of the Participant’s death), (ii) the Participant’s surviving issue, per stirpes, or (iii) the personal representative(s) of the Participant’s estate, to be administered and distributed as part of such estate. The Participant may change his designated Beneficiary by delivering a new written designation of beneficiary form to the Committee on a form approved by the Committee.

10.2 Board . The term “Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors.

10.3 Code . The term “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

10.4 Committee . The term “Committee” means the Company’s Employee Benefits Administrative Committee.

10.5 Company . The term “Company” means ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation or other entity resulting from a merger or consolidated into or with the Company or a transfer or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company.

10.6 Effective Date . The original Plan was effective December 5, 1996, and was amended and restated effective January 1, 2005. This amendment and restatement is effective January 1, 2009, except to the extent otherwise provided herein.

10.7 Employer . The term “Employer” means the Company and any Related Company that the Company has authorized to participate in the Plan as to its employees.

10.8 ERISA . The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

10.9 HR Committee . The term “HR Committee” means the HR Committee of the Board.

10.10 Participant . The term “Participant” means any eligible employee covered by the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Article II.

10.11 Plan . The term “Plan” means the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Amended and Restated Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans as set forth herein, and as may be amended from time to time.

10.12 Plan Year . The term “Plan Year” means the calendar year.

10.13 Valuation Date . The term “Valuation Date” means the last business day of each Plan Year and any other dates designated by the Committee in its discretion.

10.14 No Guarantee of Benefits . Nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute a guarantee by the Company or any other person or entity that the assets of the Company will be sufficient to pay any benefit hereunder.

10.15 No Enlargement of Employee Rights . No Participant shall have any right to receive a distribution of contributions made under the Plan except in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Establishment of the Plan shall not be construed to give any Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Employer.

 

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10.16 Spendthrift Provision . No interest of any person or entity in, or right to receive a distribution under, the Plan shall be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, attachment, garnishment, or other alienation or encumbrance of any kind; nor may such interest or right to receive a distribution be taken, either voluntarily or involuntarily for the satisfaction of the debts of, or other obligations or claims against, such person or entity, including claims for alimony, support, separate maintenance and claims in bankruptcy proceedings, other than by will or the laws of descent.

10.17 Incapacity of Recipient . If any person entitled to a distribution under the Plan is deemed by the Company to be incapable of personally receiving or giving a valid receipt for such payment, then, unless and until claim therefore shall have been made by a duly appointed guardian or other legal representative of such person, the Company may provide for such payment or any part thereof to be made to any other person or institution then contributing toward or providing for the care and maintenance of such person. Any such payment shall be a payment of the account of such person and a complete discharge of any liability of the Company and the Plan therefore.

10.18 Corporate Successors . The Plan shall not be automatically terminated by a transfer or sale of assets of the Company or by the merger or consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation or other entity, but the Plan shall be continued after such sale, merger or consolidated only if and to the extent that the transferee, purchaser or successor entity agrees to continue the Plan. In the event that the Plan is not continued by the transferee, purchaser or successor entity, then the Plan shall terminate and the termination provision of Section 8.2 shall apply.

10.19 Governing Law . The Plan shall be construed and administered under the laws of the State of Nebraska to the extent federal law is not applicable.

10.20 Offsets . When any payment from a Participant’s Grandfathered Amount becomes due hereunder, the Company, without notice, demand or any other action, may withhold payment and use the funds to offset any amounts owed by the Participant to the Company or any of its affiliates. In addition, the Company also may offset a Participant’s Account in any Plan Year by an amount not to exceed $5,000 to satisfy a debt of the Participant owed to the Employer, provided that: (i) the debt was incurred in the ordinary course of the Participant’s employment by the Employer; and (ii) the offset is made at the same time and in the same amount as the debt otherwise would have been due and collected from the Participant.

10.21 Severability . If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, its invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included herein.

 

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Exhibit 10.4

CONAGRA FOODS, INC. DIRECTORS’

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

(September, 2009 Restatement)

ConAgra Foods, Inc. (the “Company”), has established and hereby amends and restates the “ConAgra, Inc., Directors’ Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan” to have the following terms and conditions, effective as of January 1, 2008, except as otherwise noted herein. The name of the Plan is changed to the “ConAgra Foods, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan” (hereinafter described as “the Plan”).

1. Deferrals . A director may defer all or a portion of his or her fees earned during a year and subsequent years by filing a written election with the Company. Such election must be received by the Company by December 31 st of the prior year and will remain in effect until changed. Any election to change the director’s rate of deferral will be effective with respect to fees earned on and after the January 1 following receipt of the election by the Company. Any person elected to the Company’s Board of Directors who is not a director on the preceding December 31 st may, to the extent permitted by Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 409A and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (including, but not limited to, the plan aggregation rules under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)), elect within thirty (30) days after his or her term begins to defer all or part of his or her fees earned after such election is received by the Company. Each deferral election shall be irrevocable on the deadline for making the election. A director who has deferred an amount under this Plan shall be a “Participant” until such director’s interest in the Plan has been paid in full. All references to the Code or Treasury Regulations are intended to refer to any successor provision that applies in a manner that is substantially similar to the intended application of referenced provision.

2. Accounts and Investments .

 

  2.1 Deferral of Cash Fees and Stock Fees . Deferrals of fees that would otherwise have been paid in cash (“Cash Fees”) shall be credited to the Interest Bearing Account, unless and until the Company receives an election from the director to credit future deferrals of Cash Fees to the ConAgra Foods Common Stock Account (“Stock Account”) or to any other hypothetical investments permitted by the ConAgra Foods Employee Benefits Investment Committee (which shall be credited to the “Other Investments Account”). A Participant’s Interest Bearing, Stock and Other Investments Accounts shall be referred to as the Participant’s “Accounts.” Such election shall be subject to any limitations imposed by laws, regulations or the Company. Deferrals of fees that would otherwise have been paid in Company Stock (“Stock Fees”) shall be credited to the Stock Account.

 

  2.2

Hypothetical Investments . Amounts credited to the director’s Stock Account shall be a book entry by the Company payable in shares of ConAgra Foods Common Stock as provided in this Plan. If a director has elected to defer Cash Fees in the form of ConAgra Foods Common Stock, a book entry in the amount of the number of full shares to be credited to the Stock Account for each calendar quarter shall be determined on the basis of the closing price of the ConAgra Foods Common Stock on the last trading day of the quarter as reported for New York Stock Exchange –

 

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Composite Transactions (the “Quarterly Closing Price”), and any amount which would represent a fractional share shall be credited to the director’s Interest-Bearing Account. Dividend equivalents on shares credited to a director’s Stock Account shall be credited by book entry at the end of each calendar quarter to his or her Stock Account in the form of full shares of Common Stock based upon the Quarterly Closing Price; any amount which would represent a fractional share shall be credited to his or her Interest-Bearing Account. Cash Fees and dividend equivalents that are to be credited to the Stock Account shall be credited to the Interest-Bearing Account until they are credited to the Stock Account. The Interest-Bearing Account shall be credited on the first day of each month, with interest on the balance held in the fund for the prior period. The rate of interest to be credited shall be the daily prime rate of interest on the date as of which the credit is made, as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 Daily Update. The Other Investments Account shall be credited with earnings and losses at the intervals and in the manner determined by the ConAgra Foods Employee Benefits Investment Committee in its discretion. All Accounts shall be maintained as an accounting record of the Company’s obligation pursuant to this Plan, and will not represent an interest of any Participant in any asset. This Plan is unfunded and payable solely from the general assets of the Company. The Participants shall be unsecured creditors of the company with respect to their interests in the Plan.

 

  2.3 Transfers Between Hypothetical Investments . Once per calendar year on the date or dates permitted by the Company, the director may elect to transfer all or a portion of the director’s Interest-Bearing Account or Other Investments Account to the director’s Stock Account (but not vice versa), subject to any limitations imposed by laws, regulations or the Company, and such transfer shall be effective as of the date specified by the Company. All such elections must be made during the Company’s insider trading “windows.” The ConAgra Foods Employee Benefits Investment Committee will determine the rules for transfers between and among the Interest-Bearing and Other Investments Accounts.

 

  2.4 Participant Statements . The Company shall at least annually make available to each director participating in the Plan a statement of his or her total interest in the Plan.

3. Distributions .

 

  3.1 Active Participant Payment Election . A Participant may, to the extent permitted by Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (including, but not limited to, the plan aggregation rules under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)), elect to receive payment of amounts credited to his or her Accounts, as follows, and the Committee may permit Participants to divide their Plan interests into sub-accounts for purposes of specifying time and form of payment for each sub-account by the deadline set forth in this Plan:

 

  (1) payment shall be made or commence: (i) during the January that next follows the Participant’s “separation from service” as defined below, (ii) during January of a calendar year designated by the Participant, or (iii) the earlier of (i) or (ii); and

 

  (2) payment shall be made in: (i) a lump sum, or (ii) annual or semi-annual installments over a period (up to ten years) timely elected by the Participant. Annual installments will be paid in January of each year. Semi-annual installments will be paid in January and July of each year.

 

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  3.2 Inactive Participant Payment Election . For Participants who have received one (1) or more payments pursuant to this Plan on or before December 31, 2008, payments after 2008 shall continue to be made in the same form as payment was being made before 2009, unless the Participant timely elected by December 31, 2007 to receive payment of the remaining amount due in a single lump sum in January 2009, or unless the Participant timely elects by December 31, 2008 to receive payment of the remaining amount due in a single lump sum in January 2010. For each Participant who is no longer serving as a director as of January 1, 2008, but who has not received one or more payments before 2008, payment shall be made in accordance with his or her most recent timely and properly made election received before January 1, 2009, or in the event no such election was received, then payments shall be made in twenty (20) semi-annual installments during January and July of each year after the year during which the Participant ceased to be a director.

 

  3.3 Election Deadline . Any election of time or form of payment must be in writing and must be received by the Company by the later of: (x) December 31, 2007 in the case of elections to receive payment in or commencing in 2008 or to delay a payment that is otherwise scheduled to occur during 2008, or December 31, 2008 in the case of all other elections, or (y) to the extent permitted by Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (including, but not limited to, the plan aggregation rules under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)), the date the director’s first election to defer fees under this Plan becomes irrevocable. An election of time and form of payment shall become irrevocable as of the deadline for making such election, except as specifically set forth in this Plan. With respect to an election made on or after January 1, 2007, and on or before December 31, 2007, to change the time or form of payment, the election may apply only to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2007 and may not cause an amount to be paid in 2007 that otherwise would not be payable in 2007. With respect to an election made on or after January 1, 2008, and on or before December 31, 2008, to change the time or form of payment, the election may apply only to amounts that otherwise would not be payable in 2008 and may not cause an amount to be paid in 2008 that otherwise would not be payable in 2008.

 

  3.4 Payments After an In-Service Distribution . If payment occurs while a director continues in service, deferrals may continue and the director may make a new election regarding time and form of payment which must be received by December 31 of the year preceding the year during which the in-service distribution is to occur, and the new election will apply to deferrals made during and after the year during which the in-service distribution is to occur.

 

  3.5 Election to Delay Payment . In addition, a Participant may elect to delay (but not accelerate) payment if the following conditions are met:

 

  (i) The new election may not take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the election is received by the Company.

 

  (ii) The new election must extend the deferral of the payment for a period of at least five (5) years.

 

  (iii) The new election is received by the Company at least twelve (12) months before the scheduled payment of the deferred amount.

 

  3.6

Default Time and Form of Payment . If a Participant’s election of a time and form of payment is not permitted or is not timely received, then payment shall be made in twenty (20)

 

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semi-annual installments (each January and July) beginning in January of the year after the year during which the Participant ceases to be a director. The amount of each installment shall be determined by dividing the sum of all of the Participant’s Accounts that are being distributed by the number of installments remaining to be paid (including the installment being determined).

 

  3.7 Payment Following Death . If the Participant dies prior to the payment in full of all amounts due him or her under the Plan, the balance of the Accounts shall be payable to his or her designated beneficiary in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practical following death, but no later than ninety (90) days following the Participant’s death. The beneficiary designation shall be revocable and must be made in writing in a manner approved by the Company.

 

  3.8 Medium of Payment . Payment of the aggregate number of shares credited by book entry to a director’s Stock Account shall be made in shares of Common Stock. Payment of the amount credited to the Interest-Bearing Account and Other Investments Account shall be made in cash.

 

  3.9 Separation from Service . For purposes of this Plan, “separation from service” means that the director ceases to be a director and it is not anticipated that the director will thereafter perform services for the Company or a “related company.” For this purpose, services provided as an employee are disregarded if this Plan is not aggregated with any plan in which the director participates as an employee pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii). For purposes of this plan, “related company” means (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code § 414(b) that includes that Company); and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code § 414(c)) with the Company (for purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), twenty-five percent (25%) is substituted for the eighty percent (80%) ownership level).

 

  3.10 Six Month Wait for Specified Employees . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Code § 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and as determined by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(g) as of the date of a “separation from service,” and if the Participant incurs a “separation from service” at the time he or she ceases to be a director, then payment of, or the commencement of the payment of, amounts due pursuant to Participant’s “separation from service” will be delayed for six (6) months following the date of “separation from service,” unless the Participant dies during the delay, in which case payment shall be made to the beneficiary in accordance with the death benefit provision above. Any delayed amounts will continue to be invested in accordance with the Plan. Any delayed amounts will be paid in a lump sum on the first business day following the six month delay.

 

  3.11

De Minimis Cash Out . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the sum of a Participant’s Accounts to be paid in a lump sum or installments is equal to or less than the applicable dollar amount under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B) ($15,500 for 2008), the Company may, in its sole discretion, pay the Participant’s Accounts to the Participant in a single lump sum on the earlier of thirty (30) days after the date the Participant ceases to be a director or the earliest date deferred amounts are scheduled to be paid, regardless of any existing election on the part of the Participant regarding time and form of payment, and provided that such payment represents the Participant’s entire interest in the Plan and all other deferred compensation arrangements that are aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(c)(2). The

 

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applicable dollar amount under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B) shall be the amount in effect for the calendar year during which payment pursuant to this paragraph may be made. The determination of whether the sum of the Accounts is equal to or less than the Code Section 402(g)(1)(B) amount is to be made on the earlier of the date the Participant ceases to be a director or the earliest date on which payment of a deferred amount is scheduled to be paid.

 

  3.12 Unforeseeable Emergency Payment . A Participant may request that the “Committee” (described below) accelerate payment due to the occurrence of an “unforeseeable emergency” as defined, and to the extent permitted, by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(3).

 

  3.13 Grace Period . A payment that is made during the Participant’s taxable year that includes the month payment is due shall be treated as having been paid during such month.

4. Administration . The term “Committee” means the Company’s Employee Benefits Administrative Committee. The Committee shall be the Plan administrator and shall have full and exclusive power to administer and interpret the Plan in all of its details. For this purpose, the Committee’s powers will include, but will not be limited to, the following authority, in addition to all other powers provided by this Plan:

 

  (i) to make and enforce such rules and regulations as the Committee deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;

 

  (ii) to interpret the Plan, the Committee’s interpretations thereof in good faith to be final, conclusive and binding on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;

 

  (iii) to decide all questions concerning the Plan and the eligibility of any person to participate in the Plan and to receive benefits provided under the Plan;

 

  (iv) to approve and authorize the payment of benefits;

 

  (v) to appoint such agents, counsel, accountants and consultants as may be required to assist in administering the Plan; and

 

  (vi) to allocate and delegate the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan and to designate other person to carry out any of the Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities under the Plan, any such allocation, delegation or designation to be in accordance with Section 405 of ERISA.

No Committee member shall be involved in a decision that only affects that member’s benefit under the Plan, if any. The Committee may delegate any of its powers to any number of other persons. Committee determinations (or those of the Committee’s delegate or agent) may be memorialized and reflected in communications and forms provided to Participants in lieu of Committee meeting minutes.

5. Rabbi Trust . The Company, by action of the HR Committee of the Board of Directors, may establish one or more “rabbi” trusts. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the existence of any trust, or any authority granted by the Company to a Participant to change the investment of any rabbi trust or Company assets, this Plan shall be unfunded and the Participants

 

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in this Plan shall be no more than general, unsecured creditors of the Employer with regard to benefits payable pursuant to this Plan. Any such trust(s) shall be subject to all the provisions of this Plan, shall be property of the Company until distributed, and shall be subject to the Company’s general, unsecured creditors and judgment creditors. Any such trust(s) shall not be deemed to be collateral security for fulfilling any obligation of the Employer to the Participants. Except to the extent otherwise determined or directed by the Board or HR Committee, the Company’s policy related to deposits and withdrawals from any trust(s), and the terms of any trust(s), shall be determined by the Company’s Employee Benefits Investment Committee.

6. Amendment and Termination . This Plan may be amended, suspended, terminated or modified by the Board of Directors of the Company at any time provided that such amendment, modification, suspension or termination shall not affect the obligation or schedule of the Company to pay to the Participants the amounts accrued or credited to said Accounts up to December 31 st of the year in which said action is taken concerning the Plan by the Board of Directors and does not cause the Plan to violate Code § 409A.

7. Notices . Unless notified to the contrary, all notices under this Plan shall be sent in writing to the Company by mailing to the “Office of the Secretary”, ConAgra Foods, Inc., One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. All notices to the Participants shall be sent to the address which is their record address for notices as directors of the Company unless a Participant, by written notice, otherwise directs.

8. 409A Compliance . To the extent provisions of this Plan do not comply with Code § 409A, the non-compliant provisions shall be interpreted and applied in the manner that complies with Code § 409A and implements the intent of this Plan as closely as possible. By participating in this Plan, each Participant automatically releases the Company, its employees, the Board and each member of the Board (the “Released Properties”) from any liability due to, and the Released Parties shall not in any way be liable for, any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

 

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Exhibit 10.5

AMENDMENT ONE

CONAGRA FOODS, INC. EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN (1999)

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), granted to participants awards pursuant to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (1999). It is desirable to amend the Plan to avoid the need to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time (the “Code”).

The Plan is amended, effective January 1, 2009 as follows:

 

1. The following sentence is added at the end of the third paragraph under “Awards”:

Unless the Committee specifies otherwise in the terms of an Award, payment shall be made on or before the later of (a) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the month containing the end of the fiscal year for which performance is certified, or (b) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the end of the Participant’s tax year in which the end of the fiscal year for which performance is certified occurs.

 

2. A new heading and paragraph is added at end as follows:

Code Section 409A

Unless the Committee expressly determines otherwise, outstanding Awards are intended to be exempt from Code Section 409A as short-term deferrals and, accordingly, the terms of any outstanding Awards shall be construed to preserve such exemption. To the extent the Committee determines that Code Section 409A applies to a particular Award granted under the Plan, then the terms of the Award shall be construed and administered to permit the Award to comply with Code Section 409A. In the event anyone is subject to income inclusion, additional interest or taxes, or any other adverse consequences under Code Section 409A (“Non-compliance”), then neither the Company, the Committee, the Board nor its or their employees, designees, agents or contractors shall be liable to any Participant or other persons in connection with any Non-compliance, except to the extent the Non-compliance was the direct result of any Company action or failure to act that was under taken in bad faith.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

110

Exhibit 10.6

AMENDMENT ONE

CONAGRA FOODS, INC. EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN (2004)

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), granted awards pursuant to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (2004). It is desirable to amend the Plan to avoid the need to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time (the “Code”).

The Plan is amended, effective January 1, 2009, as follows:

 

1. The third paragraph of Section 4 is amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

Unless the Committee specifies otherwise in the terms of an Award, payment shall be made on or before the later of (a) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the month containing the end of the fiscal year for which performance is certified, or (b) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the end of the Participant’s tax year in which the end of the fiscal year for which performance is certified occurs.

 

2. A new section 7 is added as follows:

7. Code Section 409A — Unless the Committee expressly determines otherwise, Awards are intended to be exempt from Code Section 409A as short-term deferrals and, accordingly, the terms of any Awards shall be construed to preserve such exemption. To the extent the Committee determines that Code Section 409A applies to a particular Award granted under the Plan, then the terms of the Award shall be construed and administered to permit the Award to comply with Code Section 409A. In the event anyone is subject to income inclusion, additional interest or taxes, or any other adverse consequences under Code Section 409A (“Non-compliance”), then neither the Company, the Committee, the Board nor its or their employees, designees, agents or contractors shall be liable to any Participant or other persons in connection with any Non-compliance, except to the extent the Non-compliance was the direct result of any Company action or failure to act that was under taken in bad faith.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

112

Exhibit 10.7

AMENDMENT ONE TO THE

CONAGRA LONG TERM SENIOR MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN

OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT

(Amended and Restated Effective June 1, 1998)

It is hereby confirmed that, prior to this Amendment, the sole document setting forth the terms and conditions of the ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan is the ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document (the “Plan”), as amended and restated effective June 1, 1998, attached hereto as Exhibit A.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Plan is amended as follows:

 

1. Paragraph 5 is revised by replacing “as soon as reasonably practicable after” with the following:

“within the 90 day period beginning on the last day of the applicable fiscal year for which performance is certified and within that period:”

 

2. Paragraph 6.B is revised by adding the following at the end thereof:

“within 30 days after such dividend is paid to shareholders.”

 

3. The next to last sentence of paragraph 6.D is revised by adding the following between “in each Sub-Account” and “if the Participant violates”:

“if a properly executed Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement is not received by the Company within sixty (60) days after the applicable termination of employment or”

 

4. The last sentence of Paragraph 6.F is revised to read as follows:

The payment shall be made within 30 days following the later of the date of vesting or the deadline for receipt of the Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement, if applicable.

 

5. A new paragraph 6.G is added as follows:

The term “termination of employment”, “retirement” or similar terms used in the Plan shall mean a “Separation from Service” with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if and only if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

 

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  (ii) Dual Status. Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Plan.

 

  (iii)

Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for

 

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purposes of this paragraph (iii) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

 

  (iv) Service with Related Companies. For purposes of determining whether a separation from service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies. The term “Related Company” means: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) that includes the Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

 

6. A new Section 6.H is added as follows:

Notwithstanding anything (including any provision of the Plan) to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay. Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will not be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued, unless the terms applicable to the Award provide that dividend equivalents on the Award shall be paid at any time while the Award is outstanding. If dividend equivalents are to be paid with respect to any period during which payment is delayed pursuant to this paragraph, then the payment of such dividend equivalents shall also be delayed until after the end of the payment delay provided in this paragraph.

 

7. Section 7 is amended by deleting “(as determined under ConAgra’s Long-Term Disability Plan)”, and by adding the following to the end thereof:

For all purposes of this Plan, a Participant has a “total and permanent disability” if the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long term disability plan.

 

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8. Section 8 is amended to read as follows:

8. Change of Control . If a Participant’s employment is terminated by ConAgra or its subsidiaries following the date of a Change of Control, then all of the Participant’s prior distributions that are not vested shall be unrestricted, nonforfeitable and fully vested. Change of Control shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by ConAgra’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the preceding 12 months) ownership of stock of ConAgra possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of ConAgra.

(d) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to ConAgra within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from ConAgra that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be

 

116


acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

9. A new Section 12 is added to read as follows:

12. Code Section 409A — It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to Participant under the Plan shall, to the extent Code Section 409A is applicable, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Participants to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

117


EXHIBIT A

CONAGRA LONG TERM SENIOR MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN

OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT

(Amended and Restated Effective June 1, 1998)

1. Purpose . The purpose of this document is to set forth the operational rules of the ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan (“Plan”). This document reflects the provisions of the Amended and Restated ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan, dated effective July 15, 1982 (“Plan Document”) and all rules, regulations and guidelines for operation of the Plan, and shall control with regard to operation of the Plan regardless of the provisions of any other document, including the Plan Document. The Human Resources Committee (“Committee”) adopts this document pursuant to Section 2 of the Plan Document and the Board of Directors of ConAgra has adopted this document and both intend that this document shall control the operation of the Plan. The procedures, rules and guidelines shall bind all parties, including ConAgra, its stockholders and the Plan Participants.

2. Eligible Employees . Only employees of ConAgra or its subsidiaries shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Committee members, non-employee directors and independent contractors shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan. The actual participants in the Plan shall be selected by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.

3. Participation . The Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall select the employees who shall share in the Award. The Committee shall also designate, in its sole and absolute discretion, the share of the Award for each Participant in the Plan for the applicable fiscal year. Subject to the addition and deletion of Participants as described below, the Committee shall select the Participants within 30 days of the beginning of the applicable fiscal year. The share of the Award shall be based upon the proportion of Units granted to a Participant to the total number of Units available for the fiscal year. The Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may add Participants during a fiscal year and determine such new Participant’s share of the Award. A new Participant may or may not result in the reduction of shares of the Award of the other Participants as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, but in no event shall any change in the number of Participants or the exercise of such discretion result in any increase of another Participant’s share of the Award or in the total of the shares of the Award exceeding 100% of the Award. In addition, no such additional Participant shall be a “covered employee” within the meaning of Treas. Reg §1.162-27(c)(2) unless such additional Participant’s eligibility to receive a share in the Award does not begin until the next succeeding fiscal year. Any such reduction is not required to be made on a pro rata basis, but the Committee may select, in its sole and absolute discretion, the Participants whose shares shall be reduced and the amount of the reduction. Additionally, the Committee may, at any time, reduce or eliminate a Participant’s share of an Award that has not been distributed to the Participant for any reason the Committee deems, in its sole and absolute discretion, as appropriate.

 

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4. Computation of Award . The Committee shall compute the amount of the Award for each fiscal year. A preliminary calculation of the Award shall be made in July of each year. The preliminary calculation will be verified and certified in writing after the receipt of the audited financials for the year. The amount of the Award shall be calculated according to the following steps:

 

  A. The fully diluted after-tax earnings per share shall be calculated by dividing after-tax earnings for the fiscal year by the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted earnings for the fiscal year.

 

 

B.

Calculate the Threshold Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year. The Threshold Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year shall be the result of multiplying 1.2762816 by the Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share. The Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share shall be the 5-year average of the Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the 7 th , 6 th , 5 th , 4 th and 3 rd fiscal years preceding the applicable fiscal year. The 1.2762816 is the factor used to reflect a 5% compounding of the Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share.

 

  C. The Award shall be equal to 8% of the result of multiplying the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted after-tax earnings for the year times the excess of the fully diluted after-tax earnings per share for the year over the Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share.

 

  D. The number of Share Equivalents shall be determined by the Committee by dividing the dollar value of the Award computed pursuant to Paragraph 4C by the quarterly average price of the Company Common Stock.

After-tax earnings means net income of the Company after income taxes for the given fiscal year, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), provided, however, (i) the after-tax expense for the Award and any other after-tax compensation expenses under the Plan shall be added back, (ii) after-tax income shall be determined by excluding gains or losses on asset disposals in excess of 1% of after-tax income (before the adjustments as provided herein), (iii) after-tax income shall be determined by excluding extraordinary items (as determined by the independent accountants of the Company in accordance with GAAP), and (iv) after-tax income shall be adjusted to reflect accounting changes so that after-tax income is computed consistently over the fiscal years of consideration. Prior to the distribution of an Award, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may reduce the amount of the Award and the share of any Participant in an Award; provided, however, no such reduction shall result in an increase in the share of any other Participant in an Award.

 

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5. Distributions . Each Participant’s share of the Award shall be made in Share Equivalents of ConAgra Common Stock, as soon as reasonably practicable after (i) ConAgra has received an opinion from independent auditors regarding ConAgra’s financial statements for the applicable year, and (ii) the Committee has certified in writing the amounts determined hereunder and the material terms of the Plan have been satisfied. Each Participant shall be notified in writing with respect to the Participant’s Award.

6. Terms . The Share Equivalents granted pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  A. The Company shall set up an appropriate record and thereafter from time to time enter therein the name of each Participant and the number of Share Equivalents awarded the Participant under the Plan (“Participant’s Account”). A separate sub-account shall be set up under the Participant’s Account for each year’s Award to the Participant (“Participant’s Sub-Account”).

 

  B. If cash dividends are paid on Company Common Stock, an equivalent cash dividend per share shall be paid for each Share Equivalent held in the Participant’s Account as of the record date of the Common Stock dividend, subject to any applicable tax payment and withholding.

 

  C. Each Participant’s Sub-Account shall be 100% vested at the earliest of (i) the Participant’s death while employed by ConAgra or its subsidiaries, (ii) the Participant’s retirement while employed by ConAgra or its subsidiaries on or after age 65, (iii) total and permanent disability, or (iv) five full years of employment with ConAgra or its subsidiaries after the fiscal year to which Participant’s Sub-Account applies. If the Participant terminates employment with ConAgra and its subsidiaries prior to the earliest of 6C(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), the Participant’s interest in the Sub-Account shall be 20% vested for each full year of employment with ConAgra or its subsidiaries after the fiscal year of the Award, unless the Participant is terminated by ConAgra or its subsidiary for cause. A Participant shall forfeit the Participant’s entire interest in each Sub-Account if the Participant’s employment is terminated for cause prior to the earliest of 6C(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). Any portion of the Participant’s Sub-Accounts that is not vested at the time of the Participant’s termination of employment shall be forfeited. For purposes of the Plan, “cause” shall include the Participant’s negligence, neglect of duty, dishonesty or misconduct or the Participant’s indictment, conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a misdemeanor including moral turpitude or a felony.

 

  D.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 6C, a Participant who terminates employment prior to the earliest of 6C(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) and is not terminated for cause, shall be required to enter into a Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement in which the Participant

 

120


 

agrees not to compete with the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months following the Participant’s termination of employment and not to disclose confidential information. Such Participant shall forfeit the Participant’s entire interest in each Sub-Account if the Participant violates the terms and conditions of the Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement. The Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement shall have such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee.

 

  E. Upon the earlier of (i) any of the events described in 6C(i), (ii), (iii ), and ( iv), or (ii) the Participant’s termination of employment with ConAgra, with respect to the vested portions of a Participant’s Sub-Account, the Participant shall be paid in ConAgra Common Stock. Fractional shares shall be paid in cash. With respect to any Sub-Account that is only partially vested at the date of the Participant’s termination, the ConAgra Common Stock shall not be delivered until six months after the Participant’s termination of employment and only if the Participant complies with the Noncompetition Agreement described in 6D.

 

  F. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions, the Company shall withhold a sufficient number of shares to pay applicable taxes and withholding, unless the Participant makes a cash payment to the Company of such taxes and withholding in accordance with the procedures established by the Company. The payment shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of vesting and signing of the Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement, if applicable.

7. Death, Disability or Retirement . In the event of a Participant’s death, total and permanent disability (as determined under ConAgra’s Long Term Disability Plan) or retirement on or after attainment of age 65, all of the Participant’s prior distributions shall be unrestricted and fully vested and the Participant shall be entitled to a pro rata share of his allocation for the fiscal year of death, disability or retirement based upon the period of employment by the Participant during the fiscal year. The portion of the Participant’s Award that he does not receive will not be reallocated to the remaining Participants.

8. Change of Control . If a Participant’s employment is terminated by ConAgra or its subsidiaries following the date of a Change of Control, then all of the Participant’s prior distributions that are not vested shall be unrestricted, nonforfeitable and fully vested. Change of Control shall mean:

 

  (i) The acquisition (other than from ConAgra) by any person, entity or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (excluding, for this purpose, ConAgra or its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan of ConAgra or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of ConAgra) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 30% or more of either the then outstanding shares of Common Stock or the combined voting power of ConAgra’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or

 

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  (ii) 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 election by ConAgra’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

  (iii) Approval by the stockholders of ConAgra of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of ConAgra 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 ConAgra or of the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of ConAgra.

9. Administration . The Committee shall have sole responsibility to administer the Plan. Decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties.

10. Amendment . This document may be amended by the Committee, provided, however, that this document may not be amended subsequent to the announcement of an event that could result in a Change of Control of ConAgra, or subsequent to a Change of Control of ConAgra.

11. General Unsecured Creditor/Nontransferability . A Participant shall be no more than a general, unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Participant’s interest in the Plan. A Participant’s rights under the Plan may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or encumbered except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

This document has been adopted by the Board of Directors and Human Resources Committee of ConAgra, Inc. on                      , 1998.

 

By:  

 

Title:   Chairman – Human Resources Committee

 

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AMENDMENT TO THE CONAGRA LONG TERM

SENIOR MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT

(Amended and Restated Effective June 1, 1998)

Effective for the fiscal year ending May 26, 2002, the ConAgra Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan Operational Document (“Plan”) is amended, as follows:

Section 4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

“4. Computation of Award . The Committee shall compute the amount of the Award for each fiscal year. A preliminary calculation of the Award shall be made in July of each year. The preliminary calculation will be verified and certified in writing after the receipt of the audited financials for the year. The amount of the Award shall be calculated according to the following steps:

 

  A. The fully diluted after-tax earnings per share shall be calculated by dividing after-tax earnings for the fiscal year by the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted earnings for the fiscal year.

 

  B. Calculate the Threshold Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year. The Threshold Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the fiscal year shall be the result of bringing forward at a 5% compound annual growth rate the Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share to the fiscal year of the Award. The Base After-Tax Earnings Per Share shall be the 5-year average of the Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share for the 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 fiscal years.

 

  C. The Award shall be equal to 8% of the result of multiplying the weighted average of common and common equivalent shares that are applicable to fully diluted after-tax earnings for the year times the excess of the fully diluted after-tax earnings per share for the year over the Compounded Fully Diluted After-Tax Earnings Per Share.

 

  D. The number of Share Equivalents shall be determined by the Committee by dividing the dollar value of the Award computed pursuant to Paragraph 4C by the quarterly average price of the Company Common Stock.

After-tax earnings means net income of the Company after income taxes for the given fiscal year, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), provided, however, the after-tax expense for the Award and any other after-tax compensation expenses

 

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under the Plan shall be added back. Prior to the distribution of an Award, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may reduce the amount of the Award and the share of any Participant in an Award; provided, however, no such reduction shall result in an increase in the share of any other Participant in an Award.”

This document has been adopted by the Board of Directors and Human Resources Committee of ConAgra, Inc. on July 13, 2001.

 

By:  

 

Title:   Chairman – Human Resources Committee

 

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Exhibit 10.8

AMENDMENT ONE

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

2006 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (THE “PLAN”)

Effective January 1, 2009, the Plan (attached hereto as Exhibit A) is amended to clarify the intent that the Plan provides only “short-termed deferrals” within the meaning Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder, and to include 409A-compliant provisions to apply in the unintended event that any awards under this Plan are subject to 409A. All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment One have the same meaning as in the Plan.

 

1. It is hereby confirmed that the terms of the ConAgra Food Performance Share Plan Operational Document (Effective September 27, 2006) (the “Operational Document”) are a part of the terms of the Plan.

 

2. Section 7 is amended by adding the following at the end:

For all purposes of this Plan, including but not limited to the Operational Document, all vested awards shall be paid on or before the later of (a) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the month containing the end of the applicable fiscal year or Performance period or (b) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the end of the Participant’s tax year in which the end of the applicable fiscal year or Performance Period occurs.

 

3. Section 8 is amended by adding the following at the end:

Such stock shall be distributed to the Participant on or before the later of (a) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the month containing the end of the applicable fiscal year or Performance period during which such Stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A) or (b) the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the end of the Participant’s tax year during which such Stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A).

 

4. The first sentence of Section 9 is replaced with the following:

In the event of a Participant’s termination due to Disability or Retirement, a distribution shall be made of a pro rata share of the Performance Shares that are earned and certified for the relevant Performance Period or fiscal year in accordance with Section 7, prorated based upon the full number of fiscal years completed during the Performance Period as of the Participant’s termination

 

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date. Such Performance Shares shall be distributed to the Participant at the same time Performance Shares are distributed to other Participants who remain employed with the Company.

 

5. Section 12 is amended by adding the following at the end:

Any payments made under this Section 12 shall be paid no later than the fifteenth day of the third month that begins after the later of (i) the end of the Participant’s tax year in which the Change in Control occurs or (ii) the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Change in Control occurs.

 

6. A new Section 14.10 is added to read as follows:

Code Section 409A . Unless the Committee expressly determines otherwise, Performance Shares are intended to be exempt from Code Section 409A as short-term deferrals and, accordingly, the terms of any Performance Shares award shall be construed to preserve such exemption. To the extent the Committee determines that Code Section 409A applies to a particular award granted under the Plan, then the terms of the award shall be construed and administered to permit the award to comply with Code Section 409A. In the event anyone is subject to income inclusion, additional interest or taxes, or any other adverse consequences under Code Section 409A (“Non-compliance”), then neither the Company, the Committee, the Board nor its or their employees, designees, agents or contractors shall be liable to any Participant or other persons in connection with any Non-compliance, except to the extent the Non-compliance was the direct result of any Company action or failure to act that was under taken in bad faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

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“EXHIBIT A”

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

Effective May 29, 2006, ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“Company”) hereby adopts the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Performance Share Plan (“Plan”).

1. Purpose . The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the long term financial success of the Company and increase stockholder valued by (a) motivating superior performance by means of performance shares, (b) encouraging and providing for the acquisition of an ownership interest in the Company by Participants 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.

2. Eligibility . The only persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be those Participants selected by the Committee or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (“CEO”); provided, however, the CEO may only select, and assign a targeted number of Performance Shares to, individuals who are not “Covered Employees” as defined in Code § 162(m) (“Covered Employees”).

3. Participation . Within 90 days of the commencement of each Performance Period, the Committee and/or CEO shall select the individuals, if any, who shall participate in the Plan for the applicable Performance Period (“Participants”). The “Performance Period” shall be the three consecutive fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year for which the award is granted. The Committee and/or CEO shall assign a targeted number of Performance Shares to each selected Participant for the Performance Period. Notwithstanding the preceding, the Committee or CEO may select additional Participants during the Performance Period and make an award to such Participants; provided no such additional Participant shall be a Covered Employee unless such additional Participant’s award does not begin until the next succeeding fiscal year.

4. Performance Goals . Within ninety days of the commencement of each Performance Period, the Committee shall establish an award schedule that sets forth a range of performance scenarios and related Performance Shares earned. The range performance and awards earned shall be based upon Company earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and Company return on average invested capital (ROIAC) measured over the Performance Period. For the Performance Period beginning with fiscal year end 2007, the Committee shall establish an awards schedule for the first fiscal year of the Performance Period and an awards schedule for the entire Performance Period, which would apply to the cumulative fiscal years 2007 and 2008. For Performance Periods beginning after fiscal year end 2007, the Committee shall establish an awards schedule for the entire Performance Period. The awards actually earned shall range from zero to three hundred percent of the targeted number of Performance Shares. At the discretion of the Committee, different award schedules may be established for different Participants and/or for different executive levels.

 

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5. Administration of the Plan . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. 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 interest 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. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, the Committee and CEO shall determine the Participants to whom awards are granted and the terms and conditions of such awards. The Committee may require each individual earning an award under the Plan to enter into an agreement with the Company regarding the terms of the award and the employee’s employment. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of a stock exchange, the Committee may delegate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members.

6. Earning of Awards .

 

  6.1. For the Performance Period beginning with fiscal year end 2007, up to one-third of the targeted Performance Shares may be earned in fiscal year end 2007 based upon the awards schedule for fiscal year end 2007; up to one-third of the targeted Performance Shares may be earned in fiscal year end of 2008 based upon the awards schedule for the entire Performance Period, representing cumulative performance in 2007 and 2008; and the balance of the targeted Performance Shares, and any above target payout, may be earned based upon the awards schedule established by the Committee for the entire Performance Period. In no event will the amount paid in each of 2007 and 2008 exceed one-third of the three-year target.

 

  6.2. For Performance Periods beginning after fiscal year end 2007, the target Performance Shares actually earned shall be based upon the awards schedule established for the entire Performance Period.

 

  6.3. The actual amount of Performance Shares earned by the individual Participant is based upon achieving the EBIT and ROAIC goals as set by the Committee at the time the target Performance Shares are established. The CEO may increase or decrease the amount of an award earned by a Participant who is not a Covered Employee based upon the CEO’s assessment of the Participant’s individual contribution to the Company.

7. Distribution of Performance Shares Earned . Subject to Sections 8, 9 and 10 below, awards earned hereunder are not payable until after the Performance Period. Earned awards will be paid after (i) the Company has received an opinion from its independent auditors with respect to the Company’s financial statements for the Performance Period, and (ii) the Committee has certified in writing that the material terms of this Plan were satisfied and that awards were accurately computed according to the terms of the Plan. All awards, including dividend equivalent payments, hereunder shall be paid in shares of Stock (except for fractional shares which shall be paid in cash). Notwithstanding the preceding, for the Performance Period beginning with fiscal year end 2007, awards will be distributed after the fiscal year in which the award is earned.

 

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8. Termination for Reasons Other Than Death, Disability or Retirement . A Participant who terminates employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason other than death, Disability or Retirement shall forfeit all awards hereunder that have not been paid at the date of termination, whether earned or not. Notwithstanding the preceding, the Committee, at its sole and absolute discretion, may distribute Stock for all or some of the Performance Shares that are forfeited by a Participant, which the Committee deems to be appropriate and in the best interest of the Company.

9. Disability or Retirement . In the event of a Participant’s termination due to Disability or Retirement, earned, but unpaid Performance Shares shall be distributed as soon as reasonably practicable after the termination due to Disability or Retirement based upon actual performance at the end of the fiscal year ending on or immediately before said termination. No distribution will be made with respect to the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs, unless the date of termination is the last day of the applicable fiscal year.

10. Death . In the event of a Participant’s death, a distribution shall be made of a pro rata share of the targeted Performance Shares that have not been distributed based upon the full number of years completed during the Performance Period. The payment shall be made within 75 days of the date of death.

11. Dividends and Voting Rights . Upon the payment of earned Performance Shares, the Participant shall receive additional shares of Stock representing dividend equivalents. The amount of dividend equivalents for each Performance Share earned shall equal the dividends paid on one share of Stock during the period between the beginning of the Performance Period and the date of distribution. A Participant shall not have voting rights with respect to any Performance Shares or with respect to the Stock until the Stock is delivered to the Participant.

12. Payments Upon Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control, the Company may, at the Board’s, or the Human Resources Committee’s, as the case may be, sole and absolute discretion, pay the Participant all or a portion of the Participant’s award hereunder. The amounts paid may be based upon (a) a proration of the Participant’s target Performance Shares, (b) a proration of the projected Performance Shares at the time of the Change of Control, or (c) a pro rata amount computed at the end of the fiscal year. Any proration shall be based upon the number of completed months elapsed in the Performance Period since the Change of Control.

13. Awards Grant . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the awards granted and distributed hereunder to Covered Employees shall be pursuant to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (“EIP”), and to the extent necessary for compliance with Code § 162(m) for the tax deductibility of an award, the provisions of the EIP shall apply to the awards hereunder. Awards earned and Stock distributed hereunder shall be granted and distributed under a ConAgra Foods Stock Plan (“Stock Plan”). To the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan, the provisions of the EIP and Stock Plan shall apply to this Plan and the awards hereunder.

 

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14. Miscellaneous Provisions .

 

  14.1. 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.

 

  14.2. 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 will be paid to the Participant’s surviving spouse, if any, or otherwise to the Participant’s estate.

 

  14.3. 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 individual 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.

 

  14.4. Tax Withholding . The Company shall have the power to withhold, or require a Participant 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.

 

  14.5. 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 and absolute 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.

 

  14.6. Code § 409A . If any provision of the Plan or an award contravenes Code § 409A or any regulations promulgated under Code § 409A, or could cause an award to be subject to interest and penalties under Code § 409A, such provision of the Plan or any award shall be modified to maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code § 409A.

 

  14.7. Unfunded Plan . The plan shall be unfunded. Bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Participants who are granted Performance Shares under the Plan, but any such accounts shall be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets which may at any time be represented by Performance Shares.

 

  14.8. Requirements of Law . The granting of Performance Shares 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.

 

  14.9.

Changes in Stock . In the event of any change in the outstanding Stock by reason of any share dividend or split, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off reorganization, combination or exchange of shares, or other similar corporate change, then, if the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, that such change equitably requires an

 

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adjustment in the number or kind of Performance Shares or target Performance Shares of a Participant or which may be awarded to a Participant, or an adjustment in any measures of performance, such adjustments shall be made by the Committee and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes of the Plan.

15. Amendment or Termination of Plan . The Board may from time to time amend, modify or terminate any or all of the provisions of the Plan; provided , however , no amendment, modification or termination shall affect the rights of any Participant with respect to a previously granted award, without the written consent of the Participant.

16. Definitions . Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

 

  16.1. “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  16.2. “Change of Control” means:

 

  (i) Individuals who constitute the Board (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 election by the Company’s shareholders, 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

 

  (ii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent (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 its assets.

 

  16.3. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

  16.4. “Committee” means the Human Resources Committee of the Board, or its successor, or such other committee of the Board to which the Board delegates power to act under or pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.

 

  16.5. “Disability” means the Participant, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under the Company’s long term disability plan.

 

  16.6. “Retirement” means termination of employment from the Company or a Subsidiary on or after the earlier of (i) the Participant attains age 65, or (ii) the Participant has at least ten years of service and has attained age 55. For purposes of this Plan, years of service shall include any additional years of service provided to a Participant for pension purposes pursuant to the Participant’s written employment agreement with the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

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  16.7. “Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $5.00 per share.

 

  16.8. “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.

 

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Exhibit 10.9

AMENDMENT ONE

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS

CONAGRA 2000 STOCK PLAN

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), granted Restricted Share Unit Awards during the period beginning December 1, 2005 and ending September 30, 2006 pursuant to the ConAgra 2000 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) (the “Awards”). It is desirable to amend each Award so that it complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time (the “Code”).

Each Award is amended by adding the following at the end thereof, effective January 1, 2009:

If not issued earlier in accordance with the Award, the Company shall issue to you the number of vested shares of Company Stock represented by the Award within thirty (30) days after the earlier of your termination of employment or the date of a Change of Control (as defined below). You shall be considered to terminate employment or retire if and only if you have a “Separation from Service” with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, you separate from service if and only if you die, retire, or otherwise have a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

(i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while you are on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as you retain a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that you will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and you do not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes you to be unable to perform the duties of your position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

(ii) Dual Status. Generally, if you perform services both as an employee and an independent contractor, you must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if you provide services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which you participate as a Board member is not aggregated with the Award pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether you have a separation from service as an employee for purposes of the Award.

 

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(iii) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and you reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services you would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if you have been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which you are on a paid bona fide leave of absence and have not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (iii) you are treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that you would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which you are on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and have not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(iv) As used in connection with the definition of “Separation from Service,” Company includes the Company and any other entity that with the Company constitutes a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code), or a group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code), substituting 25% for the 80% ownership level for purposes of both 414(b) and (c).

Notwithstanding anything in the Award or Plan to the contrary, “Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this definition, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the preceding 12 months) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company.

 

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(d) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

Notwithstanding anything (including any provision of the Award or Plan) to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay. Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will not be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued, unless the terms applicable to the Award provide that dividend equivalents on the Award shall be paid at any time while the Award is outstanding. If dividend equivalents are to be paid with respect to any period during which payment is delayed pursuant to this paragraph, then the payment of such dividend equivalents shall also be delayed until after the end of the payment delay provided in this paragraph.

It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to you under the Award shall, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject you to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and

 

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each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

136


“Exhibit A”

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD

Terms and Conditions

 

  (i) Name                             

On                              , the ConAgra Foods’ Human Resources Committee approved the grant and issuance to you of Shares restricted stock units of ConAgra Foods, Inc. common stock (the “Shares”).

The Shares will be 100% vested and issued to you on                              if you remain continuously employed by ConAgra Foods (the “Company”) until that date. If your employment with the Company terminates, not for cause, prior to that date, vesting of the Shares will be prorated over the vesting period. You will be 34% vested if you are continuously employed by the Company through the first fiscal year-end date following the grant date                  and 67% vested if you are continuously employed by the Company through the second fiscal year-end date following the grant date                  , and the vested Shares will be issued to you accordingly.

In the event you are terminated for cause prior to                              , all Shares will be forfeited. In addition, the Shares will become 100% vested if any of these events occurs prior to                              :

 

  (1) you retire from the Company on or after age 65,

 

  (2) you die while employed by the Company, or

 

  (3) there is a Change of Control of ConAgra Foods, Inc., as defined in the 2000 Stock Plan.

The fair value of the Shares, upon payment, will constitute ordinary income to you, and appropriate arrangements will be made to satisfy federal and state withholding requirements with respect to such tax obligations.

 

137

Exhibit 10.10

AMENDMENT ONE

LONG-TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – RESTRICTED SHARE EQUIVALENT UNITS

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), granted Restricted Share Equivalent Units dated July 9, 2004 (the “Awards”) in accordance with the “Long Term Compensation Awards, Terms and Conditions—Restricted Share Equivalent Units” issued under the Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plan (the “FY 2004 LTSMIP Terms and Conditions”). It is desirable to amend the FY 2004 LTSMIP Terms and Conditions so that it complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time (the “Code”).

The FY 2004 LTSMIP Terms and Conditions is amended as follows, effective January 1, 2009:

 

1. Section 1 is amended by adding the following at the end of the second sentence of the first paragraph:

, and such non-competition and confidentiality agreement is executed by the participant and received by the Company within sixty (60) days following termination of employment.

 

2. Section 1 is further amended by deleting “as defined by the Company’s long-term disability program” and by adding the following at the end thereof:

For all purposes of an Award, a Participant has a “total and permanent disability” if the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long term disability plan.

The Company shall issue to participant the number of vested shares of Company Stock represented by an Award within thirty (30) days after the later of the date the participant becomes vested in the Award or the deadline for receipt of the non-competition and confidentiality agreement (if applicable).

 

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The participant shall be considered to terminate employment or retire if and only if the participant has a “Separation from Service” with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a participant separates from service if and only if the participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

(i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

(ii) Dual Status. Generally, if a participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with the Award pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of the Award.

(iii) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the

 

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participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (iii) the participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(iv) As used in connection with the definition of “Separation from Service,” Company includes the Company and any other entity that with the Company constitutes a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code), a group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code), substituting 25% for the 80% ownership level.

 

3. Section 6 is replaced with the following:

“Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this definition, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the preceding 12 months) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company.

(d) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the

 

140


meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

4. A new section 7 is added to read as follows:

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay. Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will not be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued, unless the terms applicable to the Award provide that dividend equivalents on the Award shall be paid at any time while the Award is outstanding. If dividend equivalents are to be paid with respect to any period during which payment is delayed pursuant to this paragraph, then the payment of such dividend equivalents shall also be delayed until after the end of the payment delay provided in this paragraph.

 

141


5. A new section 8 is added to read as follows:

It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to Participant under each Award shall, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Participants to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

142


Exhibit A

Long-Term Compensation Awards

Terms and Conditions – Restricted Share Equivalent Units

1. Vesting – Each fiscal year award to the participant is 0% vested until 100% cliff vested on the earlier of (1) five years of continuous employment from the end of the fiscal year of the award, (2) the participant’s retirement from the Company on or after age 65, (3) the participant’s death while employed by the Company, or (4) the participant’s total and permanent disability as defined by the Company’s long-term disability program while employed by the Company. If the participant terminates employment prior to any of these events, the participant will be 20% vested for each full year of employment after the fiscal year of the award, provided that the partially vested participant enters into, and complies with, a twelve-month non-competition and confidentiality agreement. A participant forfeits his entire interest if terminated for cause prior to any of these events. Accounts become 100% vested in the event of a Change of Control of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

2. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization – If all or any portion of the Restricted Share Equivalent Units, before they are paid in shares to the participant, are subject to any stock dividend, upon subdivision, split-up, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock or a merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Human Resources Committee of the Board shall make equitable adjustment in the number of Restricted Share Equivalent Units subject to this Agreement.

3. Notices – Each notice relating to this Agreement shall be in writing. Each notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date it is received. Each notice to the Company shall be addressed to its principal office in Omaha, Nebraska, attention to Corporate Compensation. Each notice to the participant, or to any other person or persons having rights under this Agreement shall be addressed to the participant’s address. Anyone to whom a notice may be given under this Agreement may designate a new address by notice to the effect.

4. Benefits of Agreement – This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each successor of the Company. All obligations imposed upon the participant and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon the participant’s heirs, legal representatives and successors. This Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive source of any and all rights which the participant, his heirs, and legal representatives or successors may have in respect to this Plan or any Restricted Share Equivalent Units awarded or issued thereunder whether to himself or to any other person.

5. Resolution of Disputes – Any dispute or disagreement which should arise under or as a result of or in any way related to the interpretation, construction or application of this Agreement will be determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board. Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Nebraska.

6. Change of Control – Change of Control shall mean:

(i) 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries, or 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 Exchange 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

(ii) 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 shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(iii) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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.

 

143

Exhibit 10.11

AMENDMENT ONE

FY 2004 RESTRICTED CASH AWARD

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), granted Restricted Cash Awards effective July 9, 2004 (the “Awards”). It is desirable to amend the Awards to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time (the “Code”).

The Awards are amended as follows, effective January 1, 2009:

 

1. The first sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2 is amended by deleting the following phrase therefrom:

“as defined by the Company’s long-term disability program.”

 

2. The following is added at the end of the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2:

, and such non-competition and confidentiality agreement is executed by the participant and received by the Company within sixty (60) days following termination of employment.

 

3. Section 2 is further amended by adding the following new paragraphs:

For all purposes of this Award, a Participant has a “total and permanent disability” if the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long term disability plan.

The participant shall be considered to have terminated employment or retired if and only if the Participant has a “Separation from Service” with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if and only if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

(i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is

 

144


due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

(ii) Dual Status. Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Award pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Award.

(iii) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (iii) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(iv) As used in connection with the definition of “Separation from Service,” Company includes the Company and any other entity that with the Company constitutes a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code), or a group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code), substituting 25% for the 80% ownership level for purposes of both 414(b) and (c).

 

145


4. Section 3 shall be amended by replacing the next to last sentence with the following:

The value of the vested Restricted Share Equivalent Units shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) days after the later of the date such units become vested or the deadline for receipt of the non-competition and confidentiality agreement (if applicable).

 

5. Section 8 is amended to read as follows:

8. Change of Control - “Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the preceding 12 months) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company.

(d) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that

 

146


corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

6. A new section 9 is added to read as follows:

 

  9. Notwithstanding anything (including any provision of the Award or Plan) to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay. Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued.

 

7. A new section 10 is added to read as follows:

 

  10. Code Section 409A - It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to Participant under the Award shall, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Participants to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

147


“Exhibit A”

 

Restricted Cash Award     ConAgra Foods, Inc   
    ID: 47-0248710   
    One ConAgra Drive   
    Omaha, NE 68102   
«Name»     ID:    «Empl_ID»
«Organization»       

1. Notice of Award - Effective 7/9/2004, you have been granted a restricted cash award for fiscal year 2004 performance.

The total amount of the restricted cash award is                                              

2. Vesting - Each fiscal year award to the participant is 0% vested until 100% cliff vested on the earlier of (1) five years of continuous employment from the end of the fiscal year of the award, (2) the participant’s retirement from the Company on or after age 65, (3) the participant’s death while employed by the Company, or (4) the participant’s total and permanent disability as defined by the Company’s long-term disability program while employed by the Company. If the participant terminates employment prior to any of these events, the participant will be 20% vested for each full year of employment after the fiscal year of the award, provided that the partially vested participant enters into, and complies with, a twelve-month non-competition and confidentiality agreement. A participant forfeits the participant’s entire interest if terminated for cause prior to any of these events. Accounts become 100% vested in the event of a Change of Control of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

3. Restricted Cash Valuation and Payment - On the date the Human Resources Committee of the Board approved the Restricted Cash award, it will be converted to an appropriate number of Restricted Share Equivalent Units based on the NYSE closing price on that date. The value of the restricted cash award subsequently tracks the value of the Restricted Share Equivalent Units, assuming all dividends are immediately reinvested in additional Restricted Share Equivalent Units. When the award is vested under the terms described above, the value of the Restricted Share Equivalent Units is paid in cash. The Board expects the participant to purchase ConAgra Foods common stock with the after tax proceeds of the cash payment when received, unless you have met minimum ownership guidelines.

4. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization - If all or any portion of the Restricted Share Equivalent Units (that are used as the basis to value the Restricted Cash) are subject to any stock dividend, upon subdivision, split-up, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock or a merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Human Resources Committee of the Board shall make equitable adjustment in the number of Restricted Share Equivalent Units subject to this Agreement.

5. Notices - Each notice relating to this Agreement shall be in writing. Each notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date it is received. Each notice to the Company shall be addressed to its principal office in Omaha, Nebraska, attention to Corporate Compensation. Each notice to the participant, or to any other person or persons having rights under this Agreement shall be addressed to the participant’s address. Anyone to whom a notice may be given under this Agreement may designate a new address by notice to the effect.

 

148


6. Benefits of Agreement - This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each successor of the Company. All obligations imposed upon the participant and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon the participant’s heirs, legal representatives and successors. This Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive source of any and all rights which the participant, his heirs, and legal representatives or successors may have in respect to this Restricted Cash Award, whether to himself or to any other person.

7. Resolution of Disputes - Any dispute or disagreement which should arise under or as a result of or in any way related to the interpretation, construction or application of this Agreement will be determined by the Human Resources Committee of the Board. Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Nebraska.

8. Change of Control - Change of Control shall mean:

(i) 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries, or 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 Exchange 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

(ii) 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 shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(iii) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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.

 

149

Exhibit 10.12

AMENDMENT ONE

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

CONAGRA FOODS 2006 STOCK PLAN

(PRE-JULY, 2007)

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation entered into Restricted Stock Unit Agreements pursuant to the ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan during the period beginning December 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007 (each of which shall be referred to herein as the “Agreement”). In Section 10 of each Agreement, the Company reserved the unilateral right to amend each Agreement on written notice to the Participant in connection with Section 409A of the Code. The Company desires to exercise such unilateral right to amend the Agreement.

Each Agreement is amended as follows, effective January 1, 2009:

 

1. The last sentence of Section 6 is revised by adding the following at the end thereof:

, and the date of the Change of Control shall be a Settlement Date.

 

2. Section 6 is further revised by adding the following at the end thereof:

“Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons)

 

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assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

 

3. Section 10 is revised by the addition of the following at the end thereof:

It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to Participant under this Agreement shall, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Participants to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

 

4. Section 12(a) is amended by replacing the first sentence to read as follows:

Continuous Employment with the Company shall mean the absence of an interruption or termination of employment with all Companies and the performance of substantial services. For purposes of this Section 12(a), “Companies” shall mean the Company and any parent or subsidiary of the Company which now exists or hereafter is organized or acquired by the Company.

 

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5. A new Section 12(c) is added to read as follows:

A Participant shall be considered to have terminated employment or retired under this Agreement, if and only if such Participant has experienced a “Separation from Service” with the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if and only if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

(i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

(ii) Dual Status. Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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(iii) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (iii) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(iv) As used in connection with the definition of “Separation from Service,” Company includes the Company and any other entity that with the Company constitutes a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code), or a group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code), substituting 25% for the 80% ownership level for purposes of both 414(b) and (c).

 

6. A new section 13 is added to read as follows:

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding anything (including any provision of the Agreement or Plan) to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay.

 

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Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will not be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued, unless the terms applicable to the Award provide that dividend equivalents on the Award shall be paid at any time while the Award is outstanding. If dividend equivalents are to be paid with respect to any period during which payment is delayed pursuant to this paragraph, then the payment of such dividend equivalents shall also be delayed until after the end of the payment delay provided in this paragraph.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this document is executed on the date set forth below.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Charles Salter

Title:   Vice President, Human Resources
Date:   September 25, 2008

 

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Exhibit 10.13

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

CONAGRA FOODS 2006 STOCK PLAN

This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement” is made on the                      between ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”) and the undersigned employee of the Company (“Participant”).

1. Award Grant. The Company hereby grants Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”, and each such unit an “RSU”) to the Participant under the ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan (the “Plan”), as follows:

Participant :

Employee ID :

Number of RSUs :

Date of Grant:

Vesting Schedule : * Subject to early settlement upon termination as provided in Paragraph 2

 

% Vested

  

Vesting Date

  

Settlement Date*

     
     
     

Dividends : Dividend equivalents on the RSU will not be paid or accumulated.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Participant have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of the date first written above. The Company and the Participant acknowledge that this Agreement includes six pages including the first page. The Participant acknowledges reading and agreeing to all five pages and that in the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the Plan shall control. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.     PARTICIPANT
By:  

 

   

 

Date       Date

 

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2. RSU Settlement . (a) Subject to the Plan and this Agreement, if the Participant has been in Continuous Employment with the Company through a Settlement Date (as set forth in the schedule on Page 1), then the Company will issue to Participant one share of Company common stock ( Common Stock”) on the Settlement Date for each RSU subject to such Settlement Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant’s Continuous Employment should be involuntarily terminated due to position elimination or reduction in force (as defined in the Company’s sole discretion) after a Vesting Date (as set forth in the schedule on Page 1), but prior to the related Settlement Date, the Company will issue shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment in settlement of the RSUs that have vested as of the date of termination of employment, and such date of termination of employment shall be the Settlement Date for all purposes hereunder (this feature referred to herein as “Prorated Vesting”). If the Participant shall die while employed by the Company, or a subsidiary thereof, or if Participant terminates employment with the Company, or a subsidiary thereof, upon Normal Retirement, all RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement shall become 100% vested and the Settlement Date shall be a date no later than thirty (30) days after the qualifying event, subject to any deferral on payment required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable law.

(b) Participant Representation . As a condition to settlement of any RSUs, the Company may require the Participant to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation. All RSUs shall be settled no later than thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the payment event set forth herein, subject to any deferral on payment required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable law.

(c) Payment of Taxes Upon Settlement . As a condition of the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon settlement of RSUs hereunder, the Participant agrees to remit to the Company at the time of settlement any taxes required to be withheld by the Company under Federal, State or local law as a result of the settlement of the RSUs. As a condition of the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon settlement of RSUs hereunder, the Participant agrees that the Company will deduct from the total shares vested a sufficient number of shares to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount permissible.

(d) Cancellation of RSUs . Except as set forth in Paragraph 2(a) in the case of death or Normal Retirement or Prorated Vesting, upon the Participant’s termination of employment, RSU’s for which a Settlement Date has not occurred shall immediately be forfeited without further consideration to the Participant. Additionally, in the event Participant is terminated for cause prior to the Settlement Date, all RSUs, whether vested or unvested, shall be immediately forfeited without further consideration to the Participant.

3. Non-Transferability of RSUs . The RSUs may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated in any manner (otherwise than by will or the laws of descent or distribution) nor may the Participant enter into any transaction for the purpose of, or which has the effect of, reducing the market risk of holding the RSUs by using puts, calls or similar financial techniques. The RSUs subject to this Agreement may be settled during the lifetime of the Participant only with the Participant. The terms of this Agreement, shall be binding upon the beneficiaries, executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns (“Successors”) of the Participant.

4. Stock Subject to the RSUs . The Company will not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares to be issued hereunder until such shares have been listed (or authorized for listing upon official notice of issuance) upon each stock exchange on which outstanding shares of the same class are then listed and until the Company has taken such steps as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be required by law and applicable regulations, including the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state securities laws and regulations, in connection with the issuance of such shares, and the listing of such shares on each such exchange. The Company will use its best efforts to comply with any such requirements.

 

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5. Rights as Stockholder . The Participant or his/her Successors shall have no rights as stockholder with respect to any shares covered by this Agreement until the Participant or his/her Successors shall have become the beneficial owner of such shares, and, except as provided in Section 6 of this Agreement, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights in respect of such shares for which the record date is prior to the date on which the Participant or his/her Successors shall have become the beneficial owner thereof.

6. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Change in Control . In the event of any Common Stock dividend or Common 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 similar corporate transaction or event involving the Company, the Committee shall make equitable adjustment in the number of shares subject to this Agreement, provided, however, that no fractional share shall be issued upon subsequent settlement of the RSUs. In the event of a “Change of Control” (as defined in the Plan) all of the RSUs shall become immediately vested as provided pursuant to Section 12.5 of the Plan, and the date of the Change of Control shall be a Settlement Date.

“Change of Control” shall occur upon any of the following dates:

(a) The date individuals who constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason during any 12 month period to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(b) The date of consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, 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 50% or more of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities.

(c) The date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group who is not related to the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)((vii)(B), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 80 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the corporation immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For purposes of this Section, “more than one person acting as a group” is determined under Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B). If a person owns stock in both entities that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. In no event shall a change of control occur under circumstances that would not constitute a “change in the ownership of a corporation,” a “change in effective control of a corporation,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets,” as those terms are defined in regulations and other applicable guidance issued under section 409A of the Code.

7. Notices . Each notice relating to this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date it is received. Each notice to the Company shall be addressed to its principal Office in Omaha, Nebraska, Attention Corporate Compensation. Each notice to the Participant or any other person or

 

157


persons entitled to shares issuable upon settlement of the RSUs shall be addressed to the Participant’s address and may be in written or electronic form. Anyone to whom a notice may be given under this Agreement may designate a new address by giving notice to the effect.

8. Benefits of Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each successor of the Company. All obligations imposed upon the Participant and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon the Participant’s Successors. This Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive source of any and all rights which the Participant, his heirs and legal representatives or Successors may have in respect to the Plan or this Agreement.

9. Resolution of Disputes . Any dispute or disagreement which should arise under or as a result of or in any way related to the interpretation, construction or application of this Agreement will be determined by the Committee. Any determination made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware.

10. Section 409A Compliance . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and any regulations or notices provided thereunder. The Company reserves the unilateral right to amend this Agreement on written notice to the Participant in order to comply with such section. It is intended that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to Participant under this Agreement shall, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A, fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Participants to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. None of the Company, its contractors, agents and employees, the Board and each member of the Board shall be liable for any consequences of any failure to follow the requirements of Code Section 409A or any guidance or regulations thereunder, unless such failure was the direct result of an action or failure to act that was undertaken by the Company in bad faith.

11. Amendment . Any amendment to the Plan shall be deemed to be an amendment to this Agreement to the extent that the amendment is applicable hereto; provided, however, that no amendment shall adversely affect the rights of the Participant under this Agreement without the Participant’s consent.

12. Definitions .

(a) Continuous Employment with the Company . Continuous Employment with the Company shall mean the absence of any interruption or termination of employment with all Companies and the performance of substantial services. For purposes of this Section 12(a), “Companies” shall mean the Company and any parent or subsidiary of the Company which now exists or hereafter is organized or acquired by the Company. Continuous Employment shall not be considered interrupted in the case of sick leave, long term disability, military leave or any other leave of absence approved by the Company or in the case of transfers between payroll locations of the Company or between the Company, its parent or subsidiaries or its successor.

(b) Normal Retirement . Normal Retirement shall mean a “Separation from Service” with the Company on or after attaining age 65. The term “Separation from Service” means the date that the Participant “separates from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Generally, a Participant separates from service if and only if the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

(i) Leaves of Absence. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so

 

158


long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes the Participant to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

(ii) Dual Status. Generally, if a Participant performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, such Participant must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if a Participant provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Agreement.

(iii) Termination of Employment. Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Participant has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which a Participant is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this paragraph (iii) the Participant is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Participant would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which a Participant is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this paragraph (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(iv) As used in connection with the definition of “Separation from Service,” Company includes the Company and any other entity that with the Company constitutes a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code), or a group of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code), substituting 25% for the 80% ownership level for purposes of both 414(b) and (c).

13. Notwithstanding anything (including any provision of the Agreement or Plan) to the contrary, if a participant is a “Specified Employee”, payment to the participant on account of a Separation from

 

159


Service shall, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2), be made to the participant on the earlier of (a) the Participant’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) that is more than six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service. A “Specified Employee” is as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i). In the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, interest may be paid due to such delay. Further, any interest will be calculated in the manner determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion. Dividend equivalents will not be paid with respect to any dividends that would have been paid during the delay if the Common Stock had been issued.

 

160

Exhibit 10.14

FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made this                        , but effective as of                      , between ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), and                      (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, as is the case with most, if not all, publicly traded businesses, it is expected that the Company from time to time may consider or need to consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other Change of Control of the ownership of the Company. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that such considerations can be a distraction to Employee and can cause the Employee to consider alternative employment opportunities or to be influenced by the impact of a possible Change of Control of the ownership of the Company on Employee’s personal circumstances in evaluating such opportunities. The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Employee, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company.

WHEREAS, the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to provide Employee with an incentive to continue Employee’s employment and to motivate Employee to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its shareholders.

WHEREAS, the Board believes that it is important to provide Employee with certain benefits upon Employee’s termination of employment in certain instances upon or following a Change of Control that provide Employee with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.

WHEREAS, Employee and Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement during                      that they wish to restate in order to comply with Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 409A (“409A”) and to make certain other changes.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions . For all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section unless the context clearly otherwise requires:

(a) “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of Regulation 12B under the Exchange Act.

 

161


(b) “Change of Control” shall mean:

 

  (i) Individuals who constitute the Board (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 election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

  (ii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent (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 its assets.

(c) “Cause” shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure by Employee to substantially perform Employee’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from termination by the Employee for Good Reason) after a demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Employee that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Employee has not substantially performed Employee’s duties, and the Employee has failed to resume substantial performance of the Employee’s duties on a continuous basis within five (5) days of receiving such demand, (ii) the willful engaging by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, or (iii) the Employee’s conviction of a felony or conviction of a misdemeanor which impairs the Employee’s ability substantially to perform the Employee’s duties with the Company. For purposes of this subsection, no act, or failure to act, on the Employee’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Employee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Employee’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

(d) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(e) “Continuation Period” means the three (3) year period beginning on the Employee’s Termination Date.

(f) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(g) “Good Reason Termination” shall mean a Termination of Employment initiated by the Employee upon one or more of the following occurrences:

 

  (i) any failure of the Company to comply with and satisfy any of the terms of this Agreement;

 

  (ii) any significant involuntary reduction of the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the Employee immediately prior to the Change of Control;

 

162


  (iii) any involuntary removal of the Employee from an officer position which the Employee holds with the Company or, if the Employee is employed by a Subsidiary or Affiliate, with the Subsidiary or Affiliate, held by the Employee immediately prior to the Change of Control, except in connection with promotions to higher office;

 

  (iv) any involuntary reduction in the aggregate compensation level of the Employee including, but not limited to, base salary, annual and long term incentive opportunity, and supplemental executive retirement plans, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control;

 

  (v) requiring the Employee to become based at any office or location more than the minimum number of miles required by the Code for the Employee to claim a moving expense deduction, from the office or location at which the Employee was based immediately prior to such Change of Control, except for travel reasonably required in the performance of the Employee’s responsibilities; and

 

  (vi) the Employee being required to undertake business travel to an extent substantially greater than the Employee’s business travel obligations immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(h) “Related Company” shall mean (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) that includes the Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

(i) “Separation from Service”, shall mean the date that Employee separates from service within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Generally, Employee separates from service if Employee dies, retires, or otherwise has a Separation from Service with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (i)

Leaves of Absence . The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while Employee is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as Employee retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract (including but not limited to this Agreement). A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that Employee will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and Employee does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to

 

163


 

last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes Employee to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

 

  (ii) Dual Status . Generally, if Employee performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, Employee must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a separation from service. However, if Employee provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A 1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether Employee has a separation from service as an employee for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  (iii) Termination of Employment . Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and Employee reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services Employee would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in clause (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in clause (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if Employee has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which Employee is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this clause (iii) Employee is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that Employee would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which Employee is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this clause (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

(j) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns at least a fifty percent (50%) interest or an unincorporated entity of which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns at least fifty percent (50%) of the profits or capital interests.

(k) “Termination Date” shall mean the effective date of the Employee’s Separation from Service, as specified in the Notice of Termination.

 

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2. Notice of Termination . Any Separation from Service upon or following a Change of Control shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to Employee given in accordance with Section 15 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) briefly summarizes the facts and circumstances deemed to provide a basis for Employee’s Separation from Service under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Termination Date is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Termination Date (which date shall not be more than 15 days after the giving of such notice).

3. Severance Compensation upon Separation from Service .

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 9 hereof and further subject to Employee executing and not revoking a release of claims substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit A to this Agreement and the period to revoke such release expiring within sixty (60) days following Employee’s Separation from Service, in the event of Employee’s involuntary Separation from Service initiated by the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate for any reason other than Cause or in the event of a Good Reason Termination, in either event upon or within three years after a Change of Control, Employee shall receive the following amounts in lieu of any severance compensation and benefits under the Company’s severance plan:

 

  (i) The Company shall pay to Employee a lump sum cash payment, within thirty days of the Termination Date, equal to [one (1)/two (2)/three (3)] multiplied by the sum of (1) Employee’s annual base salary plus (2) the greater of (x) the highest annual cash bonus paid to Employee for the three (3) full fiscal years of the Company preceding the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs or (y)       % [Employee’s target bonus as % of salary] of Employee’s annual base salary for the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs. The annual base salary for purposes of item (1) in the preceding sentence shall be Employee’s highest annual base salary as of or after the Change of Control.

 

  (ii)

During the Continuation Period, the Employee shall continue to be entitled to participate in the medical and dental, disability, basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance plans of the Company or Subsidiary or Affiliate (to the extent such benefits remain in effect for other executives of the Company from time to time during the Continuation Period) based upon the amount of benefit provided to the Employee as of the Employee’s Separation from Service. The Employee shall be responsible for making required contributions, on an after-tax basis, at the rate required of all executive employees at the time of the Participant’s Separation from Service or thereafter, except for the medical and dental coverage. For the medical and dental coverage, the Employee shall be required to contribute, on an after-tax basis, the premium (“COBRA Premium”) determined for the plan under Section 4980B(f) of the Code. The Company shall pay to the Employee a single lump sum payment equal to the present value of the cost of the medical and dental coverage (assuming family coverage and a reasonable increase in the COBRA

 

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Premium) plus an amount necessary so that the net amount received by the Employee after deducting any federal, state and local income tax and employment tax will equal the present value of the cost of such coverage. For purposes of determining the amount of this additional payment, the Employee shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment tax at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which such payment is made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Employee’s residence on the Termination Date. If it is not possible to continue the disability, basic life and supplemented life insurance coverage without violation of or noncompliance with tax (including Code Section 409A), legal or insurance requirements, the Company shall pay to the Employee a single lump sum payment equal to the present value of the cost of such coverage for the Continuation Period on the first day on which severance compensation is paid pursuant to subsection (b) below; provided that if payment in a lump sum would cause taxation under Code Section 409A, the Company shall pay the cost of such coverage for each calendar year (or portion thereof) that falls within the Continuation Period on the first business day during each such calendar year (or portion thereof) on which payment can be made without causing taxation under Code Section 409A.

 

  (iii) If the Employee participants in one or more non-qualified Company defined benefit pension plans (“Nonqualified Pension Plan”), the Company shall adjust the benefit payable thereunder by adding three (3) years to the number of years of service and the Employee’s age for all purposes under the Nonqualified Plan. [This pension benefit is not included in Mr. Rodkin’s agreement; Mr. Rodkin receives the pension benefit provided by his Employment Agreement dated August 31, 2005, as amended.] The benefits provided under this Subsection shall be paid either from a “rabbi trust” related to a Company nonqualified pension plan or from the general assets of the Company. The supplemental pension benefits payable under this Subsection shall be unfunded. Within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date, an amount equal to the net present value (determined in good faith by the Plan Administrator under the Company’s Nonqualified Pension Plan) of the supplemental pension benefit shall be deposited, in one lump sum payment, in a trust in the form of the model grantor trust contained in IRS Revenue Procedure 92-64, which trust is incorporated by reference; provided, however, that such deposit shall be made only to the extent it has not otherwise been made by the Company. The acquiror, the Company and its subsidiaries shall make up any supplemental pension benefit payments the Employee does not receive under the trust, e.g., if the funds in the trust are insufficient to make the payments due to insufficient earnings in the trust. The trustee of such trust shall be a national or state chartered bank.

 

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  (iv) If the Employee participates in the qualified and/or nonqualified ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan (“CRISP”), the Employee shall receive a supplemental credit to his nonqualified CRISP “Account” equal to three (3) multiplied by the maximum employer contribution that the Employee could have received under the qualified and nonqualified CRISP (or any successor plan) in the year that includes the Termination Date, assuming that the Employee contributed the maximum amount allowed to CRISP (or the successor plan).

 

  (v) Subject to Section 10A, the Company, at its expense, shall provide reasonable outplacement assistance to the Employee through the end of the second calendar year beginning after the Termination Date from a professional outplacement assistant firm which is reasonably suitable to the Employee and commensurate with the Employee’s position and responsibilities. In no event shall the amount expended with outplacement assistance for the Employee exceed Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000).

(b) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 9, the amounts described in subsections 3(a) (i) and (ii) above shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date.

4. Other Payments . Upon any Separation from Service entitling the Employee to payments under this Agreement, the Employee shall receive all accrued but unpaid salary and all benefits (other than severance benefits) accrued and payable under any plans, policies and programs of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

5. Interest; Enforcement .

(a) If payment of the amounts described in Section 3 or Section 10 is delayed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, the Company shall pay interest at the rate described below on the postponed payments from the Employee’s Termination Date to the date on which such amounts are paid. If the Company shall fail or refuse to pay any amounts due the Employee under Section 3 or 10 on the applicable due date, the Company shall pay interest at the rate described below on the unpaid payments from the applicable due date to the date on which such amounts are paid. Interest shall be credited at an annual rate equal to the rate announced by Wells Fargo & Company (or its successor) as its “prime rate” as of the Employee’s Termination Date, plus one percent (1%), compounded annually.

(b) The Employee shall not be required to incur any expenses associated with the enforcement of the Employee’s rights under this Agreement by arbitration, litigation or other legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Employee hereunder. Accordingly, the Company shall pay the Employee on demand the amount necessary to reimburse the Employee in full for all reasonable expenses (including all attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) incurred by the Employee in enforcing any of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement. The Employee shall notify the Company of the expenses for which the Employee demands reimbursement within sixty (60) days after the Employee receives an invoice for such expenses, and the Company shall pay the reimbursement amount within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice, subject to Section 10A.

 

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6. No Mitigation . The Employee shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for herein be reduced by any compensation earned by other employment or otherwise.

7. Nonexclusivity of Rights . Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Employee’s continuing or future participation in or rights under any benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company, or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and for which the Employee may qualify, except as provided in this Agreement.

8. No Set Off . The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Employee or others.

9. Taxation .

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Employee is a “specified employee” (determined in accordance with Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2)) as of the date of Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to death), then (i) any such payment, benefit or entitlement (the “Postponed Benefit”) that is payable during the first six months following the date of Separation from Service shall be paid or provided to the Employee, together with accrued interest as described in Section 5, in a lump sum cash payment to be made on the earlier of (a) the Employee’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) of the seventh calendar month immediately following the month in which the date of Separation from Service occurs (the “Postponement Period”); and (ii) an amount equal to the Postponed Benefit plus an estimate of the interest to be paid shall be deposited, as of the date the Postponed Benefit would have been paid but for this section, in a trust in the form of the model grantor trust contained in IRS Revenue Procedure 92-64, which trust is incorporated by reference. If the Employee dies during the Postponement Period prior to the payment of benefits, the amounts withheld on account of Section 409A of the Code, with accrued interest as described in Section 5 below, shall be paid to the personal representative of the Employee’s estate within sixty (60) days after the date of the Employee’s death. Payments under this Agreement shall be made by mail to the last address provided for notices to the Employee pursuant to Section 16 of this Agreement. Further notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall attempt in good faith not to take any action, or refrain from taking any action that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon the Employee under 409A. The parties acknowledge that the requirements of 409A are ambiguous in certain respects. If the Company has acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section 9, it will not be responsible for any consequences of failure to comply with 409A.

 

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(b) All payments under this Agreement shall be subject to all requirements of the law with regard to tax withholding and reporting and filing requirements, and the Company shall use its best efforts to satisfy promptly all such requirements.

10. Additional Payment .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) below, in the event that it shall be determined that any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of the Employee, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, the Company shall pay to the Employee an additional amount (the “Additional Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Employee after deduction of any Excise Tax and Expenses (as defined below), and any federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax and Expenses imposed upon the Additional Payment, shall be equal to the Payment. The term “Excise Tax and Expenses” means the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided the Company complies with Section 9, the Additional Payment shall not include any taxes imposed under Code Sections 409A(a)(1)(B) and 409A(b)(5).

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Gross Up Payment described in subsection (a) shall not be paid to the Employee if the aggregate Parachute Value (as defined below) of all Payments does not exceed one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Safe Harbor Amount (as defined below). The “Parachute Value” of a Payment is the present value as of the date of the Change of Control of the portion of the Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, as determined by the Accounting Firm (as defined below) in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code. The “Safe Harbor Amount” is the maximum dollar amount of payments in the nature of compensation that are contingent on a Change of Control (as described in Section 280G of the Code) and that may be paid or distributed to the Employee without imposition of the Excise Tax.

(c) In the event that the Company does not pay a Gross Up Payment as a result of subsection (b), the aggregate present value of the Payments under the Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be an amount express in present value which maximizes the aggregate present value of Payments under this Agreement without causing any Payment under this Agreement to be subject to the Excise Tax, determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code. Any required reduction in the Payments pursuant to the foregoing shall be accomplished first by reducing the lump sum severance payment payable pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) of the Agreement, then (to the extent reduction of the Section 3(a)(i) payment is not adequate) by reducing the additional Nonqualified Pension Plan accrued benefit provided pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii), and finally by reducing (to the extent reduction of the Section 3(a)(i) and 3(a)(ii) amounts is not adequate) by reducing the additional NQ CRISP credit provided pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv).

(d) All determinations to be made under this Section 10 shall be made by an independent registered public accounting firm selected by the Company immediately prior to the

 

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Change of Control (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide its determinations and any supporting calculations both to the Company and the Employee within ten (10) days of the Change of Control. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Employee.

(e) The Company shall pay the applicable Additional Payment as and when the Excise Tax and Expenses are incurred on a Payment, subject to Section 10A. The Additional Payment shall be paid in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. If the amount of an Additional Payment cannot be fully determined by the date on which the applicable portion of the Payment becomes subject to the Excise Tax and Expenses (“Payment Date”), the Company shall pay to the Employee by the Payment Date an estimate of such Additional Payment, as determined by the Accounting Firm, and the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee shall pay to the Company) any difference between the estimated payment and the actual Additional Payment due hereunder (if any) as soon as the amount can be determined, but in no event later than twenty (20) days before Employee is obligated to remit the Excise Tax and Expenses.

(f) All of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in performing the determinations referred to in this Section shall be borne solely by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Accounting Firm of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section, except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Accounting Firm.

10A. Reimbursements . Any reimbursements, or gross-ups or in-kind benefits to be provided pursuant to this Agreement (including but not limited to Sections 3(a)(v), 5(b) and 10) that are taxable to Employee shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) each reimbursement or gross-up must be paid no later than the last day of the Employee’s tax year following the Employee’s tax year during which the expense was incurred or tax was remitted, as the case may be; (b) the amount of expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits or gross-ups provided, during a tax year of the Employee may not affect the expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits or gross-ups to be provided, in any other tax year of the Employee; (c) the period during which any reimbursement or gross-up may be paid or in-kind benefit may be provided is the later of ten years after termination of this Agreement or in the case of reimbursements or gross-ups related to any Excise Tax and Expense, the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation for the collection of such Excise Tax and Expense; and (d) the right to reimbursement, gross-up or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

11. Term . This Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and, unless there is a Change of Control, shall continue until the earliest of (a) the Employee’s termination of employment as a full-time employee of the Company, (b) the date the Employee enters into a written separation agreement with the Company; or (c) the date when this Agreement is terminated by the Company in accordance with the next sentence. If a Change of Control has not occurred, then the Company shall have the right at any time to terminate this Agreement by giving the Employee six (6) months prior written notice of termination of this Agreement. If a Change of Control occurs at any time prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant to the preceding, this Agreement shall terminate on the third anniversary of such Change of Control.

 

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12. Confidentiality . The Employee acknowledges that during the Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates, the Employee will acquire, be exposed to and have access to, non-public material, data and information of the Company and its Affiliates and/or their customers or clients that is confidential, proprietary, and/or a trade secret (“Confidential Information”). At all times, both during and after the Term, the Employee shall keep and retain in confidence and shall not disclose, except as required and authorized in the course of the Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates, to any person, firm or corporation, or use for his or her own purposes, any Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, such Confidential Information shall include, but shall not be limited to: sales methods, information concerning principals or customers, advertising methods, financial affairs or methods of procurement, marketing and business plans, strategies (including risk strategies), projections, business opportunities, inventions, designs, drawings, research and development plans, client lists, sales and cost information and financial results and performance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” shall not include any information known generally to the public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Employee or by the Company or its Affiliates). The Employee acknowledges that the obligations pertaining to the confidentiality and non-disclosure of Confidential Information shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years after the Employee’s Separation from Service, or until the Company or its Affiliates has released any such information into the public domain, in which case the Employee’s obligation hereunder shall cease with respect only to such information so released into the public domain. The Employee’s obligation under this Section 12 shall survive any Separation from Service. If the Employee receives a subpoena or other judicial process requiring that he or she produce, provide or testify about Confidential Information, the Employee shall notify the Company and cooperate fully with the Company in resisting disclosure of the Confidential Information. The Employee acknowledges that the Company has the right either in the name of the Employee or in its own name to oppose or move to quash any subpoena or other legal process directed to the Employee regarding Confidential Information.

13. Incentive Payments Upon Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control that qualifies under 409A as a “change in ownership,” “change in effective control” or “change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets,” in each case with respect to the Company, the Company may, at the Board’s, or the Human Resources Committee’s, as the case may be, sole and absolute discretion, pay the Employee all or a portion of the Employee’s Short and/or Long Term Incentive for the Company fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs. The amounts paid may be based upon (a) a proration of the Employee’s target incentives for the fiscal year, (b) a proration of the projected incentives at the time of the Change of Control, or (c) a pro rata amount computed at the end of the fiscal year. Any proration shall be based upon the number of completed months elapsed in the fiscal year since the Change of Control.

14. Successor Company . The Company shall require any successor or successors (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Employee, to acknowledge expressly that this Agreement is binding upon and enforceable against the Company in accordance with the terms hereof, and to become jointly and severally

 

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obligated with the Company to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or successions had taken place. Failure of the Company to notify the Employee in writing as to such successorship, to provide the Employee the opportunity to review and agree to the successor’s assumption of this Agreement or to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the Company shall mean the Company as defined above and any such successor or successors to its business or assets, jointly and severally.

15. Notice . All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder or necessary or convenient in connection herewith shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by overnight express courier service, as follows:

If to the Company, to:

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, NE 68102-5094

Attention: Corporate Secretary

If to the Employee, to the most recent address provided by the Employee to the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate for payroll purposes, or to such other address as the Company or the Employee, as the case may be, shall designate by notice to the other party hereto in the manner specified in this Section; provided, however, that if no such notice is given by the Company following a Change of Control, notice at the last address of the Company or any successor pursuant to Section 14 shall be deemed sufficient for the purposes hereof. Any such notice shall be deemed delivered and effective when received in the case of personal delivery, five (5) days after deposit, postage prepaid, with the U.S. Postal Service in the case of registered or certified mail, or on the next business day in the case of overnight express courier service.

16. Contents of Agreement; Amendment . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof (including without limitation the Change of Control Agreement in effect between the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate and the Employee) and sets forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement cannot be amended except pursuant to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors and a written amendment executed by the Employee and the Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors. The provisions of this Agreement may require a variance from the terms and conditions of certain compensation or bonus plans under circumstances where such plans would not provide for payment thereof in order to obtain the maximum benefits for the Employee. The parties intend that the provisions of this Agreement shall supersede any provisions to the contrary in such plans, and such plans shall be deemed to have been amended to correspond with this Agreement without further action by the Company or the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

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17. No Right to Continued Employment . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as giving the Employee any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any conflict of laws provisions.

19. Successors and Assigns . All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto, except that the duties and responsibilities of the Employee and the Company hereunder shall not be assignable in whole or in part.

20. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof to anyone or under any circumstances shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid or unenforceable provision or application.

21. Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver . No right conferred upon the Employee by this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and each and every such right or remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to any other right or remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. No delay or omission by the Employee in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder or existing at law or in equity shall be construed as a waiver thereof.

22. Miscellaneous . All Section headings are for convenience only. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is an original. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other counterparts.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

EMPLOYEE:

  CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

 

 

 

[NAME]

 

[NAME]

 

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EXHIBIT A

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS

In consideration of, and subject to, the payment to be made to me by                              (the “Employer”) of the payments and benefits provided by Change of Control Agreement, dated as of                              , entered into between me and the Company (the “Agreement”), I hereby waive any claims I may have for employment or re-employment by the Employer or any parent or subsidiary of the Employer after the date hereof, and I further agree to and do release and forever discharge the Employer and any parent or subsidiary of the Employer, and their respective past and present officers, directors, shareholders, insurers, employees and agents from any and all claims and causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of or relating to my employment with the Employer or any parent or subsidiary of the Employer, or the termination thereof, including, but not limited to, wrongful discharge, breach of contract, tort, fraud, the Civil Rights Acts, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, or any other federal, state or local legislation or common law relating to employment or discrimination in employment or otherwise.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision hereof, nothing in this Waiver and Release of Claims shall adversely affect (i) my rights to payment and benefits under the Agreement; (ii) my rights to benefits other than severance payments or benefits under plans, programs and arrangements of the Employer or any parent or subsidiary of the Employer; or (iii) my rights to indemnification under any indemnification agreement, applicable law or the certificates of incorporation or bylaws of the Employer or any parent or subsidiary of the Employer, (iv) my rights under any director’s and officers’ liability insurance policy covering me, (v) my workers compensation rights, or (vi) my unemployment insurance rights.

I acknowledge that I have signed this Waiver and Release of Claims voluntarily, knowingly, of my own free will and without reservation or duress, and that no promises or representations have been made to me by any person to induce me to do so other than the promise of payment set forth in the first paragraph above and the Employer’s acknowledgment of my rights reserved under the second paragraph above.

I understand that this release will be deemed to be an application for benefits under the Agreement and that my entitlement thereto shall be governed by the terms and conditions of the Agreement and any applicable plan. I expressly hereby consent to such terms and conditions.

I acknowledge that I have been given not less than forty-five (45) days to review and consider this Waiver and Release of Claims (unless I have signed a written waiver of such review and consideration period), and that I have had the opportunity to consult with an attorney or other advisor of my choice and have been advised by the Company to do so if I choose. I may revoke this Waiver and Release of Claims seven (7) days or less after its execution by providing written notice to the Employer.

I acknowledge that it is my intention and the intention of the Employer in executing this Waiver and Release of Claims that the same shall be effective as a bar to each and every claim, demand

 

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and cause of action hereinabove specified. In furtherance of this intention, I hereby expressly waive any and all rights and benefits conferred upon me by the provisions of SECTION 1542 OF THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE, to the extent applicable to me, and expressly I consent that this Waiver and Release of Claims shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including as well those related to unknown and unsuspected claims, demands and causes of action, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims, demands and causes of action hereinabove specified. SECTION 1542 provides:

“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”

I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different from those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Waiver and Release of Claims and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Waiver and Release of Claims, may have materially affected this settlement.

Finally, I acknowledge that I have read this Waiver and Release of Claims and understand all of its terms.

 

 

 
Signature of Employee  

 

 

Printed Name

 

 

 

Date Signed

 

 

176

Exhibit 10.15

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement is made by and between ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and Gary M. Rodkin (“Executive”), the 25 th day of September, 2008, but effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “Agreement Date”).

The Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) and Executive desire to restate the August 31, 2005 Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive to comply with Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 409A (“409A”) and to make certain other changes. In order to accomplish this objective, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

 

1. Term of Employment . Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement shall continue in accordance with the terms hereof until a termination of Executive’s employment.

 

2. Position and Duties .

 

  2.1 Position . Executive is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive shall have the customary powers, responsibilities and authorities of such position in corporations of the size, type and nature of the Company and as provided in the Company’s by-laws. Executive’s office shall be located in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

  2.2 Duties . Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the performance of the duties outlined above. Executive may, consistent with his duties hereunder, engage in charitable and community affairs, manage his personal investments and, subject to the prior approval of the Board, serve on the board of directors of other companies.

 

3. Compensation .

 

  3.1 Base Salary . The Company shall pay Executive a Base Salary (“Base Salary”) at the rate of $1,000,000 per annum. The Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the Company. Executive’s rate of Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible increases by the Board at least annually, and any such increased amount shall become the Base Salary hereunder.

 

  3.2 Annual Incentive Bonus . Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus under the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan (“Annual Bonus Plan”), or any successor plan subsequently available to senior executive officers. Executive’s target bonus opportunity under the Annual Bonus Plan shall not be less than 200% of Executive’s Base Salary. The performance goals with respect to such target bonus opportunity shall be established annually by the Human Resources Committee of the Board on a basis consistent with the establishment of such performance goals for other senior executive officers of the Company.

 

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  3.3 Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plans . Executive shall participate in the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan, 2006 Stock Plan, 2006 Performance Share Plan, 2008 Performance Share Plan and any other or successor incentive plan available from time to time to senior executive officers at levels determined by the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors and commensurate with Executive’s position. Each such Plan, together with the Company’s Long-Term Senior Management Incentive Program and any other equity-based or other incentive program under which Executive has received or receives long-term awards, are collectively referred to as the “LTSMIP”.

 

4. Other Benefits

 

  4.1 Employee Benefit Plans . The Company shall provide Executive and his eligible dependents with coverage under all employee benefit programs, plans and practices, in accordance with the terms thereof, which the Company makes available to senior executive officers (including qualified and non-qualified plans) in accordance with Company policies. This will include vacation benefits pursuant to standard Company vacation policy, but not less than four weeks per calendar year.

 

  4.2

Non-Qualified Plans . The Executive will participate in the Company’s Non-Qualified Pension Plan (the “Non-Qualified Plan”) and Non-Qualified CRISP Plan (“Non-Qualified CRISP Plan”). For purposes of the Non-Qualified Plan, except as set forth below, (i) years of service for purposes of calculating benefits will be credited at a three-for-one rate until Executive has service credit of thirty years, (ii) annual pensionable earnings shall be no less than $3,000,000, and (iii) Executive’s benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan shall be determined using the prior benefit formula as in effect under the qualified pension plan during 2004 (described as Option (A) in the Company’s August 2008 Proxy Statement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in the event of voluntary termination or retirement prior to attainment of age 60, a crediting rate of two-for-one shall apply in lieu of the three-for-one rate, (y) the Board must approve a voluntary termination or retirement before August 31, 2010 and, in the event of such termination or retirement without approval by the Board, the Executive will not be entitled to any benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan or the Non-Qualified CRISP Plan, and (z) the amount of benefit payable under the Non-Qualified Plan shall be subject to offset for the accrued benefit as of August 31, 2005 payable to Executive under all Pepsi supplemental pension retirement plans commencing, in the case of benefits grandfathered from 409A application, on May 1, 2017 in the form of a monthly joint and 50% survivor annuity benefit, and commencing, in the case of benefits that are not grandfathered from 409A application, on June 1, 2009 in the form of a monthly joint and 50% survivor annuity benefit. Such offset shall be determined by converting benefits under both such plans to lump sum equivalent values based upon the actuarial assumptions and methods which

 

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the Company uses for purposes for determining the lump sum benefit payments under the Non-Qualified Plan. In the event of termination for “Cause”, the Executive will not be entitled to any benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan or the Non-Qualified CRISP Plan.

 

  4.3 Directors and Officers Liability Coverage . Executive shall be entitled to the same coverage under the Company’s directors and officers liability insurance policies as is available to senior executive officers and directors with the Company. In any event, the Company shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, from and against all costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred or sustained in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive or his legal representatives may be made a party by reason of Executive’s being or having been a director or officer of the company or any of its affiliates or employee benefit plans. The provisions of this subparagraph shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive seeking indemnification may have under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors, or otherwise. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.

 

  4.4 Expenses . Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out his duties under this Agreement, including expenses for travel and similar items related to such duties. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all such expenses upon presentation by Executive from time to time of an itemized account of such expenditures. The Company will pay all reasonable professional fees and expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement.

 

  4.5 Reimbursement and In-Kind Benefit Rules . Any reimbursements, gross-ups or in-kind benefits to be provided pursuant to this Agreement (including but not limited to Sections 4.4, 4.7, and 9) that are taxable to Executive shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) each reimbursement or gross-up must be paid no later than the last day of the calendar year following the Employee’s tax year during which the expense was incurred or tax was remitted, as the case may be; and (b) the amount of expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits or gross-ups provided, during a tax year of the Employee may not affect the expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits or gross-ups to be provided, in any other tax year of the Employee; (c) the period during which any reimbursement or gross-up may be paid or in-kind benefit may be provided is the later of ten years after termination of this Agreement or in the case of reimbursements or gross-ups related to any Excise Tax and Expenses, the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation for the collection of such Excise Tax and Expenses; and (d) the right to reimbursement, gross-up or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

  4.6

Other Policies . The Company’s senior executive security policy will apply to Executive, including use of corporate aircraft and appropriate home security in

 

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Omaha. The Company acknowledges that the Company and Executive have entered into an Executive Time Sharing Agreement relating to Executive’s personal use of Company-provided aircraft.

 

  4.7 Change of Control Benefits . The Executive has entered into that certain Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement that is to become effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “CoC Agreement”). If the Company were to terminate the CoC Agreement, and if a “Change of Control” (as that term is defined in the CoC Agreement) were to thereafter occur, and if a separation from service described in Section 5.2 were to occur upon or within three years after such Change of Control then: (i) the sum of the severance benefit under Section 5.2(iii) of this Agreement and any other severance paid or provided to Executive shall be 2.99 times the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary, plus (2) the greater of (x) the highest annual cash bonus paid to Executive for the three (3) full fiscal years of the Company preceding the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs, or (y) two times Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs. Executive’s Base Salary for purposes of item (1) in the preceding sentence shall be Executive’s highest Base Salary as of or after the Change of Control, and (ii) Executive will be entitled to a “Tax Gross Up.” “Tax Gross Up” means an additional amount (the “Additional Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Executive after deduction of any Excise Tax and Expenses (as defined below), and any federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax and Expenses imposed upon the Additional Payment, shall be equal to the sum of the payments, distributions or benefits to be paid to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. The term “Excise Tax and Expenses” means the Excise Tax and Expenses imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such Excise Tax and Expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided the Company complies with Section 5.6, the Additional Payment shall not include any taxes imposed under Code Sections 409A(a)(1)(B) and 409A(b)(5).

All Tax Gross Up determinations shall be made by an independent registered public accounting firm selected by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide its determinations and any supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within ten (10) days of the Change of Control. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive.

The Company shall pay the applicable Additional Payment as and when the Excise Tax and Expenses is incurred, subject to Section 4.5. The Additional Payment shall be paid in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. If the amount of an Additional Payment cannot be fully determined by the date on which an amount becomes subject to the Excise Tax and Expenses (“Payment Date”), the Company shall pay to the Employee by the Payment Date an estimate of such Additional Payment, as determined by the Accounting Firm, and the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee shall pay to the Company) any difference between the estimated payment and the actual

 

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Additional Payment due hereunder (if any) as soon as the amount can be determined, but in no event later than twenty (20) days before Employee is obligated to remit the Excise Tax and Expenses.

All of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in performing the determinations referred to in this Section shall be borne solely by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Accounting Firm of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section, except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Accounting Firm.

 

  4.8 Stock Ownership . The Executive acknowledges and agrees to comply with the Company’s executive stock ownership guidelines as existing from time to time, and which currently prohibit Executive from selling any shares of Company common stock except (i) shares, the proceeds of which are used to pay taxes resulting from the vesting or exercise of options, and (ii) sales, so long as, immediately following such sale, Executive owns shares of Company common stock (as determined under the Company’s share ownership guidelines, as modified from time to time) with a value (as determined under the Company’s share ownership guidelines, as modified from time to time) in excess of six (6) times Executive’s annual Base Salary.

 

  4.9 Post-Retirement Benefits .

 

  (a) Upon termination of employment following August 31, 2010, or, if earlier, due to death or disability, or involuntary termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, Executive will be deemed eligible for early and normal retirement (“Retiree Eligible”) under all pension (other than qualified pension plans), welfare benefit, the LTSMIP and any other equity incentive plans and programs applicable to senior executives.

 

  (b) So long as Executive is Retiree Eligible, Executive (his wife and other covered dependents) shall be provided post-employment COBRA-equivalent medical coverage, at Executive’s after-tax expense, until each of Executive and his wife, respectively, attain age 65 (and other covered dependents otherwise would cease to be eligible for coverage). This benefit would follow any health benefit continuation coverage occurring in connection with severance-related benefits continuation described in Section 5.2 and would fill gaps in Company-provided retiree plan coverage.

 

5. Separation from Service . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason, and Executive may terminate his employment at any time with or without Good Reason, subject to the terms of this Section 5. For purposes of this Section 5, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a) “Cause” shall be limited to (i) action by Executive involving willful malfeasance in connection with his employment having a material adverse effect on the Company, (ii) substantial and continuing refusal by Executive in willful breach of this Agreement to perform the duties ordinarily performed by an executive occupying his position, which refusal has a material adverse effect on the Company, or (iii) Executive being convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state.

 

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  (b) “Good Reason” shall mean (i) the assignment to Executive of duties materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer, or any removal of Executive from, or failure to elect or reelect Executive to, the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (or to such other position as may be agreed to by Executive), except in any case in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, Permanent Disability, death, or voluntary termination by Executive without Good Reason, (ii) failure of the Board to nominate Executive for election to the Board, except in connection with termination for Cause, Permanent Disability, death, or voluntary termination by Executive without Good Reason, (iii) a reduction of Executive’s Base Salary or of the annual target bonus opportunity as in effect on the Agreement Date, (iv) any material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement, or (v) a requirement that Executive be based at any office or location other than Omaha, Nebraska.

 

  (c) “Permanent Disability” shall mean Executive is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

  (d) “Separation from Service”, “termination of employment” and similar references shall mean the date that Executive’s employment with the Company terminates under circumstances that constitute a separation from service within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Generally, Executive will incur a Separation from Service if the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (i)

Leaves of Absence . The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract (including but not limited to this Agreement). A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of

 

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absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that Executive will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and Executive does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

 

  (ii) Dual Status . Generally, if Executive performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, Executive must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a Separation from Service. However, if Executive provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A 1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether Executive has a Separation from Service as an employee for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  (iii)

Termination of Employment . Whether Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services Executive would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in clause (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in clause (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if Executive has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which Executive is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this clause (iii) Executive is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Executive would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect

 

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to such leave of absence. Periods during which Executive is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this clause (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

 

  (iv) Service with Related Companies . For purposes of determining whether a Separation from Service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies.

 

  (e) “Related Companies” shall mean: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) that includes the Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

 

  5.1 Termination Upon Death or Permanent Disability . In the event of a Separation from Service by reason of Executive’s death or Permanent Disability (i) all options and other awards granted in connection with the LTSMIP other than LTSMIP awards with respect to which vesting is determined based upon performance (including but not limited to performance share awards or options that vest based upon performance), shall become fully vested, and all vested options will be exercisable during the remainder of the term of such options, (ii) all deferred compensation (not including retirement benefits) shall be paid to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary in accordance with the terms of such deferred compensation (the items in (i) and (ii) above and (iv) below are collectively referred to as the “Accrued Benefits”), (iii) Executive and his dependents shall continue to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans to the extent provided in such plans with respect to the death or Permanent Disability of senior executive officers of the Company, (iv) Executive’s Base Salary shall be paid (subject to any applicable deferral election) through the month of Separation from Service, together with any accrued, but unused, vacation pay, and (v) Executive shall receive (subject to any applicable deferral election) a benefit under the Annual Bonus Plan, and the LTSMIP; in the case of the Annual Bonus Plan, the benefit will be pro rated based on completed days during the applicable fiscal year, and in the case of the LTSMIP the benefit will be prorated based upon fiscal years completed prior to death or disability; also, in the case of death, the benefit will be based on target, and in the case of disability the benefit will be based on actual performance for the performance period during which disability occurs as set forth in the applicable plan; and in all cases the benefits shall be paid at the time set forth in the applicable plan.

 

  5.2

Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason . If there is a Separation from Service initiated by the Company without Cause, or resulting from Executive initiating a Separation from Service with Good Reason, (i) Executive shall receive

 

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all Accrued Benefits, (ii) Executive’s pension benefit under the Non-Qualified Plan shall be based on the amount accrued to the date of termination, plus the additional amount that would have accrued during the next two years if Executive would have remained employed and received compensation described in clause (iii) below, such pension benefit to be paid in accordance with the Non-Qualified Plan, (iii) an amount of severance pay equal to two times Executive’s deemed annual cash compensation, which shall be (A) Executive’s Base Salary in effect as of the date of Separation from Service, multiplied by (B) 100% plus the target bonus opportunity percentage in effect for Annual Bonus Plan purposes for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007, (iv) Executive will be entitled to a pro rata annual bonus under the Annual Bonus Plan for the year of termination, based on actual performance and payable when bonuses are paid to other senior executives (but no later than two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year with respect to which such bonus is determined); and (v) Executive and his dependents shall be entitled to continued participation (at Executive’s after-tax expense for the entire cost of coverage to the extent necessary to avoid Executive recognizing taxable income related to such coverage under Internal Revenue Code Section 105(h)) in all health and welfare plans or programs that are exempt from 409A in which Executive and such dependents were participating on the date of the termination until the earlier of (a) the second anniversary of termination of employment, and (b) the date, or dates, Executive receives equivalent coverage and benefits under the plans and programs of a subsequent employer (such coverages and benefits to be determined on a coverage-by-coverage, or benefit-by-benefit basis); provided that, to the extent Executive is precluded from continuing participation in any such plan or program as provided in this Section or must pay the expense thereof, the Company shall pay to Executive an amount equal to the sum of (x) with respect to insured benefits, the present value (discounted using the then published 2-year Treasury rate) of the premiums expected for coverage or that would be paid by Executive if Executive were to continue coverage at his expense pursuant hereto, less any active employee portion of the premiums, plus (y) with respect to benefits not insured, the present value (discounted using the then published 2-year Treasury rate) of the expected gross cost per employee to the Company to provide such benefits less active employee contributions.

 

  5.3 Termination With Cause or Without Good Reason . If there is a Separation from Service initiated by the Company with Cause, or resulting from Executive voluntarily initiating a Separation from Service without Good Reason, then (i) Executive shall be paid the Base Salary through the month of termination, and (ii) Executive shall receive benefits, if any, under Company plans in accordance with the terms of such plans.

 

  5.4

Timing of Payments . Subject to Section 5.5 below, all cash payments required hereunder following death, Permanent Disability or any other Separation from Service shall be made within fifteen days following such Separation from Service; provided, that payments under the Annual Bonus Plan or the LTSMIP pursuant to Sections 5.1(vi) or 5.2(iv) shall be made following the end of the applicable fiscal

 

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year or other performance period at the same time as such payments are made to the Company’s other senior executive officers participating in such plans (but no later than two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year with respect to which such bonus is determined) and payments under the non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be made in accordance with the provisions of such plans.

 

  5.5 Six Month Wait . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a “specified employee” (determined in accordance with Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2)) as of the date of Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to death), then any payment, benefit or entitlement provided for in this Agreement that is payable during the first six months following the date of Separation from Service shall be paid or provided to the Executive in a lump sum cash payment to be made on the earlier of (a) the Executive’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) of the seventh calendar month immediately following the month in which the date of Separation from Service occurs. If any payment is delayed pursuant to this Section 5.5, the Company shall pay interest at the rate described below on the postponed payments from the date the payment would have been due but for this Section 5.5 to the date on which such amounts are paid. Interest shall be credited at an annual rate equal to the rate announced by Wells Fargo & Company (or its successor) as its “prime rate” as of the date the payment would have been due but for this Section 5.5, plus one percent (1%), compounded annually.

 

  5.6 Code Section 409A . It is intended by the Company and Executive that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. The parties acknowledge that 409A is ambiguous in certain respects. The Company agrees that it will attempt in good faith not to take any action, or refrain from taking any action, that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon the Executive under 409A. To the extent the Company has acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section, it will not be responsible for any consequences of failure to comply with 409A.

 

6. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information . Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, disclose any Company Confidential Information except (i) in the business of and for the benefit of the Company, while employed by the Company, or (ii) when required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, by any administrative body or legislative body. “Confidential Information” shall mean non-public information concerning the Company’s financial data, strategic business plans, product development and other proprietary information, except for items which have become publicly available information or are otherwise known to the public. Confidential Information does not include information the disclosure of which could not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business of the Company.

 

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7. Noncompetition/Non-Solicitation .

 

  (a) From the Agreement Date through a period ending one year following the termination of the employment of Executive with the Company for any reason (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not be an executive officer, board member, 5% or greater owner or partner, or employee of a food company with revenues over $1 billion.

 

  (b) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or through others, without the prior written consent of the Board (i) directly or indirectly recruit, hire, solicit or induce, or attempt to induce, any employee of the Company or its associated companies to terminate their employment with or otherwise cease their relationship with the Company or its associated companies, or (ii) solicit business or customers of the Company.

 

  (c) Executive agrees that any breach of the covenants contained in this Section 7, and the covenants contained in the preceding Section 6, will irreparably injure the Company, and accordingly the Company may, in addition to pursing any other remedies available at law or in equity, obtain an injunction against Executive from any court having jurisdiction over the matter, restraining any further violation of such provisions by Executive.

Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 7 are reasonable and valid in duration and scope and in all other respects. If any court determines that any provision of this Section is unenforceable because of duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the scope or duration of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable.

 

8. Offsets . In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 5.2 above or a Company breach of this Agreement, Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages nor shall the payments due Executive hereunder be reduced or offset by reason of any payments Executive may receive from any other source (except for the offset described in Section 4.2 relating to benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan and except for the offset described in Section 5.2 with respect to health and welfare plans and programs) or by any amounts owing by Executive to the Company.

 

9. Separability; Legal Fees . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect. In addition, the Company shall pay to Executive as incurred all legal and accounting fees and expenses incurred by Executive in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement or any other compensation-related plan, agreement or arrangement of the Company, unless Executive’s claim is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been frivolous.

 

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10. Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and the assigns and successors of the Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to hypothecation by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of intestate succession) or the Company, except that the Company shall assign this Agreement to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or substantially of the stock, assets or businesses of the Company.

 

11. Amendment . This Agreement may only be amended by mutual written agreement between the Company and Executive.

 

12. Notices . All notices or communications hereunder shall be in writing, addressed as follows:

 

To the Company:

   ConAgra Foods, Inc.
   One ConAgra Drive
   Omaha, Nebraska 68102
   Attn: Secretary

To Executive:

   At the address shown on the records of the Company

Any such notice or communication shall be sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as above (or to such other address as such party may designate in a notice duly delivered as described above), and the actual date of mailing shall determine the date at which notice was given.

 

13. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of Delaware without reference to such state’s rules relating to conflicts of law.

 

14.

Arbitration . Any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement or any breach shall be resolved by arbitration pursuant to this Section and the then current rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be held in Omaha, Nebraska before three arbitrators who are knowledgeable of employment law. If the parties cannot agree on the appointment, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, one by the Executive, and the third shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. The arbitrator’s decision and award shall be final and binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall not have the power to award punitive or exemplary damages. Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees associated with the arbitration and other costs and expenses of the arbitration shall be borne as provided by the rules of the American Arbitration Association; provided, however, that unless the arbitrators determine the position of the Executive was frivolous, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and arbitration

 

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expenses incurred in connection with the dispute. If any portion of this paragraph is held to be unenforceable, it shall be severed and shall not affect either the duty to arbitrate or any other part of this paragraph. The Company may seek interim injunctive relief to enforce restrictive covenants pending resolution of any arbitration.

 

15. Executive Representation . The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to or bound by, and the employment of the Executive by the Company or the Executive’s disclosure of any information to the Company or its use of such information will not violate or breach any employment, retainer, consulting, license, non-competition, non-disclosure, trade secrets or other agreement between the Executive and any other person, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or other entity.

 

16. Entire Agreement . This Agreement supersedes the November 7, 2005 Employment Agreement and any unwritten agreements or understandings by and between the Executive and the Company and any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees, attorneys, agents, or representatives, and, together with the agreements, plans and programs referred to herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, respecting the subject matter hereof and there are no representations, warranties or other commitments other than those expressed herein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any provision of any Company plan or agreement pursuant to which employee benefits are provided to Executive, including any stock option or other award agreement, the provision most favorable to Executive will control. Executive acknowledges that certain plans maintained by the Company must comply with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the terms and conditions of the plans (“Qualified Plans”). Nothing contained in this Agreement will require the Company to provide any benefit contrary to the terms and conditions of the Qualified Plans or in violation of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent any benefit to be provided hereunder to the Executive cannot be provided through a Qualified Plan, the Company will provide the benefit on a non-qualified basis.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the 25 th day of September, 2008, to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Ken Stinson

  Chairman, Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors
 

/s/ Gary M. Rodkin

  Gary M. Rodkin

 

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Exhibit 10.16

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement is made by and between ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. (“Executive”), the 25 th day of September, 2008, but effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “Agreement Date”).

The Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) and Executive desire to restate the November 7, 2005 Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive to comply with Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 409A (“409A”) and to make certain other changes. In order to accomplish this objective, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

1. Term of Employment . Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement shall continue in accordance with the terms hereof until a termination of Executive’s employment.

2. Position and Duties .

 

  2.1 Position . Executive is the Company’s Executive Vice President, External Affairs and President, Commercial Foods and Executive shall have the customary powers, responsibilities and authorities of such positions in corporations of the size, type and nature of the Company and as provided in the Company’s by-laws. Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Executive’s office shall be located in New York, New York.

 

  2.2 Duties . Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the performance of the duties outlined above. Executive may, consistent with his duties hereunder, engage in charitable and community affairs, manage his personal investments and serve on the board of directors of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and, subject to the prior approval of the CEO, on the board of directors of other companies.

3. Compensation .

 

  3.1 Base Salary . The Company shall pay Executive a Base Salary (“Base Salary”) at the rate of $675,000 per annum. The Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the Company. Executive’s rate of Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Board at least annually for possible increases as may be recommended by the CEO and any such increased amount shall become the Base Salary hereunder.

 

  3.2

Annual Incentive Bonus . Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus under the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan (“Annual Bonus Plan”), or any

 

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successor plan subsequently available to senior executive officers. Executive’s target bonus opportunity under the Annual Bonus Plan shall not be less than 100% of Executive’s Base Salary. The performance goals with respect to such target bonus opportunity shall be established annually by the Human Resources Committee of the Board based on such goals as may be recommended by the CEO and on a basis consistent with the establishment of such performance goals for other senior executive officers of the Company.

 

  3.3 Long Term Senior Management Incentive Plans . Executive shall participate in the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan, 2006 Stock Plan, 2006 Performance Share Plan, 2008 Performance Share Plan and any other or successor incentive plan available from time to time to senior executive officers at levels determined by the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors and commensurate with Executive’s position. Each such Plan, together with the Company’s Long-Term Senior Management Incentive Program and any other equity-based or other incentive program under which Executive has received or receives long-term awards, are collectively referred to as the “LTSMIP”.

4. Other Benefits

 

  4.1 Employee Benefit Plans . The Company shall provide Executive and his eligible dependents with coverage under all employee benefit programs, plans and practices, in accordance with the terms thereof, which the Company makes available to senior executive officers (including qualified and non-qualified plans) in accordance with Company policies. This will include vacation benefits pursuant to standard Company vacation policy, but not less than four weeks per calendar year.

 

  4.2 Non-Qualified Plans . The Executive will participate in the Company’s Non-Qualified Pension Plan (the “Non-Qualified Plan”) and Non-Qualified CRISP Plan (“Non-Qualified CRISP Plan”). For purposes of the Non-Qualified Plan, except as set forth below, years of service for purposes of calculating benefits will be credited at a three-for-one rate until Executive has service credit of thirty years, and Executive’s benefits thereunder shall be determined using the prior benefit formula as in effect under the qualified pension plan during 2004 (described as Option (A) in the Company’s August 2008 Proxy Statement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in the event of voluntary termination or retirement prior to attainment of age 60, a crediting rate of two-for-one shall apply in lieu of the three-for-one rate, and (y) the Board must approve a voluntary termination or retirement before November 7, 2010 and, in the event of such termination or retirement without approval by the Board, the Executive will not be entitled to any benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan or the Non-Qualified CRISP Plan. In the event of termination for “Cause”, the Executive will not be entitled to any benefits under the Non-Qualified Plan or the Non-Qualified CRISP Plan.

 

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  4.3 Directors and Officers Liability Coverage . Executive shall be entitled to the same coverage under the Company’s directors and officers liability insurance policies as is available to senior executive officers and directors with the Company. In any event, the Company shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, from and against all costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred or sustained in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive or his legal representatives may be made a party by reason of Executive’s being or having been a director or officer of the company or any of its affiliates or employee benefit plans. The provisions of this subparagraph shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Executive seeking indemnification may have under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors, or otherwise. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.

 

  4.4 Expenses . Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out his duties under this Agreement, including expenses for travel and similar items related to such duties. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all such expenses upon presentation by Executive from time to time of an itemized account of such expenditures. The Company will pay all reasonable professional fees and expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement.

 

  4.5 Reimbursement and In-Kind Benefit Rules . Any reimbursements, gross-ups or in-kind benefits to be provided pursuant to this Agreement (including but not limited to Sections 4.4, 4.7, and 9) that are taxable to Executive shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) each reimbursement or gross-up must be paid no later than the last day of the calendar year following the Employee’s tax year during which the expense was incurred or tax was remitted, as the case may be; and (b) the amount of expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits or gross-ups provided, during a tax year of the Employee may not affect the expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits or gross-ups to be provided, in any other tax year of the Employee; (c) the period during which any reimbursement or gross-up may be paid or in-kind benefit may be provided is the later of ten years after termination of this Agreement or in the case of reimbursements or gross-ups related to any Excise Tax and Expenses, the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation for the collection of such Excise Tax and Expenses; and (d) the right to reimbursement, gross-up or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

  4.6 Other Policies . To the extent applicable to the Company’s senior executive officers beyond the CEO, the Company’s policies relating to security and use of corporate aircraft will apply to Executive. The Company acknowledges that the Company and Executive have entered into an Executive Time Sharing Agreement relating to Executive’s personal use of Company-provided aircraft.

 

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  4.7 Change of Control Benefits . The Executive has entered into that certain Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement that is to become effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “CoC Agreement”). If the Company were to terminate the CoC Agreement, and if a “Change of Control” (as that term is defined in the CoC Agreement) were to thereafter occur, and if a separation from service described in Section 5.2 were to occur upon or within three years after such Change of Control then: (i) the sum of the severance benefit under Section 5.2(iii) of this Agreement and any other severance paid or provided to Executive shall be 2.99 times the sum of (1) Executive’s Base Salary, plus (2) the greater of (x) the highest annual cash bonus paid to Executive for the three (3) full fiscal years of the Company preceding the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs, or (y) Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs. Executive’s Base Salary for purposes of item (1) in the preceding sentence shall be Executive’s highest Base Salary as of or after the Change of Control, and (ii) Executive will be entitled to a “Tax Gross Up.” “Tax Gross Up” means an additional amount (the “Additional Payment”) such that the net amount retained by the Executive after deduction of any Excise Tax and Expenses (as defined below), and any federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax and Expenses imposed upon the Additional Payment, shall be equal to the sum of the payments, distributions or benefits to be paid to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. The term “Excise Tax and Expenses” means the Excise Tax and Expenses imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such Excise Tax and Expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided the Company complies with Section 5.6, the Additional Payment shall not include any taxes imposed under Code Sections 409A(a)(1)(B) and 409A(b)(5).

All Tax Gross Up determinations shall be made by an independent registered public accounting firm selected by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide its determinations and any supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within ten (10) days of the Change of Control. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive.

The Company shall pay the applicable Additional Payment as and when the Excise Tax and Expenses is incurred, subject to Section 4.5. The Additional Payment shall be paid in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. If the amount of an Additional Payment cannot be fully determined by the date on which an amount becomes subject to the Excise Tax and Expenses (“Payment Date”), the Company shall pay to the Employee by the Payment Date an estimate of such Additional Payment, as determined by the Accounting Firm, and the Company shall pay to the Employee (or the Employee shall pay to the Company) any difference between the estimated payment and the actual Additional Payment due hereunder (if any) as soon as the amount can be determined, but in no event later than twenty (20) days before Employee is obligated to remit the Excise Tax and Expenses.

 

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All of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in performing the determinations referred to in this Section shall be borne solely by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Accounting Firm of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section, except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Accounting Firm.

 

  4.8 Stock Ownership . The Executive acknowledges and agrees to comply with the Company’s executive stock ownership guidelines as existing from time to time, and which currently prohibit Executive from selling any shares of Company common stock except (i) shares, the proceeds of which are used to pay taxes resulting from the vesting or exercise of options, and (ii) sales, so long as, immediately following such sale, Executive owns shares of Company common stock (as determined under the Company’s share ownership guidelines, as modified from time to time) with a value (as determined under the Company’s share ownership guidelines, as modified from time to time) currently in excess of four (4) times Executive’s annual Base Salary.

 

  4.9 Post-Retirement Benefits .

 

  (a) Upon termination of employment following November 7, 2010, or, if earlier, due to death or disability, or involuntary termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, Executive will be deemed eligible for early and normal retirement (“Retiree Eligible”) under all pension (other than qualified pension plans), welfare benefit, the LTSMIP and any other equity incentive plans and programs applicable to senior executives.

 

  (b) So long as Executive is Retiree Eligible, Executive (his wife and other covered dependents) shall be provided post-employment COBRA-equivalent medical coverage, at Executive’s after-tax expense, until each of Executive and his wife, respectively, attain age 65 (and other covered dependents otherwise would cease to be eligible for coverage). This benefit would follow any health benefit continuation coverage occurring in connection with severance-related benefits continuation described in Section 5.2 and would fill gaps in Company-provided retiree plan coverage.

5. Separation from Service . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason, and Executive may terminate his employment at any time with or without Good Reason, subject to the terms of this Section 5. For purposes of this Section 5, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

  (a)

“Cause” shall be limited to (i) action by Executive involving willful malfeasance in connection with his employment having a material adverse effect on the Company, (ii) substantial and continuing refusal by Executive in willful breach of this Agreement to perform the duties ordinarily performed by an executive occupying his position, which

 

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refusal has a material adverse effect on the Company, or (iii) Executive being convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state.

 

  (b) “Good Reason” shall mean (i) the assignment to Executive of duties materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Executive Vice President, External Affairs and President, Commercial Foods, or any removal of Executive from, or failure to elect or reelect Executive to, the position of Executive Vice President, External Affairs or President, Commercial Foods of the Company (or to a position comparable to such positions or to such other position as may be agreed to by Executive), or a change in the Executive’s reporting relationship such that he no longer reports directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board, except in any case in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, Permanent Disability, death, or voluntary termination by Executive without Good Reason, (ii) a reduction of Executive’s Base Salary or of the annual target bonus opportunity as in effect on the Agreement Date, (iii) any material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement, or (iv) a change in the time the Executive is required to be at a particular office or location from such requirements as in effect immediately prior to the execution of this Restatement.

 

  (c) “Permanent Disability” shall mean Executive is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

  (d) “Separation from Service” , “termination of employment” and similar references shall mean the date that Executive’s employment with the Company terminates under circumstances that constitute a separation from service within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Generally, Executive will incur a Separation from Service if the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company, determined in accordance with the following:

 

  (i)

Leaves of Absence . The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or, if longer, so long as Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract (including but not limited to this Agreement). A leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that Executive will return to perform services for the Company. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and Executive does not retain a right

 

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to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six (6) month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months, where such impairment causes Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, a twenty nine (29) month period of absence shall be substituted for such six (6) month period.

 

  (ii) Dual Status . Generally, if Executive performs services both as an employee and an independent contractor, Executive must separate from service both as an employee, and as an independent contractor pursuant to standards set forth in Treasury Regulations, to be treated as having a Separation from Service. However, if Executive provides services to the Company as an employee and as a member of the Board, and if any plan in which such person participates as a Board member is not aggregated with this Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.409A 1(c)(2)(ii), then the services provided as a director are not taken into account in determining whether Executive has a Separation from Service as an employee for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  (iii) Termination of Employment . Whether Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Company and the Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services Executive would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor except as provided in clause (ii) above) would permanently decrease to no more than twenty (20) percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor, except as provided in clause (ii) above) over the immediately preceding thirty six (36) month period (or the full period of services to the Company if Executive has been providing services to the Company less than thirty six (36) months). For periods during which Executive is on a paid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment as described above, for purposes of this clause (iii) Executive is treated as providing bona fide services at a level equal to the level of services that the Executive would have been required to perform to receive the compensation paid with respect to such leave of absence. Periods during which Executive is on an unpaid bona fide leave of absence and has not otherwise terminated employment are disregarded for purposes of this clause (iii) (including for purposes of determining the applicable thirty six (36) month (or shorter) period).

 

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  (iv) Service with Related Companies . For purposes of determining whether a Separation from Service has occurred under the above provisions, the “Company” shall include the Company and all Related Companies.

 

  (e) “Related Companies” shall mean: (i) any corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) that includes the Company; and (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company. For purposes of applying Code §§ 414(b) and (c), 25% is substituted for the 80% ownership level.

 

  5.1 Termination Upon Death or Permanent Disability . In the event of a Separation from Service by reason of Executive’s death or Permanent Disability (i) all options and other awards granted in connection with the LTSMIP other than LTSMIP awards with respect to which vesting is determined based upon performance (including but not limited to performance share awards or options that vest based upon performance), shall become fully vested, and all vested options will be exercisable during the remainder of the term of such options, (ii) all deferred compensation (not including retirement benefits) shall be paid to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary in accordance with the terms of such deferred compensation (the items in (i) and (ii) above and (iv) below are collectively referred to as the “Accrued Benefits”), (iii) Executive and his dependents shall continue to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans to the extent provided in such plans with respect to the death or Permanent Disability of senior executive officers of the Company, (iv) Executive’s Base Salary shall be paid (subject to any applicable deferral election) through the month of Separation from Service, together with any accrued, but unused, vacation pay, and (v) Executive shall receive (subject to any applicable deferral election) a benefit under the Annual Bonus Plan, and the LTSMIP; in the case of the Annual Bonus Plan, the benefit will be pro rated based on completed days during the applicable fiscal year, and in the case of the LTSMIP the benefit will be prorated based upon fiscal years completed prior to death or disability; also, in the case of death, the benefit will be based on target, and in the case of disability the benefit will be based on actual performance for the performance period during which disability occurs as set forth in the applicable plan; and in all cases the benefits shall be paid at the time set forth in the applicable plan.

 

  5.2

Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason . If there is a Separation from Service initiated by the Company without Cause, or resulting from Executive initiating a Separation from Service with Good Reason, (i) Executive shall receive all Accrued Benefits, (ii) Executive’s pension benefit under the Non-Qualified Plan shall be based on the amount accrued to the date of termination, plus the additional amount that would have accrued during the next two years if Executive

 

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would have remained employed and received compensation described in clause (iii) below, such pension benefit to be paid in accordance with the Non-Qualified Plan, (iii) an amount of severance pay equal to two times Executive’s deemed annual cash compensation, which shall be (A) Executive’s Base Salary in effect as of the date of Separation from Service, multiplied by (B) 100% plus the target bonus opportunity percentage in effect for Annual Bonus Plan purposes for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007, (iv) Executive will be entitled to a pro rata annual bonus under the Annual Bonus Plan for the year of termination, based on actual performance and payable when bonuses are paid to other senior executives (but no later than two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year with respect to which such bonus is determined); and (v) Executive and his dependents shall be entitled to continued participation (at Executive’s after-tax expense for the entire cost of coverage to the extent necessary to avoid Executive recognizing taxable income related to such coverage under Internal Revenue Code Section 105(h)) in all health and welfare plans or programs that are exempt from 409A in which Executive and such dependents were participating on the date of the termination until the earlier of (a) the second anniversary of termination of employment, and (b) the date, or dates, Executive receives equivalent coverage and benefits under the plans and programs of a subsequent employer (such coverages and benefits to be determined on a coverage-by-coverage, or benefit-by-benefit basis); provided that, to the extent Executive is precluded from continuing participation in any such plan or program as provided in this Section or must pay the expense thereof, the Company shall pay to Executive an amount equal to the sum of (x) with respect to insured benefits, the present value (discounted using the then published 2-year Treasury rate) of the premiums expected for coverage or that would be paid by Executive if Executive were to continue coverage at his expense pursuant hereto, less any active employee portion of the premiums, plus (y) with respect to benefits not insured, the present value (discounted using the then published 2-year Treasury rate) of the expected gross cost per employee to the Company to provide such benefits less active employee contributions.

 

  5.3 Termination With Cause or Without Good Reason . If there is a Separation from Service initiated by the Company with Cause, or resulting from Executive voluntarily initiating a Separation from Service without Good Reason, then (i) Executive shall be paid the Base Salary through the month of termination, and (ii) Executive shall receive benefits, if any, under Company plans in accordance with the terms of such plans.

 

  5.4

Timing of Payments . Subject to Section 5.5 below, all cash payments required hereunder following death, Permanent Disability or any other Separation from Service shall be made within fifteen days following such Separation from Service; provided, that payments under the Annual Bonus Plan or the LTSMIP pursuant to Sections 5.1(vi) or 5.2(iv) shall be made following the end of the applicable fiscal year or other performance period at the same time as such payments are made to the Company’s other senior executive officers participating in such plans (but no later than two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year with respect to

 

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which such bonus is determined) and payments under the non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be made in accordance with the provisions of such plans.

 

  5.5 Six Month Wait . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a “specified employee” (determined in accordance with Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(2)) as of the date of Separation from Service (other than a Separation from Service due to death), then any payment, benefit or entitlement provided for in this Agreement that is payable during the first six months following the date of Separation from Service shall be paid or provided to the Executive in a lump sum cash payment to be made on the earlier of (a) the Executive’s death or (b) the first business day (or within 30 days after such first business day) of the seventh calendar month immediately following the month in which the date of Separation from Service occurs. If any payment is delayed pursuant to this Section 5.5, the Company shall pay interest at the rate described below on the postponed payments from the date the payment would have been due but for this Section 5.5 to the date on which such amounts are paid. Interest shall be credited at an annual rate equal to the rate announced by Wells Fargo & Company (or its successor) as its “prime rate” as of the date the payment would have been due but for this Section 5.5, plus one percent (1%), compounded annually.

 

  5.6 Code Section 409A . It is intended by the Company and Executive that all compensation and benefits payable or provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall fully comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations relating thereto so as not to subject Executive to the additional tax, interest or penalties which may be imposed under Section 409A. The parties acknowledge that 409A is ambiguous in certain respects. The Company agrees that it will attempt in good faith not to take any action, or refrain from taking any action, that would result in the imposition of tax, interest and/or penalties upon the Executive under 409A. To the extent the Company has acted or refrained from acting in good faith as required by this Section, it will not be responsible for any consequences of failure to comply with 409A.

6. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information . Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, disclose any Company Confidential Information except (i) in the business of and for the benefit of the Company, while employed by the Company, or (ii) when required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, by any administrative body or legislative body. “Confidential Information” shall mean non-public information concerning the Company’s financial data, strategic business plans, product development and other proprietary information, except for items which have become publicly available information or are otherwise known to the public. Confidential Information does not include information the disclosure of which could not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business of the Company.

 

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7. Noncompetition/Non-Solicitation .

 

  (a) From the Agreement Date through a period ending one year following the termination of the employment of Executive with the Company for any reason (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not be an executive officer, board member, 5% or greater owner or partner, or employee of a food company with revenues over $1 billion.

 

  (b) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not directly or through others, without the prior written consent of the Board (i) directly or indirectly recruit, hire, solicit or induce, or attempt to induce, any employee of the Company or its associated companies to terminate their employment with or otherwise cease their relationship with the Company or its associated companies, or (ii) solicit business or customers of the Company.

 

  (c) Executive agrees that any breach of the covenants contained in this Section 7, and the covenants contained in the preceding Section 6, will irreparably injure the Company, and accordingly the Company may, in addition to pursing any other remedies available at law or in equity, obtain an injunction against Executive from any court having jurisdiction over the matter, restraining any further violation of such provisions by Executive.

Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 7 are reasonable and valid in duration and scope and in all other respects. If any court determines that any provision of this Section is unenforceable because of duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the scope or duration of such provision, as the case may be, and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable.

8. Offsets . In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 5.2 above or a Company breach of this Agreement, Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages nor shall the payments due Executive hereunder be reduced or offset by reason of any payments Executive may receive from any other source or by any amounts owing by Executive to the Company.

9. Separability; Legal Fees . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect. In addition, the Company shall pay to Executive as incurred all legal and accounting fees and expenses incurred by Executive in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement or any other compensation-related plan, agreement or arrangement of the Company, unless Executive’s claim is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been frivolous.

10. Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs and representatives of Executive and the assigns and successors of the Company, but neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise subject to hypothecation by Executive (except by will or by operation of the laws of intestate succession) or the Company, except that the Company shall assign this Agreement to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or substantially of the stock, assets or businesses of the Company.

 

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11. Amendment . This Agreement may only be amended by mutual written agreement between the Company and Executive.

12. Notices . All notices or communications hereunder shall be in writing, addressed as follows:

 

To the Company:      ConAgra Foods, Inc.
     One ConAgra Drive
     Omaha, Nebraska 68102
     Attn: Secretary
To Executive:      At the address shown on the records of the Company

Any such notice or communication shall be sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as above (or to such other address as such party may designate in a notice duly delivered as described above), and the actual date of mailing shall determine the date at which notice was given.

13. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of Delaware without reference to such state’s rules relating to conflicts of law.

14. Arbitration . Any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement or any breach shall be resolved by arbitration pursuant to this Section and the then current rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be held in Omaha, Nebraska before three arbitrators who are knowledgeable of employment law. If the parties cannot agree on the appointment, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, one by the Executive, and the third shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. The arbitrator’s decision and award shall be final and binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall not have the power to award punitive or exemplary damages. Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees associated with the arbitration and other costs and expenses of the arbitration shall be borne as provided by the rules of the American Arbitration Association; provided, however, that unless the arbitrators determine the position of the Executive was frivolous, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and arbitration expenses incurred in connection with the dispute. If any portion of this paragraph is held to be unenforceable, it shall be severed and shall not affect either the duty to arbitrate or any other part of this paragraph. The Company may seek interim injunctive relief to enforce restrictive covenants pending resolution of any arbitration.

15. Executive Representation . The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to or bound by, and the employment of the Executive by the Company or the Executive’s disclosure of any information to the Company or its use of

 

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such information will not violate or breach any employment, retainer, consulting, license, non-competition, non-disclosure, trade secrets or other agreement between the Executive and any other person, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or other entity.

16. Entire Agreement . This Agreement supersedes the November 7, 2005 Employment Agreement and any unwritten agreements or understandings by and between the Executive and the Company and any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees, attorneys, agents, or representatives, and, together with the agreements, plans and programs referred to herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, respecting the subject matter hereof and there are no representations, warranties or other commitments other than those expressed herein. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any provision of any Company plan or agreement pursuant to which employee benefits are provided to Executive, including any stock option or other award agreement, the provision most favorable to Executive will control. Executive acknowledges that certain plans maintained by the Company must comply with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the terms and conditions of the plans (“Qualified Plans”). Nothing contained in this Agreement will require the Company to provide any benefit contrary to the terms and conditions of the Qualified Plans or in violation of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent any benefit to be provided hereunder to the Executive cannot be provided through a Qualified Plan, the Company will provide the benefit on a non-qualified basis.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the 25 th day of September, 2008, to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Gary M. Rodkin

  President and Chief Executive Officer
 

/s/ Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.

  Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.

 

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Exhibit 12

ConAgra Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

($ in millions)

 

     Twenty-six
weeks ended
November 23, 2008
 

Earnings:

  

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investment earnings

   $ 426.3  

Add/(deduct):

  

Fixed charges

     152.2  

Distributed income of equity method investees

     7.2  

Capitalized interest

     (2.4 )
        

Earnings available for fixed charges (a)

   $ 583.3  
        

Fixed charges:

  

Interest expense

   $ 127.2  

Capitalized interest

     2.4  

One third of rental expense (1)

     22.6  
        

Total fixed charges (b)

   $ 152.2  
        

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (a/b)

     3.8  

 

(1)

Considered to be representative of interest factor in rental expense.

 

203

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Gary M. Rodkin, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 23, 2008 of ConAgra Foods, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: December 31, 2008

/s/ GARY M. RODKIN

Gary M. Rodkin
Chief Executive Officer

 

204

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Andre J. Hawaux, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 23, 2008 of ConAgra Foods, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: December 31, 2008

/s/ ANDRE J. HAWAUX

Andre J. Hawaux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

205

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Gary M. Rodkin, Chief Executive Officer of ConAgra Foods, Inc., certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge that ConAgra Foods, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 23, 2008 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and that the information contained in such Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

 

December 31, 2008

/s/ GARY M. RODKIN

Gary M. Rodkin
Chief Executive Officer

I, Andre J. Hawaux, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ConAgra Foods, Inc., certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge that ConAgra Foods, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 23, 2008 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and that the information contained in such Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

 

December 31, 2008

/s/ ANDRE J. HAWAUX

Andre J. Hawaux
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to ConAgra Foods, Inc. and will be retained by ConAgra Foods, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

206