Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or “Lamb Weston”) is a leading global producer, distributor, and marketer of value-added frozen potato products and is headquartered in Eagle, Idaho. We have two reportable segments: North America and International.
Basis of Presentation
These Consolidated Financial Statements present the financial results of Lamb Weston for the fiscal years ended May 26, 2024, May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022 (“fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022”), and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (“U.S.”). The fiscal year of Lamb Weston ends the last Sunday in May. The fiscal years for the Consolidated Financial Statements presented consist of 52- week periods.
The financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Lamb Weston and all of our majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany investments, accounts, and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain amounts in the prior year period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
The equity method of accounting is applied for investments when the Company has significant influence over the investee’s operations, or when the investee is structured with separate capital accounts and our investment is considered more than minor. Our equity method investments are described in Note 12, Joint Venture Investments.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including but not limited to those related to the measurement of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the fair value at the acquisition date, provisions for income taxes, estimates of sales incentives and trade promotion allowances. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in these estimates will be reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Generally, we recognize revenue on a point-in-time basis when the customer takes title to the product and assumes the risks and rewards for the product. However, for customized products, which are products manufactured to customers’ unique specifications, we recognize revenue over time, utilizing an output method, which is generally as the products are produced. This is because once a customized product is manufactured pursuant to a purchase order, we have an enforceable right to payment for that product. Conversely, for non-customized products, revenue is generally recognized upon shipment. As a result, the timing of the receipt of a purchase order may create quarterly fluctuations.
The nature of our contracts varies based on the business, customer type, and region; however, in all instances it is our customary business practice to receive a valid order from the customer, in which each party’s rights and related payment terms are clearly identifiable. Our payment terms are consistent with industry standards and generally include early pay discounts. Amounts billed and due from customers are short-term in nature and are classified as receivables, since payments are unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payments are due. As of May 26, 2024, and May 28, 2023, we had $104.3 million and $146.9 million, respectively, of unbilled receivables for customized products for which we have accelerated the recognition of revenue and recorded the amounts in “Receivables” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally do not offer financing to our customers. We also do not provide a general right of return. However, customers may seek to return defective or non-conforming products. Following a customer return, we may offer
remedies, including cash refunds, credit towards future purchases, or product replacement. As a result, customers’ right of return and related refund or product liabilities are estimated and recorded as reductions in revenue.
We have contract terms that give rise to variable consideration including, but not limited to, discounts, coupons, rebates, and volume-based incentives. We estimate volume rebates based on the most likely amount method outlined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. We estimate early payment discounts and other customer trade incentives based principally on historical sales and coupon utilization and redemption rates, influenced by judgments about current market conditions such as competitive activity in specific product categories, which is consistent with the expected value method outlined in ASC 606. We have concluded that these methods result in the best estimate of the consideration we are entitled to from our customers. Because of the complexity of some of these trade promotions, however, the ultimate resolution may result in payments that are materially different from our estimates. As additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates. At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had $90.0 million and $86.1 million, respectively, of sales incentives and trade promotions payable recorded in “Accrued liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We have elected to present all sales taxes on a net basis, account for shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities, recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset we would recognize is one year or less, and not record interest income or interest expense when the difference in timing of control or transfer and customer payment is one year or less.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising and promotion expenses totaled $49.7 million, $34.4 million, and $18.9 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as the expenses are incurred.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $26.4 million, $17.2 million, and $16.2 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation expense resulting from all stock-based compensation transactions is measured and recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements based on the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Compensation expense is recognized over the period the employee or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award. See Note 8, Stock-Based Compensation, for additional information.
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits
Certain U.S. employees are covered by a defined benefit pension plan which is now frozen for all participants. We make pension plan contributions that are sufficient to fund our actuarial determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. From time to time, we may make discretionary contributions based on the funded status of the plans, tax deductibility, income from operations, and other factors. In fiscal 2024 and 2023, we made $6.1 million and $2.0 million of contributions to our qualified plan. We expect to make minimum required contributions in fiscal 2025 of $2.3 million to our qualified pension plan.
We also have a nonqualified defined benefit pension plan that provides unfunded supplemental retirement benefits to certain U.S. executives. This plan is closed to new participants and pension benefit accruals are frozen for active participants.
Our pension benefit obligations and post-retirement benefit obligations, and the related costs, are calculated using actuarial concepts. The measurement of such obligations and expenses requires that certain assumptions be made regarding several factors, most notably including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. We evaluate these assumptions on an annual basis. The funded status of our plans are based on company contributions, benefit payments, the plan asset investment return, the discount rate used to measure the liability, and expected participant longevity. The benefit obligations of the plans exceeded the assets by $10.0 million and $9.3 million for the pension plan and $3.8 million and
$4.3 million for the other post-retirement benefit plan for the years ended May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively. We recognize the unfunded status of these plans in “Other noncurrent liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we recognize changes in funded status in the year changes occur through the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Net periodic benefit costs were $0.8 million, $2.5 million, and $2.7 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Participants that do not actively participate in a pension plan are eligible to participate in defined contribution savings plans with employer matching provisions. Eligible U.S. employees participate in a contributory defined contribution plan (“the 401(k) Plan”), which permits participants to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Regardless of employee participation level, we generally provide a 3% contribution to the 401(k) Plan. In addition to this, we will generally match 100% of the first 6% of the participating employee’s contribution election to the 401(k) Plan. The Plan’s matching contributions have a five-year graded vesting with 20% vesting each year. We made employer contributions of $48.1 million, $38.7 million, and $30.5 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
We sponsor a non-qualified deferred compensation savings plan that permits eligible U.S. employees to continue to make deferrals and receive company matching contributions when their contributions to the 401(k) Plan are stopped due to limitations under U.S. tax law. In addition, we sponsor a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors that allow directors to defer their cash compensation and stock awards. Both deferred compensation plans are unfunded nonqualified defined contribution plans. Participant deferrals and company matching contributions (for the employee deferred compensation plan only) are not invested in separate trusts, but are paid directly from our general assets at the time benefits become due and payable. At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had $27.6 million and $22.6 million, respectively, of liabilities attributable to participation in our deferred compensation plans recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition are classified as cash and cash equivalents and stated at cost, which approximates market value. We maintain various banking relationships with high quality financial institutions, and we invest available cash in money market funds that are backed by U.S. Treasury securities and can be redeemed without notice.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount we expect to collect based on our past experience, as well as reliance on the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, which was enacted to help promote fair trade in the fruit and vegetable industry by establishing a code of fair business practices. The collectability of our accounts receivable is based upon a combination of factors. In circumstances where a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit sources), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to the Company to reduce the net recorded receivable to the amount that we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, reserves for bad debts are recognized based on forward-looking information to assess expected credit losses. If collection experience deteriorates, the estimate of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced. We periodically review our allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments to the valuation allowance are recorded as income or expense in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Trade accounts receivable balances that remain outstanding after we have used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value and include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Inventories are reduced to net realizable value after consideration of excess, obsolete, and unsaleable inventories based on quantities on hand and estimated future usage and sales. The majority of our finished goods inventories are held at third-party warehouses not owned or leased by the Company. The components of inventories were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26,
2024 | | May 28,
2023 |
| Raw materials and packaging | | $ | 178.7 | | | $ | 145.7 | |
| Finished goods | | 867.9 | | | 708.3 | |
| Supplies and other | | 92.0 | | | 78.0 | |
| Inventories | | $ | 1,138.6 | | | $ | 932.0 | |
Leased Assets
Leases consist of real property and machinery and equipment. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. Our leases may include options to extend or terminate. Options to extend are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option. Some leases have variable payments, however, because they are not based on an index or rate, they are not included in lease assets and liabilities. Variable payments for leases of land and buildings primarily relate to common area maintenance, insurance, taxes, and utilities. Variable payments for equipment, vehicles, and leases within supply agreements primarily relate to usage, repairs, and maintenance. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use an incremental borrowing rate to determine the initial present value of lease payments over the lease terms on a collateralized basis over a similar term, which is based on market and company specific information. Assets and liabilities related to leases having a lease term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition, we account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all of our leases. See Note 7, Leases, for more information.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Cost includes expenditures for major improvements and replacements and the amount of interest cost associated with significant capital additions. The amount of interest capitalized from construction in progress was $49.5 million, $17.5 million, and $6.0 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Construction in progress does not include deposits made on equipment, materials, and services yet to be received. As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, deposits for construction in progress were $52.6 million and $30.5 million, respectively, and were recorded in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26,
2024 | | May 28,
2023 |
| Land and land improvements | | $ | 186.2 | | | $ | 163.2 | |
| Buildings, machinery and equipment | | 4,708.8 | | | 3,576.6 | |
| Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other | | 127.7 | | | 112.0 | |
| Construction in progress | | 688.2 | | | 832.0 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, at cost | | 5,710.9 | | | 4,683.8 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | | (2,128.1) | | | (1,875.8) | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | | $ | 3,582.8 | | | $ | 2,808.0 | |
Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective classes of assets as follows:
| | | | | |
| Land improvements | 1-30 years |
| Buildings | 10-40 years |
| Machinery and equipment | 5-20 years |
| Furniture, fixtures, office equipment, and other | 3-15 years |
We recorded $278.2 million, $211.3 million, and $181.5 million of depreciation expense in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Below is a breakout between Cost of sales (“COS”) and Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for depreciation and amortization:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26,
2024 | | May 28,
2023 | | May 29,
2022 |
| Depreciation - COS | | $ | 266.1 | | | $ | 202.2 | | | $ | 174.1 | |
| Depreciation - SG&A | | 12.1 | | | 9.1 | | | 7.4 | |
| | $ | 278.2 | | | $ | 211.3 | | | $ | 181.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| Amortization - COS | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | 1.0 | |
| Amortization - SG&A | | 18.6 | | | 6.0 | | | 4.8 | |
| | $ | 19.6 | | | $ | 7.0 | | | $ | 5.8 | |
At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable were $292.0 million and $138.3 million, respectively.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
We review long-lived assets for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances which indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, measured by comparing their net book value to the undiscounted projected future cash flows generated by their use. Impaired assets are recorded at their estimated fair value.
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
We perform an annual impairment assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. We have an option to evaluate goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment of events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amounts, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is not required to be performed. The quantitative assessment requires us to estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a weighted approach based on discounted future cash flows, market multiples and transaction multiples. If the carrying amount of the reporting units is in excess of their estimated fair value, the reporting unit will record an impairment charge by the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful life. We perform a review of significant finite-lived identified intangible assets to determine whether facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. These reviews can be affected by various factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our forecasts for our products lines.
See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets, for additional information.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
When determining fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact, as well as assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are:
Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We evaluate security-specific market data when determining whether a market is active.
Level 2—Observable market-based 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 for the asset or liability reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
See Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information.
Foreign Currency
Most of our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using daily and monthly average exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of Consolidated Balance Sheets are recorded as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).”
Foreign currency transactions resulted in a loss of $10.6 million, a gain of $19.7 million, and a loss of $3.3 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Fiscal 2023 includes a $25.2 million foreign currency transaction gain related to actions taken to mitigate the effect of changes in currency rates on the purchase price of our former European joint venture, Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f. (“LW EMEA”). These amounts were recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivatives and other financial instruments to hedge a portion of our commodity and interest rate risks. We do not hold or issue derivatives and other financial instruments for trading purposes. Derivative instruments are reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values, unless the derivative instruments qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception (“NPNS”) under GAAP and such exception has been elected. If the NPNS exception is elected, the fair values of such contracts are not recognized. Changes in derivative instrument values are recognized in “Cost of sales” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We do not designate commodity derivatives to achieve hedge accounting treatment.
Income Taxes
We recognize current tax liabilities and assets based on an estimate of taxes payable or refundable in the current year for each of the jurisdictions in which we transact business. As part of the determination of our current tax liability, management exercises judgment in evaluating positions taken in the tax returns. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
We also recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences (e.g., the difference in book basis versus tax basis of fixed assets resulting from differing depreciation methods). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured to reflect new tax rates in the periods rate changes are enacted. If appropriate, we recognize valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be ultimately realized, based on our assessment of estimated future taxable income.
See Note 3, Income Taxes, for more information.
New and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. ASU 2023-07 is effective for our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending May 25, 2025, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures, particularly around rate reconciliations and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending May 24, 2026, on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
There were no other accounting pronouncements recently issued that had or are expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Numerator: | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 725.5 | | | $ | 1,008.9 | | | $ | 200.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| Denominator: | | | | | | |
| Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | | 144.9 | | 144.5 | | 145.5 |
| Add: Dilutive effect of employee incentive plans (a) | | 0.8 | | 0.7 | | 0.4 |
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | | 145.6 | | 145.2 | | 145.9 |
| | | | | | |
| Earnings per share: | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 5.01 | | | $ | 6.98 | | | $ | 1.38 | |
| Diluted | | $ | 4.98 | | | $ | 6.95 | | | $ | 1.38 | |
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(a)Potential dilutive shares of common stock from employee incentive plans are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and performance share awards. As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, an insignificant number of stock-based awards were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would be antidilutive. As of May 29, 2022, we did not have any stock-based awards that were antidilutive.
3. INCOME TAXES
Pre-tax income, inclusive of equity method investment earnings, consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| United States | | $ | 807.8 | | | $ | 794.2 | | | $ | 287.9 | |
| Non-U.S. | | 147.7 | | | 439.3 | | | (15.2) | |
| Total pre-tax income | | $ | 955.5 | | | $ | 1,233.5 | | | $ | 272.7 | |
The provision for income taxes included the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Current | | | | | | |
| U.S. federal | | $ | 140.5 | | | $ | 174.1 | | | $ | 45.4 | |
| State and local | | 36.1 | | | 25.8 | | | 9.5 | |
| Non-U.S. | | 54.8 | | | 24.3 | | | 3.4 | |
| Total current provision for taxes | | 231.4 | | | 224.2 | | | 58.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| Deferred | | | | | | |
| U.S. federal | | 27.7 | | | (12.6) | | | 10.0 | |
| State and local | | (14.6) | | | (0.4) | | | (1.9) | |
| Non-U.S. | | (14.5) | | | 13.4 | | | 5.4 | |
| Total deferred provision for taxes | | $ | (1.4) | | | $ | 0.4 | | | $ | 13.5 | |
| Total provision for taxes | | $ | 230.0 | | | $ | 224.6 | | | $ | 71.8 | |
A reconciliation of income tax expense using the 21% U.S. statutory tax rate on income from operations, including equity method earnings and before income taxes, compared with the actual provision for income taxes follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Provision computed at U.S. statutory rate | | $ | 200.7 | | | $ | 259.0 | | | $ | 57.3 | |
| Increase (decrease) in rate resulting from: | | | | | | |
| State and local taxes, net of federal benefit | | 20.1 | | | 21.2 | | | 6.4 | |
| Non-U.S. operations (a) | | 9.0 | | | (12.4) | | | (0.7) | |
| Consolidation of previously held equity interests (b) | | — | | | (43.1) | | | — | |
| Write-off of net investment in Russia (c) | | — | | | — | | | 13.2 | |
| Other | | 0.2 | | | (0.1) | | | (4.4) | |
| Total income tax expense | | $ | 230.0 | | | $ | 224.6 | | | $ | 71.8 | |
| Effective income tax rate (d) | | 24.1 | % | | 18.2 | % | | 26.3 | % |
_____________________________________________________
(a)We derive the effective tax rate detriment or (benefit) attributed to non-U.S. income taxed at different rates, including the impact of permanent items. The statutory tax rates range from 0% to 35%.
(b)In connection with the joint venture acquisitions discussed in Note 11, Acquisitions, we recorded a $43.1 million rate benefit based on a $425.8 million non-cash gain ($379.5 million after-tax) related to the remeasurement of our initial equity interests to fair value.
(c)In connection with LW EMEA’s withdrawal from Russia, we reflected a $13.2 million tax detriment as any loss realized upon the sale of shares of the Russian joint venture is a non-deductible permanent difference.
(d)The effective income tax rate is calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to pre-tax income, inclusive of equity method investment earnings. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2023 included the tax impact of the remeasurement of our initial 50% equity interests in LW EMEA and our joint venture in Argentina, Lamb Weston Alimentos Modernos S.A (“LWAMSA”), and other acquisition-related items. The fiscal 2023 and 2022 tax rates were both affected by mark-to-market adjustments associated with changes in natural gas and electricity derivatives as commodity markets in Europe experienced significant volatility. Fiscal 2022 also included taxes related to the write-off of our portion of LW EMEA’s net investment in its former joint venture in Russia. Excluding these items, our effective tax rate was 21.8% and 21.4% in fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Income Taxes Paid
Income taxes paid, net of refunds, were $188.8 million, $226.5 million, and $44.3 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | May 26, 2024 | | May 28, 2023 |
| (in millions) | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Assets | | Liabilities |
| Property, plant and equipment | | $ | — | | | $ | 322.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 285.1 | |
| Goodwill and other intangible assets | | 17.4 | | | — | | | 12.0 | | | — | |
| Compensation and benefit related liabilities | | 27.8 | | | — | | | 24.4 | | | — | |
| Net operating loss and credit carryforwards (a) | | 22.9 | | | — | | | 4.4 | | | — | |
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | 20.1 | | | — | | | 13.5 | | | — | |
| Inventory and inventory reserves | | 17.7 | | | — | | | 5.4 | | | — | |
| Lease obligations | | 31.4 | | | — | | | 34.4 | | | — | |
| Operating lease assets | | — | | | 28.9 | | | — | | | 32.2 | |
| R&D expenditures capitalization | | 21.4 | | | — | | | 22.0 | | | — | |
| Equity method investments | | — | | | 7.1 | | | — | | | 8.3 | |
| Derivatives | | 3.1 | | | — | | | 8.8 | | | — | |
| Other | | 7.9 | | | 6.0 | | | 8.3 | | | 6.9 | |
| | 169.7 | | | 364.6 | | | 133.2 | | | 332.5 | |
| Less: Valuation allowance (b) | | (53.1) | | | — | | | (49.5) | | | — | |
| Net deferred taxes (c) | | $ | 116.6 | | | $ | 364.6 | | | $ | 83.7 | | | $ | 332.5 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)At May 26, 2024, Lamb Weston had approximately $38.2 million of gross ($10.2 million after-tax) non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, of which $3.2 million (after-tax) will expire by fiscal 2030. The remaining $7.0 million (after-tax) non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards will not expire. Lamb Weston also had a state business credit carryforward of $14.6 million ($11.5 million net of federal benefit), which will expire by fiscal 2038, and a non-U.S. tax credit carryforward of $1.2 million, which will expire by fiscal 2033.
(b)The valuation allowance is predominantly related to non-amortizable intangibles. There was no impact on income tax expense related to changes in the valuation allowance, including net operating loss carryforwards, in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022.
(c)Deferred tax assets of $8.2 million and $3.3 million, as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, were presented in “Other assets.” Deferred tax liabilities of $256.2 million and $252.1 million as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, were presented in “Deferred income taxes” as "Long-term liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred tax asset and liability net position is determined by tax jurisdiction.
The FASB allows companies to adopt an accounting policy to either recognize deferred taxes for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) or treat them as a tax cost in the year incurred. We have elected to recognize the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, we have not provided deferred taxes on temporary differences that upon their reversal would affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period.
We have not established deferred income taxes on accumulated undistributed earnings and other basis differences for operations outside the U.S., as such earnings and basis differences are indefinitely reinvested. Determining the unrecognized deferred tax liability for these earnings is not practicable. Generally, no U.S. federal income taxes will be imposed on future distributions of non-U.S. earnings under the current law. However, distributions to the U.S. or other jurisdictions could be subject to withholding and other local taxes, and these taxes would not be material.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The aggregate changes in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 59.6 | | | $ | 40.4 | | | $ | 37.1 | |
| Decreases from positions established during prior fiscal years | (3.6) | | | — | | | — | |
| Increases from positions established during current and prior fiscal years (a) | 29.4 | | | 26.3 | | | 9.5 | |
| Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities | (0.5) | | | (4.9) | | | (1.0) | |
| Expiration of statute of limitations | (5.3) | | | (2.2) | | | (5.2) | |
| Ending balance (b) | $ | 79.6 | | | $ | 59.6 | | | $ | 40.4 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)In connection with the acquisition of LW EMEA during the year ended May 28, 2023, we recognized $8.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits with a corresponding increase to goodwill.
(b)If we were to prevail on the unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, it would result in a tax benefit of $69.0 million and $52.2 million, respectively, and a reduction in the effective tax rate. The ending balances exclude $15.3 million and $9.2 million of gross interest and penalties in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. We accrue interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense.
Lamb Weston conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries, states, and local jurisdictions. We do not have any significant open tax audits. Major jurisdictions where we conduct business generally have statutes of limitations ranging from three to five years. Statute of limitation expirations could reduce the uncertain tax positions by approximately $14 million during the next 12 months.
Although the timing of the resolutions and/or closures of audits is highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that certain U.S. federal, state, and non-U.S. tax audits may be concluded within the next 12 months. This process could increase or decrease the balance of our gross unrecognized tax benefits. The estimated impact on income tax expense and net income is not expected to be significant.
4. GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table presents changes in goodwill balances, by segment, for fiscal years 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | North America | | International | | Total |
| Balance at May 28, 2023 (a) | | $ | 722.4 | | | $ | 318.3 | | | $ | 1,040.7 | |
| Acquisitions | | — | | | 8.5 | | | 8.5 | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | | 6.4 | | | 4.3 | | | 10.7 | |
| Balance at May 26, 2024 | | $ | 728.8 | | | $ | 331.1 | | | $ | 1,059.9 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)As a result of our change in segments, effective May 29, 2023, goodwill was reassigned to the North America and International segments based on relative fair value using a market-based approach. Before and after the reassignment of our goodwill, we completed impairment assessments and concluded there were no indications of impairment in our segments. Please refer to Note 13, Segments, and our Current Report on Form 8-K, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2023 for further information regarding our segment structure.
Other identifiable intangible assets were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | May 26, 2024 | | May 28, 2023 |
| (in millions, except useful lives) | | Weighted
Average
Useful Life
(in years) | | Gross
Carrying
Amount | | Accumulated
Amortization | | Intangible
Assets, Net | | Weighted
Average
Useful Life
(in years) | | Gross
Carrying
Amount | | Accumulated
Amortization | | Intangible
Assets, Net |
| Non-amortizing intangible assets (a) | | n/a | | $ | 18.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 18.0 | | | n/a | | $ | 18.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 18.0 | |
| Amortizing intangible assets (b) | | 13 | | 123.6 | | | (36.7) | | | 86.9 | | | 14 | | 121.4 | | | (29.2) | | | 92.2 | |
| | | | $ | 141.6 | | | $ | (36.7) | | | $ | 104.9 | | | | | $ | 139.4 | | | $ | (29.2) | | | $ | 110.2 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Non-amortizing intangible assets represent brands and trademarks.
(b)Amortizing intangible assets are primarily comprised of licensing agreements, brands, and customer relationships. In addition, $227.9 million and $175.4 million of net developed technology at May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, is recorded as “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and will generally be amortized over seven years once implemented. Foreign intangible assets are affected by foreign currency translation.
Based on current intangibles subject to amortization, we expect intangible asset amortization expense, excluding developed technology, will be approximately $7.2 million in fiscal 2025, $7.3 million in fiscal 2026, $7.2 million in fiscal 2027, $7.2 million in fiscal 2028, and $7.0 million in fiscal 2029, and approximately $51.0 million thereafter.
Impairment Testing
During the annual goodwill impairment test we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Based on the results of the qualitative impairment test, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying value of our North America and International reporting units. Additionally, we completed our tests of our non-amortizing intangibles in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and there was no indication of intangible asset impairment.
5. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
The components of accrued liabilities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26,
2024 | | May 28,
2023 |
| Accrued trade promotions | | $ | 90.0 | | | $ | 86.1 | |
| Compensation and benefits | | 72.8 | | | 187.5 | |
| Dividends payable to shareholders | | 51.7 | | | 40.8 | |
| Accrued interest | | 31.7 | | | 31.1 | |
| Current portion of operating lease obligations | | 29.3 | | | 28.5 | |
| Taxes payable | | 24.8 | | | 21.2 | |
| Derivative liabilities and payables | | 24.6 | | | 53.9 | |
| Plant utilities and accruals | | 23.9 | | | 27.2 | |
| Other | | 58.8 | | | 33.5 | |
| Accrued liabilities | | $ | 407.6 | | | $ | 509.8 | |
6. DEBT AND FINANCING OBLIGATIONS
The components of our debt, including financing obligations, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26, 2024 | | May 28, 2023 |
| | Amount | | Interest Rate | | Amount | | Interest Rate |
| Short-term borrowings: | | | | | | | | |
| Global revolving credit facility | | $ | 291.3 | | | 6.580 | % | | $ | — | | | — | % |
| U.S. revolving credit facility | | — | | | 6.680 | | | — | | | 7.710 | |
| Euro revolving credit facility | | — | | | 4.790 | | | 149.2 | | | 4.230 | |
| Other credit facilities (a) | | 35.0 | | | | | 11.4 | | | |
| | 326.3 | | | | | 160.6 | | | |
| Long-term debt: | | | | | | | | |
| Term A-1 loan facility, due June 2026 (b) | | 228.8 | | | 7.240 | | | 243.8 | | | 5.210 | |
| Term A-2 loan facility, due April 2025 (b) (c) | | — | | | — | | | 280.3 | | | 5.380 | |
| Term A-3 loan facility, due January 2030 (b) | | 427.5 | | | 7.390 | | | 450.0 | | | 6.850 | |
| Term A-4 loan facility, due May 2029 (b) | | 325.0 | | | 6.540 | | | — | | | — | |
| RMB loan facility, due February 2027 | | 142.2 | | | 4.450 | | | 94.7 | | | 4.600 | |
| Euro term loan facility, due December 2024 (d) | | — | | | — | | | 80.4 | | | 2.010 | |
| Euro term loan facility, due May 2029 | | 216.9 | | | 5.080 | | | — | | | — | |
| 4.875% senior notes, due May 2028 | | 500.0 | | | 4.875 | | | 500.0 | | | 4.875 | |
| 4.125% senior notes, due January 2030 | | 970.0 | | | 4.125 | | | 970.0 | | | 4.125 | |
| 4.375% senior notes, due January 2032 | | 700.0 | | | 4.375 | | | 700.0 | | | 4.375 | |
| | 3,510.4 | | | | | 3,319.2 | | | |
| Financing obligations: | | | | | | | | |
| Lease financing obligations due on various dates through 2040 (e) | | 5.7 | | | | | 7.7 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total debt and financing obligations | | 3,842.4 | | | | | 3,487.5 | | | |
| Debt issuance costs and debt discounts (f) | | (19.0) | | | | | (25.3) | | | |
| Short-term borrowings, net of debt discounts | | (326.3) | | | | | (158.5) | | | |
| Current portion of long-term debt and financing obligations | | (56.4) | | | | | (55.3) | | | |
| Long-term debt and financing obligations, excluding current portion | | $ | 3,440.7 | | | | | $ | 3,248.4 | | | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)The Other credit facilities consist of various short-term facilities at one of our subsidiaries used for working capital needs and have various interest rates.
(b)The interest rates on the Term A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4 loans do not include anticipated patronage dividends. We have received and expect to continue receiving patronage dividends under all Term loan facilities.
(c)The Term A-2 loan facility was repaid in full in connection with our entry into the New Term Loan Credit Agreement discussed below.
(d)The Euro term loan facility, due December 2024 was repaid in full in connection with our entry into the Global Revolving Credit Agreement discussed below.
(e)The interest rates on our lease financing obligations ranged from 2.08% to 6.19% at May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023. For more information on our lease financing obligations, see Note 7, Leases.
(f)Excludes debt issuance costs of $4.9 million and $2.5 million as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, related to our Global Revolving Credit Facility, which are recorded in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, we recorded $4.5 million, $4.1 million, and $4.8 million, respectively, of amortization expense in “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Global Revolving Credit Facility
On May 3, 2024, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Global Revolving Credit Agreement”), which replaced our then-existing credit agreement, dated as of November 9, 2016 (as amended, the “U.S. Revolving Credit Agreement”). The U.S. Revolving Credit Agreement provided for, among other things, a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “U.S. Revolving Credit Facility”), including borrowings and letters of credit available in U.S. dollars and various foreign currencies. The Global Revolving Credit Agreement modified the U.S. Revolving Credit Agreement for the purpose of, among other things, (i) increasing the commitments under the Global Revolving Credit Facility to $1.5 billion, (ii) extending the maturity date of the Global Revolving Credit Facility from August 2026 to May 2029, and (iii) establishing a new €200.0 million term loan facility maturing May 2029 (the “New Euro Term Loan Facility”).
Borrowings under the Global Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to (i) an applicable rate described in the table below plus (ii)(a) for U.S. dollar denominated loans, Term SOFR, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or the Base Rate (each as defined in the Global Revolving Credit Agreement), and (b) for Alternative Currency denominated loans, the Alternative Currency Term Rate or the Alternative Currency Daily Rate (each as defined in the Global Revolving Credit Agreement). Borrowings under the New Euro Term Loan Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to (i) an applicable rate described in the table below plus (ii) the Alternative Currency Term Rate applicable to Euro denominated loans. The Global Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenant restrictions, a consolidated net leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio and customary events of default.
At May 26, 2024, we had $1,203.3 million of availability under the Global Revolving Credit Facility, which is net of outstanding letters of credit of $5.4 million.
Term Loan Facilities
On May 3, 2024, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “New Term Loan Credit Agreement”), which replaced our then-existing credit agreement, dated as of June 28, 2019 (as amended, the “Prior Term Loan Credit Agreement”). The Prior Term Loan Credit Agreement provided for, among other things, (i) a $300.0 million term loan facility due June 2026 (the “Term A-1 Loan Facility”), (ii) a $325.0 million term loan facility due April 2025 (the “Term A-2 Loan Facility”) and (iii) a $450.0 million term loan facility due January 2030 (the “Term A-3 Loan Facility”). The New Term Loan Credit Agreement modified the Prior Term Loan Credit Agreement for the purpose of, among other things, establishing an additional $325.0 million term loan facility due May 2029 (the “Term A-4 Loan Facility”). Borrowings under the Term A-4 Loan Facility were used in part to repay the Term A-2 Loan Facility in full. The Term A-1 Loan Facility and the Term A-3 Loan Facility both remain outstanding under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement.
Borrowings under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest, before anticipated patronage dividends, at a per annum rate equal to (i) an applicable rate described in the table below plus (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR, the Base Rate or, in the case of Term A-4 Loan Facility, the Fixed Rate (each as defined in the New Term Loan Credit Agreement). The New Term Loan Credit Agreement contains certain covenant restrictions, a consolidated net leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio and customary events of default.
RMB Loan Facility
On February 18, 2022, our wholly owned subsidiary, Ulanqab Lamb Weston Food Co., Ltd., entered into a facility agreement providing for a RMB 1,079.0 million (approximately $149.0 million based on prevailing exchange rates on May 26, 2024) term loan facility (the “RMB Loan Facility”). The RMB Loan Facility matures on February 25, 2027. The RMB Loan Facility contains covenants that are standard for credit facilities originated in the People’s Republic of China. Payment obligations under the RMB Loan Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Lamb Weston.
4.875% Senior Notes due 2028
In May 2020, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due May 15, 2028 (“2028 Notes”). Our obligations under the 2028 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the same subsidiaries as the Global Revolving Credit Facility. The 2028 Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our current and future senior indebtedness (including the 2030 and 2032 Notes), rank senior to all our current and future subordinated indebtedness and are subordinated to all of our current and future secured indebtedness (including all borrowings with respect to the Global Revolving Credit Facility and Term A-1, A-3, and A-4 Loan Facilities
to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness). Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture governing the 2028 Notes), we must offer to repurchase the 2028 Notes at 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
4.125% Senior Notes due 2030 and 4.375% Senior Notes due 2032
On November 8, 2021, we issued (i) $970.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior notes due January 31, 2030 (“2030 Notes”) and (ii) $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% senior notes due January 31, 2032 (“2032 Notes”) pursuant to indentures, each dated as of November 8, 2021 (together, the “Indentures”). Our obligations under the 2030 Notes and 2032 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the same subsidiaries as the Global Revolving Credit Facility.
The 2030 Notes and 2032 Notes are effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured debt, rank equally with all of our existing and future senior debt and rank senior to all of our existing and future subordinated debt. The guarantees of the 2030 Notes and 2032 Notes are effectively subordinated to all of the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, rank equally with all of their existing and future senior debt and rank senior to all of their existing and future subordinated debt. The 2030 Notes and 2032 Notes are structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of our non-guarantor subsidiaries.
Former Euro Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility
On May 3, 2024, in connection with our entry into the Global Revolving Credit Agreement, we terminated LW EMEA’s then-existing €400.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Euro Revolving Credit Facility”) and repaid LW EMEA’s then-existing €75.0 million term loan facility, due December 2024, in full.
Other Credit Facilities
At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, two of our subsidiaries had $58.3 million and $51.0 million, respectively, of availability under their overdraft line of credit facilities with financial institutions, with borrowings outstanding of $35.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively. We guarantee the full amount of one of our subsidiaries’ obligations to the financial institutions up to the maximum amount of borrowings under the credit facility.
Variable Rate Interest
Additional information regarding our variable rate debt modifiers is shown below:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reference Rate-Based Loans | | Base Rate-Based Loans |
| Global revolving credit facility (a) | 1.125 - 1.750% | | 0.125 - 0.750% |
| Term A-1 loan facility | 1.850 - 2.600% | | 0.850 - 1.600% |
| Term A-2 loan facility (b) | 1.850 - 2.600% | | 0.850 - 1.600% |
| Term A-3 loan facility | 2.000 - 2.750% | | 1.000 - 1.750% |
| Term A-4 loan facility (c) | 1.850 - 2.850% | | 0.850 - 1.850% |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Borrowings under the Global Revolving Credit Facility have the same margin whether loans are denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies.
(b)The Term A-2 Loan Facility was repaid in full in connection with our entry into the New Term Loan Credit Agreement.
(c)The Term A-4 Loan Facility is considered fixed-rate debt, however, the last year of its term under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement will be variable-rate based, as noted above.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reference Rate-Based Loans | | PRC Prime Rate-Based Loans |
| RMB loan facility, due February 2027 | N/A | | Prime + 0.300% |
| Euro term loan facility, due May 2029 | 1.125 - 1.750% | | N/A |
| Euro term loan facility, due December 2024 (a) | 0.400 - 1.100% | | N/A |
| Euro revolving credit facility (British Pound Loans) (b) | 1.250 - 2.100% | | N/A |
| Euro revolving credit facility (Other Loans) (b) | 1.050 - 1.900% | | N/A |
_____________________________________________________(a)The Euro term loan facility, due December 2024 was repaid in full in connection with our entry into the Global Revolving Credit Agreement.
(b)The Euro Revolving Credit Facility was terminated in connection with our entry into the Global Revolving Credit Agreement.
Debt Maturities
The aggregate minimum principal maturities of our long-term debt, including current portion, for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | Debt (a) |
| 2025 | | $ | 381.0 | |
| 2026 | | 65.8 | |
| 2027 | | 362.6 | |
| 2028 | | 538.8 | |
| 2029 | | 503.5 | |
| Thereafter | | 1,985.0 | |
| | $ | 3,836.7 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)See Note 7, Leases, for maturities of our lease financing obligations.
Other
During fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, we paid $191.3 million, $151.8 million, and $80.6 million, respectively, of interest on debt.
7. LEASES
We lease various real estate, including certain operating facilities, warehouses, office space, and land. We also lease material handling equipment, vehicles, and certain other equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to 16 years.
The components of total lease costs, net, consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Year Ended May (a) |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Operating lease costs | | $ | 38.5 | | | $ | 35.8 | | | $ | 33.9 | |
| Short-term and variable lease costs | | 15.6 | | | 10.4 | | | 7.8 | |
| Sublease income | | (4.7) | | | (5.0) | | | (4.9) | |
| Finance lease costs: | | | | | | |
| Amortization of lease assets | | 1.4 | | | 1.0 | | | 1.1 | |
| Interest on lease obligations | | 0.3 | | | 0.2 | | | 0.2 | |
| Total lease costs, net | | $ | 51.1 | | | $ | 42.4 | | | $ | 38.1 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Supply-chain-related lease costs are included in “Cost of sales,” and the remainder is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses,” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Interest on finance lease obligations is included in “Interest expense, net,” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Operating and finance leases, with initial terms greater than one year, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | Classification | | May 26,
2024 | | May 28,
2023 |
| Assets: | | | | | | |
| Operating lease assets | | Operating lease assets | | $ | 133.0 | | | $ | 146.1 | |
| Finance lease assets | | Property, plant and equipment, net (a) | | 3.9 | | | 3.8 | |
| Total leased assets | | | | $ | 136.9 | | | $ | 149.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| Liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Lease obligations due within one year: | | | | | | |
| Operating lease obligations | | Accrued liabilities | | $ | 29.3 | | | $ | 28.5 | |
| Finance lease obligations | | Current portion of long-term debt and financing obligations | | 1.5 | | | 1.5 | |
| Long-term lease obligations: | | | | | | |
| Operating lease obligations | | Other noncurrent liabilities | | 115.4 | | | 127.5 | |
| Finance lease obligations | | Long-term debt and financing obligations, excluding current portion | | 4.2 | | | 6.2 | |
| Total lease obligations | | | | $ | 150.4 | | | $ | 163.7 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Finance leases are net of accumulated amortization of $8.2 million and $6.8 million at May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively.
The maturities of our lease obligations for operating and finance leases at May 26, 2024 for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions, except for lease term and discount rate amounts) | | Operating
Leases | | Finance
Leases | | Total |
| 2025 | | $ | 33.4 | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 34.9 | |
| 2026 | | 26.7 | | | 1.4 | | | 28.1 | |
| 2027 | | 23.2 | | | 0.8 | | | 24.0 | |
| 2028 | | 22.1 | | | 0.3 | | | 22.4 | |
| 2029 | | 20.2 | | | 0.3 | | | 20.5 | |
| Thereafter | | 47.6 | | | 3.4 | | | 51.0 | |
| Total lease payments | | 173.2 | | | 7.7 | | | 180.9 | |
| Less: Interest | | (28.5) | | | (2.0) | | | (30.5) | |
| Present value of lease obligations | | $ | 144.7 | | | $ | 5.7 | | | $ | 150.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | | 6.7 | | 11.0 | | |
| Weighted-average discount rate | | 5.6% | | 3.7% | | |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease obligations: | | | | | | |
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | | $ | 29.8 | | | $ | 26.2 | | | $ | 29.1 | |
| Financing cash flows for finance leases | | 0.5 | | | 0.5 | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | | |
| Assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations | | 7.0 | | | 44.6 | | | 1.4 | |
| Assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations | | 0.4 | | | 0.5 | | | 0.5 | |
8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Compensation and Human Capital Committee (“the Committee”) of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) administers our stock compensation plan (“Stock Plan”). The Committee, in its discretion, authorizes grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards payable upon the attainment of specified performance goals (“Performance Shares”), dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards. At May 26, 2024, we had 10.0 million shares authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan, and 5.9 million were available for future grants.
RSUs and Performance Shares
We grant RSUs to eligible employees and non-employee directors. The employee RSUs generally vest over a three-year period following the grant date, while the non-employee director RSUs generally vest one year after the grant date. We estimate the fair value of the RSUs based upon the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the period the employee or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award.
Performance Shares are granted to certain executives and other key employees with vesting contingent upon meeting various Company-wide performance goals. Awards actually earned range from 0% to 200% of the targeted number of Performance Shares for each of the performance periods. Awards, if earned, will be paid in shares of our common stock. Subject to limited exceptions set forth in the Stock Plan, any shares earned will generally vest over a three-year period following the grant date. The value of these Performance Shares is adjusted based upon the market price of our common stock and the anticipated attainment of Company-wide performance goals at the end of each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the service period.
We have also granted Performance Shares with vesting contingent upon relative total shareholder return goals, and, under special circumstances, stock price growth goals. Awards actually earned range from 0% to 200%, in the case of awards contingent on total shareholder return goals, or 0% to 300%, in the case of awards contingent on stock price growth goals, of the targeted number of Performance Shares. These Performance Shares are equity-settled awards that vest over a three-year service period following the grant date, and the number of units that actually vest is determined based on the achievement of the performance criteria set forth in the respective award agreement. The awards are measured based on estimated fair value as of the date of grant determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, and are amortized over the service period.
The weighted average Monte Carlo assumptions for Performance Shares granted during the fiscal year ended May 26, 2024 were:
| | | | | |
| Assumptions |
| Expected volatility of stock (%) | 29.1% - 30.1% |
| Risk-free interest rate (%) | 4.46% - 4.76% |
| Expected life (years) | 2.54 - 2.84 |
| Weighted average grant date fair value per unit | $89.19 - $122.25 |
The following table summarizes RSU and Performance Shares activity for fiscal 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| RSUs | | Performance Shares |
| Shares | | Weighted-
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value | | Shares | | Weighted-
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value |
| Outstanding at May 28, 2023 | 981,043 | | $ | 68.22 | | | 444,644 | | $ | 80.74 | |
| Granted (a) | 377,162 | | 101.51 | | | 116,929 | | 103.65 | |
| Vested (b) | (334,342) | | 67.84 | | | (92,080) | | 63.53 | |
| Forfeited/expired/cancelled | (49,172) | | 81.70 | | | (28,431) | | 93.11 | |
| Outstanding at May 26, 2024 | 974,691 | | $ | 80.55 | | | 441,062 | | $ | 89.61 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Granted represents new grants and dividend equivalents accrued.
(b)The aggregate fair value of awards that vested in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $44.3 million, $20.8 million, and $22.4 million, respectively, which represents the market value of our common stock on the date that the RSUs and Performance Shares vested. The number of RSUs and Performance Shares vested includes shares of common stock that we withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. RSUs that are expected to vest are net of estimated future forfeitures.
Stock Options
Under some circumstances, we have granted options to employees and non-employee directors to purchase shares of our common stock at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the grant date. Options granted to employees generally become exercisable in three annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and have a maximum term of seven years. Options granted to non-employee directors generally vest one year after the grant date and have a term of ten years. During the fiscal year ended May 26, 2024, we granted an immaterial amount of stock options.
The following table summarizes stock option activity for fiscal 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
(per share) | | Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years) | | Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions) | |
| Outstanding at May 28, 2023 | 701,839 | | $ | 69.92 | | | 7.9 | | $ | 27.8 | | |
| Granted | 5,003 | | 81.25 | | | | | | |
| Exercised | (14,049) | | 56.89 | | | | | | |
| Forfeited/cancelled | (26,189) | | 79.66 | | | | | | |
| Outstanding at May 26, 2024 | 666,604 | | $ | 69.90 | | | 6.9 | | $ | 12.9 | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Exercisable at May 26, 2024 | 332,221 | | $ | 59.85 | | | 5.6 | | $ | 9.8 | | (a) |
_____________________________________________________
(a)The aggregate intrinsic values represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price on the last trading day of our fiscal 2024, or $89.21 as of May 26, 2024, and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their in-the-money options at the end of the fiscal year. The amount changes based on the fair market value of our common stock.
Compensation Expense
Our stock-based compensation expense is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Compensation expense for stock-based awards recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, net of forfeitures, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Stock-settled RSUs | | $ | 27.3 | | | $ | 20.1 | | | $ | 15.1 | |
| Performance Shares | | 14.9 | | | 14.2 | | | 6.2 | |
| Stock options | | 4.6 | | | 4.2 | | | — | |
| Stock-settled compensation expense | | 46.8 | | | 38.5 | | | 21.3 | |
| Income tax benefit (a) | | (7.5) | | | (7.1) | | | (3.9) | |
| Total compensation expense, net of tax benefit | | $ | 39.3 | | | $ | 31.4 | | | $ | 17.4 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Income tax benefit represents the marginal tax rate, excluding non-deductible compensation.
Based on estimates at May 26, 2024, total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions, except data in years) | | Unrecognized
Compensation
Expense | Remaining
Weighted
Average
Recognition
Period (in years) |
| Stock-settled RSUs | | $ | 38.5 | | 1.3 |
| Performance Shares | | 17.1 | | 1.5 |
| Stock options | | 5.1 | | 1.0 |
| Total unrecognized compensation expense | | $ | 60.7 | | |
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of May 26, 2024 |
| (in millions) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Fair Value
of Assets
(Liabilities) |
| Pension plan assets | | $ | 22.9 | | | $ | 0.1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 23.0 | |
| Derivative assets (a) | | — | | | 1.4 | | | — | | | 1.4 | |
| Derivative liabilities (a) | | — | | | (21.7) | | | — | | | (21.7) | |
| Deferred compensation liabilities (b) | | — | | | (27.6) | | | — | | | (27.6) | |
| Fair value, net | | $ | 22.9 | | | $ | (47.8) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (24.9) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of May 28, 2023 |
| (in millions) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Fair Value
of Assets
(Liabilities) |
| Pension plan assets | | $ | 15.7 | | | $ | 7.3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 23.0 | |
| Derivative assets (a) | | — | | | 3.0 | | | — | | | $ | 3.0 | |
| Derivative liabilities (a) | | — | | | (46.6) | | | — | | | (46.6) | |
| Deferred compensation liabilities (b) | | — | | | (22.6) | | | — | | | (22.6) | |
| Fair value, net | | $ | 15.7 | | | $ | (58.9) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (43.2) | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 primarily represent commodity swaps, option contracts, interest rate swaps and currency contracts. The fair values of our Level 2 derivative assets were determined using valuation models that use market observable inputs including both forward and spot prices for commodities and foreign currencies. Derivative assets are presented within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within “Accrued liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(b)The fair values of our Level 2 deferred compensation liabilities were valued using third-party valuations, which are based on the net asset values of mutual funds in our retirement plans. While the underlying assets are actively traded on an exchange, the funds are not. Deferred compensation liabilities are primarily presented within “Other noncurrent liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The fair values of cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.
Non-financial assets such as property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets are recorded at fair value only if an impairment is recognized. Cost and equity investments are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
At May 26, 2024, we had $2,495.0 million of fixed-rate and $1,341.7 million of variable-rate debt outstanding. Based on current market rates, the fair value of our fixed-rate debt at May 26, 2024 was estimated to be $2,296 million. Any differences between the book value and fair value are due to the difference between the period-end market interest rate and the stated rate of our fixed-rate debt. We estimated the fair value of our fixed-rate debt using quoted market prices (Level 2 inputs) within the fair value hierarchy that is described above with an exception being the Term A-4 Loan Facility, which is quoted at face value (Level 1 inputs). The fair value of our variable-rate term debt approximates the carrying amount as our cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current market prices.
10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes 600,000,000 shares of common stock and 60,000,000 shares of preferred stock. We had 143,666,656 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of May 26, 2024. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on matters to be voted on by our stockholders. No preferred stock was issued or outstanding as of May 26, 2024.
Share Repurchase Program
Our Board has authorized a program, with no expiration date, to repurchase shares of our common stock. During fiscal 2024, we purchased an aggregate of 2,294,654 shares for $210.0 million, or a weighted-average price of $91.51 per share. In October 2023, the Board approved an increase to the share repurchase authorization, which reset the unused capacity under the program to an aggregate $500.0 million. As of May 26, 2024, $390.0 million remained authorized for share repurchases under the program.
Dividends
During fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, we paid $174.0 million, $146.1 million, and $138.4 million, respectively, of cash dividends to common stockholders. On May 31, 2024, we paid $51.7 million of dividends to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 3, 2024. On July 18, 2024, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock. This dividend will be paid on August 30, 2024, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 2, 2024.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”)
Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, and changes in prior service cost and net actuarial gains (losses) from pension and post-retirement benefit plans. We generally deem our foreign investments to be indefinite in nature and we do not provide for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment denominated in a foreign currency to the U.S. dollar. If we determine that a foreign investment, as well as undistributed earnings, are no longer indefinite in nature, estimated taxes are provided for the related deferred tax liability (asset), if any, resulting from currency translation adjustments.
Changes in AOCI, net of tax, as of May 26, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | Foreign
Currency
Translation
Losses | | Pension and
Post-Retirement
Benefits | | Other | | Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss |
| Balance as of May 28, 2023 | | $ | (27.1) | | | $ | (0.7) | | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | (26.8) | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax | | 18.9 | | | (4.6) | | | (0.4) | | | 13.9 | |
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | | 18.9 | | | (4.6) | | | (0.4) | | | 13.9 | |
| Balance as of May 26, 2024 | | $ | (8.2) | | | $ | (5.3) | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | (12.9) | |
11. ACQUISITIONS
In July 2022, we acquired an additional 40% equity interest in LWAMSA, which increased our total equity ownership from 50% to 90%. In addition, in February 2023, we purchased the remaining 50% equity interest in LW EMEA, and now own 100%. After the acquisitions, we consolidated the results of operations of LWAMSA and LW EMEA in our International segment in our fiscal first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, respectively. Prior to the acquisitions, the results of each of LWAMSA and LW EMEA were recorded in “Equity method investment earnings (loss).”
We recorded the assets and liabilities of both acquisitions at fair value based on a market approach. We remeasured our initial equity interests at fair value, after considering control premiums in our industry, which are unobservable inputs, or Level 3, in the fair value hierarchy.
Fiscal 2023 net income included $371.7 million of after-tax ($420.6 million before tax) net gains related to the acquisitions, as follows:
a.$379.5 million after-tax ($425.8 million before tax) non-cash gain recorded in “Equity method investment earnings.”
b.$20.0 million of after-tax ($27.0 million before tax) costs related to the step-up and sale of inventory recorded in “Cost of sales.”
c.$12.2 million of after-tax ($21.8 million before tax) net gain from acquisition-related expenses (foreign currency gain related to actions taken to mitigate the effect of changes in currency rates on the purchase price, net of advisory, legal, valuation and other professional or consulting expenses).
LWAMSA
The purchase price to acquire the additional 40% interest in LWAMSA consisted of $42.3 million in cash. The net sales, income from operations, and total assets acquired were not material to our consolidated net sales, income from operations, and total assets for the periods presented in this report, and therefore LWAMSA is not included in our unaudited pro forma information presented below.
LW EMEA
The total consideration for our acquisition of the remaining interest in LW EMEA (the “LW EMEA Acquisition”) was $1,447.5 million, which consisted of €531.6 million ($564.0 million) in cash, which excluded settlement of pre-existing relationships of $32.3 million and cash held by LW EMEA of $28.2 million, and 1,952,421 shares of our common stock (valued at $197.3 million as of the acquisition closing date). The total consideration also included $634.4 million for the fair value of our initial equity investment and $51.8 million of other non-cash consideration (the majority being settlement of preexisting relationships). We recorded LW EMEA’s assets and liabilities at fair value.
In fiscal 2023, LW EMEA contributed $364.0 million of net sales and a $13.6 million loss from operations, which included $52.3 million of acquisition-related items ($27.0 million before tax expenses related to the sale of inventory stepped up in the acquisition and $25.3 million of unrealized losses related to mark-to-market adjustments for commodity and currency hedging contracts, before taxes). We do not allocate interest expense and taxes to the acquired operations and therefore, the post-acquisition net earnings are not discernible.
The total purchase price consideration was allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their respective estimated fair values as follows:
| | | | | |
| (in millions) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 28.2 | |
| Receivables | 221.5 | |
| Inventories | 222.1 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 41.4 | |
| Property, plant and equipment (a) | 629.1 | |
| Goodwill (b) | 644.9 | |
| Intangible assets (c) | 80.0 | |
| Other assets | 29.6 | |
| Assets acquired | $ | 1,896.8 | |
| |
| Accounts payable | (62.2) | |
| Accrued liabilities | (164.0) | |
| Short-term borrowings | (108.2) | |
| Deferred income taxes | (19.2) | |
| Long-term debt | (78.0) | |
| Other non-current liabilities | (17.7) | |
| Liabilities assumed | $ | (449.3) | |
| |
| Net assets acquired | $ | 1,447.5 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)Property, plant and equipment acquired are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated remaining lives, which range from 1 to 30 years.
(b)Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. The goodwill is primarily attributable to future growth opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For tax purposes, the acquisition of the remaining LW EMEA interest was treated as a stock acquisition and is not deductible for tax purposes. For more information, see Note 5, Income Taxes, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for period ended May 28, 2023, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2023.
(c)Intangible assets include customer relationships which have estimated useful lives of 15 years. Based on the carrying value of these finite-lived assets as of May 28, 2023, amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be approximately $5.0 million.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if we had acquired the remaining interest of LW EMEA on May 31, 2021 (the first day of fiscal 2022). These unaudited pro forma results are included for informational purposes only and do not purport to represent what the combined companies’ results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on that date, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. They also do not reflect any cost savings, operational synergies, or revenue enhancements that we may achieve or the costs necessary to achieve those cost savings, operational synergies, revenue enhancements, or integration efforts.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
Unaudited Pro Forma Information (in millions) | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | | $ | 6,264.0 | | | $ | 5,131.4 | |
| Net income (a) (b) | | 644.9 | | | 500.4 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)The fiscal 2023 and 2022 unaudited pro forma financial information has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the LW EMEA Acquisition and factually supportable. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of our accounting policies; elimination of related party transactions; depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets; and interest expense on acquisition-related debt.
(b)The fiscal 2023 unaudited pro forma net income was also adjusted to exclude a $410.7 million ($364.4 million after-tax) non-cash gain related to the LW EMEA Acquisition, $27.0 million ($20.0 million after-tax) of acquisition inventory step-up expense and a $21.8 million ($12.2 million after-tax) gain from acquisition-related expenses (foreign currency gain related to actions taken to mitigate the effect of changes in currency rates on the purchase price, net of advisory, legal, valuation and other professional or consulting expenses). These items were included in fiscal 2022 unaudited pro forma net income, along with a non-cash impairment charge of $62.7 million (before and after-tax) related to LW EMEA’s withdrawal from its joint venture in Russia in fiscal 2021.
12. JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENTS
In fiscal 2023, we purchased additional equity interests in LW EMEA and LWAMSA, and began consolidating their respective financial results in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Prior to acquiring these incremental equity interests, we accounted for these investments under the equity method of accounting. In addition, LW EMEA has a 75% ownership interest in a joint venture that owns a production facility in Austria, which is included in our consolidated results. At May 26, 2024, Lamb-Weston/RDO Frozen (“Lamb Weston RDO”), our joint venture with RDO Frozen Co., was the only joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Our equity method investments were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | May 26, 2024 | | May 28, 2023 |
| (in millions) | | Carrying
Value | | Ownership
Interest | | Carrying
Value | | Ownership
Interest |
| Lamb Weston RDO | | $ | 59.2 | | | 50% | | $ | 43.1 | | | 50% |
| Other | | | | | | 0.4 | | | 50% |
| | $ | 59.2 | | | | | $ | 43.5 | | | |
Summarized combined financial information for our equity method investments were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 (c) | | 2023 (a) | | 2022 |
| Net sales | | $ | 339.8 | | | $ | 1,122.3 | | | $ | 1,333.8 | |
| Gross profit | | 88.1 | | | 237.0 | | | 203.8 | |
| Income from operations | | 55.3 | | | 83.3 | | | 106.9 | |
| Net income (loss) (b) | | 51.9 | | | 70.1 | | | (21.4) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 26,
2024 (c) | | May 28,
2023 (c) |
| Current assets | | $ | 124.7 | | $ | 98.8 |
| Noncurrent assets | | 113.5 | | 108.3 |
| Current liabilities | | 64.3 | | 55.1 |
| Noncurrent liabilities | | 55.5 | | 64.1 |
_____________________________________________________
(a)The fiscal 2023 financial information includes the financial results for the parts of the fiscal year when LW EMEA and LWAMSA were being accounted for as unconsolidated joint ventures.
(b)In fiscal 2022, LW EMEA recorded a $125.4 million charge to write-off its net investment in its former joint venture in Russia, which is included in the fiscal 2022 net loss. Our portion of the non-cash impairment charge related to this write-off was $62.7 million.
(c)Reflects Lamb Weston RDO only.
We made the following sales to and purchases from our joint venture investments, primarily for finished products sold to or purchased from our joint ventures. We also provided services, such as sales and marketing services, to our joint ventures that are recorded as a reduction to “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We also received dividends. The following table summarizes the activity with all our joint venture investments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 (a) | | 2022 |
| Sales | | $ | 18.1 | | | $ | 22.2 | | | $ | 14.3 | |
| Purchases | | 74.9 | | | 42.9 | | | 21.0 | |
| Services provided | | 22.8 | | | 18.4 | | | 15.6 | |
| Dividends received | | 11.8 | | | — | | | 19.2 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)The fiscal 2023 financial information includes the financial results for the part of the fiscal year when LW EMEA and LWAMSA were accounted for as unconsolidated joint ventures.
As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, we had receivables included in “Receivables” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets from our joint ventures of $8.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
13. SEGMENTS
Effective May 29, 2023, to align with our expanded global footprint following the completion of the LW EMEA Acquisition, management, including our chief executive officer (who is our chief operating decision maker), began managing operations in two business segments based on management’s change to the way it monitors performance, aligns strategies, and allocates resources. As a result of this change, we have two operating segments, each of which is a reportable segment: North America and International. Our chief operating decision maker receives periodic management reports under this structure, which, as discussed above, informs operating decisions, performance assessment, and resource allocation decisions at the segment level. These reportable segments are each managed by a general manager and supported by a cross functional team assigned to support the segment.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Segment Net Sales | | | | | | |
| North America | | $ | 4,363.2 | | | $ | 4,249.4 | | | $ | 3,497.3 | |
| International (a) | | 2,104.4 | | | 1,101.2 | | | 601.6 | |
| | $ | 6,467.6 | | | $ | 5,350.6 | | | $ | 4,098.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended May |
| (in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA | | | | | | |
| North America | | $ | 1,263.1 | | | $ | 1,162.3 | | | $ | 711.6 | |
| International (a) | | 331.9 | | | 231.0 | | | 78.2 | |
| Total Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA | | 1,595.0 | | | 1,393.3 | | | 789.8 | |
| Unallocated corporate costs (b) | | (178.3) | | | (143.9) | | | (83.1) | |
| Depreciation and amortization (c) | | 306.2 | | | 247.4 | | | 229.3 | |
| Unrealized derivative (gains) losses | | (24.9) | | | 41.7 | | | 8.2 | |
| Unconsolidated joint venture unrealized derivative losses (gains) | | — | | | 32.7 | | | (26.5) | |
| Foreign currency exchange losses (gains) | | 10.6 | | | 5.5 | | | (0.7) | |
| Items impacting comparability: | | | | | | |
| Inventory step-up from acquisition | | 20.7 | | | 27.0 | | | — | |
| Integration and acquisition-related items, net | | 12.8 | | | (21.8) | | | — | |
| Gain on acquisition of interest in joint ventures (d) | | — | | | (425.8) | | | — | |
| Write-off of net investment in Russia | | — | | | — | | | 62.7 | |
| Interest expense, net (e) | | 135.8 | | | 109.2 | | | 161.0 | |
| Income before income taxes | | 955.5 | | | 1,233.5 | | | 272.7 | |
| Income tax expense | | 230.0 | | | 224.6 | | | 71.8 | |
| Net income | | $ | 725.5 | | | $ | 1,008.9 | | | $ | 200.9 | |
_____________________________________________________
(a)We acquired the remaining equity interest in LW EMEA in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Accordingly, LW EMEA’s net sales and adjusted EBITDA for the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2023 are reported in the International segment, whereas in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, our initial 50% equity interest in LW EMEA was recorded using equity method accounting. As a result, LW EMEA’s net sales are not included in the International segment’s net sales for the first three quarters of the fifty-two weeks ended May 28, 2023, and only 50% of LW EMEA’s adjusted EBITDA is reported in the International segment for those periods.
(b)Unallocated corporate costs included costs related to corporate support staff and support services, foreign exchange gains and losses and unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains and losses. Support services include, but are not limited to, our administrative, information technology, human resources, finance, and accounting functions that are not specifically allocated to the segments.
Unallocated corporate costs for the fifty-two weeks ended May 26, 2024 included unallocated corporate costs of LW EMEA whereas the fifty-two weeks ended May 28, 2023 included thirteen weeks with unallocated corporate costs. For the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, our portion of LW EMEA’s unallocated corporate costs were recorded in “Equity method investment earnings” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the International segment.
(c)Depreciation and amortization included interest expense, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization from equity method investments of $8.3 million, $29.1 million, and $42.0 million for the fifty-two weeks ended May 26, 2024 , May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022, respectively.
(d)The fiscal year ended May 28, 2023 included a $425.8 million ($379.5 million after-tax) gain recognized in connection with our purchase of an additional 50% equity interest in LW EMEA, increasing our equity ownership from 50% to 100%, and our purchase of an additional 40% equity interest in LWAMSA, increasing our equity ownership from 50% to 90%. The gains related to remeasuring our initial equity interests in LW EMEA and LWAMSA to fair value.
(e)The fiscal year ended May 29, 2022 included a loss on extinguishment of debt of $53.3 million ($40.5 million after-tax), which includes a call premium of $39.6 million related to the redemption of our senior notes due 2024 and 2026, and the write-off of $13.7 million of previously unamortized debt issuance costs associated with those notes.
Assets by Segment
The manufacturing assets of Lamb Weston are shared across all reporting segments. Output from these facilities used by each reporting segment can change from fiscal year to fiscal year. Therefore, it is impracticable to allocate those assets to the reporting segments, as well as disclose total assets by segment.
Concentrations
Lamb Weston’s largest customer, McDonald’s Corporation, accounted for approximately 14%, 13%, and 10% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Other Information
We have 27 production facilities, 15 located in the U.S. and 12 located outside of the U.S. as of May 26, 2024. Foreign long-lived assets were $1,520.8 million and $1,195.8 million as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively. Long-lived assets located in the Netherlands were $808.0 million and $680.7 million as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively.
Sales are classified as domestic or foreign based on the address to which the product is shipped. No individual foreign country is material to the consolidated results. Foreign net sales, including sales by domestic locations to external customers located outside of the U.S., were $2,189.6 million, $1,225.2 million, and $682.7 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Labor
At May 26, 2024, we had approximately 10,700 employees, of which approximately 2,900 of these employees work outside of the U.S. Approximately 30% of our employees are parties to collective bargaining agreements with terms that we believe are typical for the industry in which we operate. Most of the union workers at our facilities are represented under contracts that expire at various times over the next several years.
14. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTEES, AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We have financial commitments and obligations that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These include long-term debt (discussed in Note 6, Debt and Financing Obligations), lease obligations (discussed in Note 7, Leases), purchase obligations and capital commitments for goods and services, and legal proceedings (discussed below).
Purchase Obligations and Capital Commitments
A summary of our purchase obligations and capital commitments that are enforceable and legally binding, as of May 26, 2024, are as follows. The expected timing of payments of the obligations in the table are estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different, depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | Purchase Obligations and Capital Commitments |
| 2025 (a) | | $ | 591.0 | |
| 2026 | | 77.8 | |
| 2027 | | 56.7 | |
| 2028 | | 49.2 | |
| 2029 | | 44.0 | |
| Thereafter | | 329.7 | |
| Total (b) | | $ | 1,148.4 | |
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(a)We had capital commitments of $402.7 million and $623.9 million as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, that represent commitments for construction of previously announced capacity expansions or factory modernization investments. While these commitments are intended to be paid within the next 12-months, we recognize that the timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different, depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations. Capital commitments were not recorded as liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 26, 2024 as we had not yet received the related goods nor taken title to the property. Capital purchases that we have taken title to, but not yet paid for, are recorded as liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 26, 2024, and are disclosed in Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accountant Policies, within Property, Plant and Equipment.
(b)The amounts in the table above exclude purchase commitments under potato supply agreements due to uncertainty of pricing and quantity. Potato supply agreements have maximum contracted pricing with deductions for certain quality attributes, and quantities purchased are determined by the yields produced on contracted acres. Total purchases under all our potato supply agreements were $1,397.8 million, $844.6 million, and $717.6 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
We provide guarantees, indemnifications, and other assurances to third parties in the normal course of our business. These include tort indemnifications, environmental assurances, and representations and warranties in commercial agreements. At May 26, 2024, we were not aware of any material liabilities arising from any guarantee, indemnification, or financial assurance we have provided. If the fair value of such liability becomes material, we will accrue for it at that time.
We are a party to various potato purchase supply agreements with partner growers, under which they deliver their potato crop from the contracted acres to Lamb Weston during the harvest season, and pursuant to the potato supply agreements, pricing for this inventory is determined after delivery, taking into account crop size and quality, among other factors. Total purchases under these agreements were $213.2 million, $166.6 million, and $146.6 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, under the terms of the potato supply agreements. These purchases are initially recorded in inventory and charged to cost of sales as related inventories are produced and subsequently sold. Under the terms of these potato supply agreements, we have guaranteed repayment of short-term bank loans of the potato suppliers, under certain conditions. At May 26, 2024, we have effectively guaranteed $37.2 million of supplier loans. 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. Under certain other potato supply agreements, we make advances to growers prior to the delivery of potatoes. The aggregate amounts of these advances were $40.3 million and $22.5 million at May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, and were recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
After taking into account liabilities recognized for all of the foregoing matters, management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. It is reasonably possible that a change to an estimate of the foregoing matters may occur in the future.
Legal Proceedings
On June 13, 2024, the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund filed a securities class action lawsuit against the Company and certain of our executive officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho on behalf of a putative class of stockholders for alleged violations of the federal securities laws. Plaintiffs allege that the defendants made misrepresentations and omissions regarding the design and implementation of our ERP system. We believe the lawsuit lacks merit and intend to vigorously defend against the allegations.
We are also a party to various other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. These claims, legal proceedings and litigation principally arise from alleged casualty, product liability, employment, and other disputes. In determining loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of loss as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss is recognized when it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. While any claim, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, we believe the outcome of any of these that are pending or threatened will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
