Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

INTRODUCTION

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 for important background regarding, among other things, our key business drivers. Significant trademarks and service marks used in our business are set forth in italics herein. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in the “Glossary” section below.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we expect the largest factors impacting our fiscal 2022 performance will be the relative balance of at-home versus away-from-home consumer food demand and the elevated cost environment, including input cost inflation and costs related to supply chain disruption, all of which remain uncertain. We expect at-home food volume will decline year over year across most of our core markets, though will remain above pre-pandemic levels. Conversely, we expect away-from-home food volume to continue to recover, though not fully to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, we expect increased net price realization across all food channels throughout our core markets, in response to significant input cost inflation. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact to our business and consolidated results of operations.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Second Quarter Results

In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, net sales increased 6 percent and organic net sales increased 5 percent compared to the same period last year. Operating profit decreased 13 percent to $800 million, primarily driven by higher input costs and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix. Operating profit margin of 15.9 percent decreased 350 basis points. Adjusted operating profit of $821 million decreased 6 percent on a constant-currency basis, primarily driven by higher input costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and a decrease in certain selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin decreased 200 basis points to 16.3 percent. Diluted earnings per share of $0.97 decreased 13 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.99 decreased 7 percent on a constant-currency basis compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2021. See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

A summary of our consolidated financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 follows:

Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021In millions, except per shareQuarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs. Nov. 29, 2020Percent of Net SalesConstant-Currency Growth (a)
Net sales$5,024.06%
Operating profit800.1(13)%15.9%
Net earnings attributable to General Mills597.2(13)%
Diluted earnings per share$0.97(13)%
Organic net sales growth rate (a)5%
Adjusted operating profit (a)821.3(5)%16.3%(6)%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a)$0.99(7)%(7)%
(a) See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

Consolidated net sales were as follows:

Quarter Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs. Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$5,024.06%$4,719.4
Contributions from volume growth (a)(1)pt
Net price realization and mix7pts
Foreign currency exchange1pt
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 6 percent increase in net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs.
Quarter Ended Nov. 29, 2020
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)Flat
Organic net price realization and mix5pts
Organic net sales growth5pts
Foreign currency exchange1pt
Acquisition and divestiture1pt
Net sales growth6pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Organic net sales increased 5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Cost of sales increased $395 million to $3,393 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily driven by a $388 million increase attributable to product rate and mix partially offset by a $27 million decrease attributable to lower volume. We recorded a $12 million net decrease in cost of sales related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to a net decrease of $46 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

SG&A expenses increased $25 million to $829 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher transaction costs and acquisition integration costs. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased 50 basis points compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2021.

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs totaled $2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to an insignificant amount of restructuring charges in the same period last year (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

Benefit plan non-service income totaled $28 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to $33 million in the same period last year, primarily reflecting higher amortization of losses.

Interest, net for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 totaled $93 million, down $8 million from the second quarter of fiscal 2021, primarily driven by lower average long-term debt levels.

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was 21.7 percent compared to 22.3 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The 0.6 percentage point decrease was primarily due to favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, partially offset by certain nonrecurring discrete tax benefits recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. The effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability was 22.3 percent in the quarter ended November 28, 2021, consistent with the same period last year (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

The United States Congress is currently working to enact a tax reform bill, which would result in significant changes to the U.S. tax system. We expect that if a bill is enacted, it could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. We continue to monitor developments and assess the impact to General Mills.

After-tax earnings from joint ventures for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased to $33 million compared to $36 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and lower net sales, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses at Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW). On a constant-currency basis, after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 7 percent (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs.
Quarter Ended Nov. 29, 2020CPWHDJ (a)Total
Contributions from volume growth (b)(2)pts7pts
Net price realization and mixFlat1pt
Net sales growth in constant currency(2)pts8ptsFlat
Foreign currency exchange1pt(7)pts(1)pt
Net sales growth(1)pt1ptFlat
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Häagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ)
(b) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Average diluted shares outstanding decreased by 7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 from the same period a year ago primarily due to share repurchases, partially offset by option exercises.

Six-Month Results

In the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, net sales increased 5 percent compared to the same period last year, and organic net sales increased 4 percent compared to the same period last year. Operating profit decreased 7 percent to $1,644 million, primarily driven by higher input costs and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix. Operating profit margin of 17.2 percent decreased 230 basis points. Adjusted operating profit of $1,640 million decreased 4 percent on a constant-currency basis, primarily driven by higher input costs, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and a decrease in certain SG&A expenses. Adjusted operating profit margin decreased 150 basis points to 17.2 percent. Diluted earnings per share of $1.99 decreased 7 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.98 decreased 4 percent on a constant-currency basis compared to the same period last year (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

A summary of our consolidated financial results for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, follows:

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021In millions, except per shareSix-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs. Nov. 29, 2020Percent of Net SalesConstant-Currency Growth (a)
Net sales$9,563.95%
Operating profit1,644.4(7)%17.2%
Net earnings attributable to General Mills1,224.2(8)%
Diluted earnings per share$1.99(7)%
Organic net sales growth rate (a)4%
Adjusted operating profit (a)1,640.5(3)%17.2%(4)%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a)$1.98(4)%(4)%
(a) See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

Consolidated net sales were as follows:

Six-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs. Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$9,563.95%$9,083.4
Contributions from volume growth (a)(1)pt
Net price realization and mix5pts
Foreign currency exchange1pt
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 5 percent increase in net sales for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, was driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

Components of organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs.
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 29, 2020
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)Flat
Organic net price realization and mix4pts
Organic net sales growth4pts
Foreign currency exchange1pt
Acquisition and divestiture1pt
Net sales growth5pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Organic net sales increased 4 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Cost of sales increased $563 million to $6,335 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. The increase was driven by a $574 million increase attributable to product rate and mix, partially offset by a $30 million decrease due to lower volume. We recorded a $36 million net decrease in cost of sales related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to a net decrease of $62 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2020. In the six-month period ended November 29, 2020, we recorded a $7 million charge related to a product recall in our international Green Giant business.

SG&A expenses increased $46 million to $1,586 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher transaction costs and acquisition integration costs. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, decreased 40 basis points compared to the same period of fiscal 2021.

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs totaled $2 million of net recoveries in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $1 million of charges in the same period last year (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report).

Benefit plan non-service income totaled $57 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $66 million in the same period last year, primarily reflecting higher amortization of losses, partially offset by lower interest costs.

Interest, net for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, decreased $23 million to $189 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2021, primarily driven by lower average long-term debt balances.

The effective tax rate for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, was 21.7 percent compared to 22.2 percent for the six-month period ended November 29, 2020. The 0.5 percentage point decrease was primarily due to favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021. Our effective tax rate excluding certain items affecting comparability was 22.0 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to 22.1 percent in the same period last year (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The 0.1 percentage point decrease is primarily due to favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, partially offset by certain nonrecurring discrete tax benefits recorded in the same period last year.

The United States Congress is currently working to enact a tax reform bill, which would result in significant changes to the U.S. tax system. We expect that if a bill is enacted, it could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. We continue to monitor developments and assess the impact to General Mills.

After-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased to $62 million for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021 compared to $78 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and lower net sales at CPW. On a constant-currency basis, after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 19 percent (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP). The components of our joint ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021 vs.
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 29, 2020CPWHDJTotal
Contributions from volume growth (a)(3)pts9pts
Net price realization and mixFlat2pts
Net sales growth in constant currency(3)pts10ptsFlat
Foreign currency exchange2pts(5)ptsFlat
Net sales growth(1)pt5ptsFlat
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Average diluted shares outstanding decreased by 6 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, from the same period a year ago primarily due to share repurchases, partially offset by option exercises.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS

Our businesses are organized into five operating segments: North America Retail; Pet; Convenience Stores & Foodservice; Europe & Australia; and Asia & Latin America. Please refer to Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a description of our operating segments.

North America Retail Segment Results

North America Retail net sales were as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$2,975.52%$2,921.5$5,614.4Flat$5,628.5
Contributions from volume growth (a)(6)pts(6)pts
Net price realization and mix7pts5pts
Foreign currency exchangeFlat1pt

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

North America Retail net sales increased 2 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

North America Retail net sales for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, essentially matched the same period in fiscal 2021, as a decrease in contributions from volume growth was offset by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange.

The components of North America Retail organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)(6)pts(6)pts
Organic net price realization and mix7pts5pts
Organic net sales growth1pt(1)pt
Foreign currency exchangeFlat1pt
Net sales growth2ptsFlat

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

North America Retail organic net sales increased 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.

North America Retail organic net sales decreased 1 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth, partially offset by favorable organic net price realization and mix.

North America Retail net sales percentage change by operating unit are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
U.S. Meals & Baking(4)%(5)%
U.S. Cereal3%(1)%
U.S. Snacks16%9%
Canada (a)6%9%
U.S. Yogurt and OtherFlatFlat
Total2%Flat

(a)On a constant-currency basis, Canada net sales increased 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. On a constant-currency basis, Canada net sales increased 2 percent for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021. See the "Non-GAAP Measures" section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP.

Segment operating profit decreased 7 percent to $649 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $702 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and a decrease in SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit decreased 8 percent on a constant-currency basis in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 9 percent to $1,267 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $1,397 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and a decrease in SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit decreased 10 percent on a constant-currency basis in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Pet Segment Results

Pet net sales were as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$593.429%$460.0$1,081.427%$851.7
Contributions from volume growth (a)14pts13pts
Net price realization and mix15pts13pts
Foreign currency exchangeFlatFlat
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Pet net sales increased 29 percent during the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business.

Pet net sales increased 27 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business, and favorable net price realization and mix.

The components of Pet organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)9pts10pts
Organic net price realization and mix4pts6pts
Organic net sales growth14pts16pts
Acquisition (b)15pts10pts
Foreign currency exchangeFlatFlat
Net sales growth29pts27pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(b) Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Pet organic net sales increased 14 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Pet organic net sales increased 16 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Segment operating profit increased 10 percent to $132 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $119 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business, and favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by higher input costs, higher SG&A expenses and a one-time inventory adjustment and other acquisition-related expenses of $11 million related to the acquired pet treat business. Segment operating profit increased 10 percent on a constant-currency basis in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit increased 18 percent to $247 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $210 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business, partially offset by higher input costs and a one-time inventory adjustment and other acquisition-related expenses of $12 million related to the acquired pet treat business. Segment operating profit increased 18 percent on a constant-currency basis in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Convenience Stores & Foodservice Segment Results

Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales were as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$540.723%$440.5$1,023.123%$832.1
Contributions from volume growth (a)8pts10pts
Net price realization and mix15pts13pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales increased 23 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth.

Convenience Stores & Foodservice net sales increased 23 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth.

The components of Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)8pts10pts
Organic net price realization and mix15pts13pts
Organic net sales growth23pts23pts
Net sales growth23pts23pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales increased 23 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from organic volume growth.

Convenience Stores & Foodservice organic net sales increased 23 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from organic volume growth.

Segment operating profit increased 20 percent to $94 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $78 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by higher input costs.

Segment operating profit increased 33 percent to $196 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $148 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by higher input costs.

Europe & Australia Segment Results

Europe & Australia net sales were as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$463.9(1)%$467.4$981.42%$958.4
Contributions from volume growth (a)(3)pts(1)pt
Net price realization and mix1ptFlat
Foreign currency exchange1pt3pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Europe & Australia net sales decreased 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange.

Europe & Australia net sales increased 2 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

The components of Europe & Australia organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)(3)pts(1)pt
Organic net price realization and mix1ptFlat
Organic net sales growth(2)pts(1)pt
Foreign currency exchange1pt3pts
Net sales growth(1)pt2pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Europe & Australia organic net sales decreased 2 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth, partially offset by favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Europe & Australia organic net sales decreased 1 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.

Segment operating profit decreased 56 percent to $16 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 from $36 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth. Segment operating profit decreased 61 percent on a constant-currency basis in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit decreased 31 percent to $61 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $89 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher input costs. Segment operating profit decreased 37 percent on a constant-currency basis in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Asia & Latin America Segment Results

Asia & Latin America net sales were as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021 vs Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 29, 2020
Net sales (in millions)$450.55%$430.0$863.66%$812.7
Contributions from volume growth (a)(4)pts(5)pts
Net price realization and mix6pts8pts
Foreign currency exchange2pts3pts
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Asia & Latin America net sales increased 5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

Asia & Latin America net sales increased 6 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix and favorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

The components of Asia & Latin America organic net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 28, 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)4pts3pts
Organic net price realization and mix1pt3pts
Organic net sales growth5pts5pts
Foreign currency exchange2pts3pts
Divestiture (b)(2)pts(2)pts
Net sales growth5pts6pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(b)Related to our sale of the Laticínios Carolina business in Brazil in fiscal 2021.

Asia & Latin America organic net sales increased 5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Asia & Latin America organic net sales increased 5 percent in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021, driven by an increase in contributions from organic volume growth and favorable organic net price realization and mix.

Segment operating profit increased 43 percent to $44 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 from $30 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix and lower SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit increased 40 percent on a constant-currency basis in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

Segment operating profit increased 17 percent to $59 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $50 million in the same period in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth and higher input costs. Segment operating profit increased 14 percent on a constant-currency basis in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to the same period in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

UNALLOCATED CORPORATE ITEMS

Unallocated corporate expense totaled $132 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $48 million in the same period in fiscal 2021. We recorded a $12 million net decrease in expense related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to a $46 million net decrease in expense in the same period last year. We recorded $10 million of net gains related to the sale of a corporate investment and valuation adjustments in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $6 million of net gains related to certain corporate investment valuation adjustments in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we recorded $4 million of integration costs related to our acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business and $38 million of transaction costs related to the agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl and the agreements to sell our European dough businesses.

Unallocated corporate expense totaled $188 million in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $123 million in the same period last year. We recorded a $36 million net decrease in expense related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to a $62 million net decrease in expense in the same period last year. We recorded $10 million of net gains related to the sale of a corporate investment and valuation adjustments in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $19 million of net gains related to certain corporate investment valuation adjustments in the same period last year. In the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, we recorded $16 million of integration costs related to our acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business and $48 million of transaction costs related to the agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl and the agreements to sell our European dough businesses. In addition, we recorded a $21 million recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item and a $13 million insurance recovery in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021. We also recorded a $7 million charge related to a product recall in our international Green Giant business in the six-month period ended November 29, 2020.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, cash provided by operations was $1,498 million compared to $1,427 million in the same period last year. The $71 million increase was primarily driven a $59 million change in current assets and liabilities, primarily due to a $268 million change in inventories, partially offset by a $194 million change in accounts payable.

Cash used by investing activities during the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, was $1,396 million compared to $211 million for the same period in fiscal 2021. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we acquired the Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 billion.

Cash used by financing activities during the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, was $427 million compared to $354 million used in the same period in fiscal 2021. We had $568 million of net debt issuances in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $257 million of net debt issuances in the same period a year ago. We paid $623 million of dividends in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, compared to $618 million in the same period last year. We also purchased $375 million of shares of common stock in the six-month period ended November 28, 2021.

Our sources of liquidity were not materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we will continue to evaluate its impact to our sources of liquidity.

As of November 28, 2021, we had $510.1 million of cash and cash equivalents including cash held for sale in foreign jurisdictions. In anticipation of repatriating funds from foreign jurisdictions, we record local country withholding taxes on our international earnings, as applicable. Furthermore, we may repatriate our cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries without such funds being subject to further U.S. income tax liability. Earnings prior to fiscal 2018 from our foreign subsidiaries remain permanently reinvested in those jurisdictions.

The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of November 28, 2021:

In BillionsFacility AmountBorrowed Amount
Credit facility expiring:
April 2026$2.7$-
September 20220.20.2
Total committed credit facilities2.90.2
Uncommitted credit facilities0.7-
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities$3.6$0.2

As of November 28, 2021, we had a 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS and a 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl. Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) held the remaining interests in each of these entities. We consolidate these entities into our consolidated financial statements. We record Sodiaal’s 50 percent interests in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl as noncontrolling interests, and its 49 percent interest in Yoplait SAS as a redeemable interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of November 28, 2021, the redemption value of the redeemable interest was $562 million, which approximates its fair value.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal. The transaction closed subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2021, our European Yoplait operations had $732 million of net sales. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

The third-party holder of the General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recent mark-to-market valuation (currently $252 million). On June 1, 2021, the floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A Interests was reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 160 basis points. The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction.

We have an option to purchase the Class A Interests for consideration equal to the then current capital account value, plus any unpaid preferred return and the prescribed make-whole amount. If we purchase these interests, any change in the third-party holder’s capital account from its original value will be charged directly to retained earnings and will increase or decrease the net earnings used to calculate EPS in that period.

To ensure availability of funds, we maintain bank credit lines and have commercial paper programs available to us in the United States and Europe. We also have uncommitted and asset-backed credit lines that support our foreign operations.

Certain of our long-term debt agreements, our credit facilities, and our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. As of November 28, 2021, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

We have $601 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current, including $500 million of 2.60 percent notes to be redeemed on October 12, 2022, and $100 million of 7.47 percent fixed-rate notes due October 15, 2022. We believe that cash flows from operations, together with available short- and long-term debt financing, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021. The accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K.

Our significant accounting estimates are those that have meaningful impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets, redeemable interest, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans. The assumptions and methodologies used in the determination of those estimates as of November 28, 2021, are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021.

Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test was performed on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2022, and we determined there was no impairment of our intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values, except for the Uncle Toby’s brand intangible asset.

The excess fair value as of the fiscal 2022 test date of the Uncle Toby’s brand intangible asset is as follows:

In MillionsCarrying Value of Intangible AssetExcess Fair Value as of Fiscal 2022 Test Date
Uncle Toby's$55.07%

In addition, while having significant coverage as of our fiscal 2022 assessment date, the Europe & Australia reporting unit and the Progresso, Green Giant, and EPIC brand intangible assets had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal. In connection with the agreement, we tested the individual assets associated with Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl for impairment, and determined there was no impairment as the fair value of these assets and liabilities exceeded their carrying values.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued optional accounting guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new standard provides expedients and exceptions to existing accounting requirements for contract modifications and hedge accounting related to transitioning from discontinued reference rates, such as LIBOR, to alternative reference rates, if certain criteria are met. The new accounting requirements can be applied as of the beginning of the interim period including March 12, 2020, or any date thereafter, through December 31, 2022. We are in the process of reviewing our contracts and arrangements that will be affected by a discontinued reference rate and are analyzing the impact of this guidance on our results of operations and financial position.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

We have included in this report measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. We believe that these measures provide useful information to investors, and include these measures in other communications to investors.

For each of these non-GAAP financial measures, we are providing below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure, an explanation of why we believe the non-GAAP measure provides useful information to investors, and any additional material purposes for which our management or Board of Directors uses the non-GAAP measure. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.

Significant Items Impacting Comparability

Several measures below are presented on an adjusted basis. The adjustments are either items resulting from infrequently occurring events or items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the year-to-year assessment of operating results.

The following are descriptions of significant items impacting comparability of our results.

Mark-to-market effects

Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items. Please see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Non-income tax recovery

Recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item recorded in fiscal 2022.

Acquisition integration costs

Integration costs resulting from the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Transaction costs

Transaction costs related to the definitive agreement to sell our 51 percent controlling interest in Yoplait SAS, and our 50 percent interest in Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal and the definitive agreements to sell our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges for Asia & Latin America supply chain optimization actions and previously announced restructuring actions in fiscal 2022. Restructuring charges for previously announced restructuring actions in fiscal 2021. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Investment activity, net

Gain on sale of a corporate investment and valuation adjustments in fiscal 2022. Valuation adjustments of certain corporate investments in fiscal 2021.

Product recall

Product recall costs recorded in fiscal 2021 related to our international Green Giant business.

Organic Net Sales Growth Rates

We provide organic net sales growth rates for our consolidated net sales and segment net sales. This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that organic net sales growth rates provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to underlying performance in our net sales by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions, divestitures, and a 53rd week, when applicable, have on year-to-year comparability. A reconciliation of these measures to reported net sales growth rates, the relevant GAAP measures, are included in our Consolidated Results of Operations and Results of Segment Operations discussions in the MD&A above.

Adjusted Operating Profit as a Percent of Net Sales (Adjusted Operating Profit Margin)

We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it is important for assessing our operating profit margin on a comparable basis.

Our adjusted operating profit margins are calculated as follows:

Quarter Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020
In MillionsValuePercent of Net SalesValuePercent of Net Sales
Operating profit as reported$800.115.9%$916.619.4%
Transaction costs37.60.7%--%
Mark-to-market effects(12.1)(0.2)%(45.9)(1.0)%
Investment activity, net(10.5)(0.2)%(6.0)(0.1)%
Acquisition integration costs3.50.1%--%
Restructuring charges2.70.1%0.9-%
Adjusted operating profit$821.316.3%$865.518.3%
Six-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020
In MillionsValuePercent of Net SalesValuePercent of Net Sales
Operating profit as reported$1,644.417.2%$1,770.319.5%
Transaction costs48.20.5%--%
Mark-to-market effects(36.2)(0.4)%(62.3)(0.7)%
Non-income tax recovery(20.6)(0.2)%--%
Acquisition integration costs15.90.2%--%
Investment activity, net(9.8)(0.1)%(19.0)(0.2)%
Restructuring charges(1.4)-%1.9-%
Product recall--%7.10.1%
Adjusted operating profit$1,640.517.2%$1,698.018.7%

Note: Tables may not foot due to rounding.

For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

Adjusted Operating Profit Growth on a Constant-currency Basis

This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management and as a component of the measurement of our performance for incentive compensation purposes. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the operating profit measure we use to evaluate operating profit performance on a comparable year-to-year basis. The measure is evaluated on a constant-currency basis by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given the volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

Our adjusted operating profit growth on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020ChangeNov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020Change
Operating profit as reported$800.1$916.6(13)%$1,644.4$1,770.3(7)%
Transaction costs37.6-48.2-
Mark-to-market effects(12.1)(45.9)(36.2)(62.3)
Non-income tax recovery--(20.6)-
Acquisition integration costs3.5-15.9-
Investment activity, net(10.5)(6.0)(9.8)(19.0)
Restructuring charges2.70.9(1.4)1.9
Product recall---7.1
Adjusted operating profit$821.3$865.5(5)%$1,640.5$1,698.0(3)%
Foreign currency exchange impactFlat1pt
Adjusted operating profit growth, on a constant-currency basis(6)%(4)%

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

Adjusted Diluted EPS and Related Constant-currency Growth Rates

This measure is used in reporting to our Board of Directors and executive management. We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate earnings performance on a comparable year-to-year basis.

The reconciliation of our GAAP measure, diluted EPS, to adjusted diluted EPS and the related constant-currency growth rates follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Per Share DataNov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020ChangeNov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020Change
Diluted earnings per share, as reported$0.97$1.11(13)%$1.99$2.14(7)%
Transaction costs0.05-0.06-
Mark-to-market effects(0.02)(0.06)(0.05)(0.08)
Non-income tax recovery--(0.02)-
Acquisition integration costs--0.02-
Investment activity, net(0.02)-(0.02)(0.02)
Restructuring charges--(0.01)-
Product recall---0.01
Adjusted diluted earnings per share$0.99$1.06(7)%$1.98$2.06(4)%
Foreign currency exchange impactFlatFlat
Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth, on a constant-currency basis(7)%(4)%

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

See our reconciliation below of the effective income tax rate as reported to the adjusted effective income tax rate for the tax impact of each item affecting comparability.

Constant-currency After-tax Earnings from Joint Ventures Growth Rates

We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our joint ventures by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

After-tax earnings from joint ventures growth rates on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:

Percentage Change in After-Tax Earnings from Joint Ventures as ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency ExchangePercentage Change in After-Tax Earnings from Joint Ventures on Constant-Currency Basis
Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021(9)%(2)pts(7)%
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021(20)%(1)pt(19)%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Net Sales Growth Rates for Our Canada Operating Unit on Constant-currency Basis

We believe that this measure of our Canada operating unit net sales provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to the underlying performance for the Canada operating unit within our North America Retail segment by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

Net sales growth rates for our Canada operating unit on a constant-currency basis is calculated as follows:

Percentage Change in Net Sales as ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency ExchangePercentage Change in Net Sales on Constant- Currency Basis
Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 20216%5pts1%
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 20219%7pts2%
Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Constant-currency Segment Operating Profit Growth Rates

We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it provides transparency to underlying performance of our segments by excluding the effect that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on year-to-year comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

Our segments’ operating profit growth rates on a constant-currency basis are calculated as follows:

Quarter Ended Nov. 28, 2021
Percentage Change in Operating Profit as ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency ExchangePercentage Change in Operating Profit on Constant-Currency Basis
North America Retail(7)%Flat(8)%
Europe & Australia(56)%5pts(61)%
Pet10%Flat10%
Asia & Latin America43%3pts40%
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 28, 2021
Percentage Change in Operating Profit as ReportedImpact of Foreign Currency ExchangePercentage Change in Operating Profit on Constant-Currency Basis
North America Retail(9)%Flat(10)%
Europe & Australia(31)%6pts(37)%
Pet18%Flat18%
Asia & Latin America17%3pts14%
Note: Tables may not foot due to rounding.

Adjusted Effective Income Tax Rates

We believe this measure provides useful information to investors because it presents the adjusted effective income tax rate on a comparable year-to-year basis.

Adjusted effective income tax rates are calculated as follows:

Quarter EndedSix-Month Period Ended
Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020Nov. 28, 2021Nov. 29, 2020
In Millions (Except Per Share Data)Pretax Earnings (a)Income TaxesPretax Earnings (a)Income TaxesPretax Earnings (a)Income TaxesPretax Earnings (a)Income Taxes
As reported$735.1$159.7$848.9$189.4$1,513.1$328.6$1,624.8$360.2
Transaction costs37.67.8--48.212.4--
Mark-to-market effects(12.1)(2.8)(45.9)(10.5)(36.2)(8.3)(62.3)(14.3)
Non-income tax recovery----(20.6)(7.0)--
Acquisition integration costs3.50.8--15.93.6--
Investment activity, net(10.5)0.3(6.0)(1.4)(9.8)0.5(19.0)(4.4)
Restructuring charges2.72.80.90.3(1.4)1.91.90.5
Product recall------7.10.8
As adjusted$756.4$168.8$797.8$177.7$1,509.2$331.8$1,552.4$342.8
Effective tax rate:
As reported21.7%22.3%21.7%22.2%
As adjusted22.3%22.3%22.0%22.1%
Sum of adjustment to income taxes$8.9$(11.7)$3.1$(17.4)
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS613.0619.6613.8619.7
Impact of income tax adjustments on adjusted diluted EPS$(0.01)$0.02$-$0.03

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

(a) Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures.

For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

Glossary

AOCI. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Adjusted diluted EPS. Diluted EPS adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.

Adjusted operating profit. Operating profit adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.

Adjusted operating profit margin. Operating profit adjusted for certain items affecting year-over-year comparability, divided by net sales.

Constant currency. Financial results translated to United States dollars using constant foreign currency exchange rates based on the rates in effect for the comparable prior-year period. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. Therefore, the foreign currency impact is equal to current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

Core working capital. Accounts receivable plus inventories less accounts payable.

COVID-19. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Derivatives. Financial instruments such as futures, swaps, options, and forward contracts that we use to manage our risk arising from changes in commodity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and stock prices.

Euribor. Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

Fair value hierarchy. For purposes of fair value measurement, we categorize assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions (inputs) used in valuing the asset or liability. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1:Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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

Level 3:Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

Free cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of land, buildings, and equipment.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Guidelines, procedures, and practices that we are required to use in recording and reporting accounting information in our financial statements.

Goodwill. The difference between the purchase price of acquired companies plus the fair value of any noncontrolling and redeemable interests and the related fair values of net assets acquired.

Gross margin. Net sales less cost of sales.

Hedge accounting. Accounting for qualifying hedges that allows changes in a hedging instrument’s fair value to offset corresponding changes in the hedged item in the same reporting period. Hedge accounting is permitted for certain hedging instruments and hedged items only if the hedging relationship is highly effective, and only prospectively from the date a hedging relationship is formally documented.

Holistic Margin Management (HMM). Company-wide initiative to use productivity savings, mix management, and price realization to offset input cost inflation, protect margins, and generate funds to reinvest in sales-generating activities.

Interest bearing instruments. Notes payable, long-term debt, including current portion, cash and cash equivalents, and certain interest bearing investments classified within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets.

LIBOR. London Interbank Offered Rate.

Mark-to-market. The act of determining a value for financial instruments, commodity contracts, and related assets or liabilities based on the current market price for that item.

Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts that will be allocated to segment operating profit when the exposure we are hedging affects earnings.

Net price realization. The impact of list and promoted price changes, net of trade and other price promotion costs.

Net realizable value. The estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.

Noncontrolling interests. Interests of subsidiaries held by third parties.

Notional amount. The amount of a position or an agreed upon amount in a derivative contract on which the value of financial instruments are calculated.

OCI. Other Comprehensive Income.

Organic net sales growth. Net sales growth adjusted for foreign currency translation, acquisitions, divestitures and a 53rd fiscal week, when applicable.

Project-related costs. Costs incurred related to our restructuring initiatives not included in restructuring charges.

Redeemable interest. Interest of subsidiaries held by a third party that can be redeemed outside of our control and therefore cannot be classified as a noncontrolling interest in equity.

Reporting unit. An operating segment or a business one level below an operating segment.

Strategic Revenue Management (SRM). A company-wide capability focused on generating sustainable benefits from net price realization and mix by identifying and executing against specific opportunities to apply tools including pricing, sizing, mix management, and promotion optimization across each of our businesses.

Supply chain input costs. Costs incurred to produce and deliver product, including costs for ingredients and conversion, inventory management, logistics, and warehousing.

Translation adjustments. The impact of the conversion of our foreign affiliates’ financial statements to United States dollars for the purpose of consolidating our financial statements.

Variable interest entities (VIEs). A legal structure that is used for business purposes that either (1) does not have equity investors that have voting rights and share in all the entity’s profits and losses or (2) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources to support the entity’s activities.

Working capital. Current assets and current liabilities, all as of the last day of our fiscal year.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations and assumptions. We also may make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our reports to stockholders.

The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or similar expressions identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those currently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important factors that could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from any current opinions or statements.

Our future results could be affected by a variety of factors, such as: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, suppliers, consumers, customers, and employees; disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain, including any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; competitive dynamics in the consumer foods industry and the markets for our products, including new product introductions, advertising activities, pricing actions, and promotional activities of our competitors; economic conditions, including changes in inflation rates, interest rates, tax rates, or the availability of capital; product development and innovation; consumer acceptance of new products and product improvements; consumer reaction to pricing actions and changes in promotion levels; acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets; changes in capital structure; changes in the legal and regulatory environment, including tax legislation, labeling and advertising regulations, and litigation; impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets; changes in accounting standards and the impact of significant accounting estimates; product quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liability; changes in consumer demand for our products; effectiveness of advertising, marketing, and promotional programs; changes in consumer behavior, trends, and preferences, including weight loss trends; consumer perception of health-related issues, including obesity; consolidation in the retail environment; changes in purchasing and inventory levels of significant customers; fluctuations in the cost and availability of supply chain resources, including raw materials, packaging, energy, and transportation; effectiveness of restructuring and cost saving initiatives; volatility in the market value of derivatives used to manage price risk for certain commodities; benefit plan expenses due to changes in plan asset values and discount rates used to determine plan liabilities; failure or breach of our information technology systems; foreign economic conditions, including currency rate fluctuations; and political unrest in foreign markets and economic uncertainty due to terrorism or war.

You should also consider the risk factors that we identify in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 which could also affect our future results.

We undertake no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of those statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

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