UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
   
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED August 30,November 29, 2009
   
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO _____
Commission file number: 001-01185
 
GENERAL MILLS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 41-0274440
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
Number One General Mills Boulevard
Minneapolis, MNMinnesota
(Address of principal executive offices)
 55426
(Zip Code)
(763) 764-7600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesx Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesx Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
  
Large accelerated filer   xAccelerated filer   o
  
Non-accelerated filer     o   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yeso Nox
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of September 17,December 4, 2009: 326,583,297329,537,281 (excluding 50,723,36747,769,383 shares held in the treasury).

 


 

General Mills, Inc.
Table of Contents
     
PART I – Financial Information Page
  
  
Item 1.  
   3
   4
   5
   6
  
Item 2.  2124
  
Item 3.  2732
  
Item 4.  2832
  
 2833
  
Item 2.  2833
  
Item 4. 34
  
Item 6.  2936
  
 37
SignaturesEX-10.1
EX-10.2
EX-12.1
EX-31.1
30EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

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PartPART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements.Statements
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited) (In Millions, Except per Share Data)
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
      
Net sales $3,518.8 $3,497.3  $4,078.2 $4,010.8 $7,597.0 $7,508.2 
      
Cost of sales 2,060.1 2,305.6  2,332.1 2,791.2 4,392.2 5,096.8 
      
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 766.6 718.0  842.5 729.6 1,609.1 1,447.5 
      
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (income)  (0.8) 2.7 
Divestiture (gain)   (128.8)   (128.8)
     
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 24.9 2.5 24.1 5.2 
              
      
Operating profit 692.9 471.0  878.7 616.3 1,571.6 1,087.5 
      
Interest, net 91.9 86.6  88.5 96.3 180.4 183.0 
              
      
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures 601.0 384.4  790.2 520.0 1,391.2 904.5 
      
Income taxes 203.2 133.2  261.6 173.1 464.8 306.3 
      
After-tax earnings from joint ventures 24.2 30.8  38.2 33.3 62.4 64.0 
              
      
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 422.0 282.0  566.8 380.2 988.8 662.2 
      
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 1.4 3.5  1.3 2.0 2.7 5.5 
              
      
Net earnings $420.6 $278.5  $565.5 $378.2 $986.1 $656.7 
              
      
Earnings per share - basic $1.29 $0.83  $1.72 $1.14 $3.01 $1.96 
              
      
Earnings per share - diluted $1.25 $0.79  $1.66 $1.09 $2.91 $1.88 
              
      
Dividends per share $0.47 $0.43  $0.47 $0.43 $0.94 $0.86 
              
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Millions, Except Par Value)
                
 Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, 
 2009 2009  2009 2009 
 (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $711.6 $749.8  $858.4 $749.8 
Receivables 1,139.0 953.4  1,211.6 953.4 
Inventories 1,645.7 1,346.8  1,628.7 1,346.8 
Deferred income taxes 1.4 15.6   15.6 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 375.8 469.3  429.1 469.3 
          
    
Total current assets 3,873.5 3,534.9  4,127.8 3,534.9 
    
Land, buildings, and equipment 2,992.1 3,034.9  2,987.5 3,034.9 
Goodwill 6,668.9 6,663.0  6,697.9 6,663.0 
Other intangible assets 3,749.9 3,747.0  3,766.4 3,747.0 
Other assets 905.7 895.0  981.7 895.0 
          
    
Total assets $18,190.1 $17,874.8  $18,561.3 $17,874.8 
          
    
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $792.1 $803.4  $717.6 $803.4 
Current portion of long-term debt 508.5 508.5  607.3 508.5 
Notes payable 914.8 812.2  444.4 812.2 
Deferred income taxes 1.7  
Other current liabilities 1,496.9 1,481.9  1,688.5 1,481.9 
          
    
Total current liabilities 3,712.3 3,606.0  3,459.5 3,606.0 
    
Long-term debt 5,753.9 5,754.8  5,648.0 5,754.8 
Deferred income taxes 1,157.0 1,165.3  1,163.3 1,165.3 
Other liabilities 1,928.3 1,932.2  1,956.8 1,932.2 
          
    
Total liabilities 12,551.5 12,458.3  12,227.6 12,458.3 
          
    
Stockholders’ equity:    
    
Common stock, 377.3 shares issued, $0.10 par value 37.7 37.7  37.7 37.7 
Additional paid-in capital 1,270.5 1,249.9  1,284.5 1,249.9 
Retained earnings 7,500.0 7,235.6  7,908.8 7,235.6 
Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of 51.0 and 49.3  (2,576.8)  (2,473.1)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of 47.9 and 49.3  (2,419.3)  (2,473.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (837.7)  (877.8)  (722.8)  (877.8)
          
    
Total stockholders’ equity 5,393.7 5,172.3  6,088.9 5,172.3 
    
Noncontrolling interests 244.9 244.2  244.8 244.2 
          
    
Total equity 5,638.6 5,416.5  6,333.7 5,416.5 
          
    
Total liabilities and equity $18,190.1 $17,874.8  $18,561.3 $17,874.8 
          
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (In Millions, Except per Share Data)
                                                                    
                 
 $.10 Par Value Common Stock      $.10 Par Value Common Stock      
 (One Billion Shares Authorized)      (One Billion Shares Authorized)      
 Issued Treasury Accumulated      Issued Treasury Accumulated    
 Additional Other      Additional Other    
 Par Paid-In Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling    Par Paid-In   Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling  
 Shares Amount Capital Shares Amount Earnings Income (Loss) Interests Total  Shares Amount Capital Shares Amount Earnings Income (Loss) Interests Total
Balance as of May 25, 2008
 377.3 $37.7 $1,149.1  (39.8) $(1,658.4) $6,510.7 $173.1 $   246.6 $6,458.8  377.3 37.7 1,149.1  (39.8) (1,658.4) 6,510.7 173.1 246.6 6,458.8 
Comprehensive income:  
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,304.4 9.3 1,313.7  1,304.4 9.3 1,313.7 
Other comprehensive loss  (1,050.9)  (1.2)  (1,052.1)  (1,050.9)  (1.2)  (1,052.1)
Total comprehensive income 261.6  261.6 
Cash dividends declared ($1.72 per share)  (579.5)  (579.5)  (579.5)  (579.5)
Stock compensation plans (includes 
income tax benefits of $94.0) 23.0 9.8 443.1 466.1 
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $94.0) 23.0 9.8 443.1 466.1 
Shares purchased  (20.2)  (1,296.4)  (1,296.4)  (20.2)  (1,296.4)  (1,296.4)
Shares issued for acquisition 16.4 0.9 38.6 55.0  16.4 0.9 38.6 55.0 
Unearned compensation related to 
restricted stock awards  (56.2)  (56.2)
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock awards  (56.2)  (56.2)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders  (10.5)  (10.5)  (10.5)  (10.5)
Earned compensation 117.6 117.6  117.6 117.6 
Balance as of May 31, 2009
 377.3 37.7 1,249.9  (49.3)  (2,473.1) 7,235.6  (877.8) 244.2 5,416.5  377.3 37.7 1,249.9  (49.3)  (2,473.1) 7,235.6  (877.8) 244.2 5,416.5 
Comprehensive income:  
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 420.6 1.4 422.0  986.1 2.7 988.8 
Other comprehensive income 40.1 0.2 40.3  155.0 0.2 155.2 
Total comprehensive income 462.3  1,144.0 
Cash dividends declared ($0.47 per share)  (156.2)  (156.2)
Stock compensation plans (includes 
income tax benefits of $14.7) 43.5 2.6 130.2 173.7 
Cash dividends declared ($0.94 per share)  (312.9)  (312.9)
Stock compensation plans (includes income tax benefits of $46.6) 37.1 5.7 289.2 326.3 
Shares purchased  (4.3)  (233.9)  (233.9)  (4.3)  (235.4)  (235.4)
Unearned compensation related to 
restricted stock awards  (60.4)  (60.4)
Unearned compensation related to restricted stock awards  (62.9)  (62.9)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders  (0.9)  (0.9)  (2.3)  (2.3)
Earned compensation 37.5 37.5  60.4 60.4 
Balance as of Aug. 30, 2009
 377.3 $37.7 $1,270.5  (51.0) $(2,576.8) $7,500.0 $(837.7) $   244.9 $5,638.6 
Balance as of Nov. 29, 2009
 377.3 37.7 1,284.5  (47.9) (2,419.3) 7,908.8 (722.8) 244.8 6,333.7 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In Millions)
                
 Quarter Ended  Six-Month Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Cash Flows - Operating Activities    
Net earnings $420.6 $278.5  $986.1 $656.7 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 111.1 111.6  227.9 223.6 
After-tax earnings from joint ventures  (24.2)  (30.8)  (62.4)  (64.0)
Stock-based compensation 37.5 55.2  60.4 85.0 
Deferred income taxes 12.5 16.7  25.3  (1.4)
Tax benefit on exercised options  (14.7)  (51.5)  (46.6)  (83.7)
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures 16.8 16.6  31.2 19.3 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions  (2.2)  (4.1)  (5.3)  (7.9)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan income  (1.8)  (6.5)  (4.4)  (11.8)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit income  (0.7)  (0.4)
Divestiture (gain)   (128.8)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (income) 18.9  (0.5)
Changes in current assets and liabilities  (298.8)  (158.2)  (269.1)  (268.3)
Other, net 19.0  (1.2) 25.1  (54.4)
          
    
Net cash provided by operating activities 275.1 225.9  987.1 363.8 
          
    
Cash Flows - Investing Activities    
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment  (126.3)  (128.6)  (257.5)  (241.4)
Investments in affiliates, net 0.8 4.1   9.9 
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment 5.7 0.2  6.6 0.5 
Proceeds from divestiture of product line  192.5 
Other, net 2.7  (0.7) 35.8  (20.1)
          
    
Net cash used by investing activities  (117.1)  (125.0)  (215.1)  (58.6)
          
    
Cash Flows - Financing Activities    
Change in notes payable 101.4  (103.2)  (375.3) 509.0 
Issuance of long-term debt  700.0   700.0 
Payment of long-term debt  (2.1)  (231.6)  (3.2)  (259.1)
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options 75.4 161.8  189.1 266.5 
Tax benefit on exercised options 14.7 51.5  46.6 83.7 
Purchases of common stock for treasury  (233.9)  (498.9)  (235.4)  (1,205.8)
Dividends paid  (156.2)  (147.5)  (312.9)  (293.9)
Other, net   (4.4)   (4.6)
          
    
Net cash used by financing activities  (200.7)  (72.3)  (691.1)  (204.2)
          
    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 4.5  (34.7) 27.7  (122.4)
          
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (38.2)  (6.1)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 108.6  (21.4)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 749.8 661.0  749.8 661.0 
          
    
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $711.6 $654.9  $858.4 $639.6 
     
      
Cash Flow from Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:    
Receivables $(181.0) $(103.6) $(241.6) $(228.3)
Inventories  (297.4)  (247.2)  (270.2)  (286.9)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 94.5 102.1  19.8  (40.7)
Accounts payable 44.1 12.8   (33.2)  (1.1)
Other current liabilities 41.0 77.7  256.1 288.7 
          
    
Changes in current assets and liabilities $(298.8) $(158.2) $(269.1) $(268.3)
          
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(1) Background
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of General Mills, Inc. (we, us, our, or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and disclosures required for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010quarterly and six-month periods ended November 29, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending May 30, 2010.
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009. The accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in that Form 10-K, except as discussed in Notes 2, 16, and 17 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Basis of Presentation and Reclassification
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) approved the issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interestsissued new guidance on noncontrolling interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment to ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160financial statements. The guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards that require: the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified and presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net incomeearnings attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings; and changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary to be accounted for consistently.
AtWe adopted the guidance at the beginning of fiscal 2010, we adopted SFAS 160.2010. To conform to the current period presentation, we reclassified $2.1 million from interest, net related to General Mills Cereals, LLC and $1.4 million from selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses related to noncontrolling interests in foreign subsidiaries,made the following reclassifications to net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in our Consolidated StatementStatements of Earnings for the quarter ended August 24, 2008. Earnings:
         
      Six-Month 
  Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
In Millions Nov. 23, 2008  Nov. 23, 2008 
 
From interest, net $2.2  $4.2 
From selling, general, and administrative expenses  (0.2)  1.3 
 
Total net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests $2.0  $5.5 
 
Also, noncontrolling interests previously reported as minority interests have been reclassified to a separate section in equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as a result of the adoption of SFAS 160.adoption. In addition, certain other reclassifications to our previously reported financial information have been made to conform to the current period presentation.
(3) Acquisitions and Divestitures
There were no acquisitions or divestitures in the firstsix-month period ended November 29, 2009.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2010.2009, we sold ourPopSecretmicrowave popcorn product line for $192.5 million in cash, and we recorded a pre-tax gain of $128.8 million. We received cash proceeds of $158.9 million after repayment of a lease obligation and transaction costs.

7


During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we acquired Humm Foods, Inc. (Humm Foods), the maker ofLärabarfruit and nut energy bars. We issued 0.9 million shares of our common stock with a value of $55.0 million to the shareholders of Humm Foods as consideration for the acquisition. We recorded the purchase price less tangible and intangible net assets acquired as goodwill of $41.6 million. The pro forma effect of this acquisition was not material.

7


(4) Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Exit Costs
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (income) were as follows:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Discontinuation of underperforming products in our U.S. Retail segment $24.1 $ $24.1 $ 
Closure and sale of Contagem, Brazil bread and pasta plant $(1.0) $  0.2   (0.8)  
Closure of Trenton, Ontario frozen dough plant 0.1 2.0 
Discontinuation of product line at Murfreesboro, Tennessee plant 0.1  
Restructuring of production scheduling and discontinuation of cake product line at Chanhassen, Minnesota plant  0.7 
Charges associated with restructuring actions previously announced 0.6 2.5 0.8 5.2 
Total $(0.8) $2.7  $24.9 $2.5 $24.1 $5.2 
In late November 2009, we decided to exit certain underperforming products in our U.S. Retail segment to rationalize capacity for more profitable items. Our decisions to exit these products resulted in a $24.1 million non-cash charge against the firstrelated long-lived assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2010,2010. No employees were affected by these actions. We expect to recognize $2.5 million of other exit costs related to these actions, which we anticipate to be completed by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011. In addition, we recorded $0.8 million of costs related to previously announced restructuring actions. During the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we also recorded a net gain of $1.0$0.8 million related to the closure and sale of our Contagem, Brazil bread and pasta plant. In addition,
During the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, we recorded $0.2 million of costsdid not undertake any new restructuring actions. We incurred incremental plant closure expenses related to previously announced restructuring actions.
Duringactivities of $2.5 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded a charge of $2.0and $5.2 million of decommissioning costs related toin the closure of our Trenton, Ontario frozen dough facility. We also recorded a $0.7 million charge related to the previously announced restructuring action at our Chanhassen, Minnesota facility.six-month period ended November 23, 2008.
(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were as follows:
                                        
 Bakeries and Joint      Bakeries and Joint   
In Millions U.S. Retail International Foodservice Ventures Total  U.S. Retail International Foodservice Ventures Total 
Balance as of May 31, 2009 $5,098.3 $123.3 $923.0 $518.4 $6,663.0  $5,098.3 $123.3 $923.0 $518.4 $6,663.0 
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation  0.6  5.3 5.9   4.6  30.3 34.9 
Balance as of Aug. 30, 2009 $5,098.3 $123.9 $923.0 $523.7 $6,668.9 
Balance as of Nov. 29, 2009 $5,098.3 $127.9 $923.0 $548.7 $6,697.9 
The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were as follows:
                
 Joint                   
In Millions U.S. Retail International Ventures Total  U.S. Retail International Joint
Ventures
 Total 
Balance as of May 31, 2009 $3,208.9 $462.6 $75.5 $3,747.0  $3,208.9 $462.6 $75.5 $3,747.0 
Other activity, primarily foreign currency translation  2.3 0.6 2.9   15.6 3.8 19.4 
Balance as of Aug. 30, 2009 $3,208.9 $464.9 $76.1 $3,749.9 
Balance as of Nov. 29, 2009 $3,208.9 $478.2 $79.3 $3,766.4 

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(6) Inventories
The components of inventories were as follows:
                
 Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, 
In Millions 2009 2009  2009 2009 
Raw materials and packaging $283.3 $273.1  $265.4 $273.1 
Finished goods 1,381.2 1,096.1  1,320.9 1,096.1 
Grain 122.9 126.9  175.9 126.9 
Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost (141.7)  (149.3)  (133.5)  (149.3)
Total $1,645.7 $1,346.8  $1,628.7 $1,346.8 
(7) Financial Instruments, Risk Management Activities, and Fair Values
Financial Instruments.The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, other current liabilities, and notes payable approximate fair value. Marketable securities are carried at fair value. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, and May 31, 2009, a comparison of cost and market values of our marketable debt and equity securities is as follows:
                                
 Market Gross Gross                                 
 Cost Value Gains Losses  Cost Market
Value
 Gross
Gains
 Gross
Losses
 
 Aug. 30, May 31, Aug. 30, May 31, Aug. 30, May 31, Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, Nov. 29, May 31, Nov. 29, May 31, Nov. 29, May 31, 
In Millions 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009  2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 
Available for sale:  
Debt securities $23.1 $35.1 $23.0 $35.0 $ $0.1 $(0.1) $(0.2) $19.1 $35.1 $19.2 $35.0 $0.1 $0.1 $ $(0.2)
Equity securities 6.1 6.1 14.0 13.8 7.9 7.7    6.1 6.1 13.5 13.8 7.4 7.7   
Total $29.2 $41.2 $37.0 $48.8 $7.9 $7.8 $(0.1) $(0.2) $25.2 $41.2 $32.7 $48.8 $7.5 $7.8 $ $(0.2)
Earnings include insignificant realized gains from sales of available-for-sale marketable securities. Gains and losses are determined by specific identification. Classification of marketable securities as current or noncurrent is dependent upon management’s intended holding period, the security’s maturity date, or both. The aggregate unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effects, are classified in AOCIaccumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) within stockholders’ equity. Scheduled maturities of our marketable securities are as follows:
         
  Available for Sale 
      Market 
In Millions Cost  Value 
 
Under 1 year (current) $11.8  $11.8 
From 1 to 3 years  0.8   0.8 
From 4 to 7 years  4.4   4.4 
Over 7 years  2.1   2.2 
Equity securities  6.1   13.5 
 
Total $25.2  $32.7 
 
Marketable securities with a market value of $15.8$11.8 million as of August 30,November 29, 2009, were pledged as collateral for certain derivative contracts.
The fair values and carrying amounts of long-term debt, including the current portion, were $6,752.8$6,840.7 million and $6,262.4$6,255.3 million as of August 30,November 29, 2009. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotations and discounted cash flows based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments.

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Risk Management Activities.As a part of our ongoing operations, we are exposed to market risks such as changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices. To manage these risks, we may enter into various derivative transactions (e.g., futures, options, and swaps) pursuant to our established policies.
Commodity Price Risk.Many commodities we use in the production and distribution of our products are exposed to market price risks. We utilize derivatives to manage price risk for our principal ingredientingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils (principally soybean), non-fat dry milk, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Our primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. We manage our exposures through a combination of purchase orders, long-term contracts with suppliers, exchange-traded futures and options, and over-the-counter

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options and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as close to our planned cost as possible.
We use derivatives to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices. We do not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Although we do not meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting, we nonetheless believe that these instruments are effective in achieving our objective of providing certainty in the future price of commodities purchased for use in our supply chain. Accordingly, for purposes of measuring segment operating performance these gains and losses are reported in unallocated corporate expenseitems outside of segment operating results until such time that the exposure we are managing affects earnings. At that time we reclassify the gain or loss from unallocated corporate expenseitems to segment operating profit, allowing our operating segments to realize the economic effects of the derivative without experiencing any resulting mark-to-market volatility, which remains in unallocated corporate expense.items.
Unallocated corporate expenseitems for the quarterly and six-month periods ended August 30,November 29, 2009, and August 24,November 23, 2008, included:
         
  Quarter Ended
  Aug. 30,  Aug. 24, 
In Millions 2009  2008 
 
Net loss on mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions $(28.7) $(46.7)
Net loss (gain) on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate expense to segment operating profit  26.5   (39.3)
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories  (12.6)  (5.4)
 
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate expense $(14.8) $(91.4)
 
                 
          Six-Month 
  Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
  Nov. 29,  Nov. 23,  Nov. 29,  Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009  2008  2009  2008 
 
Net gain (loss) on mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions $17.5  $(225.4) $(11.2) $(272.0)
Net loss (gain) on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to segment operating profit  34.1   4.6   60.6   (34.7)
Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories  15.8   (48.4)  3.2   (53.9)
 
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items $67.4  $(269.2) $52.6  $(360.6)
 
As of August 30,November 29, 2009, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $205.6$286.3 million, of which $72.5$178.6 million relatesrelated to agricultural inputs and $133.1$107.7 million relatesrelated to energy inputs. These contracts relate to inputs that generally will be utilized within the next 12 months.
Interest Rate Risk.We are exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuances of fixed-rate debt, and existing and future issuances of floating-rate debt. Primary exposures include U.S. Treasury rates, LIBOR, and commercial paper rates in the United States and Europe. We use interest rate swaps and forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge our exposure to interest rate changes, to reduce the volatility of our financing costs, and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed versus floating-rate debt, based on current and projected market conditions. Generally under these swaps, we agree with a counterparty to exchange the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts based on an agreed upon notional principal amount.
Floating Interest Rate Exposures — Except as discussed below, floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges, as are all hedges of forecasted issuances of debt. Effectiveness is assessed based on either the perfectly effective hypothetical derivative method or changes in the present value of interest payments on the

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underlying debt. Effective gains and losses deferred to AOCI are reclassified into earnings over the life of the associated debt. Ineffective gains and losses are recorded as net interest. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was less than $1 million as of November 29, 2009.
Fixed Interest Rate Exposures — Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges with effectiveness assessed based on changes in the fair value of the underlying debt and derivatives, using incremental borrowing rates currently available on loans with similar terms and maturities. Ineffective gains and losses on these derivatives and the underlying hedged items are recorded as net interest. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was a gain of $1.8 million as of November 29, 2009.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2010 we entered into $700 million of swaps to convert $700 million of 5.65% fixed-rate notes due September 10, 2012, to floating rates.
In anticipation of our acquisition of The Pillsbury Company (Pillsbury) and other financing needs, we entered into pay-fixed interest rate swap contracts during fiscal 2001 and 2002 totaling $7.1 billion to lock in our interest payments on the associated debt. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we still owned $1.6 billion of Pillsbury-related pay-fixed swaps that were previously neutralized with offsetting pay-floating swaps in fiscal 2002.

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In advance of a planned debt financing in fiscal 2007, we entered into $700.0 million pay-fixed, forward-starting interest rate swaps with an average fixed rate of 5.7 percent. All of these forward-starting interest rate swaps were cash settled for $22.5 million coincident with our $1.0 billion 10-year fixed-rate note offering on January 24, 2007. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, a $16.6$16.0 million pre-tax loss remained in AOCI, which will be reclassified to earnings over the term of the underlying debt.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates of our interest rate swaps. As discussed above, we have neutralized all of our Pillsbury-related pay-fixed swaps with pay-floating swaps; however, we cannot present them on a net basis in the following table because the offsetting occurred with different counterparties. Average floating rates are based on rates as of the end of the reporting period.
         
  Nov. 29,  May 31, 
In Millions 2009  2009 
 
Pay-floating swaps - notional amount $2,399.7  $1,859.3 
Average receive rate  4.6%  5.7%
Average pay rate  0.2%  0.3%
Pay-fixed swaps - notional amount $2,100.0  $2,250.0 
Average receive rate  0.3%  0.5%
Average pay rate  6.4%  6.4%
 
The swap contracts mature at various dates from fiscal 2010 to 2016 as follows:
        
 Fiscal Year Maturity Date         
In Millions Pay Floating Pay Fixed  Pay Floating Pay Fixed 
2010 $18.9 $500.0  $9.3 $500.0 
2011 17.6   17.6  
2012 1,603.3 850.0  1,603.3 850.0 
2013 14.6 750.0  714.6 750.0 
2014      
Beyond 2014 54.9   54.9  
Total $1,709.3 $2,100.0  $2,399.7 $2,100.0 
Foreign Exchange Risk.Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency cash flows related to foreign-dominated commercial paper, third party purchases, intercompany loans, and product shipments. We are also exposed to the translation of foreign currency earnings to the U.S. dollar. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro,

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Japanese yen, and Mexican peso. We mainly use foreign currency forward contracts to selectively hedge our foreign currency cash flow exposures. We also generally swap our foreign-dominated commercial paper borrowings back to U.S. dollars; the gains or losses on these derivatives offset the foreign currency revaluation gains or losses recorded in earnings on the associated borrowings. We generally do not hedge more than 1218 months forward.
The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was less than $1 million as of November 29, 2009.
We also have many net investments in foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in euros. We previously hedged a portion of these net investments by issuing euro-denominated commercial paper and foreign exchange forward contracts. As of November 29, 2009, we had deferred net foreign currency transaction losses of $95.7 million in AOCI associated with hedging activity.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Statement Presentation.In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157).new accounting guidance on fair value measurements. This statementguidance provides a single definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value, and expanded disclosures concerning fair value. SFAS 157The guidance applies to instruments accounted for under previously issued pronouncements that prescribe fair value as the relevant measure of value. We partially adopted SFAS 157the guidance at the beginning of fiscal 2009 for all instruments valuedrecorded at fair value on a recurring basis. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010 we adopted the remaining provisions of SFAS 157the guidance for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis as required by our fiscal 2009 adoption of FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP FAS 157-2).basis. Our adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
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.

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The fair values of our financial assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value as of August 30,November 29, 2009, were as follows:
                                                                
 Fair Values of Assets Fair Values of Liabilities  Fair Values of Assets Fair Values of Liabilities 
In Millions Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
 
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:
 
Interest rate contracts (a) (d) $ $ $ $ $ $(4.7) $ $(4.7) $ $7.9 $ $7.9 $ $(2.0) $ $(2.0)
Foreign exchange contracts (b) (c)  2.8  2.8   (26.5)   (26.5)  2.0  2.0   (28.0)   (28.0)
Total  2.8  2.8   (31.2)   (31.2)  9.9  9.9   (30.0)   (30.0)
  
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:
  
Interest rate contracts (a) (d)  160.9  160.9   (214.5)   (214.5)  165.0  165.0   (211.5)   (211.5)
Foreign exchange contracts (b)  0.1  0.1   (0.2)   (0.2)
Equity contracts (a) (e)       (1.5)   (1.5)       (1.5)   (1.5)
Commodity contracts (b) (g) 7.8 15.7  23.5   (3.9)   (3.9) 4.4 18.5  22.9   (2.9)   (2.9)
Total 7.8 176.6  184.4   (219.9)   (219.9) 4.4 183.6  188.0   (216.1)   (216.1)
  
Other assets and liabilities
reported at fair value:
  
Marketable investments (f) 14.0 23.0  37.0      11.5 21.2  32.7     
Grain contracts (g)  15.1  15.1   (20.3)   (20.3)  21.2  21.2   (18.9)   (18.9)
Long-lived assets (h)  0.4  0.4     
Total 14.0 38.1  52.1   (20.3)   (20.3) 11.5 42.8  54.3   (18.9)   (18.9)
Total financial assets, liabilities,
and derivative positions
 $21.8 $217.5 $ $239.3 $ $(271.4) $ $(271.4)
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value $15.9 $236.3 $ $252.2 $ $(265.0) $ $(265.0)
(a)  These contracts are recorded as other assets or as other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position.
 
(b) These contracts are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets or as other current liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position.
 
(c) Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.
 
(d) Based on LIBOR and swap rates.
 
(e) Based on LIBOR, swap, and equity index swap rates.
 
(f) Based on prices of common stock and bond matrix pricing.
 
(g) Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.
(h)We recorded a $6.6 million non-cash impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 to write down certain long-lived assets to their fair value of $0.4 million. Fair value was based on recently reported transactions for similar assets in the marketplace. These assets had a book value of $7.0 million and were associated with the exit activities described in Note 4.
We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.

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Information related to our cash flow hedges, net investment hedges, and other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the quarterquarterly and six-month periods ended August 30,November 29, 2009, follows:
                                        
 Quarter Ended Aug. 30, 2009 Quarter Ended Nov. 29, 2009
 Interest Foreign        Interest Foreign       
 Rate Exchange Equity Commodity    Rate Exchange Equity Commodity   
In Millions Contracts Contracts Contracts Contracts Total  Contracts Contracts Contracts Contracts Total 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:  
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (a) $0.4 $(2.0) $ ��$ $(1.6) $2.6 $(6.6) $ $ $(4.0)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings (a) (b)  (3.8) 3.3    (0.5)
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings (a) (b)  (3.8)  (2.5)    (6.3)
Amount of loss recognized in earnings (c) (d)   (0.2)    (0.2)   (0.1)    (0.1)
  
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships: 
Amount of net gain recognized in earnings (e) 1.8    1.8 
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:  
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (e) 2.5  0.1  (28.7)  (26.1)
Amount of gain recognized in earnings (f) 1.5   17.5 19.0 
                     
  Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 29, 2009
  Interest  Foreign          
  Rate  Exchange  Equity  Commodity    
In Millions Contracts  Contracts  Contracts  Contracts  Total 
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:                    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (a) $3.0  $(8.6) $  $  $(5.6)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings (a) (b)  (7.6)  0.8         (6.8)
Amount of loss recognized in earnings (c) (d)     (0.3)        (0.3)
                     
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:                    
Amount of net gain recognized in earnings (e)  1.8            1.8 
                     
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:                    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings (f)  4.0      0.1   (11.2)  (7.1)
 
(a) Effective portion.
 
(b) Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&Aselling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
 
(c) All loss recognized in earnings is related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship. No amounts were reported as a result of being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
 
(d) Loss recognized in earnings is reported in SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.
 
(e)The net amount of gain recognized in earnings is related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship and the related hedged items. No amounts were reported as a result of being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
(f) Gain (loss) recognized in earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate contracts, in cost of sales for commodity contracts, and in SG&A expenses for equity contracts.
Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.Unrealized losses from interest rate cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI as of August 30,November 29, 2009, totaled $26.4$22.4 million after tax. These deferred losses are primarily related to interest rate swaps we entered into in contemplation of future borrowings and other financing requirements and are being reclassified into net interest over the lives of the hedged forecasted transactions. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we had no amounts from commodity derivatives recorded in AOCI. Unrealized losses from foreign currency cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI as of August 30,November 29, 2009, were $17.0$19.9 million after-tax. The net amount of pre-tax gains and losses in AOCI as of August 30,November 29, 2009, that is expectedwe expect to be reclassified into net earnings within the next 12 months is $38.9$43.1 million of expense.

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Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features.Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade credit rating on our debt from each of the major credit rating agencies. If our debt were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on August 30,November 29, 2009, was $25.3$21.8 million. We have posted collateral of $11.0$7.0 million in the normal course of business associated with these contracts. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on August 30,November 29, 2009, we would be required to post an additional $14.3$14.8 million of collateral to the counterparties.
Counterparty Credit Risk.We enter into interest rate, foreign exchange, and certain commodity and equity derivatives, primarily with a diversified group of highly rated counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one party. These transactions may expose us to potential losses due to the risk of nonperformance by these counterparties; however, we have not incurred a material loss and do not anticipate incurring any such material losses. We also enter into commodity futures transactions through various regulated exchanges.
The amount of loss due to the credit risk of the counterparties, should the counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the contracts, is $34.1$72.6 million against which we hold $2.5$32.6 million of collateral. Under the terms of master swap agreements, some of our transactions require collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to threshold levels of exposure and counterparty credit risk. Collateral assets are either cash or U.S. Treasury instruments and are held in a trust account that we may access if the counterparty defaults.

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(8) Debt
The components of notes payable were as follows:
                
 Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, 
In Millions 2009 2009  2009 2009 
U.S. commercial paper $322.2 $401.8  $138.3 $401.8 
Euro commercial paper 449.8 275.0  150.0 275.0 
Financial institutions 142.8 135.4  156.1 135.4 
Total $914.8 $812.2  $444.4 $812.2 
Our commercial paper borrowings are supported by fee-paid committed credit lines consisting of a $1.9 billion facility expiring in October 2012 and a $1.1 billion facility expiring in October 2010. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we did not have any outstanding borrowings under these credit lines.
In January 2009, we sold $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5.65 percent notes due 2019. In August 2008, we sold $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.25 percent notes due August 15, 2013. The proceeds of thethese notes were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. Interest on thethese notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. These notes may be redeemed at our option at any time for a specified make-whole amount. These notes are senior unsecured, unsubordinated obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision.
Our credit facilities and certain of our long-term debt and noncontrolling interests agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

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(9) Stockholders’ Equity
The following table provides details of total comprehensive income:income (loss):
                                                
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
 Aug. 30, 2009 Aug. 24, 2008 Nov. 29, 2009 Nov. 23, 2008
In Millions Pretax Tax Net Pretax Tax Net  Pretax Tax Net Pretax Tax Net 
Net earnings $420.6 $278.5      $565.5 $378.2 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 1.4 3.5      1.3 2.0 
             
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 422.0 282.0      $566.8 $380.2 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustments $38.6 $ $38.6 $(128.2) $ $(128.2) $111.1 $ $111.1 $(426.0) $ $(426.0)
Net actuarial loss 2.7  (1.1) 1.6    
Net actuarial gain 2.9  (1.1) 1.8    
Other fair value changes:        
Securities 0.3  (0.1) 0.2  (1.4) 0.5  (0.9)  (0.5) 0.2  (0.3)  (4.0) 1.6  (2.4)
Hedge derivatives  (1.6)  (0.2)  (1.8) 15.9  (3.9) 12.0   (4.0) 1.2  (2.8) 25.4  (7.2) 18.2 
Reclassification to earnings:        
Hedge derivatives 0.5  (0.2) 0.3 5.2  (1.8) 3.4  6.3  (2.4) 3.9 3.6  (1.5) 2.1 
Amortization of losses and prior service costs 1.9  (0.7) 1.2 4.0  (1.7) 2.3  2.0  (0.8) 1.2 6.2  (2.2) 4.0 
Other comprehensive income (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive loss: 42.4  (2.3) 40.1  (104.5)  (6.9)  (111.4)
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0.2  0.2 0.1  0.1 
Other comprehensive income (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive loss 117.8  (2.9) 114.9  (394.8)  (9.3)  (404.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (0.1)   (0.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) $42.6 $(2.3) $40.3 $(104.4) $(6.9) $(111.3) $117.8 $(2.9) $114.9 $(394.9) $(9.3) $(404.2)
Total comprehensive income $462.3 $170.7 
Total comprehensive income (loss)     $681.7 $(24.0)

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  Six-Month Period Ended  Six-Month Period Ended
  Nov. 29, 2009  Nov. 23, 2008
In Millions Pretax  Tax  Net  Pretax  Tax  Net 
 
Net earnings         $986.1          $656.7 
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests          2.7           5.5 
                       
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests         $988.8          $662.2 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss):                        
Foreign currency translation adjustments $149.7  $  $149.7  $(554.2) $  $(554.2)
Net actuarial gain  5.6   (2.2)  3.4          
Other fair value changes:                        
Securities  (0.2)  0.1   (0.1)  (5.4)  2.1   (3.3)
Hedge derivatives  (5.6)  1.0   (4.6)  41.3   (11.1)  30.2 
Reclassification to earnings:                        
Hedge derivatives  6.8   (2.6)  4.2   8.8   (3.3)  5.5 
Amortization of losses and prior service costs  3.9   (1.5)  2.4   10.2   (3.9)  6.3 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) in accumulated other comprehensive loss  160.2   (5.2)  155.0   (499.3)  (16.2)  (515.5)
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  0.2      0.2          
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) $160.4  $(5.2) $155.2  $(499.3) $(16.2) $(515.5)
 
Total comprehensive income         $1,144.0          $146.7 
 


Except for reclassifications to earnings, changes in other comprehensive income (loss) are primarily non-cash items.

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows:
                
 Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, 
In Millions 2009 2009  2009 2009 
Foreign currency translation adjustments $396.8 $358.2  $507.9 $358.2 
Unrealized gain (loss) from:    
Securities 4.6 4.4  4.3 4.4 
Hedge derivatives  (43.4)  (41.9)  (42.3)  (41.9)
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:    
Net actuarial loss  (1,166.6)  (1,168.2)  (1,164.8)  (1,168.2)
Prior service costs  (29.1)  (30.3)  (27.9)  (30.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(837.7) $(877.8) $(722.8) $(877.8)
(10) Stock Plans
We have various stock-based compensation programs under which awards, including stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units, may be granted to employees and non-employee directors. These programs and related accounting are described on pages 74 to 76 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009.
Compensation expense related to stock-based payments recognized in SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was as follows:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Compensation expense related to stock-based payments $59.0 $57.1  $38.4 $29.6 $97.4 $86.7 
As of August 30,November 29, 2009, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options and restricted stock units was $275.0$245.8 million. This expense will be recognized over 2825 months, on average.
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for withholding taxes and the intrinsic value of options exercised were as follows:
        
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Net cash proceeds $75.4 $161.8  $189.0 $266.8 
Intrinsic value of options exercised $36.3 $129.7  $118.8 $210.9 
We estimate the fair value of each option on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires us to make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility, employee exercise behavior, and dividend yield. We estimate our future stock price volatility using the historical volatility over the expected term of the option, excluding time periods of volatility we believe a marketplace participant would exclude in estimating our stock price volatility. For fiscal 2009 and all future grants, we have excluded historical volatility for fiscal 2002 and prior, primarily because volatility driven by theour acquisition of The Pillsbury Company does not reflect what we believe to be expected future volatility. We also have considered, but did not use, implied volatility in our estimate, because trading activity in options on our stock, especially those with tenors of greater than 6 months, is insufficient

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to provide a reliable measure of expected volatility. Our method of selecting the other valuation assumptions is explained on pages 74 and 75 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009.
The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows:
        
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Estimated fair values of stock options granted $6.36 $$9.41  $6.39 $$9.42 
Assumptions:  
Risk-free interest rate  3.9%  4.4%  3.7%  4.4%
Expected term 8.5 years 8.5 years 8.5 years 8.5 years
Expected volatility  18.9%  16.1%  18.9%  16.1%
Dividend yield  3.4%  2.7%  3.4%  2.7%
Information on stock option activity follows:
                
                    
  Weighted-Average     Weighted-Average   
 Weighted- Remaining Aggregate  Weighted- Remaining Aggregate 
 Shares Average Contractual Term Intrinsic Value  Shares Average Contractual Intrinsic Value 
 (Thousands) Exercise Price (Years) (Millions)  (Thousands) Exercise Price Term (Years) (Millions) 
Balance as of May 31, 2009 47,303.5 $47.69  47,303.5 $47.69 
Granted 3,293.3 55.84  3,389.7 55.98 
Exercised  (1,978.2) 40.20   (5,041.1) 38.90 
Forfeited or expired  (10.1) 54.95   (61.8) 55.21 
Outstanding as of Aug. 30, 2009 48,608.5 $48.54 4.71 $513.7 
Outstanding as of Nov. 29, 2009 45,590.3 $49.27 4.70 $858.6 
Exercisable as of Aug. 30, 2009 31,831.6 $44.16 2.88 $463.6 
Exercisable as of Nov. 29, 2009 28,845.6 $44.88 2.82 $669.8 
Information on restricted stock unit activity follows:
                        
 Equity Classified Liability Classified 
 Weighted- Weighted- Cash-Settled Weighted- 
 Share-Settled Average Share-Settled Average Share-Based Average                         
 Units Grant-Date Units Grant-Date Units Grant-Date  Equity Classified Liability Classified 
 (Thousands) Fair Value (Thousands) Fair Value (Thousands) Fair Value  Share-Settled
Units
(Thousands)
 Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 Share-Settled
Units
(Thousands)
 Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 Cash-Settled
Share-Based
Units
(Thousands)
 Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Non-vested as of May 31, 2009 4,391.0 $56.70 158.8 $57.97 874.9 $63.40  4,391.0 $56.70 158.8 $57.97 874.9 $63.40 
Granted 1,107.6 54.95 71.1 55.84 1,053.7 55.84  1,176.1 55.31 71.1 55.84 1,054.0 55.84 
Vested  (227.3) 51.22  (6.3) 51.88  (6.5) 59.55   (322.8) 51.86  (7.3) 44.75  (18.7) 59.54 
Forfeited or expired  (15.8) 60.64  (4.5) 58.35  (5.0) 59.39   (48.5) 58.11  (5.8) 51.71  (15.0) 59.50 
Non-vested as of Aug. 30, 2009 5,255.5 $56.55 219.1 $57.45 1,917.1 $59.27 
Non-vested as of Nov. 29, 2009 5,195.8 $56.67 216.8 $57.89 1,895.2 $59.26 
The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested in the first quarter of fiscal 2010six-month period ended November 29, 2009 was $12.4$18.2 million, and restricted units with a grant-date fair value of $19.2$28.2 million vested in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.six-month period ended November 23, 2008.

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(11) Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were calculated using the following:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions, Except per Share Data 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Net earnings $420.6 $278.5  $565.5 $378.2 $986.1 $656.7 
    
Average number of common shares - basic EPS 326.5 336.4  328.7 333.2 327.6 334.8 
Incremental share effect from:      
Stock options (a) 7.3 11.2  9.0 10.7 8.1 10.9 
Restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other (a) 2.6 2.9  2.9 3.1 2.8 3.0 
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS 336.4 350.5  340.6 347.0 338.5 348.7 
Earnings per share - basic $1.29 $0.83  $1.72 $1.14 $3.01 $1.96 
Earnings per share - diluted $1.25 $0.79  $1.66 $1.09 $2.91 $1.88 
(a) Incremental shares from stock options and restricted stock units are computed by the treasury stock method. Stock options and restricted stock units excluded from our computation of diluted EPS because they were not dilutive were as follows:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 10.4 5.4  2.3 2.6 6.3 4.0 
(12) Share Repurchases
During the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, we repurchased 25 thousand shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million. During the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we repurchased 4.3 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $233.9$235.4 million.
During the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009, we repurchased 8.210.6 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $519.2$708.0 million. During the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, we repurchased 18.8 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1,227.1 million, of which $20.3$21.4 million was included in othercurrent liabilities as of August 24,November 23, 2008, and settled after the end of the quarter. Also in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we settled $0.1 million of share repurchase liability outstanding as of May 28, 2008.
(13) Interest, Net
The components of interest were as follows:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
Expense (Income), in Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Interest expense $95.3 $94.5  $91.3 $103.4 $186.6 $198.0 
Capitalized interest  (1.1)  (1.4)  (1.2)  (1.5)  (2.3)  (2.9)
Interest income  (2.3)  (6.5)  (1.6)  (5.6)  (3.9)  (12.1)
Interest, net $91.9 $86.6  $88.5 $96.3 $180.4 $183.0 

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(14) Statements of Cash Flows
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010,six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we made cash interest payments of $117.6$192.9 million, compared to $100.8$198.0 million in the same period last year. Also, in the first quarter of fiscal 2010,six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we made tax payments of $26.0$301.1 million, compared to $19.1$187.0 million in the same period last year. In fiscal 2009 we acquired Humm Foods by issuing to its

17


shareholders 0.9 million shares of our common stock, with a value of $55.0 million, as consideration. This acquisition is treated as a non-cash transaction in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(15) Retirement and Postemployment Benefits
Components of net pension, other postretirement, and postemployment (income) expense were as follows:
                        
 Defined Benefit Other Postretirement Postemployment                         
 Pension Plans Benefit Plans Benefit Plans  Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
 Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
 Postemployment
Benefit Plans
 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24, Aug. 30, Aug. 24, Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 
Service cost $17.7 $19.5 $3.2 $3.6 $1.8 $1.6  $17.8 $19.2 $3.2 $3.5 $1.8 $1.7 
Interest cost 57.6 54.1 15.4 15.3 1.4 1.2  57.6 53.8 15.4 15.3 1.4 1.2 
Expected return on plan assets  (99.8)  (96.7)  (7.3)  (7.5)     (100.1)  (96.5)  (7.3)  (7.5)   
Amortization of losses 2.0 2.0 0.5 1.8 0.2 0.3  2.2 2.0 0.5 1.8 0.3 0.2 
Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 1.7 1.8  (0.4)  (0.4) 0.6 0.6  1.7 1.9  (0.4)  (0.3) 0.6 0.5 
Other adjustments      2.2      2.4 2.3 
Settlement or curtailment losses     2.5  
Net (income) expense $(20.8) $(19.3) $11.4 $12.8 $6.5 $5.9  $(20.8) $(19.6) $11.4 $12.8 $6.5 $5.9 
                         
  Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
  Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
  Postemployment
Benefit Plans
 
  Six-Month  Six-Month  Six-Month 
  Period Ended  Period Ended  Period Ended 
  Nov. 29,  Nov. 23,  Nov. 29,  Nov. 23,  Nov. 29,  Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009  2008  2009  2008  2009  2008 
 
Service cost $35.5  $38.7  $6.4  $7.1  $3.6  $3.3 
Interest cost  115.2   107.9   30.8   30.6   2.8   2.4 
Expected return on plan assets  (199.9)  (193.2)  (14.6)  (15.0)      
Amortization of losses  4.2   4.0   1.0   3.6   0.5   0.5 
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)  3.4   3.7   (0.8)  (0.7)  1.2   1.1 
Other adjustments              4.9   4.5 
 
Net (income) expense $(41.6) $(38.9) $22.8  $25.6  $13.0  $11.8 
 
(16) Business Segment Information
We operate in the consumer foods industry. We have three operating segments by type of customer and geographic region as follows: U.S. Retail; International; and Bakeries and Foodservice.
Our U.S. Retail segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, and drug, dollar and discount chains operating throughout the United States. Our major product categories in this business segment are ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, ready-to-serve soup, dry

20


dinners, shelf stable and frozen vegetables, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, grain, fruit and savory snacks, and a wide variety of organic products including soup, granola bars, and cereal.
In Canada, our major product categories are ready-to-eat cereals, shelf stable and frozen vegetables, dry dinners, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza snacks, and grain, fruit and savory snacks. In markets outside North America, our product categories include super-premium ice cream, grain snacks, shelf stable and frozen vegetables, dough products, and dry dinners. Our International segment also includes products manufactured in the United States for export, mainly to Caribbean and Latin American markets, as well as products we manufacture for sale to our international joint ventures. Revenues from export activities are reported in the region or country where the end customer is located.
In our Bakeries and Foodservice segment we sell products including cereals, snacks, refrigerated and soft-serve frozen yogurt, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, flour, dinner and side dish products, and custom food items. Many products we sell are branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. Our customers include foodservice distributors and operators, convenience store distributors and operators, vending operators, home improvement and electronics retailers, quick service restaurant chains and other independent restaurants, cafeterias, and retail, supermarket, and wholesale bakeries. Following our fiscal 2009 divestitures, substantially all of this segment’s operations are located in the United States.
Operating profit for these segments excludes unallocated corporate expense, restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs, and divestiture gains and losses. Unallocated corporate expense includes variances to planned corporate

18


overhead expenses, variances to planned domestic employee benefits and incentives, all stock-based compensation costs, annual contributions to the General Mills Foundation, and other items that are not part of our measurement of segment operating performance. These include gains and losses arising from the revaluation of certain grain inventories and gains and losses from mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions until passed back to our operating segments. These items affecting operating profit are centrally managed at the corporate level and are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by executive management. Under our supply chain organization, our manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution activities are substantially integrated across our operations in order to maximize efficiency and productivity. As a result, fixed assets and depreciation and amortization expenses are neither maintained nor available by operating segment.
As discussed in Note 2, we adopted SFAS 160new accounting guidance on noncontrolling interests at the beginning of fiscal 2010. To conform to the current year’s presentation, earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in foreign subsidiaries of $1.4$0.2 million for the quarter ended August 24,November 23, 2008, and $1.3 million for the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, which waswere previously deducted from the International segment’s operating profit, hashave been reclassified to net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

21


Our operating segment results were as follows:
                
         Six-Month 
 Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Period Ended 
 Aug. 30, Aug. 24,  Nov. 29, Nov. 23, Nov. 29, Nov. 23, 
In Millions 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Net sales:      
U.S. Retail $2,423.8 $2,290.3  $2,890.6 $2,785.1 $5,314.4 $5,075.4 
International 661.7 690.1  723.9 676.2 1,385.6 1,366.4 
Bakeries and Foodservice 433.3 516.9  463.7 549.5 897.0 1,066.4 
Total $3,518.8 $3,497.3  $4,078.2 $4,010.8 $7,597.0 $7,508.2 
Operating profit:      
U.S. Retail $636.7 $526.3  $718.4 $638.3 $1,355.1 $1,164.6 
International 69.7 79.9  77.1 79.5 146.8 159.5 
Bakeries and Foodservice 61.2 26.7  84.6 63.9 145.8 90.6 
Total segment operating profit 767.6 632.9  880.1 781.7 1,647.7 1,414.7 
      
Unallocated corporate expense 75.5 159.2 
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (income)  (0.8) 2.7 
Unallocated corporate items  (23.5) 291.7 52.0 450.8 
Divestiture (gain)   (128.8)   (128.8)
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 24.9 2.5 24.1 5.2 
Operating profit $692.9 $471.0  $878.7 $616.3 $1,571.6 $1,087.5 
(17) New Accounting Pronouncements
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141Rnew accounting guidance on business combinations. The guidance establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination: recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controllingnoncontrolling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141RThe guidance also changes the accounting for acquisition-related tax contingencies, requiring all such changes in these contingent liabilitiescontingencies to be recorded in earnings after the effective date. The adoption of SFAS 141Rthe guidance did not have anany impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 08-6, “Equity Method Accounting Considerations” (EITF 08-6). EITF 08-6new accounting guidance on accounting for equity method investments. The guidance addresses the impact of the issuance of SFAS 141Rthe noncontrolling interests and SFAS 160business combination guidance on accounting for equity method investments. The adoption of EITF 08-6the guidance did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted EITF No. 07-5, “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) is Indexednew accounting guidance on financial instruments indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” (EITF 07-5). EITF 07-5entity’s own stock. The guidance defines when adjustment features within

19


contracts are considered to be equity-indexed. The adoption of EITF 07-5the guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Grantednew accounting guidance issued to assist in Share-Based Payment Transactionsdetermining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are Participating Securities” (FSP EITF 03-6-1). FSP EITF 03-6-1participating securities. The guidance provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1the guidance did not have a material impact on our basic and diluted EPS.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted FAS No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that may be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (FSP No. APB 14-1). FSP No. APB 14-1new accounting guidance on convertible debt instruments. The guidance requires issuers to account separately for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets. The adoption of FSP APB 14-1the guidance did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

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In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted FSP No. 142-3, “Determinationnew accounting guidance on determining the useful life of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (FSP 142-3). This positionintangible assets. The guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” FSP 142-3asset. The guidance applies to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and both intangible assets acquired in business combinations and asset acquisitions. The adoption of FSP 142-3the guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
(18) Subsequent Events
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through September 23,December 18, 2009, the date the Company issued these financial statements. Based on our evaluation, no material events have occurred requiring disclosure.

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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 31, 2009, for important background regarding, among other things, our key business drivers. Significant trademarks and service marks used in our business are set forth initalicsherein. Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in a glossary on pages 26-27page 31 of this report.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FirstSecond Quarter Results
For the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, net sales grew 12 percent to $3,519$4,078 million and total segment operating profit of $768$880 million was 2113 percent higher than $633$782 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009. (See page 2630 for a discussion of this measure not defined by GAAP).
Net salesgrowth of 1 point2 points for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 was the result of 3 points1 point of growth from net price realization and mix, offset by 2 pointsand 1 point from unfavorablefavorable foreign currency exchange. Volume matched year-ago levels, reflectingContributions from volume growth were flat, including the loss of 2 points of growth from divested product lines.products.
Components of net sales growth
         
FirstSecond Quarter of Fiscal 2010 vs.     Bakeries and Combined
FirstSecond Quarter of Fiscal 2009 U.S. Retail International Foodservice Segments
 
Volume growth (a) 2 pts -1 ptsFlat -10 pts Flat
Net price realization and mix 42 pts 63 pts -6 pts 3 pts1 pt
Foreign currency exchange NA -94 pts Flat -2 pts1 pt
 
Net sales growth 64 pts -47 pts -16 pts 12 pts
 
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Cost of salesdecreased $246$459 million from the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009 to $2,060 million, primarily driven by changes in mix and lower input costs.$2,332 million. In the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a $15$67 million net increasedecrease in cost of sales related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories compared to a net increase of $91$269 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009. The remainder of the decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in supply chain costs and favorable mix.
Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenseswere up $49$113 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 versus the same period in fiscal 2009. SG&A expenseexpenses as a percent of net sales in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 increased by 1 percent2 percentage points compared with fiscal 2009. The increase in SG&A expenseexpenses was primarily driven by a 1637 percent increase in advertising and media expense.
There were no divestitures during the second quarter of fiscal 2010. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 we recorded adivestiture gainof $129 million related to the sale of ourPopSecret product line for $192 million in cash.
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (income)were $1$25 million of income for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 and $3$2 million of expense for the same period of fiscal 2009. In the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, we recordeddecided to exit certain underperforming products in our U.S. Retail segment to rationalize capacity for more profitable items. Our decisions to exit these products resulted in a net gain$24 million non-cash charge against the related long-lived assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. No employees were affected by these actions. We expect to recognize $2 million of other exit costs related to these actions, which we anticipate to be completed by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we also incurred incremental plant closure expenses related to previously

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announced restructuring activities of $1 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we did not undertake any new restructuring actions. We incurred $2 million of incremental plant closure expenses related to the closure and sale of our Contagem, Brazil bread and pasta plant.previously announced restructuring activities.
Interest, netfor the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 totaled $92$88 million, a $5an $8 million increasedecrease from the same period of fiscal 2009. Average interest bearing instruments decreased $737 million leading to an $11 million decrease in net interest, while average interest rates increased 5020 basis points generating an $8 million increase in net interest. Average interest bearing instruments decreased $222 million leading to a $3 million decreaseincrease in net interest. Average interest bearing instruments decreased due to reduced share repurchase activity in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 versus the same period last year. Average interest rates increased due to a shift from short-term floating rate debt to long-term fixed rate debt versus the same period last year.

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Theeffective tax ratefor the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 was 33.833.1 percent compared to 34.633.3 percent for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009. The 0.80.2 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an increasenondeductible expenses in benefits fromthe second quarter of fiscal 2009 and higher tax credits.credits in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. These items were partially offset by more income in higher tax rate jurisdictions.
After-tax earnings from joint venturesdecreasedincreased to $24$38 million compared to $31$33 million in the same quarter last fiscal year. Net sales forOur share of Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW) decreased 7 percent due to unfavorable foreign currency exchange andnet earnings increased $3 million, offsetting a 1 percent volume decline. Net sales forOur share of net earnings of our Häagen-Dazs joint venture in Japan decreased 12 percent over the same quarter of last fiscal year mainly due to a decrease inincreased $2 million, reflecting volume partially offset by favorable foreign currency exchange rates.growth.
Average diluted shares outstandingdecreased by 146 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 from the same period a year ago due primarily to the timing of share repurchases including the repurchase of 166 million shares since the end of the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009 and a lower incremental share effect from stock options, partially offset by the issuance of shares of our common stock upon stock option exercises.
Net earningswere $421$566 million in the firstsecond quarter, up 5150 percent from $279$378 million last year, and we reporteddiluted earnings per share (EPS)of $1.25$1.66, up 5852 percent from $0.79$1.09 per share earned in the same period last year. Diluted EPS for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 included a $0.03$0.12 net reductionaddition related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to a $0.17$0.49 net reduction in fiscal 2009. In addition, in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded a $0.22 net gain related to the divestiture of ourPopSecretproduct line.
Six-month Results
For the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, net sales grew 1 percent to $7,597 million and total segment operating profit of $1,648 million was 16 percent higher than $1,415 million in the six-month period ended November 23, 2008.
Net salesgrowth of 1 point for the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, was the result of 2 points of growth from net price realization and mix, offset by 1 point from unfavorable foreign currency exchange. Contributions from volume growth were flat, including the loss of 2 points of growth from divested products.
Components of net sales growth
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 29, 2009 vs.Bakeries andCombined
Six-Month Period Ended Nov. 23, 2008U.S. RetailInternationalFoodserviceSegments
Volume growth (a)2 pts-1 pt-10 ptsFlat
Net price realization and mix3 pts5 pts-6 pts2 pts
Foreign currency exchangeNA-3 ptsFlat-1 pt
Net sales growth5 pts1 pt-16 pts1 pt
(a)Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.
Cost of salesdecreased $705 million from the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, to $4,392 million. In the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we recorded a $53 million net decrease in cost of sales related to

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mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories compared to a net increase of $361 million in the six-month period ended November 23, 2008. The remainder of the decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by favorable mix and a decrease in supply chain costs.
SG&A expenseswere up $162 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, versus the same period in fiscal 2009. SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales in fiscal 2010 increased by 2 percentage points compared to fiscal 2009. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by a 27 percent increase in advertising and media expense.
There were no divestitures during the six-month period ended November 29, 2009. During the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, we recorded adivestiture gainof $129 million related to the sale of ourPopSecretproduct line for $192 million in cash.
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costswere $24 million for the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, and $5 million for the same period of fiscal 2009. During the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we decided to exit certain underperforming products in our U.S. Retail segment to rationalize capacity for more profitable items. Our decisions to exit these products resulted in a $24 million non-cash charge against the related long-lived assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. No employees were affected by these actions. We expect to recognize $2 million of other exit costs related to these actions, which we anticipate to be completed by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011. In addition, we recorded $1 million of costs related to previously announced restructuring actions and a net gain of $1 million related to the closure and sale of our Contagem, Brazil bread and pasta plant. In the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, we did not undertake any new restructuring actions. We incurred $5 million of incremental plant closure expenses related to previously announced restructuring activities in the six-month period ended November 23, 2008.
Interest, netfor the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, totaled $180 million, a $3 million decrease from the same period of fiscal 2009. Average interest bearing instruments decreased $408 million leading to an $11 million decrease in net interest, while average interest rates increased 30 basis points generating an $8 million increase in net interest. Average interest bearing instruments decreased due to reduced share repurchase activity in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, versus the same period last year. Average interest rates increased due to a shift from short-term floating rate debt to long-term fixed rate debt versus the same period last year.
Theeffective tax ratefor the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, was 33.4 percent compared to 33.9 percent for the six-month period ended November 23, 2008. The 0.5 percentage point decrease was primarily due to nondeductible expenses in the first half of fiscal 2009 and higher tax credits in the first half of fiscal 2010. These items were partially offset by more income in higher tax rate jurisdictions in the first half of fiscal 2010.
After-tax earnings from joint venturesfor the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, decreased to $62 million compared to $64 million in the same period in fiscal 2009. Our share of net earnings for CPW decreased $4 million, reflecting a 1 percent volume decline. Our share of net earnings for our Häagen-Dazs joint venture in Japan increased $2 million, mainly due to favorable foreign currency exchange rates and net price realization and mix, offset by volume declines.
Average diluted shares outstandingdecreased by 10 million for the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, from the same period a year ago, due primarily to the timing of share repurchases including the repurchase of 6 million shares since the end of the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, and a lower incremental share effect from stock options, partially offset by the issuance of shares of our common stock upon stock option exercises.
Net earningswere $986 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, up 50 percent from $657 million in the same period last year, and we reporteddiluted EPSof $2.91 in the six month period ended November 29, 2009 up 55 percent from $1.88 per share earned in the same period last year. Diluted EPS for the six-month period ended November 29, 2009 included a $0.09 net gain related to the mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions, compared to a $0.65 net loss in the same period of fiscal 2009. In addition, in the six-month period ended November 23, 2008, we recorded a $0.21 net gain related to the divestiture of ourPopSecretproduct line.

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SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
U.S. Retail Segment Results
Net sales for our U.S. Retail operations grew 64 percent in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 to $2,424$2,891 million. Net sales increased across most of our U.S. Retail divisions with net price realization and mix and volume on a tonnage basis each contributing 2 points of growth.
Net sales for our U.S. Retail operations grew 5 percent in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, to $5,314 million. Net sales increased across most of our U.S. Retail divisions with net price realization and mix adding 43 points and volume on a tonnage basis contributing 2 points of growth, including a 1 point reduction from thePopSecretproduct line divestiture.growth.
U.S. Retail Net Sales Percentage Change by Division
Quarter Ended
Aug. 30,
2009
Big G9%
Meals4
Pillsbury12
Yoplait4
Snacks1
Baking Products3
Small Planet Foods-5
Total6%
         
      Six-Month 
  Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
  Nov. 29,  Nov. 29, 
  2009  2009 
 
Big G  10%  10%
Meals Flat   1 
Pillsbury  1   5 
Yoplait  5   4 
Snacks  6   4 
Baking Products  5   4 
Small Planet Foods  (2)  (4)
 
Total  4%  5%
 
During the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, net sales for Big G cereals grew 910 percent driven by volume gains onMultigrain Chex,Cheerios, andFiber One,Trix,Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and new gluten-freeChexitems.cereals. The Meals division recorded a 4 percentessentially matched prior year net sales increase, includinglevels, with gains frominHamburger HelperGreen Giantfrozen vegetables,Progressoready-to-serve soups andMacaroni Grilldinner kits,Old El PasoMexican products, andGreen Giant frozen vegetables.products. Pillsbury net sales grew 121 percent including gains onPillsbury refrigerated dough products,Totino’s PizzaandPizza Rolls pizza snacks, andPillsbury Toaster StrudelSavoringsandPillsburyrefrigerated cookie dough. appetizers. Net sales for Yoplait grew 45 percent, led by contributionsgains fromYoplait Lightand introductory sales ofYoplait Delights. Snacks net sales grew 16 percent, driven byFiber OneandNature Valleygrain snacks andFiber Onebars, several fruit snack varieties, offset by the divestiture of ourPopSecretmicrowave popcorn product line in fiscal 2009. Net sales for Baking Products rose 35 percent, reflecting gains byBetty Crockerdessert mixes and new gluten-free baking mixes. Small Planet Food’s net sales were down 5 percent.2 percent, reflecting organic industry trends.

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Operating profits forincreased 13 percent to $718 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 increased 21and 16 percent to $637 million from $526$1,355 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, versus the same periodperiods a year ago. Favorable volume, mix,ago, primarily driven by favorable supply chain costs, net price realization, volume and input costs weremix, partially offset by higher mediaadvertising and advertisingmedia expenses.
International Segment Results
Net sales for our International segment were down 4up 7 percent in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 to $662$724 million. This declinegrowth was driven by 94 points of favorable foreign currency exchange and a 3 point increase from net price realization and mix. Volume matched year-ago levels, including a 2 point decline from divested product lines.
Net sales for our International segment were up 1 percent in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, to $1,386 million. This growth was driven by a 5 point increase from net price realization and mix. This increase was offset by 3 points of unfavorable foreign currency exchange and 1 point of volume decline, including a 2 point decline from divested product lines, partially offset by a 6 point increase from net price realization and mix.lines.

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International Net Sales Percentage Change by Geographic Region
Quarter Ended
Aug. 30,
2009
Europe-12%
Canada3
Asia/Pacific-1
Latin America2
Total-4%
         
      Six-Month 
  Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
  Nov. 29,  Nov. 29, 
  2009  2009 
 
Europe  4%  (5)%
Canada  15   9 
Asia/Pacific  12   6 
Latin America  (8)  (3)
 
Total  7%  1%
 
For the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, net sales in Europe declined 12grew 4 percent driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange, partially offset by performance fromOld El PasoandNature Valleyin the United Kingdom, and dough products in Germany, andOld El Pasoin France.Germany. Net sales in Canada increased 315 percent due to volume increases in the cereal product line as a result of Olympic promotions, offset by unfavorablenewNature Valleylaunches, and favorable foreign currency exchange. In the Asia/Pacific region, net sales declined 1grew 12 percent due to unfavorablegrowth ofHäagen-DazsMooncakes in China, along with favorable foreign currency exchange, offset by volume growth in several markets, includingHäagen-Dazsshop sales in China.exchange. Latin America net sales increased 2decreased 8 percent due to the discontinuation of our bread and pasta brands in Brazil in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, partially offset by net price realization onDiablitosin Venezuela and higher volume fromLa Salteñain Argentina, partially offset by the discontinuation of ourForno de Minascheese bread andFrescarinipasta brands in Brazil that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.Argentina.
Operating profits fordeclined 3 percent to $77 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 declined 13and 8 percent to $70 million from $80$147 million in the six-month period of fiscal 2010 versus the same periodperiods a year ago, due toreflecting unfavorable foreign currency translationeffects and transaction effects.increased advertising and media expenses.
Bakeries and Foodservice Segment Results
Net sales for our Bakeries and Foodservice segment decreased 16 percent to $433$464 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010. Volume declined 10 points, including an 8 point reduction from divested product lines. Net price realization and mix drove a 6 point decrease, primarily from price declines indexed to wheat markets.
Net sales for our Bakeries and Foodservice segment decreased 16 percent to $897 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009. Volume declined 10 points, including a 10 point reduction from divested product lines. Net price realization and mix drove a 6 point decrease, primarily from price declines indexed to wheat markets.
Bakeries and Foodservice Net Sales Percentage Change by Customer Segment
Quarter Ended
Aug. 30,
2009
Foodservice Distributors1%
Convenience Stores8
Bakeries and National Restaurant Accounts-26
Total-16%
         
      Six-Month 
  Quarter Ended  Period Ended 
  Nov. 29,  Nov. 29, 
  2009  2009 
 
Foodservice Distributors  (6)%  (3)%
Convenience Stores  1   4 
Bakeries and National Restaurant Accounts  (23)  (24)
 
Total  (16)%  (16)%
 

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We realigned our Bakeries and Foodservice customer segments in fiscal 2010 and reclassified previous years to conform to the current year presentation.
Operating profits for the segment for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 were $61$85 million, up from $27$64 million in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase is primarily due to plant operating performance, productivity, a decrease in supply chain input costs and increased grain merchandising earnings.favorable mix.

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Operating profits for the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, were $146 million, up from $91 million in the six-month period ended November 23, 2008. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in supply chain costs and favorable mix.
UNALLOCATED CORPORATE EXPENSEITEMS
Unallocated corporate expenseitems totaled $76$24 million of income in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to $159$292 million of expense in the same period in fiscal 2009. In the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 we recorded a $15$67 million net increase in income related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories, compared to a $269 million net increase in expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.
Unallocated corporate expense totaled $52 million in the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, compared to $451 million in the same period last year. In the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, we recorded a $53 million net decrease in expense related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain inventories, compared to a $91$361 million net increase in expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.same period a year ago.
LIQUIDITY
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010,six-month period ended November 29, 2009, our operations generated $275$987 million of cash compared to $226$364 million in the same period last year, asmainly reflecting the $142$329 million increase in net earnings. Also, net earnings was partially offset by an increased usefor fiscal 2009 included a $129 million pre-tax gain on the sale of cash in working capital.ourPopSecretproduct line.
Cash used by investing activities decreased $8during the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, was $215 million, a $156 million increase over the same period in fiscal 2008. The increased use of cash primarily reflects the $192 million of proceeds from the first quarterdivestiture of ourPopSecretproduct line in fiscal 2009 as capital expenditures2009. In addition we invested $258 million in land, buildings, and equipment in fiscal 2010, were $2an increase of $16 million lowerover the prior year.
Cash used by financing activities increased $487 million during the six-month period ended November 29, 2009, over the same period a year ago. We repaid $378 million of notes payable and long term debt in fiscal 2010 versus a $950 million net issuance of notes payable and long term debt in fiscal 2009. We also used $970 million less cash to repurchase shares than in the same period last year.
Financing activities used $201 We paid $313 million of cash in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The repurchase of 4 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $234 million and the payment of $156 million of dividends in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, were partially offset by $101$19 million of cash generated from notes payable.more than the prior year.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our capital structure was as follows:
                
 Aug. 30, May 31,  Nov. 29, May 31, 
In Millions 2009 2009  2009 2009 
Notes payable $914.8 $812.2  $444.4 $812.2 
Current portion of long-term debt 508.5 508.5  607.3 508.5 
Long-term debt 5,753.9 5,754.8  5,648.0 5,754.8 
Total debt 7,177.2 7,075.5  6,699.7 7,075.5 
Noncontrolling interests 244.9 244.2  244.8 244.2 
Stockholders’ equity 5,393.7 5,172.3  6,088.9 5,172.3 
Total capital $12,815.8 $12,492.0  $13,033.4 $12,492.0 
Our commercial paper borrowings are supported by fee-paid committed credit lines consisting of a $1.9 $1.9��billion facility expiring in October 2012 and a $1.1 billion facility expiring in October 2010. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we did not have any outstanding borrowings under these credit lines.
In August 2008, we sold $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.25 percent notes due August 15, 2013. The proceeds of the notes were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. These notes may be redeemed at our option at any time for a specified make-whole amount. These notes are senior unsecured, unsubordinated obligations that include a change of control repurchase provision.
Our credit facilities and certain of our long-term debt and noncontrolling interests agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of August 30,November 29, 2009, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

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We have $508.5$607.3 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current. 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.
We have an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) covering the sale of debt securities. The shelf registration statement will expire in December 2011.
OFF BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business in our contractual obligations or off-balance-sheet arrangements during the first quartersix months of fiscal 2010.
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 31, 2009. The accounting policies used in preparing our interim fiscal 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements are the same as those described in our Form 10-K, except as discussed in Notes 2, 16 and 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
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 promotional expenditures, intangible assets, stock compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits. The assumptions and methodologies used in the determination of those estimates as of August 30,November 29, 2009, are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: a replacement of SFAS No. 162” (SFAS 168). SFAS 168 establishes the two levels of GAAP — authoritative and non-authoritative. SFAS 168 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which for us is the second quarter of fiscal 2010. SFAS 168 will not have any impact on our results of operations or financial position.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (SFAS 167), whichnew accounting guidance that changes the consolidation model for variable interest entities (VIEs). SFAS 167The guidance requires companies to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the company (1) has the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. SFAS 167The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, which for us is fiscal 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 167the guidance on our results of operations and financial position.
In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (FSP FAS 132(R)-1). FSP FAS 132(R)-1 amends FASB Statement No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” to providenew guidance on an employer’s disclosures aboutfor post-retirement benefit plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132(R)-1assets. The guidance requires an employer to disclose information on the investment policies and strategies and the significant concentrations of risk in plan assets. An employer must also disclose the fair value of each major category of plan assets as of each annual reporting date together with the information on the inputs and valuation techniques used to develop such fair value measurements. FSP FAS 132(R)-1The guidance will be effective for us as of May 30, 2010 and will have no impact on our results of operations or financial position.

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NON-GAAP MEASURES
We have included in this MD&A a measure of financial performance that is not defined by GAAP. This non-GAAP measure should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.
Total Segment Operating Profit
This non-GAAP measure is used in internal management reporting and as a component of the Board of Directors’ rating of our performance for management and employee incentive compensation. Management and the Board of Directors believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is the profitability measure we use to evaluate segment performance. A reconciliation of this measure to the relevant GAAP measure, operating profit, is included in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.

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GLOSSARY
AOCI. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
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.
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 and the related fair values of net assets acquired.
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.
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.
Noncontrolling interests.Interests of subsidiaries held by third parties.
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.
Notional principal amount.The principal amount on which fixed-rate or floating-rate interest payments are calculated.
OCI.Other Comprehensive Income.
Total debt.Notes payable and long-term debt, including current portion.
Translation adjustments.The impact of the conversion of our foreign affiliates’ financial statements to U.S. dollars for the purpose of consolidating our financial statements.

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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.
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 SEC and in our reports to stockholders.

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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: 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 laws and regulations, including labeling and advertising regulations; 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, and energy; disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain; 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 of our information technology systems; resolution of uncertain income tax matters; 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 on pages 7 through 12 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, 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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The estimated maximum potential value-at-risk arising from a one-day loss in fair value for our interest rate and commodity market-risk-sensitive instruments outstanding as of August 30,November 29, 2009, was $46$38 million and $13$5 million, respectively. The $2$6 million increasedecrease in interest rate value-at-risk during the firstsix-month period ended November 29, 2009, was due to decreased interest rate market volatility in fiscal 2010 and new hedging instruments that reduced value-at-risk. The $5 million decrease in commodity value-at-risk during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was due to increased interest rate marketlower volatility in fiscal 2010. The $3 million increase in commodity value-at-risk during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was due to an increase in hedging transactions and higher volatility in commodity

27


markets. For additional information, see Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of August 30,November 29, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our

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management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our fiscal quarter ended August 30,November 29, 2009, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PartPART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we purchased during the firstfiscal quarter of fiscal 2010:ended November 29, 2009:
                 
      Total Number of Shares  
      Average Purchased as Part of Maximum Number of Shares
  Total Number of Price Paid a Publicly that may yet be Purchased
Period Shares Purchased (a) Per Share Announced Program (b) Under the Program (b)
 
June 1, 2009-                
July 5, 2009  3,449,065  $53.83   3,449,065   19,127,078 
 
July 6, 2009-                
August 2, 2009  788,924   59.29   788,924   18,338,154 
 
August 3, 2009-                
August 30, 2009  24,828   58.24   24,828   18,313,326 
 
Total  4,262,817  $54.87   4,262,817   18,313,326 
 
                 
          Total Number of Shares  
    Average Purchased as Part of Maximum Number of Shares
  Total Number of Price Paid a Publicly that may yet be Purchased
Period Shares Purchased (a) Per Share Announced Program (b) Under the Program (b)
 
September 1, 2009-                
October 4, 2009  22,741  $61.45   22,741   18,290,585 
 
October 5, 2009-                
November 1, 2009  1,942   64.35   1,942   18,288,643 
 
November 2, 2009-                
November 29, 2009           18,288,643 
 
Total  24,683  $61.67   24,683   18,288,643 
 
(a) The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) 67,444includes 24,683 shares purchased from the ESOP fund of our 401(k) savings plan; and (ii) 4,195,373plan. No shares were purchased in the open market. These amounts include 398 shares acquired at an average purchase price of $58.97 for which settlement occurred after August 30, 2009.
 
(b) On December 11, 2006, our Board of Directors approved and we announced an authorization for the repurchase of up to 75,000,000 shares of our common stock. Purchases can be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, including the use of call options and other derivative instruments, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, and accelerated repurchase programs. The Board did not specify an expiration date for the authorization.

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Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
(a)The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on September 21, 2009.
(b)All 14 directors nominated were elected at the Annual Meeting.
(c)For the election of directors, the results were as follows:
Bradbury H. AndersonFor270,034,838
Against10,553,421
Abstain1,127,126
R. Kerry ClarkFor276,658,559
Against3,866,080
Abstain1,190,746
Paul DanosFor257,904,866
Against22,696,875
Abstain1,113,644
William T. EsreyFor274,665,414
Against5,890,075
Abstain1,159,896
Raymond V. GilmartinFor253,540,412
Against27,037,387
Abstain1,137,586
Judith Richards HopeFor275,462,802
Against5,229,884
Abstain1,022,699
Heidi G. MillerFor256,029,503
Against24,635,550
Abstain1,050,332
Hilda Ochoa-BrillembourgFor274,766,407
Against5,841,448
Abstain1,107,530
Steve OdlandFor271,764,671
Against8,833,576
Abstain1,117,138
Kendall J. PowellFor274,569,715
Against6,059,770
Abstain1,085,900
Lois E. QuamFor276,558,144
Against4,110,179
Abstain1,047,062

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Michael D. RoseFor274,247,073
Against6,244,843
Abstain1,223,469
Robert L. RyanFor278,601,508
Against2,062,122
Abstain1,051,755
Dorothy A. TerrellFor275,735,530
Against4,929,629
Abstain1,050,226
The 2009 Stock Compensation Plan was approved:
For:181,399,591
Against:59,739,606
Abstain:1,549,046
Broker Non-Votes:39,027,142
The appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010 was ratified:
For:274,837,569
Against:6,200,939
Abstain:676,877
The non-binding stockholder proposal for an advisory vote on executive compensation was approved:
For:117,563,676
Against:111,850,958
Abstain:13,273,609
Broker Non-Votes:39,027,142

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Item 6. Exhibits.
   
Exhibit 10.1General Mills, Inc. 2009 Stock Compensation Plan
Exhibit 10.2*Eleventh Amendment to the Yoplait Manufacturing and Distribution License Agreement, dated September 21, 2009, between SODIMA and the Registrant
Exhibit 12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**101.SCH XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL**101.CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**101.DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**101.LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**101.PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
** FurnishedConfidential information has been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately, accompanied by a confidential treatment request, with this Form 10-Qthe SEC pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 GENERAL MILLS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date September 23,December 18, 2009 /s/ Roderick A. Palmore   
 Roderick A. Palmore  
 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary 
 
 
   
Date September 23,December 18, 2009 /s/ Richard O. Lund   
 Richard O. Lund  
 Vice President, Controller (Principal Accounting
Officer) 
 

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Exhibit Index
   
Exhibit No. Description
12.110.1 General Mills, Inc. 2009 Stock Compensation Plan
10.2*Eleventh Amendment to the Yoplait Manufacturing and Distribution License Agreement, dated September 21, 2009, between SODIMA and the Registrant
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**101.SCH XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL**101.CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**101.DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**101.LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**101.PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
** FurnishedConfidential information has been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately, accompanied by a confidential treatment request, with this Form 10-Qthe SEC pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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