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General Mills

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FY2022 Annual Report · General Mills
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2022 Annual Report

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

o 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR 
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 29, 2022

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)

Number One General Mills 
Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota 
(Address of principal executive 
offices)

41-0274440
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.)

55426 
(Zip Code)

(763) 764-7600 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, $.10 par value
1.000% Notes due 2023
0.125% Notes due 2025
0.450% Notes due 2026
1.500% Notes due 2027

Trading Symbol(s)
GIS
GIS23A
GIS25A
GIS26
GIS27

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes    No  o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  o  No  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or 
an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  
Emerging growth company  o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any 
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Smaller reporting company  o

Non-accelerated filer  o

Accelerated filer  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal 
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that 
prepared or issued its audit report. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  o  No  

Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $62.76 per share as reported on the New York 
Stock Exchange on November 28, 2021 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter): $37,857.2 million.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 15, 2022: 597,158,440 (excluding 157,454,888 shares held in the treasury).

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Table of Contents

Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary

Part I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

Part II
Item 5.

Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.

Part III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.

Part IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
Signatures

Page

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PART I

ITEM 1 - Business

COMPANY OVERVIEW

For more than 150 years, General Mills has been making food the world loves. We are a leading global manufacturer and 
marketer of branded consumer foods with more than 100 brands in 100 countries across six continents. In addition to our 
consolidated operations, we have 50 percent interests in two strategic joint ventures that manufacture and market food products 
sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

We manage and review the financial results of our business under four operating segments: North America Retail; International; 
Pet;  and  North  America  Foodservice.  See  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations (MD&A) in Item 7 of this report for a description of our segments.

We offer a variety of human and pet food products that provide great taste, nutrition, convenience, and value for consumers 
around the world. Our business is focused on the following large, global categories:

• 
• 
• 

snacks, including grain, fruit and savory snacks, nutrition bars, and frozen hot snacks;
ready-to-eat cereal;
convenient  meals,  including  meal  kits,  ethnic  meals,  pizza,  soup,  side  dish  mixes,  frozen  breakfast,  and  frozen 
entrees;

•  wholesome natural pet food;
• 
refrigerated and frozen dough;
•  baking mixes and ingredients;
•  yogurt; and
• 

super-premium ice cream.

Our Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW) joint venture with Nestlé S.A. (Nestlé) competes in the ready-to-eat cereal category 
in markets outside North America, and our Häagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ) joint venture competes in the super-premium ice 
cream category in Japan. For net sales contributed by each class of similar products, please see Note 17 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

The terms “General Mills,” “Company,” “registrant,” “we,” “us,” and “our” mean General Mills, Inc. and all subsidiaries 
included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report unless the context indicates otherwise.

Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in a glossary in Item 8 of this report.

Customers

Our primary customers are grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and 
discount chains, e-commerce retailers, commercial and noncommercial foodservice distributors and operators, restaurants, 
convenience  stores,  and  pet  specialty  stores.  We  generally  sell  to  these  customers  through  our  direct  sales  force.  We  use 
broker and distribution arrangements for certain products and to serve certain types of customers and certain markets. For 
further information on our customer credit and product return practices, please refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in Item 8 of this report. During fiscal 2022, Walmart Inc. and its affiliates (Walmart) accounted for 20 percent of 
our consolidated net sales and 28 percent of net sales of our North America Retail segment. No other customer accounted for 
10 percent or more of our consolidated net sales. For further information on significant customers, please refer to Note 8 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

Competition

The  human  and  pet  food  categories  are  highly  competitive,  with  numerous  manufacturers  of  varying  sizes  in  the  United 
States and throughout the world. The categories in which we participate also are very competitive. Our principal competitors 
in  these  categories  are  manufacturers,  as  well  as  retailers  with  their  own  branded  products.  Competitors  market  and  sell 
their  products  through  brick-and-mortar  stores  and  e-commerce.  All  our  principal  competitors  have  substantial  financial, 
marketing, and other resources. Competition in our product categories is based on product innovation, product quality, price, 
brand  recognition  and  loyalty,  effectiveness  of  marketing,  promotional  activity,  convenient  ordering  and  delivery  to  the 
consumer, and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. Our principal strategies for competing in each of our 

4

segments include unique consumer insights, effective customer relationships, superior product quality, innovative advertising, 
product promotion, product innovation aligned with consumers’ needs, an efficient supply chain, and price. In most product 
categories,  we  compete  not  only  with  other  widely  advertised,  branded  products,  but  also  with  regional  brands  and  with 
generic and private label products that are generally sold at lower prices. Internationally, we compete with both multi-national 
and local manufacturers, and each country includes a unique group of competitors.

Raw materials, ingredients, and packaging

The principal raw materials that we use are grains (wheat, oats, and corn), dairy products, sugar, fruits, vegetable oils, meats, 
nuts, vegetables, and other agricultural products. We also use substantial quantities of carton board, corrugated, plastic, and 
metal packaging materials, operating supplies, and energy. Most of these inputs for our domestic and Canadian operations 
are purchased from suppliers in the United States. In our other international operations, inputs that are not locally available 
in adequate supply may be imported from other  countries. The cost of these  inputs may  fluctuate widely due to external 
conditions  such  as  weather,  climate  change,  product  scarcity,  limited  sources  of  supply,  commodity  market  fluctuations, 
currency  fluctuations,  trade  tariffs,  pandemics  (including  the  COVID-19  pandemic),  war,  and  changes  in  governmental 
agricultural and energy policies and regulations. We believe that we will be able to obtain an adequate supply of needed inputs. 
Occasionally and where possible, we make advance purchases of items significant to our business in order to ensure continuity 
of operations. Our objective is to procure materials meeting both our quality standards and our production needs at price 
levels that allow a targeted profit margin. Since these inputs generally represent the largest variable cost in manufacturing 
our products, to the extent possible, we often manage the risk associated with adverse price movements for some inputs using 
a variety of risk management strategies. We also have a grain merchandising operation that provides us efficient access to, 
and  more  informed  knowledge  of,  various  commodity  markets,  principally  wheat  and  oats.  This  operation  holds  physical 
inventories that are carried at net realizable value and uses derivatives to manage its net inventory position and minimize its 
market exposures.

TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS

Our  products  are  marketed  under  a  variety  of  valuable  trademarks.  Some  of  the  more  important  trademarks  used  in  our 
global  operations  (set  forth  in  italics  in  this  report)  include  Annie’s,  Betty  Crocker,  Bisquick,  Blue  Buffalo,  Blue  Basics, 
Blue Freedom, Bugles, Cascadian Farm, Cheerios, Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, EPIC, Fiber 
One, Food Should Taste Good, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Gardetto’s, Gold Medal, Golden Grahams, 
Häagen-Dazs, Kitano, Kix, Lärabar, Latina, Lucky Charms, Muir Glen, Nature Valley, Nudges, Oatmeal Crisp, Old El Paso, 
Pillsbury, Progresso, Raisin Nut Bran, Total, Top Chews Naturals, Totino’s, Trix, True Chews, Wanchai Ferry, Wheaties, 
Wilderness, and Yoki. We protect these marks as appropriate through registrations in the United States and other jurisdictions. 
Depending on the jurisdiction, trademarks are generally valid as long as they are in use or their registrations are properly 
maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of trademarks can also generally be renewed 
indefinitely for as long as the trademarks are in use.

Some of our products are marketed under or in combination with trademarks that have been licensed from others for both 
long-standing products (e.g., Reese’s Puffs for cereal, Green Giant for vegetables in certain countries, and Yoplait and related 
brands for fresh dairy in the United States and Canada), and shorter term promotional products (e.g., fruit snacks sold under 
various third party equities).

Our cereal trademarks are licensed to CPW and may be used in association with the Nestlé trademark. Nestlé licenses certain 
of its trademarks to CPW, including the Nestlé and Uncle Toby’s trademarks. The Häagen-Dazs trademark is licensed royalty-
free and exclusively to Nestlé and authorized sublicensees for ice cream and other frozen dessert products in the United States 
and Canada. The Häagen-Dazs trademark is also licensed to HDJ in Japan. The Pillsbury brand and the Pillsbury Doughboy 
character are subject to an exclusive, royalty-free license that was granted to a third party and its successors in the dessert mix 
and baking mix categories in the United States and under limited circumstances in Canada and Mexico.

We  continue  our  focus  on  developing  and  marketing  innovative,  proprietary  products,  many  of  which  use  proprietary 
expertise, recipes and formulations. We consider the collective rights under our various patents, which expire from time to 
time, a valuable asset, but we do not believe that our businesses are materially dependent upon any single patent or group of 
related patents.

5

SEASONALITY

In  general,  demand  for  our  products  is  evenly  balanced  throughout  the  year.  However,  within  our  North  America  Retail 
segment demand for refrigerated dough, frozen baked goods, and baking products is stronger in the fourth calendar quarter. 
Demand  for  Progresso  soup  is  higher  during  the  fall  and  winter  months.  Within  our  International  segment,  demand  for 
Häagen-Dazs ice cream is higher during the summer months and demand for baking mix increases during winter months. 
Due to the offsetting impact of these demand trends, as well as the different seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres, 
our International segment’s net sales are generally evenly balanced throughout the year.

QUALITY AND SAFETY REGULATION

The manufacture and sale of human and pet food products is highly regulated. In the United States, our activities are subject to 
regulation by various federal government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, 
Federal Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Environmental 
Protection  Agency,  as  well  as  various  federal,  state,  and  local  agencies  relating  to  the  production,  packaging,  labelling, 
marketing, storage, distribution, quality, and safety of food and pet products and the health and safety of our employees. Our 
business is also regulated by similar agencies outside of the United States.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

As of May 29, 2022, we were involved with two response actions associated with the alleged or threatened release of hazardous 
substances or wastes located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Moonachie, New Jersey.

Our operations are subject to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and 
all similar state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations applicable to the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Based  on  current  facts  and  circumstances,  we  believe  that  neither  the  results  of  our  environmental  proceedings  nor  our 
compliance in general with environmental laws or regulations will have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, 
earnings, or competitive position.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Recruiting, developing, engaging, and protecting our workforce is critical to executing our strategy and achieving business 
success. As of May 29, 2022, we had approximately 32,500 employees around the globe, with approximately 15,000 in the 
U.S. and approximately 17,500 located in our markets outside of the U.S. Our workforce is divided between approximately 
12,500 employees dedicated to the production of our various products and approximately 20,000 non-production employees.

The efficient production of high-quality products and successful execution of our strategy requires a talented, skilled, and 
engaged team of employees. We work to equip our employees with critical skills and expand their contributions over time by 
providing a range of training and career development opportunities, including hands-on experiences via challenging work 
assignments and job rotations, coaching and mentoring opportunities, and training programs. To foster employee engagement 
and commitment, we follow a robust process to listen to employees, take action, and measure our progress with on-going 
employee conversations, transparent communications, and employee engagement surveys.

We believe that fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging strengthens our ability to recruit talent and allows all of our 
employees  to  thrive  and  succeed.  We  actively  cultivate  a  culture  that  acknowledges,  respects,  and  values  all  dimensions 
of diversity – including gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, backgrounds, and beliefs. Ensuring diversity of input and 
perspectives  is  core  to  our  business  strategy,  and  we  are  committed  to  recruiting,  retaining,  developing,  and  advancing  a 
workforce that reflects the diversity of the consumers we serve. This commitment starts with our company leadership where 
women represent approximately 42 percent of our officer and director population, and approximately 19 percent of our officers 
and directors are racially or ethnically diverse. We embed our culture of inclusion and belonging into our day-to-day ways of 
working through a number of programs to foster discussion, build empathy, and increase understanding.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure workplace for our employees. We set specific safety standards to identify and 
manage critical risks. We use global safety management systems and employee training to ensure consistent implementation 
of safety protocols and accurate measurement and tracking of incidents. To provide a safe and secure working environment 
for our employees, we prohibit workplace discrimination, and we do not tolerate abusive conduct or harassment. Our attention 
to the health and safety of our workforce extends to the workers and communities in our supply chain. We believe that respect 
for human rights is fundamental to our strategy and to our commitment to ethical business conduct.

6

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The section below provides information regarding our executive officers as of June 29, 2022.

Jodi Benson, age 57, is Chief Innovation, Technology and Quality Officer. Ms. Benson joined General Mills in 2001 from 
The Pillsbury Company. She held a variety of positions before becoming the leader of our One Global Dairy Platform from 
2011 to 2016. She was named Vice President for our International business segment from 2016 to 2017, and Vice President 
of the Global Innovation, Technology, and Quality Capabilities Group from 2017 to July 2018. She was named to her current 
position in August 2018.

Kofi A. Bruce, age 52, is Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bruce joined General Mills in 2009 as Vice President, Treasurer after 
serving in a variety of senior management positions with Ecolab and Ford Motor Company. He served as Treasurer until 2010 
when he was named Vice President, Finance for Yoplait. Mr. Bruce reassumed his role as Vice President, Treasurer from 2012 
until 2014 when he was named Vice President, Finance for Convenience Stores & Foodservice. He was named Vice President, 
Controller in 2017, Vice President, Financial Operations in September 2019, and to his present position in February 2020.

Paul J. Gallagher, age 54, is Chief Supply Chain Officer. Mr. Gallagher joined General Mills in April 2019 as Vice President, 
North America Supply Chain from Diageo plc. He began his career at Diageo where he spent 25 years serving in a variety 
of leadership roles in manufacturing, procurement, planning, customer service, and engineering before becoming President, 
North America Supply from 2013 to March 2019. He was named to his current position in July 2021.

Jeffrey L. Harmening, age 55, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Harmening joined General Mills 
in 1994 and served in various marketing roles in the Betty Crocker, Yoplait, and Big G cereal divisions. He was named Vice 
President, Marketing for CPW in 2003 and Vice President of the Big G cereal division in 2007. In 2011, he was promoted to 
Senior Vice President for the Big G cereal division. Mr. Harmening was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Executive 
Officer  of  CPW  in  2012.  Mr.  Harmening  returned  from  CPW  in  2014  and  was  named  Executive  Vice  President,  Chief 
Operating Officer, U.S. Retail. He became President, Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He was named Chief Executive Officer 
in 2017 and Chairman of the Board in January 2018. Mr. Harmening is a director of The Toro Company.

Dana M. McNabb, age 46, is Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. Ms. McNabb joined General Mills in 1999 and held a 
variety of marketing roles in Cereal, Snacks, Meals, and New Products before becoming Vice President, Marketing for 
CPW in 2011 and Vice President, Marketing for the Circle of Champions Business Unit in 2015. She became President, 
U.S. Cereal Operating Unit in 2016, Group President, Europe & Australia in January 2020, and was named to her present 
position in July 2021.

Jaime Montemayor, age 58, is Chief Digital and Technology Officer. He spent 21 years at PepsiCo, Inc., serving in roles 
of  increasing  responsibility,  including  most  recently  as  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Information  Officer  of  PepsiCo’s 
Americas Foods segment from 2013 to 2015, and Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Digital Innovation, 
Data and Analytics, PepsiCo from 2015 to 2016. Mr. Montemayor served as Chief Technology Officer of 7-Eleven Inc. in 2017. 
He assumed his current role in February 2020 after founding and operating a digital technology consulting company from 
2017 until January 2020.

Jon J. Nudi, age 52, is Group President, North America Retail. Mr. Nudi joined General Mills in 1993 as a Sales Representative 
and held a variety of roles in Consumer Foods Sales. In 2005, he moved into marketing roles in the Meals division and was 
elected  Vice  President  in  2007.  Mr.  Nudi  was  named  Vice  President;  President,  Snacks,  in  2010,  Senior  Vice  President, 
President, Europe/Australasia in 2014, and Senior Vice President; President, U.S. Retail in 2016. He was named to his present 
position in 2017.

Shawn P. O’Grady, age 58, is Group President, North America Foodservice. Mr. O’Grady joined General Mills in 1990 and 
held several marketing roles in the Snacks, Meals, and Big G cereal divisions. He was promoted to Vice President in 1998 
and held marketing positions in the Betty Crocker and Pillsbury USA divisions. In 2004, he moved into Consumer Foods 
Sales, becoming Vice President, President, U.S. Retail Sales in 2007, Senior Vice President, President, Consumer Foods Sales 
Division in 2010, Senior Vice President, President, Sales & Channel Development in 2012, and Group President, Convenience 
Stores & Foodservice in 2017. He was named to his current position in December 2021.

Mark A. Pallot, age 49, is Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Pallot joined General Mills in 2007 and served 
as Director, Financial Reporting until 2017, when he was named Vice President, Assistant Controller. He was elected to his 
present position in February 2020. Prior to joining General Mills, Mr. Pallot held accounting and financial reporting positions 
at Residential Capital, LLC, Metris, Inc., CIT Group Inc., and Ernst & Young, LLP.

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Bethany Quam, age 51, is Group President, Pet. Ms. Quam joined General Mills in 1993 and held a variety of positions before 
becoming Vice President, Strategic Planning in 2007. She was promoted to Vice President, Field Sales, Channels in 2012, Vice 
President; President, Convenience Stores & Foodservice in 2014, and Senior Vice President; President, Europe & Australia in 
2016, and Group President; Europe & Australia in 2017. She was named to her current position in October 2019.

Sean Walker, age 56, is Group President, International. Mr. Walker joined General Mills in 1989 and held a variety of positions 
before becoming Vice President, President of Latin America in 2009. He was named Senior Vice President, President Latin 
America in 2012, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy in 2016, and Group President, Asia & Latin America in February 
2019. He was named to his current position in July 2021.

Karen Wilson Thissen, age 55, is General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Wilson Thissen joined General Mills in June 2022. 
Prior to joining General Mills, she spent 17 years at Ameriprise Financial, Inc., serving in roles of increasing responsibility, 
including  most  recently  as  Executive  Vice  President  and  General  Counsel  from  2017  to  June  2022,  and  Executive  Vice 
President and Deputy General Counsel from 2014 to 2017. Before joining Ameriprise Financial, Inc., she was a partner at the 
law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP).

Jacqueline  Williams-Roll,  age  53,  is  Chief  Human  Resources  Officer.  Ms.  Williams-Roll  joined  General  Mills  in  1995. 
She held human resources leadership roles in Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, and Organization Effectiveness, and she 
also worked a large part of her career on businesses outside of the United States. She was named Vice President, Human 
Resources, International in 2010, and then promoted to Senior Vice President, Human Resources Operations in 2013. She was 
named to her present position in 2014. Prior to joining General Mills, she held sales and management roles with Jenny Craig 
International.

WEBSITE ACCESS

Our website is https://www.generalmills.com. We make available, free of charge in the “Investors” portion of this website, 
annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports 
filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) as soon as reasonably 
practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 
All such filings are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Reports of beneficial ownership filed pursuant to 
Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act are also available on our website.

ITEM 1A - Risk Factors

Our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Any of the risks described below could materially, adversely affect 
our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Business and Industry Risks

Global health developments and economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could materially and 
adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The  public  health  crisis  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  the  measures  being  taken  by  governments,  businesses, 
including us, and the public at large to limit COVID-19’s spread have had, and may continue to have, certain negative impacts 
on our business, financial condition, and results of operations including, without limitation, the following:

•  We have experienced, and may continue to experience, a decrease in sales of certain of our products in markets 
around the world that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, sales of our products in the away-
from-home  food  outlets  across  all  our  major  markets  have  been  negatively  affected  by  reduced  consumer  traffic 
resulting from shelter-in-place regulations or recommendations and closings of restaurants, schools and cafeterias. 
If the COVID-19 pandemic persists or intensifies, its negative impacts on our sales, particularly in away-from-home 
food outlets, could be more prolonged and may become more severe.

•  Deteriorating economic and political conditions in our major markets affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as 
increased unemployment, decreases in disposable income, declines in consumer confidence, or economic slowdowns 
or recessions, could cause a decrease in demand for our products.

•  We have experienced minor temporary workforce disruptions in our supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Illness,  travel  restrictions,  absenteeism,  or  other  workforce  disruptions  could  negatively  affect  our  supply  chain, 
manufacturing, distribution, or other business processes. We may face additional production disruptions in the future, 
which may place constraints on our ability to produce products in a timely manner or may increase our costs.

8

•  Changes and volatility in consumer purchasing and consumption patterns may increase demand for our products 
in  one  quarter,  resulting  in  decreased  consumer  demand  for  our  products  in  subsequent  quarters.  Short  term  or 
sustained increases in consumer demand at our retail customers may exceed our production capacity or otherwise 
strain our supply chain.

•  The failure of third parties on which we rely, including those third parties who supply our ingredients, packaging, 
capital  equipment  and  other  necessary  operating  materials,  contract  manufacturers,  commercial  transport, 
distributors,  contractors,  commercial  banks,  and  external  business  partners,  to  meet  their  obligations  to  us,  or 
significant disruptions in their ability to do so, may negatively impact our operations.

•  Significant changes in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell, or distribute our products 
(including quarantines, import/export restrictions, price controls, governmental or regulatory actions, closures or 
other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities, restrict our employees’ ability to 
travel or perform necessary business functions, or otherwise prevent our third-party partners, suppliers, or customers 
from sufficiently staffing operations, including operations necessary for the production, distribution, and sale of our 
products) could adversely impact our operations and results.

•  Actions we have taken or may take, or decisions we have made or may make, as a consequence of the COVID-19 

pandemic may result in investigations, legal claims or litigation against us.

The categories in which we participate are very competitive, and if we are not able to compete effectively, our results 
of operations could be adversely affected.

The human and pet food categories in which we participate are very competitive. Our principal competitors in these categories 
are manufacturers, as well as retailers with their own branded and private label products. Competitors market and sell their 
products  through  brick-and-mortar  stores  and  e-commerce.  All  of  our  principal  competitors  have  substantial  financial, 
marketing,  and  other  resources.  In  most  product  categories,  we  compete  not  only  with  other  widely  advertised  branded 
products, but also with regional brands and with generic and private label products that are generally sold at lower prices. 
Competition in our product categories is based on product innovation, product quality, price, brand recognition and loyalty, 
effectiveness of marketing, promotional activity, convenient ordering and delivery to the consumer, and the ability to identify 
and satisfy consumer preferences. If our large competitors were to seek an advantage through pricing or promotional changes, 
we  could  choose  to  do  the  same,  which  could  adversely  affect  our  margins  and  profitability.  If  we  did  not  do  the  same, 
our revenues and market share could be adversely affected. Our market share and revenue growth could also be adversely 
impacted if we are not successful in introducing innovative products in response to changing consumer demands or by new 
product introductions of our competitors. If we are unable to build and sustain brand equity by offering recognizably superior 
product quality, we may be unable to maintain premium pricing over generic and private label products.

We may be unable to maintain our profit margins in the face of a consolidating retail environment.

There has been significant consolidation in the grocery industry, resulting in customers with increased purchasing power. In 
addition, large retail customers may seek to use their position to improve their profitability through improved efficiency, lower 
pricing, increased reliance on their own brand name products, increased emphasis on generic and other economy brands, 
and increased promotional programs. If we are unable to use our scale, marketing expertise, product innovation, knowledge 
of consumers’ needs, and category leadership positions to respond to these demands, our profitability and volume growth 
could be negatively impacted. In addition, the loss of any large customer could adversely affect our sales and profits. In fiscal 
2022, Walmart accounted for 20 percent of our consolidated net sales and 28 percent of net sales of our North America Retail 
segment. For more information on significant customers, please see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 
8 of this report.

Price changes for the commodities we depend on for raw materials, packaging, and energy may adversely affect our 
profitability.

The principal raw materials that we use are commodities that experience price volatility caused by external conditions such as 
weather, climate change, product scarcity, limited sources of supply, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, 
trade tariffs, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), war (including international sanctions imposed on Russia for its 
invasion of Ukraine), and changes in governmental agricultural and energy policies and regulations. Commodity prices have 
become, and may continue to be, more volatile during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commodity price changes may result in 
unexpected increases in raw material, packaging, energy, and transportation costs. If we are unable to increase productivity 
to offset these increased costs or increase our prices, we may experience reduced margins and profitability. We do not fully 
hedge against changes in commodity prices, and the risk management procedures that we do use may not always work as we 
intend.

9

Concerns with the safety and quality of our products could cause consumers to avoid certain products or ingredients.

We could be adversely affected if consumers in our principal markets lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain of 
our products or ingredients. Adverse publicity about these types of concerns, whether or not valid, may discourage consumers 
from buying our products or cause production and delivery disruptions.

We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and trends, which may result in decreased demand 
for our products.

Our  success  depends  in  part  on  our  ability  to  anticipate  the  tastes,  eating  habits,  and  purchasing  behaviors  of  consumers 
and to offer products that appeal to their preferences in channels where they shop. Consumer preferences and category-level 
consumption may change from time to time and can be affected by a number of different trends and other factors. If we fail to 
anticipate, identify or react to these changes and trends, such as adapting to emerging e-commerce channels, or to introduce 
new and improved products on a timely basis, we may experience reduced demand for our products, which would in turn cause 
our revenues and profitability to suffer. Similarly, demand for our products could be affected by consumer concerns regarding 
the health effects of ingredients such as sodium, trans fats, genetically modified organisms, sugar, processed wheat, grain-free 
or legume-rich pet food, or other product ingredients or attributes.

We may be unable to grow our market share or add products that are in faster growing and more profitable categories.

The food industry’s growth potential is constrained by population growth. Our success depends in part on our ability to grow 
our business faster than populations are growing in the markets that we serve. One way to achieve that growth is to enhance 
our portfolio by adding innovative new products in faster growing and more profitable categories. Our future results will 
also depend on our ability to increase market share in our existing product categories. If we do not succeed in developing 
innovative products for new and existing categories, our growth and profitability could be adversely affected.

Our results may be negatively impacted if consumers do not maintain their favorable perception of our brands.

Maintaining and continually enhancing the value of our many iconic brands is critical to the success of our business. The 
value of our brands is based in large part on the degree to which consumers react and respond positively to these brands. 
Brand value could diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including consumer perception that we have acted in 
an irresponsible manner, adverse publicity about our products, our failure to maintain the quality of our products, the failure 
of our products to deliver consistently positive consumer experiences, concerns about food safety, or our products becoming 
unavailable to consumers. Consumer demand for our products may also be impacted by changes in the level of advertising or 
promotional support. The use of social and digital media by consumers, us, and third parties increases the speed and extent 
that information or misinformation and opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about us, our brands, or our 
products on social or digital media could seriously damage our brands and reputation. If we do not maintain the favorable 
perception of our brands, our business results could be negatively impacted.

Operating Risks

If we are not efficient in our production, our profitability could suffer as a result of the highly competitive environment 
in which we operate.

Our  future  success  and  earnings  growth  depend  in  part  on  our  ability  to  be  efficient  in  the  production  and  manufacture 
of our products in highly competitive markets. Gaining additional efficiencies may become more difficult over time. Our 
failure to reduce costs through productivity gains or by eliminating redundant costs resulting from acquisitions or divestitures 
could adversely affect our profitability and weaken our competitive position. Many productivity initiatives involve complex 
reorganization of manufacturing facilities and production lines. Such manufacturing realignment may result in the interruption 
of production, which may negatively impact product volume and margins. We periodically engage in restructuring and cost 
savings initiatives designed to increase our efficiency and reduce expenses. If we are unable to execute those initiatives as 
planned, we may not realize all or any of the anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect our business and results of 
operations.

Disruption of our supply chain could adversely affect our business.

Our  ability  to  make,  move,  and  sell  products  is  critical  to  our  success.  Damage  or  disruption  to  raw  material  supplies  or 
our manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, climate change, natural disaster, fire, terrorism, cyber-attack, 
pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), war, governmental restrictions or mandates, labor shortages, strikes, import/
export restrictions, or other factors could impair our ability to manufacture or sell our products. Many of our product lines are 
manufactured at a single location or sourced from a single supplier. The failure of third parties on which we rely, including 

10

those third parties who supply our ingredients, packaging, capital equipment and other necessary operating materials, contract 
manufacturers, commercial transport, distributors, contractors, and external business partners, to meet their obligations to us, 
or significant disruptions in their ability to do so, may negatively impact our operations. Our suppliers’ policies and practices 
can damage our reputation and the quality and safety of our products. Disputes with significant suppliers, including disputes 
regarding pricing or performance, could adversely affect our ability to supply products to our customers and could materially 
and adversely affect our sales, financial condition, and results of operations. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the 
likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, particularly when a product 
is sourced from a single location or supplier, could adversely affect our business and results of operations, as well as require 
additional resources to restore our supply chain.

Short term or sustained increases in consumer demand at our retail customers may exceed our production capacity or otherwise 
strain our supply chain. Our failure to meet the demand for our products could adversely affect our business and results of 
operations.

Our international operations are subject to political and economic risks.

In fiscal 2022, 23 percent of our consolidated net sales were generated outside of the United States. We are accordingly subject 
to a number of risks relating to doing business internationally, any of which could significantly harm our business. These risks 
include:

exchange controls and currency exchange rates;
tariffs on products and ingredients that we import and export;

•  political and economic instability;
• 
• 
•  nationalization or government control of operations;
• 
compliance with anti-corruption regulations;
• 
foreign tax treaties and policies; and
• 
restriction on the transfer of funds to and from foreign countries, including potentially negative tax consequences.

Our financial performance on a U.S. dollar denominated basis is subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These 
fluctuations could cause material variations in our results of operations. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, 
Brazilian real, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and Swiss franc. 
From time to time, we enter into agreements that are intended to reduce the effects of our exposure to currency fluctuations, 
but these agreements may not be effective in significantly reducing our exposure.

A strengthening in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in the countries in which we operate would negatively affect our 
reported results of operations and financial results due to currency translation losses and currency transaction losses.

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or are 
breached.

Information technology serves an important role in the efficient and effective operation of our business. We rely on information 
technology networks and systems, including the internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic information to manage a 
variety of business processes and to comply with regulatory, legal, and tax requirements. Our information technology systems 
and infrastructure are critical to effectively manage our key business processes including digital marketing, order entry and 
fulfillment,  supply  chain  management,  finance,  administration,  and  other  business  processes.  These  technologies  enable 
internal and external communication among our locations, employees, suppliers, customers, and others and include the receipt 
and storage of personal information about our employees, consumers, and proprietary business information. Our information 
technology  systems,  some  of  which  are  dependent  on  services  provided  by  third  parties,  may  be  vulnerable  to  damage, 
interruption, or shutdown due to any number of causes such as catastrophic events, natural disasters, fires, power outages, 
systems failures, telecommunications failures, security breaches, computer viruses, hackers, employee error or malfeasance, 
and  other  causes.  Increased  cyber-security  threats  pose  a  potential  risk  to  the  security  and  viability  of  our  information 
technology systems, as well as the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored on those systems. The failure 
of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and result in transaction errors, 
processing inefficiencies, data loss, legal claims or proceedings, regulatory penalties, and the loss of sales and customers. Any 
interruption of our information technology systems could have operational, reputational, legal, and financial impacts that may 
have a material adverse effect on our business.

11

Our  failure  to  successfully  integrate  acquisitions  into  our  existing  operations  could  adversely  affect  our  financial 
results.

From time to time, we evaluate potential acquisitions or joint ventures that would further our strategic objectives. Our success 
depends, in part, upon our ability to integrate acquired and existing operations. If we are unable to successfully integrate 
acquisitions, our financial results could suffer. Additional potential risks associated with acquisitions include additional debt 
leverage, the loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business, the assumption of unknown liabilities, the inherent 
risk associated with entering a geographic area or line of business in which we have no or limited prior experience, failure to 
achieve anticipated synergies, and the impairment of goodwill or other acquisition-related intangible assets.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

If our products become adulterated, misbranded, or mislabeled, we might need to recall those items and may experience 
product liability claims if consumers or their pets are injured.

We may need to recall some of our products if they become adulterated, misbranded, or mislabeled. A widespread product recall 
could result in significant losses due to the costs of a recall, the destruction of product inventory, and lost sales due to the unavailability 
of product for a period of time. We could also suffer losses from a significant product liability judgment against us. A significant 
product recall or product liability case could also result in adverse publicity, damage to our reputation, and a loss of consumer 
confidence in our products, which could have an adverse effect on our business results and the value of our brands.

New regulations or regulatory-based claims could adversely affect our business.

Our  facilities  and  products  are  subject  to  many  laws  and  regulations  administered  by  the  United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture,  the  Federal  Food  and  Drug  Administration,  the  Occupational  Safety  and  Health  Administration,  and  other 
federal, state, local, and foreign governmental agencies relating to the production, packaging, labelling, storage, distribution, 
quality, and safety of food products and the health and safety of our employees. Our failure to comply with such laws and 
regulations could subject us to lawsuits, administrative penalties, and civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, and recalls 
of our products. We advertise our products and could be the target of claims relating to alleged false or deceptive advertising 
under  federal,  state,  and  foreign  laws  and  regulations.  We  may  also  be  subject  to  new  laws  or  regulations  restricting  our 
right to advertise our products, including restrictions on the audience to whom products are marketed. Changes in laws or 
regulations that impose additional regulatory requirements on us could increase our cost of doing business or restrict our 
actions, causing our results of operations to be adversely affected.

Significant COVID-19 related changes in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell or distribute our 
products (including quarantines, import/export restrictions, price controls, governmental or regulatory actions, closures or 
other restrictions that limit or close our operating and manufacturing facilities, restrict our employees’ ability to travel or 
perform necessary business functions or otherwise prevent our third-party partners, suppliers, or customers from sufficiently 
staffing operations, including operations necessary for the production, distribution, sale, and support of our products) could 
adversely impact our operations and results.

We are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with 
environmental  laws  and  regulations  could  subject  us  to  lawsuits,  administrative  penalties,  and  civil  remedies.  We  are 
currently party to a variety of environmental remediation obligations. Due to regulatory complexities, uncertainties inherent 
in  litigation,  and  the  risk  of  unidentified  contaminants  on  current  and  former  properties  of  ours,  the  potential  exists  for 
remediation, liability, indemnification, and compliance costs to differ from our estimates. We cannot guarantee that our costs 
in relation to these matters, or compliance with environmental laws in general, will not exceed our established liabilities or 
otherwise have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Climate change and other sustainability matters could adversely affect our business.

There is growing concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere may have an adverse 
impact on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. If 
such climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may experience decreased availability and higher 
pricing  for  certain  commodities  that  are  necessary  for  our  products.  Increased  frequency  or  severity  of  extreme  weather 
could also impair our production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain, impact demand for our products, and increase our 
insurance and other operating costs. Increasing concern over climate change or other sustainability issues also may adversely 
impact demand for our products due to changes in consumer preferences or negative consumer reaction to our commitments 
and actions to address these issues. We may also become subject to additional legal and regulatory requirements relating 
to climate change or other sustainability issues, including greenhouse gas emission regulations (e.g., carbon taxes), energy 

12

policies, sustainability initiatives (e.g., single-use plastic limits), and disclosure obligations. If additional legal and regulatory 
requirements  are  enacted  and  are  more  aggressive  than  the  sustainability  measures  that  we  are  currently  undertaking  to 
monitor our emissions and improve our energy efficiency and other sustainability goals, or if we chose to take actions to 
achieve more aggressive goals, we may experience significant increases in our costs of operations.

We have announced goals and commitments to reduce our carbon footprint. If we fail to achieve or improperly report on our 
progress toward achieving our carbon emissions reduction goals and commitments, then the resulting negative publicity could 
harm our reputation and adversely affect demand for our products.

Financial and Economic Risks

Volatility in the market value of derivatives we use to manage exposures to fluctuations in commodity prices will cause 
volatility in our gross margins and net earnings.

We  utilize  derivatives  to  manage  price  risk  for  some  of  our  principal  ingredient  and  energy  costs,  including  grains  (oats, 
wheat,  and  corn),  oils  (principally  soybean),  dairy  products,  natural  gas,  and  diesel  fuel.  Changes  in  the  values  of  these 
derivatives are recorded in earnings currently, resulting in volatility in both gross margin and net earnings. These gains and 
losses are reported in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings and in unallocated corporate items outside 
our segment operating results until we utilize the underlying input in our manufacturing process, at which time the gains 
and losses are reclassified to segment operating profit. We also record our grain inventories at net realizable value. We may 
experience volatile earnings as a result of these accounting treatments.

Economic downturns could limit consumer demand for our products.

The willingness of consumers to purchase our products depends in part on local economic conditions. In periods of economic 
uncertainty, consumers may purchase more generic, private label, and other economy brands and may forego certain purchases 
altogether. In those circumstances, we could experience a reduction in sales of higher margin products or a shift in our product 
mix to lower margin offerings. In addition, as a result of economic conditions or competitive actions, we may be unable to 
raise our prices sufficiently to protect margins. Consumers may also reduce the amount of food that they consume away from 
home at customers that purchase products from our North America Foodservice segment. Any of these events could have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations.

We  have  a  substantial  amount  of  indebtedness,  which  could  limit  financing  and  other  options  and  in  some  cases 
adversely affect our ability to pay dividends.

As of May 29, 2022, we had total debt and noncontrolling interests of $11.9 billion. The agreements under which we have issued 
indebtedness do not prevent us from incurring additional unsecured indebtedness in the future. Our level of indebtedness may 
limit our:
• 

ability  to  obtain  additional  financing  for  working  capital,  capital  expenditures,  or  general  corporate  purposes, 
particularly if the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating organizations were revised downward; and
flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions and may make us more vulnerable to a downturn in 
general economic conditions.

• 

There are various financial covenants and other restrictions in our debt instruments and noncontrolling interests. If we fail 
to comply with any of these requirements, the related indebtedness, and other unrelated indebtedness, could become due and 
payable prior to its stated maturity and our ability to obtain additional or alternative financing may also be adversely affected.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt and other obligations will depend on our operating and 
financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors 
beyond our control.

Global  capital  and  credit  market  issues  could  negatively  affect  our  liquidity,  increase  our  costs  of  borrowing,  and 
disrupt the operations of our suppliers and customers.

We depend on stable, liquid, and well-functioning capital and credit markets to fund our operations. Although we believe that 
our operating cash flows, financial assets, access to capital and credit markets, and revolving credit agreements will permit 
us to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that future volatility or disruption in 
the capital and credit markets will not impair our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing. We also utilize interest rate 
derivatives to reduce the volatility of our financing costs. If we are not effective in hedging this volatility, we may experience 
an increase in our costs of borrowing. Our business could also be negatively impacted if our suppliers or customers experience 
disruptions resulting from tighter capital and credit markets or a slowdown in the general economy.

13

We may not have access to preferred sources of liquidity when needed or on terms we find acceptable, and our borrowing 
costs could increase. An economic or credit crisis could occur and impair credit availability and our ability to raise capital 
when needed. A disruption in the financial markets may have a negative effect on our derivative counterparties and could 
impair our banking or other business partners, on whom we rely for access to capital and as counterparties to our derivative 
contracts.

From time to time, we issue variable rate securities based on London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and enter into interest rate 
swaps that contain a variable element based on LIBOR. The United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority intends to phase out 
the LIBOR rates associated with our outstanding variable rate securities and interest rate swaps by June 2023. The U.S. Federal 
Reserve has selected the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR) as the preferred alternate rate to LIBOR. We are planning 
for this transition and will amend any contracts to accommodate the SOFR rate where required. We continue to evaluate the 
potential impact of this transition, which remains subject to uncertainty.

Volatility in the securities markets, interest rates, and other factors could substantially increase our defined benefit 
pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit costs.

We  sponsor  a  number  of  defined  benefit  plans  for  employees  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  and  various  foreign  locations, 
including defined benefit pension, retiree health and welfare, severance, and other postemployment plans. Our major defined 
benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a globally diversified portfolio of securities and other investments. 
Changes in interest rates, mortality rates, health care costs, early retirement rates, investment returns, and the market value of 
plan assets can affect the funded status of our defined benefit plans and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and future 
funding requirements of the plans. A significant increase in our obligations or future funding requirements could have a negative 
impact on our results of operations and cash flows from operations.

A  change  in  the  assumptions  regarding  the  future  performance  of  our  businesses  or  a  different  weighted-average 
cost of capital used to value our reporting units or our indefinite-lived intangible assets could negatively affect our 
consolidated results of operations and net worth.

As of May 29, 2022, we had $21.4 billion of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill for each of our reporting 
units is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have 
occurred. We compare the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. 
If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, impairment 
has  occurred.  Our  estimates  of  fair  value  are  determined  based  on  a  discounted  cash  flow  model.  Growth  rates  for  sales 
and profits are determined using inputs from our long-range planning process. We also make estimates of discount rates, 
perpetuity growth assumptions, market comparables, and other factors. If current expectations for growth rates for sales and 
profits are not met, or other market factors and macroeconomic conditions were to change, then our reporting units could 
become significantly impaired. While we currently believe that our goodwill is not impaired, different assumptions regarding 
the future performance of our businesses could result in significant impairment losses.

We evaluate the useful lives of our intangible assets, primarily intangible assets associated with the Blue Buffalo, Pillsbury, 
Totino’s,  Progresso,  Old  El  Paso,  Yoki,  Häagen-Dazs,  and  Annie’s  brands,  to  determine  if  they  are  finite  or  indefinite-
lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects 
of  obsolescence,  demand,  competition,  other  economic  factors  (such  as  the  stability  of  the  industry,  known  technological 
advances,  legislative  action  that  results  in  an  uncertain  or  changing  regulatory  environment,  and  expected  changes  in 
distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are also tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our estimate of the fair value of the brands is based on a discounted cash flow 
model using inputs including projected revenues from our long-range plan, assumed royalty rates which could be payable if 
we did not own the brands, and a discount rate. If current expectations for growth rates for sales and margins are not met, or 
other market factors and macroeconomic conditions were to change, then our indefinite-lived intangible assets could become 
significantly  impaired.  Our  Progresso,  Green  Giant,  EPIC,  and  Uncle  Toby’s  brands  had  experienced  declining  business 
performance, and we continue to monitor these businesses.

For further information on goodwill and intangible assets, please refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in 
Item 8 of this report.

14

ITEM 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

ITEM 2 - Properties

We  own  our  principal  executive  offices  and  main  research  facilities,  which  are  located  in  the  Minneapolis,  Minnesota 
metropolitan  area.  We  operate  numerous  manufacturing  facilities  and  maintain  many  sales  and  administrative  offices, 
warehouses, and distribution centers around the world.

As of May 29, 2022, we operated 43 facilities for the production of a wide variety of food products. Of these facilities, 25 are 
located in the United States (1 of which is leased), 4 in the Greater China region, 1 in the Asia/Middle East/Africa Region, 
2 in Canada (1 of which is leased), 5 in Europe/Australia, and 6 in Latin America and Mexico. The following is a list of the 
locations of our principal production facilities, which primarily support the segment noted:

North America Retail

• St. Hyacinthe, Canada

• Irapuato, Mexico

• Covington, Georgia

• Reed City, Michigan

• Belvidere, Illinois

• Geneva, Illinois

• Fridley, Minnesota

• Hannibal, Missouri

• Buffalo, New York

• Cincinnati, Ohio

• Wellston, Ohio

• Murfreesboro, Tennessee

• Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin

North America Foodservice

• Chanhassen, Minnesota

• Joplin, Missouri

International

• Rooty Hill, Australia

• Recife, Brazil

• Cambara, Brazil

• Guangzhou, China

• Campo Novo do Pareceis, Brazil

• Nanjing, China

• Paranavai, Brazil

• Pouso Alegre, Brazil

Pet

• Sanhe, China

• Shanghai, China

• Arras, France

• Labatut, France

• Inofita, Greece

• Nashik, India

• San Adrian, Spain

• Richmond, Indiana

• Independence, Iowa

• Joplin, Missouri

We  operate  numerous  grain  elevators  in  the  United  States  in  support  of  our  domestic  manufacturing  activities.  We  also 
utilize approximately 15 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space, nearly all of which is leased, that primarily 
supports our North America Retail segment. We own and lease a number of dedicated sales and administrative offices around 
the world, totaling approximately 2 million square feet. We have additional warehouse, distribution, and office space in our 
plant locations.

As part of our Häagen-Dazs business in our International segment we operate 448 (all leased) and franchise 384 branded ice 
cream parlors in various countries around the world, all outside of the United States and Canada.

ITEM 3 - Legal Proceedings 

We  are  the  subject  of  various  pending  or  threatened  legal  actions  in  the  ordinary  course  of  our  business. All  such  matters 
are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. In our opinion, there were no claims 
or litigation pending as of May 29, 2022, that were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 
financial position or results of operations. See the information contained under the section entitled “Environmental Matters” in 
Item 1 of this report for a discussion of environmental matters in which we are involved.

15

ITEM 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

PART II

ITEM 5 -  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities

Our  common  stock  is  listed  on  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  under  the  symbol  “GIS.”  On  June  15,  2022,  there  were 
approximately 25,000 record holders of our common stock. 

The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we purchased during the fiscal 
quarter ended May 29, 2022:

Period
February 28, 2022 -  
April 3, 2022
April 4, 2022 -  
May 1, 2022
May 2, 2022 -  
May 29, 2022
Total

Total Number  
of Shares  
Purchased (a)

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share

Total Number of Shares  
Purchased as Part of a  
Publicly Announced  
Program (b)

Maximum Number of  
Shares that may yet  
be Purchased  
Under the Program (b)

1,081,455

$64.84

1,895,917

70.66

1,735,229
4,712,601

70.09
$69.11

1,081,455

1,895,917

1,735,229
4,712,601

24,569,322

22,673,405

20,938,176
20,938,176

(a)  The total number of shares purchased includes shares of common stock withheld for the payment of withholding taxes 

upon the distribution of deferred option units.

(b)  On June 27, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a new authorization for the repurchase of up to 100,000,000 shares 
of our common stock and terminated the prior authorization. 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.

ITEM 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are a global packaged foods company. We develop distinctive value-added food products and market them under unique 
brand names. We work continuously to improve our core products and to create new products that meet consumers’ evolving 
needs and preferences. In addition, we build the equity of our brands over time with strong consumer-directed marketing, 
innovative new products, and effective merchandising. We believe our brand-building approach is the key to winning and 
sustaining leading share positions in markets around the globe.

Our fundamental financial goal is to generate competitively differentiated returns for our shareholders over the long term. 
We  believe  achieving  that  goal  requires  us  to  generate  a  consistent  balance  of  net  sales  growth,  margin  expansion,  cash 
conversion, and cash return to shareholders over time.

Our long-term growth objectives are to deliver the following performance on average over time:

•  2 to 3 percent annual growth in organic net sales;
•  mid-single-digit annual growth in adjusted operating profit;
•  mid- to high-single-digit annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS);
• 
free cash flow conversion of at least 95 percent of adjusted net earnings after tax; and
• 
cash return to shareholders of 80 to 90 percent of free cash flow, including an attractive dividend yield.

16

We are executing our Accelerate strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth and top-tier shareholder returns over the 
long term. The strategy focuses on four pillars to create competitive advantages and win: boldly building brands, relentlessly 
innovating, unleashing our scale, and being a force for good. We are prioritizing our core markets, global platforms, and local 
gem brands that have the best prospects for profitable growth and we are committed to reshaping our portfolio with strategic 
acquisitions and divestitures to further enhance our growth profile.

We expect that changes in consumer behaviors driven by the COVID-19 pandemic will result in ongoing elevated consumer 
demand for food at home, relative to pre-pandemic levels. These changes include more time spent working from home and 
increased consumer appreciation for cooking and baking. We plan to capitalize on these opportunities, addressing evolving 
consumer needs through our leading brands, innovation, and advantaged capabilities to generate profitable growth.

In fiscal 2022, we successfully adapted to the volatile operating environment, responding quickly to significant increases in 
input cost inflation and supply chain disruptions and keeping our brands available for our customers and consumers. As a 
result, we were able to grow organic net sales, adjusted operating profit, and adjusted diluted EPS ahead of our initial targets. 
We achieved each of the three priorities we established at the beginning of the year:

We  continued  to  compete  effectively,  including  holding  or  growing  market  share  in  70  percent  of  our  global  priority 
businesses. We generated organic net sales growth across each of our four operating segments, fueled by compelling 
brand building and innovation across our leading brands, and supported with strong levels of net price realization in 
response to significant input cost inflation.

We successfully navigated the dynamic supply chain environment, which was characterized by steadily increasing input 
cost inflation, reaching 8 percent for the full year, and record levels of supply chain disruptions affecting our sourcing, 
manufacturing, and logistics operations. We leveraged our Strategic Revenue Management (SRM) capability to accelerate 
pricing actions in the face of increasing inflation, generating 7 points of positive organic net price realization and mix 
for the year. And we moved quickly to address supply chain disruptions and outpace our competition in terms of on-shelf 
availability for our brands.

We executed our portfolio and organizational reshaping actions without disrupting our base business. We announced or 
closed seven different acquisitions and divestitures during the year, helping further upgrade the growth profile of our 
portfolio. And we successfully implemented significant changes to our organizational structure, including streamlining 
our North America Retail operating unit structure, realigning our North America Foodservice segment and shifting our 
U.S.  convenience  stores  business  into  North  America  Retail,  creating  a  new  International  segment  and  adjusting  our 
go-to-market model across many global markets, and establishing a new Strategy & Growth organization tasked with 
advancing many aspects of our Accelerate strategy.

Our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2022 rose 5 percent to $19.0 billion. On an organic basis, net sales increased 6 percent 
compared to year-ago levels. Operating profit of $3.5 billion increased 11 percent. Adjusted operating profit of $3.2 billion 
increased 2 percent on a constant-currency basis. Diluted EPS of $4.42 was up 17 percent compared to fiscal 2021 results. 
Adjusted diluted EPS of $3.94 increased 4 percent on a constant-currency basis (See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section 
below for a description of our use of measures not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)).

Net cash provided by operations totaled $3.3 billion in fiscal 2022 representing a conversion rate of 121 percent of net earnings, 
including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests. This cash generation supported capital investments 
totaling $569 million, and our resulting free cash flow was $2.7 billion at a conversion rate of 113 percent of adjusted net 
earnings,  including  earnings  attributable  to  redeemable  and  noncontrolling  interests.  We  returned  cash  to  shareholders 
through dividends totaling $1.2 billion and net share repurchases totaling $715 million. Our ratio of net debt-to-operating 
cash flow was 3.3 in fiscal 2022, and our net debt-to-adjusted earnings before net interest, income taxes, depreciation and 
amortization (net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA) ratio was 2.8 (See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of 
our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

A detailed review of our fiscal 2022 performance compared to fiscal 2021 appears below in the section titled “Fiscal 2022 
Consolidated Results of Operations.” A detailed review of our fiscal 2021 performance compared to our fiscal 2020 performance 
is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 under the caption “Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Fiscal 2021 Results of Consolidated Operations,” 
which is incorporated herein by reference.

In  fiscal  2023,  we  expect  to  build  on  our  positive  momentum  and  continue  to  advance  our  Accelerate  strategy.  Our  key 
priorities are to continue to compete effectively, invest in our brands and capabilities, and reshape our portfolio. We expect 
the largest factors impacting our performance in fiscal 2023 will be the economic health of consumers, the inflationary cost 

17

environment, and the frequency and severity of disruptions in the supply chain. Total input cost inflation is expected to be 
approximately 14 percent of cost of goods sold in fiscal 2023. We are addressing the inflationary environment with holistic 
margin management (HMM) cost savings expected to total approximately 3 to 4 percent of cost of goods sold and low-double-
digit  net  price  realization  generated  through  our  SRM  capability.  We  are  planning  for  volume  elasticities  to  increase  but 
remain below historical levels and supply chain disruptions to slowly moderate in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 levels.

Based on these assumptions, our key full-year fiscal 2023 targets are summarized below:

•  Organic net sales are expected to increase 4 to 5 percent.
•  Adjusted operating profit is expected to range between down 2 percent and up 1 percent in constant-currency from 
the base of $3.2 billion reported in fiscal 2022, including a 3-point net headwind from divestitures and acquisitions 
announced or closed in fiscal 2022.

•  Adjusted diluted EPS are expected to range between flat and up 3 percent in constant-currency from the base of 
$3.94 earned in fiscal 2022, including a 3-point net headwind from divestitures and acquisitions announced or closed 
in fiscal 2022.

•  Free cash flow conversion is expected to be at least 90 percent of adjusted after-tax earnings.
See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP.

Certain terms used throughout this report are defined in a glossary in Item 8 of this report.

FISCAL 2022 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In fiscal 2022, net sales increased 5 percent compared to fiscal 2021 and organic net sales increased 6 percent compared to 
last year. Operating profit increased 11 percent to $3,476 million primarily driven by favorable net price realization and mix, 
gains  on  divestitures,  net  restructuring  recoveries,  and  a  decrease  in  certain  selling,  general,  and  administrative  (SG&A) 
expenses, partially offset by higher input costs, lower net corporate investment activity, higher transaction and integration 
costs, and volume declines. Operating profit margin of 18.3 percent increased 100 basis points. Adjusted operating profit of 
$3,213 million increased 2 percent on a constant-currency basis, primarily driven by a decrease in certain SG&A expenses. 
Adjusted operating profit margin decreased 50 basis points to 16.9 percent. Diluted earnings per share of $4.42 increased 17 
percent compared to fiscal 2021. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.94 increased 4 percent on a constant-currency basis 
(see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

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

Fiscal 2022
Net sales 
Operating profit
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
Diluted earnings per share
Organic net sales growth rate (a)
Adjusted operating profit (a)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a)

In millions, 
except per share
$18,992.8
3,475.8
2,707.3
4.42

$

3,213.3
3.94

$

Fiscal 2022 vs. 
Fiscal 2021

Percent 
of Net 
Sales

Constant-
Currency 
Growth (a)

5%
11%
16%
17%
6%
2%
4%

18.3%

16.9%

2%
4%

(a)  See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of measures not defined by GAAP. 

Consolidated net sales were as follows: 

Net sales (in millions)
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Foreign currency exchange

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

18

Fiscal 
2022
$18,992.8

Fiscal 
2021
$18,127.0

Fiscal 2022 vs. 
Fiscal 2021
5%
(5)pts
10pts

Flat

The 5 percent increase in net sales in fiscal 2022 reflects favorable net price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease 
in contributions from volume growth.

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

Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021
Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
Organic net price realization and mix
Organic net sales growth
Foreign currency exchange
Acquisition and divestitures
Net sales growth

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a) Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(1)pt
7pts
6pts

Flat

(1)pt
5pts

Organic net sales in fiscal 2022 increased 6 percent compared to fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic net price realization 
and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.

Cost of sales increased $912 million in fiscal 2022 to $12,591 million. The increase was primarily driven by a $1,514 million 
increase attributable to product rate and mix, partially offset by a $608 million decrease due to lower volume. We recorded 
a $133 million net decrease in cost of sales related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions and grain 
inventories in fiscal 2022, compared to a net decrease of $139 million in fiscal 2021 (please see Note 8 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information).

Gross margin decreased 1 percent in fiscal 2022 versus fiscal 2021. Gross margin as a percent of net sales decreased 190 
basis points to 33.7 percent compared to fiscal 2021.

SG&A  expenses  increased  $67  million  to  $3,147  million  in  fiscal  2022  compared  to  fiscal  2021.  The  increase  in  SG&A 
expenses primarily reflects lower net corporate investment activity and higher transaction costs, partially offset by lower 
media  and  advertising  expenses  and  other  administrative  costs.  SG&A  expenses  as  a  percent  of  net  sales  in  fiscal  2022 
decreased 40 basis points compared to fiscal 2021.

Divestitures gain totaled $194 million in fiscal 2022 due to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, 
and Liberté Marques Sàrl and our European dough businesses (please refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
in Part I, Item 1 of this report). Divestiture loss totaled $54 million in fiscal 2021 due to the sale of our Laticínios Carolina 
business in Brazil.

Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs (recoveries) totaled $26 million of net recoveries in fiscal 2022 compared 
to $170 million of charges in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, we approved restructuring actions in the International segment to 
drive efficiencies in manufacturing and logistics operations, and as a result, we recorded $12  million of charges in fiscal 
2022. We recorded a net recovery of $38 million in fiscal 2022, which includes a $34 million reduction to our restructuring 
reserves primarily related to severance charges. In fiscal 2021, we approved restructuring actions designed to better align 
our organizational structure and resources with strategic initiatives and actions related to route-to-market and supply chain 
optimization. Please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information.

Benefit  plan  non-service  income  totaled  $113  million  in  fiscal  2022  compared  to  $133  million  in  fiscal  2021,  primarily 
reflecting higher amortization of losses (please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report 
for additional information).

Interest, net for fiscal 2022 totaled $380 million, $40 million lower than fiscal 2021, primarily driven by lower average debt 
balances.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 was 18.3 percent compared to 22.0 percent in fiscal 2021. The 3.7 percentage point 
decrease was primarily driven by a change in the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryforwards, certain non-taxable 
components of the divestiture gains, and favorable changes in earnings mix by jurisdiction. Our adjusted effective tax rate 
was 20.9 percent in fiscal 2022 compared to 21.1 percent in fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a 
description of our use of measures not defined by GAAP).

19

After-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 5 percent to $112 million in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, primarily 
driven by higher input costs and lower net sales at CPW, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses at CPW and higher net 
sales at HDJ. On a constant-currency basis, after-tax earnings from joint ventures decreased 3 percent (see the “Non-GAAP 
Measures”  section  below  for  a  description  of  our  use  of  measures  not  defined  by  GAAP).  The  components  of  our  joint 
ventures’ net sales growth are shown in the following table:

Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Net sales growth in constant currency
Foreign currency exchange
Net sales growth

CPW HDJ
8pts
(3)pts
1pt
2pts
9pts
(1)pt
(8)pts
(2)pts
1pt
(3)pts

Total

1pt
(3)pts
(2)pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests increased to $28 million in fiscal 2022 compared to 
$6 million in fiscal 2021, primarily due to the loss on sale of the Laticínios Carolina business in Brazil in fiscal 2021, partially 
offset by the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl in fiscal 2022.

Average diluted shares outstanding decreased by 6 million in fiscal 2022 from fiscal 2021 primarily due to share repurchase 
activity.

RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS

Our businesses are organized into four operating segments: North America Retail; International; Pet, and North America 
Foodservice.

In fiscal 2022, we announced a new organization structure to streamline our global operations. As a result of this global 
reorganization, beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we reported results for our four operating segments as follows: 
North America Retail; International; Pet; and North America Foodservice. We have restated our net sales by segment and 
segment operating profit amounts to reflect our new operating segments. These segment changes had no effect on previously 
reported consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General Mills, or earnings per share. Please refer 
to Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 8 of this report for a description of our operating segments.

Our North America Retail operating segment includes convenience store businesses from our former Convenience Stores 
&  Foodservice  segment.  Within  our  North  America  Retail  operating  segment,  our  former  U.S.  Cereal  operating  unit  and 
U.S. Yogurt operating unit have been combined into the U.S. Morning Foods operating unit. Additionally, the U.S. Meals & 
Baking Solutions operating unit combines the former U.S. Meals & Baking operating unit with certain businesses from the 
U.S. Snacks operating unit. The Canada operating unit excludes Canada foodservice businesses which are now included in 
our North America Foodservice operating segment. The resulting North America Foodservice operating segment exclusively 
includes our foodservice businesses. Our International operating segment combines our former Europe & Australia and Asia 
& Latin America operating segments. Our Pet operating segment is unchanged.

The following tables provide the dollar amount and percentage of net sales and operating profit from each segment for fiscal 
2022 and fiscal 2021:

In Millions
Net Sales
North America Retail
International
Pet
North America Foodservice
Total

Fiscal Year

2022

Percent 
of Total

2021

Percent 
of Total

Dollars

61% $11,250.0
3,656.8
17
1,732.4
12
1,487.8
10
100% $18,127.0

62%
20
10
8
100%

Dollars

$11,572.0
3,315.7
2,259.4
1,845.7
$18,992.8

20

In Millions
Segment Operating Profit
North America Retail
International
Pet
North America Foodservice
Total

Fiscal Year

2022

Percent 
of Total

2021

Percent 
of Total

Dollars

74% $ 2,725.9
236.6
6
415.0
13
203.3
7
100% $ 3,580.8

75%
7
12
6
100%

Dollars

$ 2,699.7
232.0
470.6
255.5
$ 3,657.8

Segment operating profit as reviewed by our executive management excludes unallocated corporate items, net gain or loss on 
divestitures, and restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs that are centrally managed.

NORTH AMERICA RETAIL SEGMENT

Our North America Retail operating segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, 
membership  stores,  natural  food  chains,  drug,  dollar  and  discount  chains,  convenience  stores,  and  e-commerce  grocery 
providers.  Our  product  categories  in  this  business  segment  are  ready-to-eat  cereals,  refrigerated  yogurt,  soup,  meal  kits, 
refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit snacks, 
savory snacks, and a wide variety of organic products including ready-to-eat cereal, frozen and shelf-stable vegetables, meal 
kits, fruit snacks, snack bars, and refrigerated yogurt.

North America Retail net sales were as follows:

Net sales (in millions)
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Foreign currency exchange

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments. 

Fiscal 
2022
$11,572.0

Fiscal 
2021
$11,250.0

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

3%
(6)pts
9pts

Flat

The 3 percent increase in North America Retail net sales for fiscal 2022 was driven by favorable net price realization and mix, 
partially offset by a decrease in contributions from volume growth.

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

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
Organic net price realization and mix
Organic net sales growth
Foreign currency exchange
Net sales growth

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

(6)pts
9pts
3pts

Flat

3pts

North America Retail organic net sales increased 3 percent in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, driven by favorable organic 
net price realization and mix, partially offset by a decrease in contributions from organic volume growth.

21

Net sales for our North America Retail operating units are shown in the following table: 

In Millions
U.S. Meals & Baking Solutions
U.S. Morning Foods
U.S. Snacks
Canada (a)
Total

Fiscal 
2022
$ 4,023.8
3,370.9
3,191.4
985.9
$11,572.0

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

Flat

Fiscal 
2021
$ 4,042.2
3,314.0
2%
2,940.5
9%
3%
953.3
3% $11,250.0

(a)  On a constant currency basis, Canada operating unit net sales increased 1 percent in fiscal 2022. See the “Non-GAAP 

Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP.

Segment operating profit decreased 1 percent to $2,700 million in fiscal 2022 compared to $2,726 million in fiscal 2021, 
primarily  driven  by  higher  input  costs  and  a  decrease  in  contributions  from  volume  growth,  partially  offset  by  favorable 
net price realization and mix and a decrease in certain SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit decreased 1 percent on a 
constant-currency basis in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of 
this measure not defined by GAAP).

INTERNATIONAL SEGMENT

Our International operating segment reflects retail and foodservice businesses outside of the United States and Canada. Our 
product  categories  include  super-premium  ice  cream  and  frozen  desserts,  meal  kits,  salty  snacks,  snack  bars,  dessert  and 
baking mixes, and shelf stable vegetables. 

International net sales were as follows:

Net sales (in millions)
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Foreign currency exchange

Fiscal 
2022
$3,315.7

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

Fiscal 
2021

(9)% $3,656.8
(19)pts
9pts
1pt

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

The 9 percent decrease in International net sales in fiscal 2022 was driven by a decrease in contributions from volume growth, 
including  the  impact  of  volume  declines  from  divestitures,  partially  offset  by  favorable  net  price  realization  and  mix  and 
favorable foreign currency exchange.

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

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
Organic net price realization and mix
Organic net sales growth
Foreign currency exchange
Divestitures (b)
Net sales growth

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

Flat

2pts
2pts
1pt
(12)pts
(9)pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(b)  Divestitures include the impact of the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques 
Sàrl and our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022 and the sale of the Laticínios Carolina business in Brazil in fiscal 
2021. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

22

The 2 percent increase in International organic net sales growth in fiscal 2022 was driven by favorable organic net price 
realization and mix.

Segment operating profit decreased 2 percent to $232 million in fiscal 2022 compared to $237 million in 2021, primarily 
driven by higher input costs and a decrease in contributions from volume growth, including the impact of volume declines 
from  divestitures,  partially  offset  by  favorable  net  price  realization  and  mix  and  a  decrease  in  SG&A  expenses.  Segment 
operating profit decreased 4 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP 
Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

PET SEGMENT

Our  Pet  operating  segment  includes  pet  food  products  sold  primarily  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  in  national  pet 
superstore chains, e-commerce retailers, grocery stores, regional pet store chains, mass merchandisers, and veterinary clinics 
and hospitals. Our product categories include dog and cat food (dry foods, wet foods, and treats) made with whole meats, 
fruits, and vegetables and other high-quality natural ingredients. Our tailored pet product offerings address specific dietary, 
lifestyle, and life-stage needs and span different product types, diet types, breed sizes for dogs, lifestages, flavors, product 
functions, and textures and cuts for wet foods.

Pet net sales were as follows:

Net sales (in millions)
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Foreign currency exchange

Fiscal 
2022
$2,259.4

Fiscal 
2021
$1,732.4

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

30%
11pts
19pts

Flat

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

Pet net sales increased 30 percent in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021, driven by favorable net price realization and mix 
and an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental volume from the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet 
treats business.

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

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
Organic net price realization and mix
Organic net sales growth
Foreign currency exchange
Acquisition (b)
Net sales growth

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change
8pts
10pts
18pts

Flat

13pts
30pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments.

(b)  Acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business in fiscal 2022. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

The 18 percent increase in Pet organic net sales growth in fiscal 2022 was driven by favorable organic net price realization 
and mix and an increase in contributions from organic volume growth.

Pet operating profit increased 13 percent to $471 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $415 million in fiscal 2021, primarily 
driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, including incremental 
volume from the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet  treats business, partially  offset by higher input costs and  an increase  in 
SG&A expenses. Segment operating profit increased 13 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 
2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

23

NORTH AMERICA FOODSERVICE SEGMENT

Our  major  product  categories  in  our  North  America  Foodservice  operating  segment  are  ready-to-eat  cereals,  snacks, 
refrigerated yogurt, frozen meals, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, and bakery flour. Many 
products we sell are branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators 
in many customer channels including foodservice, vending, and supermarket bakeries.

North America Foodservice net sales were as follows:

Net sales (in millions)
Contributions from volume growth (a)
Net price realization and mix
Foreign currency exchange

Fiscal 
2022
$1,845.7

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

Fiscal 
2021

24% $1,487.8
5pts
19pts

Flat

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the stated weight of our product shipments. 

North  America  Foodservice  net  sales  increased  24  percent  in  fiscal  2022,  driven  by  favorable  price  realization  and  mix, 
including market index pricing on bakery flour, and an increase in contributions from volume growth.

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

Contributions from organic volume growth (a)
Organic net price realization and mix
Organic net sales growth
Foreign currency exchange
Net sales growth

Fiscal 2022 vs. 2021 
Percentage Change

5pts
19pts
24pts

Flat

24pts

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Measured in tons based on the standard weight of our product shipments.

The  24  percent  increase  in  North  America  Foodservice  organic  net  sales  growth  in  fiscal  2022  was  driven  by  favorable 
organic net price realization and mix, including market index pricing on bakery flour, and an increase in contributions from 
organic volume growth.

Segment operating profit increased 26 percent to $256 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $203 million in fiscal 2021, primarily 
driven by favorable net price realization and mix and an increase in contributions from volume growth, partially offset by 
higher input costs. Segment operating profit increased 26 percent on a constant-currency basis in fiscal 2022 compared to 
fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP).

UNALLOCATED CORPORATE ITEMS

Unallocated  corporate  items  include  corporate  overhead  expenses,  variances  to  planned  domestic  employee  benefits  and 
incentives,  certain  charitable  contributions,  restructuring  initiative  project-related  costs,  gains  and  losses  on  corporate 
investments, 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.

In fiscal 2022, unallocated corporate expense increased $191 million to $403 million compared to $212 million last year. In 
fiscal 2022, we recorded a $133 million net decrease in expense related to mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity 
positions  and  grain  inventories,  compared  to  a  $139  million  net  decrease  in  expense  in  the  prior  year.  In  fiscal  2022,  we 
recorded  $15  million  of  net  losses  related  to  the  sale  of  corporate  investments  and  valuation  adjustments,  compared  to  

24

$76 million of net gains in fiscal 2021. We recorded $22 million of integration costs related to our acquisition of Tyson Foods’ 
pet treats business and $73 million of transaction costs primarily related to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait 
Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl, the sale of our European dough businesses, the definitive agreements to sell our 
Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes business, and the definitive agreement to acquire TNT Crust in fiscal 
2022, compared to $10 million of transaction costs in fiscal 2021. In addition, we recorded a $22 million recovery related to a 
Brazil indirect tax item in fiscal 2022 compared to a $9 million recovery in fiscal 2021. We recorded a $13 million insurance 
recovery in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2021, we recorded a $4 million favorable adjustment related to a product recall in fiscal 2020 
in our international Green Giant business.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

We experienced broad based global input cost inflation of 8 percent in fiscal 2022 and 4 percent in fiscal 2021. We expect 
input cost inflation of approximately 14 percent in fiscal 2023. We attempt to minimize the effects of inflation through HMM, 
SRM, planning, and operating practices. Our risk management practices are discussed in Item 7A of this report.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary source of our liquidity is cash flow from operations. Over the most recent two-year period, our operations have 
generated $6.3 billion in cash. A substantial portion of this operating cash flow has been returned to shareholders through 
dividends and share repurchases. We also use cash from operations to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions, and debt 
service. We typically use a combination of cash, notes payable, and long-term debt, and occasionally issue shares of common 
stock, to finance significant acquisitions. 

As  of  May  29,  2022,  we  had  $523  million  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  held  in  foreign  jurisdictions.  In  anticipation  of 
repatriating funds from foreign jurisdictions, we record local country withholding taxes on our international earnings, as 
applicable. We may repatriate our cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries without such funds being subject 
to further U.S. income tax liability. Earnings prior to fiscal 2018 from our foreign subsidiaries remain permanently reinvested 
in those jurisdictions. 

Cash Flows from Operations

In Millions
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
Depreciation and amortization
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs
Divestitures (gain) loss 
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit (recoveries) costs 
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisition  

and divestitures

Other, net
Net cash provided by operating activities

Fiscal Year

2022
$2,735.0
570.3
(111.7)
107.5
98.7
62.2
(31.3)
(30.1)
(194.1)
(117.1)

277.4
(50.7)
$3,316.1

2021 
$2,346.0
601.3
(117.7)
95.2
89.9
118.8
(33.4)
(33.6)
53.5
150.9

(155.9)
(131.8)
$2,983.2

During  fiscal  2022,  cash  provided  by  operations  was  $3,316  million  compared  to  $2,983  million  in  the  same  period  last 
year. The $333 million increase was primarily driven by a $433 million change in current assets and liabilities and a $389 
million increase in net earnings, partially offset by a $268 million change in restructuring costs and a $248 million change in 
divestitures gain. The $433 million change in current assets and liabilities was primarily driven by a $269 million change in 
inventories and a $238 million change in other current liabilities, primarily driven by changes in income taxes payable and the 
fair value of certain currency and commodity derivatives. These were partially offset by a $194 million change in receivables.

25

We strive to grow core working capital at or below the rate of growth in our net sales. For fiscal 2022, core working capital 
decreased 117 percent, compared to a net sales increase of 5 percent. As of May 29, 2022, our core working capital balance was 
a net liability of $423 million compared to a net liability of $194 million in fiscal 2021. The $229 million change was primarily 
due to an increase in accounts payable in fiscal 2022 primarily due to input cost inflation. 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

In Millions
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Investments in affiliates, net
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested
Other, net
Net cash used by investing activities

Fiscal Year

2022
$ (568.7)
(1,201.3)
15.4
3.3
74.1
(13.5)
$(1,690.7)

2021 
$(530.8)
—
15.5
2.7
2.9
(3.1)
$(512.8)

In fiscal 2022, we used $1,691 million of cash through investing activities compared to $513 million in fiscal 2021. We invested 
$569 million in land, buildings, and equipment in fiscal 2022, an increase of $38 million from fiscal 2021. 

During fiscal 2022, we acquired Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 billion. 

During fiscal 2022, we sold our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl for cash proceeds 
of $32 million, net of cash divested as part of the sale. We also completed the sale of our European dough businesses in fiscal 
2022 for cash proceeds of $42 million.  

We expect capital expenditures to be approximately 4.0 percent of reported net sales in fiscal 2023. These expenditures will 
fund initiatives that are expected to fuel growth, support innovative products, and continue HMM initiatives throughout the 
supply chain.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

In Millions
Change in notes payable
Issuance of long-term debt
Payment of long-term debt
Debt exchange participation incentive cash payment
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options
Purchases of common stock for treasury
Dividends paid
Distributions to redeemable and noncontrolling interest holders
Other, net
Net cash used by financing activities

Fiscal Year

$

2022
551.4
2,203.7
(3,140.9)
—
161.7
(876.8)
(1,244.5)
(129.8)
(28.0)
$(2,503.2)

2021 

$

71.7
1,576.5
(2,609.0)
(201.4)
74.3
(301.4)
(1,246.4)
(48.9)
(30.9)
$(2,715.5)

Financing activities used $2.5 billion of cash in fiscal 2022 compared to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2021. We had $386 million of 
net debt repayments in fiscal 2022 compared to $961 million of net debt repayments in fiscal 2021. In addition, we paid a 
participation incentive of $201 million related to a debt exchange in fiscal 2021. For more information on our debt issuances 
and payments, please refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

During fiscal 2022, we received $162 million of net proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options compared to 
$74 million in fiscal 2021. 

During  fiscal  2022,  we  repurchased  14  million  shares  of  our  common  stock  for  $877  million.  During  fiscal  2021,  we 
repurchased 5 million shares of our common stock for $301 million.  

Dividends paid in fiscal 2022 totaled $1,244 million, or $2.04 per share. Dividends paid in fiscal 2021 totaled $1,246 million, 
or $2.02 per share. 

26

Selected Cash Flows from Joint Ventures

Selected cash flows from our joint ventures are set forth in the following table:

Inflow (Outflow), in Millions
Investments in affiliates, net
Dividends received

Fiscal Year
2022
$ 15.4
107.5

2021
$15.5
95.2

The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of May 29, 2022:

In Billions
Credit facility expiring:

April 2026

Total committed credit facilities
Uncommitted credit facilities
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities

Facility 
Amount

Borrowed 
Amount

$2.7
2.7
0.6
$3.3

$ —
—
0.1
$0.1

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

We have material contractual obligations that arise in the normal course of business and we believe that cash flows from 
operations will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

Certain of our long-term debt agreements, our credit facilities, and our noncontrolling interests contain restrictive covenants. 
As of May 29, 2022, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.  

We have $1,674 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months that is classified as current, including $500 million 
of 2.60 percent fixed-rate notes due October 12, 2022, $100 million of 7.47 percent fixed-rate notes due October 15, 2022, 
€250 million of 0.00 percent fixed-rate notes due November 11, 2022, €500 million of 1.00 percent fixed-rate notes due April 
27, 2023, and €250 million of floating rate notes due May 16, 2023. 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.

As of May 29, 2022, our total debt, including the impact of derivative instruments designated as hedges, was 77 percent in 
fixed-rate and 23 percent in floating-rate instruments, compared to 88 percent in fixed-rate and 12 percent in floating-rate 
instruments on May 30, 2021. 

Our  net  debt  to  operating  cash  flow  ratio  decreased  to  3.3  in  fiscal  2022  from  3.7  in  fiscal  2021,  primarily  driven  by  an 
increase in cash provided by operations. Our net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio declined to 2.8 in fiscal 2022 from 2.9 in 
fiscal 2021 (see the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for our use of this measure not defined by GAAP). 

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

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

27

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

For a complete description of our significant accounting policies, please see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
in Item 8 of this report. Our critical accounting estimates are those that have a meaningful impact on the reporting of our 
financial condition and results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of 
long-lived assets, intangible assets, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement 
benefit, and postemployment benefit plans.

Considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic 

The continuing impact that the recent COVID-19 pandemic will have on our consolidated results of operations is uncertain. 
We saw increased orders from retail customers across all geographies in response to increased consumer demand for food 
at home. We also experienced a COVID-19-related decrease in consumer traffic in away-from-home food outlets. In fiscal 
2023,  we  expect  at-home  food  demand  will  decline  year  over  year  across  most  of  our  core  markets  though  will  remain 
above pre-pandemic levels. Conversely, we expect away-from home food demand to continue to recover, though not fully 
to pre-pandemic levels. We expect one of the largest factors impacting our performance will be relative balance of at-home 
versus away-from-home consumer food demand, primarily driven by the level of virus control in markets around the world, 
which remains uncertain. We have considered the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in our significant accounting 
estimates as of May 29, 2022, and will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact to our business and consolidated 
results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Our  revenues  are  reported  net  of  variable  consideration  and  consideration  payable  to  our  customers,  including  trade 
promotion, consumer coupon redemption, and other reductions to the transaction price, including estimated allowances for 
returns, unsalable product, and prompt pay discounts. Trade promotions are recorded using significant judgment of estimated 
participation and performance levels for offered programs at the time of sale. Differences between the estimated and actual 
reduction to the transaction price are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period. Our accrued trade and coupon 
promotion liabilities were $420 million as of May 29, 2022, and $508 million as of May 30, 2021. Because these amounts 
are significant, if our estimates are inaccurate we would have to make adjustments in subsequent periods that could have a 
significant effect on our results of operations.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets 

We estimate the useful lives of long-lived assets and make estimates concerning undiscounted cash flows to review for impairment 
whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  (or  asset  group)  may  not  be 
recoverable. Fair value is measured using discounted cash flows or independent appraisals, as appropriate.

Intangible Assets 

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually 
and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our estimates of fair value 
for goodwill impairment testing are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. We use inputs from our long-range 
planning process to determine growth rates for sales and profits. We also make estimates of discount rates, perpetuity growth 
assumptions, market comparables, and other factors. 

We  evaluate  the  useful  lives  of  our  other  intangible  assets,  mainly  brands,  to  determine  if  they  are  finite  or  indefinite-
lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects 
of  obsolescence,  demand,  competition,  other  economic  factors  (such  as  the  stability  of  the  industry,  known  technological 
advances,  legislative  action  that  results  in  an  uncertain  or  changing  regulatory  environment,  and  expected  changes  in 
distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets. 
Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally 
ranging from 4 to 30 years. Our estimate of the fair value of our brand assets is based on a discounted cash flow model using 
inputs which include projected revenues from our long-range plan, assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not 
own the brands, and a discount rate. 

As of May 29, 2022, we had $21 billion of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. While we currently believe that 
the fair value of each intangible exceeds its carrying value and that those intangibles will contribute indefinitely to our cash 
flows, materially different assumptions regarding future performance of our businesses or a different weighted-average cost 

28

of capital could result in material impairment losses and amortization expense. We performed our fiscal 2022 assessment of 
our intangible assets as of the first day of the second quarter of fiscal 2022, and we determined there was no impairment of 
our intangible assets as their related fair values were substantially in excess of the carrying values.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we changed our organizational and management structure to streamline our global 
operations. As a result of these changes, we reassessed our operating segments as well as our reporting units. Under our new 
organizational structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be 
allocated to our segments at the North America Retail, International, Pet, and North America Foodservice operating segment 
level. Please see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report for additional information on our 
operating segments.

The organizational changes also resulted in changes in certain reporting units, one level below the segment level, and were 
considered a triggering event that required a goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of fiscal 2022. We determined 
there was no impairment of the goodwill of the impacted reporting units as their related fair values were substantially in 
excess of the carrying values.

Stock-based Compensation 

The valuation of stock options is a significant accounting estimate that requires us to use judgments and assumptions that 
are likely to have a material impact on our financial statements. Annually, we make predictive assumptions regarding future 
stock  price  volatility,  employee  exercise  behavior,  dividend  yield,  and  the  forfeiture  rate.  For  more  information  on  these 
assumptions, please see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were 
as follows:

Estimated fair values of stock options granted 
Assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected term
Expected volatility
Dividend yield

2022

$8.77

Fiscal Year
2021

$8.03

2020

$7.10

1.5%
8.5years
20.2%
3.4%

0.7%
8.5years
19.5%
3.3%

2.0%
8.5years
17.4%
3.6%

The risk-free interest rate for periods during the expected term of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield 
curve in effect at the time of grant. An increase in the expected term by 1 year, leaving all other assumptions constant, would 
decrease the grant date fair value by less than 1 percent. If all other assumptions are held constant, a one percentage point 
increase in our fiscal 2022 volatility assumption would increase the grant date fair value of our fiscal 2022 option awards by 
7 percent.

To the extent that actual outcomes differ from our assumptions, we are not required to true up grant-date fair value-based 
expense to final intrinsic values. Historical data has a significant bearing on our forward-looking assumptions. Significant 
variances between actual and predicted experience could lead to prospective revisions in our assumptions, which could then 
significantly impact the year-over-year comparability of stock-based compensation expense.

Any corporate income tax benefit realized upon exercise or vesting of an award in excess of that previously recognized in 
earnings (referred to as a windfall tax benefit) is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as an operating cash 
flow. The actual impact on future years’ cash flows will depend, in part, on the volume of employee stock option exercises 
during a particular year and the relationship between the exercise-date market value of the underlying stock and the original 
grant-date fair value previously determined for financial reporting purposes.

Realized  windfall  tax  benefits  and  shortfall  tax  deficiencies  related  to  the  exercise  or  vesting  of  stock-based  awards  are 
recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Because employee stock option exercise behavior is not within our 
control, it is possible that significantly different reported results could occur if different assumptions or conditions were to 
prevail. 

29

Income Taxes

We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, we 
recognize the amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being ultimately realized upon settlement. 
Future changes in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect earnings in the 
period of such change. For more information on income taxes, please see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in 
Item 8 of this report.

Defined Benefit Pension, Other Postretirement Benefit, and Postemployment Benefit Plans

We have defined benefit pension plans covering many employees in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and the United 
Kingdom.  We  also  sponsor  plans  that  provide  health  care  benefits  to  many  of  our  retirees  in  the  United  States,  Canada, 
and  Brazil.  Under  certain  circumstances,  we  also  provide  accruable  benefits,  primarily  severance,  to  former  and  inactive 
employees in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Please see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 
of this report for a description of our defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans.

We recognize benefits provided during retirement or following employment over the plan participants’ active working lives. 
Accordingly, we make various assumptions to predict and measure costs and obligations many years prior to the settlement of 
our obligations. Assumptions that require significant management judgment and have a material impact on the measurement 
of our net periodic benefit expense or income and accumulated benefit obligations include the long-term rates of return on 
plan assets, the interest rates used to discount the obligations for our benefit plans, and health care cost trend rates.

Expected Rate of Return on Plan Assets

Our  expected  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  is  determined  by  our  asset  allocation,  our  historical  long-term  investment 
performance, our estimate of future long-term returns by asset class (using input from our actuaries, investment services, and 
investment managers), and long-term inflation assumptions. We review this assumption annually for each plan; however, our 
annual investment performance for one particular year does not, by itself, significantly influence our evaluation.

Our historical investment returns (compound annual growth rates) for our United States defined benefit pension and other 
postretirement benefit plan assets were an 8.4 percent loss in the 1 year period ended May 29, 2022 and returns of 6.4 percent, 
8.2 percent, 6.2 percent, and 8.0 percent for the 5, 10, 15, and 20 year periods ended May 29, 2022.

On a weighted-average basis, the expected rate of return for all defined benefit plans was 5.85 percent for fiscal 2022, 5.72 
percent for fiscal 2021, and 6.95 percent for fiscal 2020. For fiscal 2023, we increased our weighted-average expected rate 
of return on plan assets for our principal defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in the United States to 6.75 
percent due to higher prospective long-term asset returns primarily on fixed income investments.

Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on assets by 100 basis points would increase our net pension and postretirement 
expense by $66 million for fiscal 2023. A market-related valuation basis is used to reduce year-to-year expense volatility. The 
market-related valuation recognizes certain investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they 
occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-
related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets. Our outside actuaries perform these 
calculations as part of our determination of annual expense or income.

Discount Rates

We estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of our 
international defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plans utilizing a full yield 
curve approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation to the relevant 
projected cash flows. Our discount rate assumptions are determined annually as of May 31 for our defined benefit pension, 
other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan obligations. We work with our outside actuaries to determine 
the timing and amount of expected future cash outflows to plan participants and, using the Aa Above Median corporate bond 
yield, to develop a forward interest rate curve, including a margin to that index based on our credit risk. This forward interest 
rate curve is applied to our expected future cash outflows to determine our discount rate assumptions.

30

Our weighted-average discount rates were as follows:

Effective rate for fiscal 2023 service costs
Effective rate for fiscal 2023 interest costs
Obligations as of May 31, 2022
Effective rate for fiscal 2022 service costs
Effective rate for fiscal 2022 interest costs
Obligations as of May 31, 2021
Effective rate for fiscal 2021 service costs
Effective rate for fiscal 2021 interest costs

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
4.53%
4.01%
4.39%
3.53%
2.42%
3.17%
3.59%
2.54%

Other Postretirement 
Benefit Plans

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans

4.41%
3.80%
4.36%
3.34%
2.08%
3.03%
3.44%
2.32%

3.67%
3.34%
3.62%
2.46%
1.48%
2.04%
2.54%
1.41%

Lowering the discount rates by 100 basis points would increase our net defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, 
and postemployment benefit plan expense for fiscal 2023 by approximately $49 million. All obligation-related experience gains 
and losses are amortized using a straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active plan participants 
or over the average remaining lifetime of the remaining plan participants if the plan is viewed as “all or almost all” inactive 
participants. 

Health Care Cost Trend Rates 

We review our health care cost trend rates annually. Our review is based on data we collect about our health care claims 
experience and information provided by our actuaries. This information includes recent plan experience, plan design, overall 
industry experience and projections, and assumptions used by other similar organizations. Our initial health care cost trend 
rate is adjusted as necessary to remain consistent with this review, recent experiences, and short-term expectations. Our initial 
health care cost trend rate assumption is 6.0 percent for retirees age 65 and over and 5.9 percent for retirees under age 65 at 
the end of fiscal 2022. Rates are graded down annually until the ultimate trend rate of 4.5 percent is reached in 2031 for all 
retirees. The trend rates are applicable for calculations only if the retirees’ benefits increase as a result of health care inflation. 
The ultimate trend rate is adjusted annually, as necessary, to approximate the current economic view on the rate of long-term 
inflation plus an appropriate health care cost premium. Assumed trend rates for health care costs have an important effect on 
the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans.

Any arising health care claims cost-related experience gain or loss is recognized in the calculation of expected future claims. 
Once recognized, experience gains and losses are amortized using a straight-line method over the average remaining service 
period  of  active  plan  participants  or  over  the  average  remaining  lifetime  of  the  remaining  plan  participants  if  the  plan  is 
viewed as “all or almost all” inactive participants.

Financial Statement Impact 

In  fiscal  2022,  we  recorded  net  defined  benefit  pension,  other  postretirement  benefit,  and  postemployment  benefit  plan 
income  of  $26  million  compared  to  $4  million  of  expense  in  fiscal  2021  and  $2  million  of  income  in  fiscal  2020.  As  of 
May 29, 2022, we had cumulative unrecognized actuarial net losses of $2 billion on our defined benefit pension plans and 
cumulative unrecognized actuarial net gains of $207 million on our postretirement and postemployment benefit plans, mainly 
as the result of liability increases from lower interest rates, partially offset by increases in the values of plan assets in prior 
fiscal years. These unrecognized actuarial net losses will result in increases in our future pension and postretirement benefit 
expenses because they currently exceed the corridors defined by GAAP.

Actual future net defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan income or expense 
will depend on investment performance, changes in future discount rates, changes in health care cost trend rates, and other 
factors related to the populations participating in these plans.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued optional accounting guidance for a limited period 
of  time  to  ease  the  potential  burden  in  accounting  for  reference  rate  reform.  The  new  standard  provides  expedients  and 
exceptions to existing accounting requirements for contract modifications and hedge accounting related to transitioning from 
discontinued reference rates, such as LIBOR, to alternative reference rates, if certain criteria are met. The new accounting 

31

requirements  can  be  applied  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  interim  period  including  March  12,  2020,  or  any  date  thereafter, 
through December 31, 2022. We are in the process of reviewing our contracts and arrangements that will be affected by a 
discontinued reference rate and are analyzing the impact of this guidance on our results of operations and financial position.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

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

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

Significant Items Impacting Comparability

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

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

Divestitures (gain) loss

Divestitures gain related to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl and the 
sale of our European dough businesses in fiscal 2022. Divestiture loss related to the sale of our Laticínios Carolina business 
in Brazil in fiscal 2021. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

Transaction costs

Fiscal 2022 transaction costs relate primarily to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté 
Marques  Sàrl,  the  sale  of  our  European  dough  businesses,  the  definitive  agreements  to  sell  our  Helper  main  meals  and 
Suddenly Salad side dishes business, and the definitive agreement to acquire TNT Crust. Fiscal 2021 transaction costs related 
to the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl and the acquisition of Tyson 
Foods’ pet treats business. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

Non-income tax recovery

Recovery related to a Brazil indirect tax item recorded in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.

Acquisition integration costs

Integration costs resulting from the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

Investment activity, net

Valuation adjustments and the gain on sale of certain corporate investments in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.

Mark-to-market effects

Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated corporate items. Please see Note 8 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

Restructuring (recoveries) charges

Restructuring  charges  for  International  supply  chain  optimization  actions  and  net  restructuring  recoveries  for  previously 
announced  restructuring  actions  in  fiscal  2022.  Restructuring  charges  for  previously  announced  restructuring  actions  in 
fiscal 2021. Please see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

32

Product recall

Net product recall adjustment recorded in fiscal 2021 related to our international Green Giant business.

Tax items

Discrete tax benefit recognized in fiscal 2022 related to a release of a valuation allowance associated with our capital loss 
carryforwards expected to be used against future divestiture gains. Discrete tax item related to amendments to reorganize 
certain U.S. retiree health and welfare benefits plans in fiscal 2021.

CPW restructuring charges

CPW restructuring charges related to previously announced restructuring actions.

Organic Net Sales Growth Rates

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

Adjusted Operating Profit Growth on a Constant-currency Basis

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

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

Operating profit as reported
Divestitures (gain) loss
Mark-to-market effects
Transaction costs
Restructuring (recoveries) charges
Acquisition integration costs
Non-income tax recovery
Investment activity, net
Product recall adjustment, net

Adjusted operating profit
Foreign currency exchange impact
Adjusted operating profit growth, on a constant-currency basis

2022
$3,475.8
(194.1)
(133.1)
72.8
(23.2)
22.4
(22.0)
14.7
—
$3,213.3

Fiscal Year
2021
$3,144.8
53.5
(138.8)
9.5
172.7
—
(8.8)
(76.4)
(3.5)
$3,153.2

Change
11%

2%

Flat

2%

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

33

Adjusted Diluted EPS and Related Constant-currency Growth Rate  

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

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

Per Share Data
Diluted earnings per share, as reported

Divestitures (gain) loss
Mark-to-market effects
Transaction costs
Restructuring (recoveries) charges
Acquisition integration costs
Non-income tax recovery
Investment activity, net
Tax items

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Foreign currency exchange impact
Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth, on a constant-currency basis

Fiscal Year

2022
$ 4.42
(0.31)
(0.17)
0.09
(0.03)
0.03
(0.02)
0.01
(0.08)
$ 3.94

2021
$ 3.78
0.04
(0.17)
0.01
0.22
—
(0.01)
(0.10)
0.02
$ 3.79

2022 vs.  
2021 Change
17%

4%

Flat

4%

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

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

Free Cash Flow Conversion Rate

We  believe  this  measure  provides  useful  information  to  investors  because  it  is  important  for  assessing  our  efficiency  in 
converting earnings to cash and returning cash to shareholders. The calculation of free cash flow conversion rate and net cash 
provided by operating activities conversion rate, its equivalent GAAP measure, follows:

In Millions
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests, as reported
Divestitures gain, net of tax
Mark-to-market effects, net of tax
Transaction costs, net of tax
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net of tax
Acquisition integration costs, net of tax
Non-income tax recovery, net of tax
Investment activity, net, net of tax
CPW restructuring charges, net of tax
Tax item
Adjusted net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
Net cash provided by operating activities
Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by operating activities conversion rate
Free cash flow conversion rate

Fiscal 
2022
$2,735.0
(189.0)
(102.5)
56.4
(16.7)
17.2
(14.5)
6.2
(0.9)
(50.7)
$2,440.5
3,316.1
(568.7)
$2,747.4

121%
113%

Note: Table may not foot due rounding.
For more information on the reconciling items, please refer to the Significant Items Impacting Comparability section above.

34

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

Net Debt-to-Adjusted Earnings before Net Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) Ratio

We believe that this measure provides useful information to investors because it is an indicator of our ability to incur additional 
debt and to service our existing debt.

The reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling 
interests, its GAAP equivalent, as well as the calculation of the net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio are as follows:

In Millions
Total debt (a)
Cash
Net debt
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and  

noncontrolling interests, as reported
Income taxes
Interest, net
Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

After-tax earnings from joint ventures
Divestitures (gain) loss
Mark-to-market effects
Transaction costs
Restructuring (recoveries) charges
Acquisition integration costs
Non-income tax recovery
Investment activity, net
Product recall adjustment, net

Adjusted EBITDA
Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio

Fiscal Year

2022
$11,620.4
569.4
$11,051.0

$ 2,735.0
586.3
379.6
570.3
4,271.2
(111.7)
(194.1)
(133.1)
72.8
(23.2)
22.4
(22.0)
14.7
—
$ 3,897.0
2.8

2021
$12,612.0
1,505.2
$11,106.8

$ 2,346.0
629.1
420.3
601.3
3,996.8
(117.7)
53.5
(138.8)
9.5
172.7
—
(8.8)
(76.4)
(3.5)
$ 3,887.4
2.9

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.
(a)  Notes payable and long-term debt, including current portion.

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

35

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

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

Our adjusted operating profit margins are calculated as follows:

Percent of Net Sales
Operating profit as reported
Divestitures (gain) loss
Mark-to-market effects
Transaction costs
Restructuring (recoveries) charges
Acquisition integration costs
Non-income tax recovery
Investment activity, net
Product recall adjustment, net

Adjusted operating profit

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Fiscal Year

2022

2021

$3,475.8
(194.1)
(133.1)
72.8
(23.2)
22.4
(22.0)
14.7
—
$3,213.3

18.3 % $3,144.8
53.5
(1.0)%
(138.8)
(0.7)%
9.5
0.4 %
172.7
(0.1)%
—
0.1 %
(8.8)
(0.1)%
(76.4)
0.1 %
(3.5)
— %
16.9 % $3,153.2

17.3 %
0.3 %
(0.8)%
0.1 %
1.0 %
— %
— %
(0.4)%
— %
17.4 %

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

Adjusted Effective Income Tax Rates

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

Adjusted effective income tax rates are calculated as follows:

In Millions
(Except Per Share Data)
As reported

Divestitures (gain) loss
Mark-to-market effects
Transaction costs
Restructuring (recoveries) charges
Acquisition integration costs
Non-income tax recovery
Investment activity, net
Tax items
Product recall adjustment, net

As adjusted
Effective tax rate:
As reported
As adjusted

Sum of adjustments to income taxes
Average number of common shares - diluted EPS
Impact of income tax adjustments on adjusted diluted EPS

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Fiscal Year Ended

2022

2021

Pretax 
Earnings (a)
$3,209.6
(194.1)
(133.1)
72.8
(23.2)
22.4
(22.0)
14.7
—
—
$2,947.1

Pretax 
Earnings (a)
$2,857.4
53.5
(138.8)
9.5
172.7
—
(8.8)
(76.4)
—
(3.5)
$2,865.7

Income 
Taxes
$586.3
(5.1)
(30.6)
16.4
(6.4)
5.1
(7.5)
8.5
50.7
—
$617.4

18.3%
20.9%
$31.1
612.6
$ (0.05)

Income 
Taxes
$629.1
0.4
(31.9)
2.3
35.5
—
(3.0)
(15.6)
(11.2)
(0.4)
$605.2

22.0%
21.1%
($ 24.0)
619.1
$ 0.04

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

36

Constant-currency After-Tax Earnings from Joint Ventures Growth Rate

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

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

Percentage change in after-tax earnings from joint ventures as reported
Impact of foreign currency exchange
Percentage change in after-tax earnings from joint ventures on a constant-currency basis

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Fiscal 
2022
(5)%
(3)pts
(3)%

Net Sales Growth Rate for Canada Operating Unit on a Constant-currency Basis

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

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

Percentage change in net sales as reported
Impact of foreign currency exchange
Percentage change in net sales on a constant-currency basis

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

Constant-currency Segment Operating Profit Growth Rates

Fiscal 
2022
3%
3pts
1%

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

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

Fiscal 2022

Percentage 
Change in 
Operating 
Profit as 
Reported
(1)%
(2)%
13%
26%

Impact of 
Foreign 
Currency 
Exchange
Flat

2pts

Flat
Flat

Percentage 
Change in 
Operating 
Profit on 
Constant-
Currency 
Basis

(1)%
(4)%
13%
26%

North America Retail
International
Pet
North America Foodservice

Note: Table may not foot due to rounding.

37

Forward-Looking Financial Measures

Our  fiscal  2023  outlook  for  organic  net  sales  growth,  constant-currency  adjusted  operating  profit,  adjusted  diluted  EPS, 
and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude, or have otherwise been adjusted for, items impacting 
comparability, including the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, restructuring charges and project-related 
costs, acquisition transaction and integration costs, acquisitions, divestitures, and mark-to-market effects. We are not able to 
reconcile these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP 
financial measures without unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the 
actual impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices or the timing or impact of acquisitions, 
divestitures, and restructuring actions throughout fiscal 2023. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on 
our fiscal 2023 GAAP financial results. 

For fiscal 2023, we currently expect: foreign currency exchange rates (based on a blend of forward and forecasted rates and 
hedge positions) and acquisitions and divestitures completed prior to fiscal 2023 and those closed or expected to close in fiscal 
2023 to reduce net sales growth by approximately 3 percent; foreign currency exchange rates to reduce adjusted operating 
profit and adjusted diluted EPS growth by approximately 1 percent; and restructuring charges and project-related costs and 
transaction and acquisition integration costs related to actions previously announced to total approximately $15 million to $25 
million. 

ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in interest and foreign exchange rates and commodity and equity 
prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our earnings and cash flows. In the normal course of business, we 
actively manage our exposure to these market risks by entering into various hedging transactions, authorized under established 
policies that place controls on these activities. The counterparties in these transactions are generally highly rated institutions. 
We establish credit limits for each counterparty. Our hedging transactions include but are not limited to a variety of derivative 
financial instruments. For information on interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity price, and equity instrument risk, please 
see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

VALUE AT RISK

The estimates in the table below are intended to measure the maximum potential fair value we could lose in one day from 
adverse changes in market interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices under normal market 
conditions. A Monte Carlo value-at-risk (VAR) methodology was used to quantify the market risk for our exposures. The 
models assumed normal market conditions and used a 95 percent confidence level.

The  VAR  calculation  used  historical  interest  and  foreign  exchange  rates,  and  commodity  and  equity  prices  from  the  past 
year to estimate the potential volatility and correlation of these rates in the future. The market data were drawn from the 
RiskMetrics™  data  set.  The  calculations  are  not  intended  to  represent  actual  losses  in  fair  value  that  we  expect  to  incur. 
Further, since the hedging instrument (the derivative) inversely correlates with the underlying exposure, we would expect that 
any loss or gain in the fair value of our derivatives would be generally offset by an increase or decrease in the fair value of the 
underlying exposure. The positions included in the calculations were: debt; investments; interest rate swaps; foreign exchange 
forwards; commodity swaps, futures, and options; and equity instruments. The calculations do not include the underlying 
foreign exchange and commodities or equity-related positions that are offset by these market-risk-sensitive instruments. 

The table below presents the estimated maximum potential VAR arising from a one-day loss in fair value for our interest rate, 
foreign currency, commodity, and equity market-risk-sensitive instruments outstanding as of May 29, 2022.

In Millions
Interest rate instruments
Foreign currency instruments
Commodity instruments
Equity instruments

Average 
During 
Fiscal 
2022
$41.4
17.7
10.2
2.3

May 29, 
2022
$40.9
20.3
12.9
2.5

May 30, 
2021
$37.4
25.6
4.2
2.8

Analysis of Change
Higher Market Volatility
Exchange Rate Volatility 
Higher Market Volatility
Higher Market Volatility

38

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 shareholders.

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

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

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

You should also consider the risk factors that we identify in Item 1A of this report, 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 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The management of General Mills, Inc. is responsible for the fairness and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements. 
The statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States, 
using  management’s  best  estimates  and  judgments  where  appropriate.  The  financial  information  throughout  this  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K is consistent with our consolidated financial statements.

Management  has  established  a  system  of  internal  controls  that  provides  reasonable  assurance  that  assets  are  adequately 
safeguarded and transactions are recorded accurately in all material respects, in accordance with management’s authorization. 
We maintain a strong audit program that independently evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls. Our 
internal controls provide for appropriate separation of duties and responsibilities, and there are documented policies regarding 
use of our assets and proper financial reporting. These formally stated and regularly communicated policies demand highly 
ethical conduct from all employees.

39

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets regularly with management, internal auditors, and our independent 
registered  public  accounting  firm  to  review  internal  control,  auditing,  and  financial  reporting  matters.  The  independent 
registered public accounting firm, internal auditors, and employees have full and free access to the Audit Committee at any 
time.

The Audit Committee reviewed and approved the Company’s annual financial statements. The Audit Committee recommended, 
and the Board of Directors approved, that the consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report. The Audit 
Committee also appointed KPMG LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 
2023.

/s/ J. L. Harmening 

/s/ K. A. Bruce 

J. L. Harmening 
Chief Executive Officer 

June 29, 2022

K. A. Bruce  
Chief Financial Officer 

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors 
General Mills, Inc.:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of General Mills, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of 
May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, total equity and 
redeemable interest, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 29, 2022, and the related notes 
and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of May 29, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of the Company as of May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each 
of the years in the three-year period ended May 29, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as 
of May 29, 2022 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Basis for Opinions

The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  for  maintaining  effective  internal 
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included 
in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement 
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. 
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing 
the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control 
based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that  (1)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts 
and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

41

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial 
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or 
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, 
or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate 
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Valuation of goodwill and brand intangible assets

 As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the goodwill and brands and other indefinite-lived 
intangibles balances as of May 29, 2022 were $14,378.5 million and $6,725.8 million, respectively. The impairment 
tests  for  these  assets,  which  are  performed  annually  and  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate 
that impairment may have occurred, require the Company to estimate the fair value of the reporting units to which 
goodwill is assigned as well as the brands and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. The fair value estimates are 
derived from discounted cash flow analyses that require the Company to make judgments about highly subjective 
matters, including future operating results, including revenue growth rates and operating margins, and an estimate 
of the discount rates and royalty rates.

 We  identified  the  assessment  of  the  valuation  of  certain  goodwill  and  brand  intangible  assets  as  a  critical  audit 
matter. There was a significant degree of judgment required in evaluating audit evidence, which consists primarily 
of forward-looking assumptions about future operating results, specifically the revenue growth rates and operating 
margins, royalty rates and subjective inputs used to estimate the discount rates.

 The  following  are  the  primary  procedures  we  performed  to  address  this  critical  audit  matter.  We  evaluated  the 
design  and  tested  the  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  controls  related  to  the  valuation  of  goodwill  and  brand 
intangible assets. This included controls related to the assumptions about future operating results and the discount 
and royalty rates used to measure the reporting units and brands intangible fair values. We performed sensitivity 
analyses  over  the  revenue  growth  rates,  operating  margins,  brand  royalty  rates  and  discount  rates  to  assess  the 
impact of other points within a range of potential assumptions. We evaluated the revenue growth rates and operating 
margin assumptions by comparing them to recent financial performance and external market and industry data. We 
evaluated whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. We involved 
professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in the evaluation of the Company’s discount rates 
by comparing them against rate ranges that were independently developed using publicly available market data for 
comparable entities and the royalty rates by evaluating the methods, assumptions and market data used to estimate 
the royalty rate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1928.

Minneapolis, Minnesota 
June 29, 2022

42

 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)

Net sales

Cost of sales
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Divestitures (gain) loss
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit (recoveries) costs

Operating profit

Benefit plan non-service income
Interest, net

Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures
Income taxes
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and  

noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
Earnings per share — basic
Earnings per share — diluted
Dividends per share

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2022
$18,992.8
12,590.6
3,147.0
(194.1)
(26.5)
3,475.8
(113.4)
379.6
3,209.6
586.3
111.7

2,735.0
27.7
$ 2,707.3
4.46
$
4.42
$
2.04
$

Fiscal Year
2021
$18,127.0
11,678.7
3,079.6
53.5
170.4
3,144.8
(132.9)
420.3
2,857.4
629.1
117.7

2,346.0
6.2
$ 2,339.8
3.81
$
3.78
$
2.02
$

2020
$17,626.6
11,496.7
3,151.6
—
24.4
2,953.9
(112.8)
466.5
2,600.2
480.5
91.1

2,210.8
29.6
$ 2,181.2
3.59
$
3.56
$
1.96
$

43

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
(In Millions)

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and  

noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation
Net actuarial income (loss)
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives

Reclassification to earnings:

Foreign currency translation
Hedge derivatives
Amortization of losses and prior service costs

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Total comprehensive income

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to redeemable and  

noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income attributable to General Mills

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

2022

Fiscal Year
2021

2020

$2,735.0

$2,346.0

$2,210.8

(175.9)
101.6

175.1
353.4

(169.1)
(224.6)

7.0

(20.7)

3.2

342.2
35.1
75.8
385.8
3,120.8

—
13.5
78.9
600.2
2,946.2

—
4.1
77.9
(308.5)
1,902.3

(45.2)
$3,166.0

121.2
$2,825.0

10.1
$1,892.2

44

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
(In Millions, Except Par Value)

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021

$

569.4
1,692.1
1,867.3
802.1
158.9
5,089.8
3,393.8
14,378.5
6,999.9
1,228.1
$ 31,090.1

$ 3,982.3
1,674.2
811.4
1,552.0
8,019.9
9,134.8
2,218.3
929.1
20,302.1
—

75.5
1,182.9
18,532.6
(7,278.1)
(1,970.5)
10,542.4
245.6
10,788.0
$ 31,090.1

$ 1,505.2
1,638.5
1,820.5
790.3
—
5,754.5
3,606.8
14,062.4
7,150.6
1,267.6
$ 31,841.9

$ 3,653.5
2,463.8
361.3
1,787.2
8,265.8
9,786.9
2,118.4
1,292.7
21,463.8
604.9

75.5
1,365.5
17,069.8
(6,611.2)
(2,429.2)
9,470.4
302.8
9,773.2
$ 31,841.9

ASSETS
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets held for sale

Total current assets
Land, buildings, and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Current portion of long-term debt
Notes payable
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Redeemable interest
Stockholders' equity:

Common stock, 754.6 shares issued, $0.10 par value
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Common stock in treasury, at cost, shares of 155.7 and 146.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total stockholders' equity

Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

45

Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)

Total equity, beginning balance
Common stock, 1 billion shares authorized, $0.10 par value
Additional paid-in capital:
Beginning balance

Stock compensation plans
Unearned compensation related to stock unit awards
Earned compensation
Decrease (increase) in redemption value of  

redeemable interest

Reversal of cumulative redeemable interest value 

adjustments

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

Ending balance
Retained earnings:

Beginning balance

Net earnings attributable to General Mills
Cash dividends declared ($2.04, $2.02, and $1.96 per 

share)

Adoption of current expected credit loss  

accounting requirements

Ending balance

Common stock in treasury:
Beginning balance

Shares purchased
Stock compensation plans

Ending balance

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Beginning balance

Comprehensive income (loss)

Ending balance
Noncontrolling interests:
Beginning balance

Comprehensive (loss) income
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
Reclassification from redeemable interest
Reversal of cumulative redeemable interest value  

adjustments

Divestiture
Ending balance

Total equity, ending balance
Redeemable interest:

Beginning balance

Comprehensive (loss) income
(Decrease) increase in redemption value of redeemable 

interest

Distributions to redeemable interest holder
Reclassification to noncontrolling interest

Ending balance

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46

2022

Fiscal Year
2021
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
$ 7,367.7
75.5

$ 8,349.5
75.5

$ 9,773.2
75.5

754.6

754.6

754.6

2020

1,365.5
17.9
(92.2)
104.5

14.1

(207.4)
(19.5)
1,182.9

1,348.6
6.2
(78.0)
88.5

0.2

—
—
1,365.5

1,386.7
(12.1)
(85.7)
92.8

(33.1)

—
—
1,348.6

17,069.8
2,707.3

15,982.1
2,339.8

14,996.7
2,181.2

(1,244.5)

(1,246.4)

(1,195.8)

—
18,532.6

(5.7)
17,069.8

(146.9)
(13.5)
4.7
(155.7)

(6,611.2)
(876.8)
209.9
(7,278.1)

(144.8)
(5.0)
2.9
(146.9)

(6,433.3)
(301.4)
123.5
(6,611.2)

(152.7)
(0.1)
8.0
(144.8)

(2,429.2)
458.7
(1,970.5)

302.8
(16.0)
(129.8)
561.6

207.4
(680.4)
245.6
$10,788.0

$

$

604.9
(29.2)

(14.1)
—
(561.6)
—

(2,914.4)
485.2
(2,429.2)

291.0
38.0
(26.2)
—

—
—
302.8
$ 9,773.2

$

$

544.6
83.2

(0.2)
(22.7)
—
604.9

—
15,982.1

(6,779.0)
(3.4)
349.1
(6,433.3)

(2,625.4)
(289.0)
(2,914.4)

313.2
10.3
(32.5)
—

—
—
291.0
$ 8,349.5

$

$

551.7
(0.2)

33.1
(40.0)
—
544.6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(In Millions)

Cash Flows - Operating Activities

Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and  

$ 2,735.0

$ 2,346.0

$ 2,210.8

Fiscal Year
2021 

2022

2020 

noncontrolling interests

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
After-tax earnings from joint ventures
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs
Divestitures (gain) loss
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit (recoveries) costs
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisition  

and divestitures

Other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash Flows - Investing Activities

Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment
Acquisition
Investments in affiliates, net
Proceeds from disposal of land, buildings, and equipment
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested
Other, net

Net cash used by investing activities

Cash Flows - Financing Activities

Change in notes payable
Issuance of long-term debt
Payment of long-term debt
Debt exchange participation incentive cash payment
Proceeds from common stock issued on exercised options
Purchases of common stock for treasury
Dividends paid
Distributions to noncontrolling and redeemable interest holders
Other, net

Net cash used by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year
Cash flow from changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects  

of acquisition and divestitures:
Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable
Other current liabilities

Changes in current assets and liabilities
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

47

570.3
(111.7)
107.5
98.7
62.2
(31.3)
(30.1)
(194.1)
(117.1)
277.4

601.3
(117.7)
95.2
89.9
118.8
(33.4)
(33.6)
53.5
150.9
(155.9)

594.7
(91.1)
76.5
94.9
(29.6)
(31.1)
(32.3)
—
43.6
793.9

(50.7)
3,316.1

(131.8)
2,983.2

45.9
3,676.2

(568.7)
(1,201.3)
15.4
3.3
74.1
(13.5)
(1,690.7)

551.4
2,203.7
(3,140.9)
—
161.7
(876.8)
(1,244.5)
(129.8)
(28.0)
(2,503.2)
(58.0)
(935.8)
1,505.2
569.4

$

(530.8)
—
15.5
2.7
2.9
(3.1)
(512.8)

(460.8)
—
(48.0)
1.7
—
20.9
(486.2)

71.7
1,576.5
(2,609.0)
(201.4)
74.3
(301.4)
(1,246.4)
(48.9)
(30.9)
(2,715.5)
72.5
(172.6)
1,677.8
$ 1,505.2

(1,158.6)
1,638.1
(1,396.7)
—
263.4
(3.4)
(1,195.8)
(72.5)
(16.0)
(1,941.5)
(20.7)
1,227.8
450.0
$ 1,677.8

$

$ (166.3) $
(85.8)
(35.3)
456.7
108.1
277.4

27.9
(354.7)
(42.7)
343.1
(129.5)
$ (155.9) $

$

37.9
103.1
94.2
392.5
166.2
793.9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
GENERAL MILLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND RECLASSIFICATIONS

Basis of Presentation

Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of General Mills, Inc. and all subsidiaries in which we have a 
controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and accounts, including any noncontrolling and redeemable interests’ 
share of those transactions, are eliminated in consolidation.

Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in May. Fiscal years 2022 and 2021 consisted of 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2020 
consisted of 53 weeks.

Certain reclassifications to our previously reported financial information have been made to conform to the current period 
presentation. 

Change in Reporting Period 

As part of a long-term plan to conform the fiscal year ends of all our operations, in fiscal 2020 we changed the reporting 
period of our Pet segment from an April fiscal year-end to a May fiscal year-end to match our fiscal calendar. Accordingly, 
our fiscal 2020 results include 13 months of Pet segment results compared to 12 months in fiscal 2022 and 2021. The impact of 
this change was not material to our consolidated results of operations and, therefore, we did not restate prior period financial 
statements for comparability. Our India business is on an April fiscal year end. 

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

We consider all investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories 

All inventories in the United States other than grain are valued at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, 
or market. Grain inventories are valued at net realizable value, and all related cash contracts and derivatives are valued at fair 
value, with all net changes in value recorded in earnings currently.

Inventories outside of the United States are generally valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, 
or net realizable value.

Shipping costs associated with the distribution of finished product to our customers are recorded as cost of sales and are 
recognized when the related finished product is shipped to and accepted by the customer.

Land, Buildings, Equipment, and Depreciation 

Land is recorded at historical cost. Buildings and equipment, including capitalized interest and internal engineering costs, are 
recorded at cost and depreciated over estimated useful lives, primarily using the straight-line method. Ordinary maintenance 
and  repairs  are  charged  to  cost  of  sales.  Buildings  are  usually  depreciated  over  40  years,  and  equipment,  furniture,  and 
software are usually depreciated over 3 to 10 years. Fully depreciated assets are retained in buildings and equipment until 
disposal. When an item is sold or retired, the accounts are relieved of its cost and related accumulated depreciation and the 
resulting gains and losses, if any, are recognized in earnings. 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 
of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted 
future cash flows from the operation and disposition of the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. 
Asset groups have identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other asset groups. Measurement of an impairment 
loss would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. Fair value is measured using a 
discounted cash flow model or independent appraisals, as appropriate.

48

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that impairment may have occurred. We perform our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment 
test as of the first day of the second quarter of the fiscal year. Impairment testing is performed for each of our reporting units. 
We compare the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. Carrying value is based 
on the assets and liabilities associated with the operations of that reporting unit, which often requires allocation of shared 
or corporate items among reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, impairment has 
occurred. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its 
fair value up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Our estimates of fair value are determined based 
on a discounted cash flow model. Growth rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from our long-range planning 
process. We also make estimates of discount rates, perpetuity growth assumptions, market comparables, and other factors. 

We  evaluate  the  useful  lives  of  our  other  intangible  assets,  mainly  brands,  to  determine  if  they  are  finite  or  indefinite-
lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects 
of  obsolescence,  demand,  competition,  other  economic  factors  (such  as  the  stability  of  the  industry,  known  technological 
advances,  legislative  action  that  results  in  an  uncertain  or  changing  regulatory  environment,  and  expected  changes  in 
distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures, and the expected lives of other related groups of assets. 
Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally 
ranging from 4 to 30 years.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets, mainly intangible assets primarily associated with the Blue Buffalo, Pillsbury, Totino’s, 
Old El Paso, Progresso, Annie’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Yoki brands, are also tested for impairment annually and whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Our estimate of the fair value of the 
brands is based on a discounted cash flow model using inputs which included projected revenues from our long-range plan, 
assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the brands, and a discount rate. 

Our  finite-lived  intangible  assets,  primarily  acquired  franchise  agreements  and  customer  relationships,  are  reviewed  for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. 
An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation and disposition 
of  the  asset  are  less  than  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset.  Assets  generally  have  identifiable  cash  flows  and  are  largely 
independent of other assets. Measurement of an impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of 
the asset over its fair value. Fair value is measured using a discounted cash flow model or other similar valuation model, as 
appropriate. 

Leases

We  determine  whether  an  arrangement  is  a  lease  at  inception.  When  our  lease  arrangements  include  lease  and  non-lease 
components,  we  account  for  lease  and  non-lease  components  (e.g.  common  area  maintenance)  separately  based  on  their 
relative standalone prices. 

Any lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we 
recognize lease costs for these lease arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Many of our lease arrangements 
provide us with options to exercise one or more renewal terms or to terminate the lease arrangement. We include these options 
when we are reasonably certain to exercise them in the lease term used to establish our right of use assets and lease liabilities. 
Generally, our lease agreements do not include an option to purchase the leased asset, residual value guarantees, or material 
restrictive covenants.

We have certain lease arrangements with variable rental payments. Our lease arrangements for our Häagen-Dazs retail shops 
often include rental payments that are based on a percentage of retail sales. We have other lease arrangements that are adjusted 
periodically based on an inflation index or rate. The future variability of these payments and adjustments are unknown, and 
therefore they are not included as minimum lease payments used to determine our right of use assets and lease liabilities. 
Variable rental payments are recognized in the period in which the obligation is incurred. 

As most of our lease arrangements do not provide an implicit interest rate, we apply an incremental borrowing rate based 
on  the  information  available  at  the  commencement  date  of  the  lease  arrangement  to  determine  the  present  value  of  lease 
payments.

49

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 

Our investments in companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are stated at cost plus our share 
of undistributed earnings or losses. We receive royalty income from certain joint ventures, incur various expenses (primarily 
research and development), and record the tax impact of certain joint venture operations that are structured as partnerships. 
In addition, we make advances to our joint ventures in the form of loans or capital investments. We also sell certain raw 
materials, semi-finished goods, and finished goods to the joint ventures, generally at market prices.

In addition, we assess our investments in our joint ventures if we have reason to believe an impairment may have occurred 
including, but not limited to, as a result of ongoing operating losses, projected decreases in earnings, increases in the weighted-
average cost of capital, or significant business disruptions. The significant assumptions used to estimate fair value include 
revenue growth and profitability, royalty rates, capital spending, depreciation and taxes, foreign currency exchange rates, and 
a discount rate. By their nature, these projections and assumptions are uncertain. If we were to determine the current fair value 
of our investment was less than the carrying value of the investment, then we would assess if the shortfall was of a temporary 
or permanent nature and write down the investment to its fair value if we concluded the impairment is other than temporary.

Revenue Recognition 

Our revenues primarily result from contracts with customers, which are generally short-term and have a single performance 
obligation  –  the  delivery  of  product.  We  recognize  revenue  for  the  sale  of  packaged  foods  at  the  point  in  time  when  our 
performance obligation has been satisfied and control of the product has transferred to our customer, which generally occurs 
when the shipment is accepted by our customer. Sales include shipping and handling charges billed to the customer and are 
reported  net  of  variable  consideration  and  consideration  payable  to  our  customers,  including  trade  promotion,  consumer 
coupon redemption and other reductions to the transaction price, including estimated allowances for returns, unsalable product, 
and prompt pay discounts. Sales, use, value-added, and other excise taxes are not included in revenue. Trade promotions are 
recorded using significant judgment of estimated participation and performance levels for offered programs at the time of 
sale. Differences between estimated and actual reductions to the transaction price are recognized as a change in estimate in a 
subsequent period. We generally do not allow a right of return. However, on a limited case-by-case basis with prior approval, 
we may allow customers to return product. In limited circumstances, product returned in saleable condition is resold to other 
customers or outlets. Receivables from customers generally do not bear interest. Payment terms and collection patterns vary 
around the world and by channel, and are short-term, and as such, we do not have any significant financing components. 
Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of expected credit losses related to our trade receivables. We 
pool  our  trade  receivables  based  on  similar  risk  characteristics,  such  as  geographic  location,  business  channel,  and  other 
account data. To estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts, we leverage information on historical losses, asset-specific 
risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. Account balances are 
written off against the allowance when we deem the amount is uncollectible. Please see Note 17 for a disaggregation of our 
revenue into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by 
economic factors. We do not have material contract assets or liabilities arising from our contracts with customers.

Environmental Costs 

Environmental  costs  relating  to  existing  conditions  caused  by  past  operations  that  do  not  contribute  to  current  or  future 
revenues  are  expensed.  Liabilities  for  anticipated  remediation  costs  are  recorded  on  an  undiscounted  basis  when  they  are 
probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies or our commitment to a plan 
of action.

Advertising Production Costs 

We expense the production costs of advertising the first time that the advertising takes place.

Research and Development 

All expenditures for research and development (R&D) are charged against earnings in the period incurred. R&D includes 
expenditures for new product and manufacturing process innovation, and the annual expenditures are comprised primarily 
of  internal  salaries,  wages,  consulting,  and  supplies  attributable  to  R&D  activities.  Other  costs  include  depreciation  and 
maintenance of research facilities, including assets at facilities that are engaged in pilot plant activities.

50

Foreign Currency Translation 

For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations 
are translated at the period-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates 
prevailing during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI) in 
stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net earnings for the period, except 
for gains and losses on investments in subsidiaries for which settlement is not planned for the foreseeable future and foreign 
exchange gains and losses on instruments designated as net investment hedges. These gains and losses are recorded in AOCI.

Derivative Instruments 

All derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices or our estimate 
of their fair value, and are recorded in either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their maturity. Changes in 
the fair values of derivatives are recorded in net earnings or other comprehensive income, based on whether the instrument 
is  designated  and  effective  as  a  hedge  transaction  and,  if  so,  the  type  of  hedge  transaction.  Gains  or  losses  on  derivative 
instruments reported in AOCI are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying 
hedged transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in AOCI are reclassified to earnings at that time. 

Stock-based Compensation 

We generally measure compensation expense for grants of restricted stock units and performance share units using the value 
of a share of our stock on the date of grant. We estimate the value of stock option grants using a Black-Scholes valuation 
model. Generally, stock-based compensation is recognized straight line over the vesting period. Our stock-based compensation 
expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements 
of Earnings and allocated to each reportable segment in our segment results.

Certain equity-based compensation plans contain provisions that accelerate vesting of awards upon retirement, termination, 
or death of eligible employees and directors. We consider a stock-based award to be vested when the employee’s or director’s 
retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service. Accordingly, the related compensation cost is 
generally recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible individuals or over the period from the grant date 
to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if less than the stated vesting period.

We report the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as an operating cash flow.

Defined Benefit Pension, Other Postretirement Benefit, and Postemployment Benefit Plans 

We sponsor several domestic and foreign defined benefit plans to provide pension, health care, and other welfare benefits 
to  retired  employees.  Under  certain  circumstances,  we  also  provide  accruable  benefits,  primarily  severance,  to  former  or 
inactive employees in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We recognize an obligation for any of these benefits that vest 
or accumulate with service. Postemployment benefits that do not vest or accumulate with service (such as severance based 
solely on annual pay rather than years of service) are charged to expense when incurred. Our postemployment benefit plans 
are unfunded.

We recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of a defined benefit pension plan as an asset or liability and recognize 
changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through AOCI.

Use of Estimates 

Preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses 
during the reporting period. These estimates include our accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of long-lived assets, 
intangible  assets,  stock-based  compensation,  income  taxes,  and  defined  benefit  pension,  other  postretirement  benefit  and 
postemployment benefit plans. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

New Accounting Standards 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we adopted new accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses on 
financial instruments, including trade receivables. The new standard and subsequent amendments replace the incurred loss 
impairment  model  with  a  forward-looking  expected  credit  loss  model,  which  will  generally  result  in  earlier  recognition 

51

of credit losses. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of expected credit losses related to our trade 
receivables. We pool our trade receivables based on similar risk characteristics, such as geographic location, business channel, 
and other account data. To estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts, we leverage information on historical losses, asset-
specific  risk  characteristics,  current  conditions,  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forecasts  of  future  conditions.  Account 
balances are written off against the allowance when we deem the amount is uncollectible. We adopted the requirements of the 
new standard and subsequent amendments using the modified retrospective transition approach, and recorded a decrease to 
retained earnings of $5.7 million after-tax.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted new accounting requirements related to the annual disclosure requirements 
for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The standard modifies specific disclosures to improve 
usefulness to financial statement users. We adopted the requirements of the new standard using a retrospective approach. The 
adoption of this guidance did not impact our results of operations or financial position. 

In  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  2020,  we  adopted  new  accounting  requirements  for  hedge  accounting.  The  standard  amends 
the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements to better align an entity’s risk management activities and 
financial reporting. The new standard also simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance. The adoption did not have 
a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted new requirements for the accounting, presentation, and classification of leases. 
This results in certain leases being capitalized as a right of use asset with a related liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. 
We adopted this guidance utilizing the cumulative effect adjustment approach, which required application of the guidance at 
the adoption date, and elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, including not reassessing 
whether existing contracts contain leases and carrying forward the historical classification of those leases. In addition, we 
elected not to recognize leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and to continue our 
historical treatment of land easements, under permitted elections. This guidance did not have a material impact on retained 
earnings, our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, or our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

NOTE 3. ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURES

In fiscal 2022, we sold our European dough businesses and recorded a net pre-tax gain on sale of $30.4 million. 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TNT Crust. The transaction closed 
subsequent to the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Helper main meals and Suddenly 
Salad side dishes business to Eagle Family Foods Group for approximately $610 million. We expect to close the divestiture 
in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. We have classified all related assets as held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as 
of May 29, 2022.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we sold our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl 
to Sodiaal International (Sodiaal) in exchange for Sodiaal’s interest in our Canadian yogurt business, a modified agreement 
for the use of Yoplait and Liberté brands in the United States and Canada, and cash. We recorded a net pre-tax gain of $163.7 
million  on  the  sale  of  these  businesses  including  an  additional  net  pre-tax  gain  of  $14.9  million  related  to  purchase  price 
adjustments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we acquired Tyson Foods’ pet treats business for $1.2 billion in cash. We financed 
the transaction with a combination of cash on hand and short-term debt. We consolidated Tyson Foods’ pet treats business 
into  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  and  recorded  goodwill  of  $762.3  million,  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  the 
Nudges, Top Chews, and True Chews brands totaling $330.0 million in aggregate, and a finite-lived customer relationship 
asset of $40.0 million. The goodwill is included in the Pet reporting unit and is deductible for tax purposes. The pro forma 
effects of this acquisition were not material. 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $53.5 million related to the sale of our Laticínios Carolina 
business in Brazil.

52

NOTE 4. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT, AND OTHER EXIT COSTS 

We  view  our  restructuring  activities  as  actions  that  help  us  meet  our  long-term  growth  targets  and  are  evaluated  against 
internal rate of return and net present value targets. Each restructuring action normally takes one to two years to complete. At 
completion (or as each major stage is completed in the case of multi-year programs), the project begins to deliver cash savings 
and/or  reduced  depreciation.  These  activities  result  in  various  restructuring  costs,  including  asset  write-offs,  exit  charges 
including severance, contract termination fees, and decommissioning and other costs. Accelerated depreciation associated 
with restructured assets, as used in the context of our disclosures regarding restructuring activity, refers to the increase in 
depreciation expense caused by shortening the useful life or updating the salvage value of depreciable fixed assets to coincide 
with the end of production under an approved restructuring plan. Any impairment of the asset is recognized immediately in 
the period the plan is approved.

Restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2022 were as follows:

Expense, in Millions
International manufacturing and logistics operations
Net recoveries associated with restructuring actions previously announced
Total net restructuring recoveries

$ 15.0
(38.2)
$(23.2)

In fiscal 2022, we approved restructuring actions in the International segment to drive efficiencies in manufacturing and 
logistics operations. We expect to incur approximately $21 million of restructuring charges and project-related costs related 
to these actions, of which approximately $12 million will be cash. These charges are expected to consist of approximately 
$8 million of severance and $10 million of other costs, primarily asset write-offs. We also expect to incur approximately $3 
million of project-related costs. We recognized $7.9 million of severance and $7.1 million of other costs in fiscal 2022. We 
expect these actions to be completed by the end of fiscal 2024.

As  a  result  of  shifts  in  the  composition  of  estimated  expenses  related  to  our  previously  announced  global  organizational 
structure and resource realignment actions, we recorded a $34.0 million reduction to our restructuring reserves as of May 
29, 2022, primarily related to estimated severance charges. We expect these actions to incur total restructuring charges of 
approximately $125 million to $135 million, of which approximately $100 million to $110 million will be cash. We expect 
approximately  $100  million  to  be  severance  and  approximately  $30  million  of  other  costs.  We  expect  these  actions  to  be 
completed by the end of fiscal 2023.

Certain actions are subject to union negotiations and works counsel consultations, where required.

We paid net $93.9 million of cash related to restructuring actions in fiscal 2022. We paid net $21.8 million of cash in fiscal 
2021.

53

Restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2021 were as follows:

Expense, in Millions
Global organizational structure and resource alignment
International route-to-market and supply chain optimization
Charges associated with restructuring actions previously announced
Total restructuring charges

$157.3
13.0
2.4
$172.7

In fiscal 2020, we did not undertake any new restructuring actions and recorded $50.2 million of restructuring charges for 
previously announced restructuring actions.

Restructuring and impairment charges and project-related costs are classified in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as 
follows:

In Millions
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit (recoveries) costs
Cost of sales
Total restructuring and impairment (recoveries) charges
Project-related costs classified in cost of sales

Fiscal Year
2020
2021
2022
$ 24.4
$170.4
$(26.5)
25.8
2.3
3.3
50.2
172.7
(23.2)
$ — $ — $ 1.5

The roll forward of our restructuring and other exit cost reserves, included in other current liabilities, is as follows:

In Millions
Reserve balance as of May 26, 2019
Fiscal 2020 charges, including foreign currency translation
Utilized in fiscal 2020
Reserve balance as of May 31, 2020
Fiscal 2021 charges, including foreign currency translation
Utilized in fiscal 2021
Reserve balance as of May 30, 2021
Fiscal 2022 charges, including foreign currency translation
Reserve adjustment
Utilized in fiscal 2022
Reserve balance as of May 29, 2022

Severance
$ 36.5
(5.0)
(13.7)
17.8
142.3
(12.8)
147.3
2.2
(34.0)
(80.1)
$ 35.4

Contract 
Termination
$ —
0.8
(0.8)
—
0.3
(0.1)
0.2
—
—
(0.2)
$ —

Other Exit 
Costs

Total
$ — $ 36.5
(2.5)
1.7
(16.2)
(1.7)
17.8
—
143.9
1.3
— (12.9)
148.8
1.3
1.2
3.4
— (34.0)
(81.4)
$ 36.8

(1.1)
$ 1.4

The charges recognized in the roll forward of our reserves for restructuring and other exit costs do not include items charged 
directly to expense (e.g., asset impairment charges, the gain or loss on the sale of restructured assets, and the write-off of spare 
parts) and other periodic exit costs recognized as incurred, as those items are not reflected in our restructuring and other exit 
cost reserves on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 5. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES 

We have a 50 percent interest in Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW), which manufactures and markets ready-to-eat cereal 
products  in  more  than  130  countries  outside  the  United  States  and  Canada.  CPW  also  markets  cereal  bars  in  European 
countries  and  manufactures  private  label  cereals  for  customers  in  the  United  Kingdom.  We  have  guaranteed  a  portion  of 
CPW’s debt and its pension obligation in the United Kingdom. 

We also have a 50 percent interest in Häagen-Dazs Japan, Inc. (HDJ). This joint venture manufactures and markets Häagen-
Dazs ice cream products and frozen novelties. 

Results from our CPW and HDJ joint ventures are reported for the 12 months ended March 31.

54

Joint venture related balance sheet activity is as follows: 

In Millions
Cumulative investments
Goodwill and other intangibles
Aggregate advances included in cumulative investments

Joint venture earnings and cash flow activity is as follows:

In Millions
Sales to joint ventures
Net (repayments) advances 
Dividends received

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021

$416.4
444.9
254.4

$486.2
505.7
294.2

Fiscal Year
2021
$ 6.7
(15.5)
95.2

$

2022
6.3
(15.4)
107.5

2020
$ 5.9
48.0
76.5

Summary combined financial information for the joint ventures on a 100 percent basis is as follows:

In Millions
Net sales:
CPW   
HDJ

Total net sales
Gross margin
Earnings before income taxes
Earnings after income taxes

In Millions
Current assets
Noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The components of goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows:

In Millions
Goodwill
Other intangible assets:

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

Brands and other indefinite-lived intangibles

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

Franchise agreements, customer relationships,  

and other finite-lived intangibles

Less accumulated amortization
Intangible assets subject to amortization

Other intangible assets
Total

Fiscal Year
2021

2022

2020

$1,706.5
427.8
2,134.3
803.1
249.9
201.0

$1,766.8
422.4
2,189.2
882.9
247.8
201.7

$1,654.3
391.3
2,045.6
785.3
214.0
176.5

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021

$ 823.9
839.8
1,298.8
106.5

$ 877.4
927.2
1,424.4
142.2

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021
$14,062.4

$14,378.5

6,725.8

6,628.1

400.3
(126.2)
274.1
6,999.9
$21,378.4

823.4
(300.9)
522.5
7,150.6
$21,213.0

Based on the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets as of May 29, 2022, amortization expense for each of the next five 
fiscal years is estimated to be approximately $20 million.

55

In fiscal 2022, we changed our organizational and management structure to streamline our global operations. As a result of 
these changes, we reassessed our operating segments as well as our reporting units. Under our new organizational structure, 
our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our segments 
at the North America Retail, International, Pet, and North America Foodservice operating segment level. See Note 17 for 
additional information on our operating segments.  

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2020, 2021, and 2022 are as follows:

In Millions
Balance as of May 26, 2019
Other activity, primarily foreign currency 

translation

Balance as of May 31, 2020
Divestiture
Other activity, primarily foreign currency 

translation

Balance as of May 30, 2021
Acquisition
Divestitures
Reclassified to assets held for sale
Other activity, primarily foreign currency 

North 
America 
Retail
$6,676.5

(2.8)
6,673.7
—

15.6
6,689.3
—
—
(130.0)

Pet
$5,300.5

—
5,300.5
—

—
5,300.5
762.3
—
—

North 
America 
Foodservice
$648.8

International
$ 960.6

Joint 
Ventures
$409.4

Total
$13,995.8

—
648.8
—

—
648.8
—
—
—

(66.1)
894.5
(1.2)

84.9
978.2
—
(201.8)
—

(3.7)
405.7
—

39.9
445.6
—
—
—

(72.6)
13,923.2
(1.2)

140.4
14,062.4
762.3
(201.8)
(130.0)

translation

Balance as of May 29, 2022

(6.4)
$6,552.9

—
$6,062.8

—
$648.8

(54.8)
$ 721.6

(53.2)
$392.4

(114.4)
$14,378.5

The changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets for fiscal 2020, 2021, and 2022 are as follows:

In Millions
Balance as of May 26, 2019
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
Balance as of May 31, 2020
Divestiture
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
Balance as of May 30, 2021
Acquisition
Divestitures
Intellectual property intangible asset
Other activity, primarily amortization and foreign currency translation
Balance as of May 29, 2022

Total
$7,166.8
(71.0)
7,095.8
(5.3)
60.1
7,150.6
370.0
(621.8)
210.4
(109.3)
$6,999.9

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

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

In Millions
Uncle Toby's

Carrying Value of 
Intangible Asset
$55.0

Excess Fair Value as of 
Fiscal 2022 Test Date
7%

While having significant coverage as of our fiscal 2022 assessment date, the Progresso, Green Giant, and EPIC brand intangible 
assets had risk of decreasing coverage. We will continue to monitor these businesses for potential impairment.

56

The organizational changes also resulted in changes in certain reporting units, one level below the segment level, and were 
considered a triggering event that required a goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of fiscal 2022. We determined 
there was no impairment of the goodwill of the impacted reporting units as their related fair values were substantially in 
excess of the carrying values. 

We did not identify any indicators of impairment for any goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets as of May 29, 2022.

NOTE 7. LEASES

Our lease portfolio primarily consists of operating lease arrangements for certain warehouse and distribution space, office 
space, retail shops, production facilities, rail cars, production and distribution equipment, automobiles, and office equipment. 
Our lease costs associated with finance leases and sale-leaseback transactions and our lease income associated with lessor and 
sublease arrangements are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Components of our lease cost are as follows: 

In Millions
Operating lease cost
Variable lease cost
Short-term lease cost

Fiscal Year

2022
$129.7
8.5
29.1

2021
$132.7
21.8
23.4

Rent expense under all operating leases from continuing operations was $171.2 million in fiscal 2020. 

Maturities of our operating and finance lease obligations by fiscal year are as follows:

In Millions
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027
After fiscal 2027
Total noncancelable future lease obligations
Less: Interest
Present value of lease obligations

Operating Leases
$ 117.8
93.6
64.4
45.2
24.1
40.7
$ 385.8
(30.8)
$ 355.0

Finance Leases
$ 0.8
0.4
—
—
—
—
$ 1.2
—
$ 1.2

The lease payments presented in the table above exclude $135.1 million of minimum lease payments for operating leases we 
have committed to but have not yet commenced as of May 29, 2022. 

The weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows:

Weighted-average remaining lease term
Weighted-average discount rate

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021
4.5 years
3.7%

4.5 years
3.8%

Supplemental operating cash flow information and non-cash activity related to our operating leases are as follows: 

In Millions
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities

Fiscal Year
2022
$128.7
$ 84.6

2021
$132.0
$120.2

57

NOTE 8. 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 May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021, a comparison 
of cost and market values of our marketable debt and equity securities is as follows:

In Millions

Available for sale debt securities
Equity securities

Total

Cost
Fiscal Year
2022
2.3
250.1
$252.4

2021
$ 76.9
360.3
$437.2

$

Fair Value
Fiscal Year
2022
2.3
255.3
$257.6

2021
$ 76.9
365.6
$442.5

$

Gross 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Unrealized 
Losses
Gains
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
2021
2022
2022
2021
$—
$ — $ — $ —
—
5.3
15.1
$—
$5.3
$15.1

5.2
$5.2

As of May 29, 2022, the fair value and carrying value of equity securities restricted for payment of active employee health and 
welfare benefits were $249.8 million.

There  were  no  realized  gains  or  losses  from  sales  of  marketable  securities  in  fiscal  2022  and  2021.  Gains  and  losses  are 
determined by specific identification.

Classification  of  marketable  securities  as  current  or  noncurrent  is  dependent  upon  our  intended  holding  period  and  the 
security’s maturity date. The aggregate unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt securities, net of tax effects, are 
classified in AOCI within stockholders’ equity. 

Scheduled maturities of our marketable securities are as follows:

In Millions
Under 1 year (current)
Equity securities
Total

Cost
$

Marketable Securities
Fair Value
2.3
$
255.3
$257.6

2.3
250.1
$252.4

As of May 29, 2022, we had $2.3 million of marketable debt securities pledged as collateral for derivative contracts.

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

As a part of our ongoing operations, we are exposed to market risks such as changes in interest and foreign currency exchange 
rates and commodity and equity 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 ingredients and energy costs, including grains (oats, wheat, and corn), oils 
(principally soybean), dairy products, 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 options and swaps. We offset our exposures based on current and projected market 
conditions and generally seek to acquire the inputs at as close as possible to or below our planned cost.

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. 

58

Although  we  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  cash  flow  hedge  accounting,  we  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 items 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 items 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 items.

Unallocated corporate items for fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020 included:

In Millions
Net gain (loss) on mark-to-market valuation of commodity positions
Net (gain) loss on commodity positions reclassified from unallocated corporate items to 

segment operating profit

Net mark-to-market revaluation of certain grain inventories
Net mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions recognized in unallocated 

corporate items

Fiscal Year
2021
$138.2

2022
$ 303.3

2020
$(63.0)

(188.0)
17.8

(8.8)
9.4

35.6
2.7

$ 133.1

$138.8

$(24.7)

As of May 29, 2022, the net notional value of commodity derivatives was $490.1 million, of which $355.4 million related to 
agricultural inputs and $134.7 million related 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, Euribor, and commercial paper rates in the 
United States and Europe. We use interest rate swaps, forward-starting interest rate swaps, and treasury locks to hedge our 
exposure to interest rate changes, to reduce the volatility of our financing costs, and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed-
rate 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 — 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 underlying debt. Effective gains and losses deferred to 
AOCI are reclassified into earnings over the life of the associated debt. 

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. 

As of May 29, 2022, the pre-tax amount of cash-settled interest rate hedge gain or loss remaining in AOCI, which will be 
reclassified to earnings over the remaining term of the related underlying debt, follows:

In Millions
2.25% notes due October 14, 2031
2.6% notes due October 12, 2022
1.0% notes due April 27, 2023
3.65% notes due February 15, 2024
4.0% notes due April 17, 2025
3.2% notes due February 10, 2027
1.5% notes due April 27, 2027
4.2% notes due April 17, 2028
4.55% notes due April 17, 2038
5.4% notes due June 15, 2040
4.15% notes due February 15, 2043
4.7% notes due April 17, 2048
Net pre-tax hedge gain in AOCI

59

Gain/(Loss)
$(18.4)
(0.3)
0.2
(3.0)
1.7
(8.0)
1.6
6.0
8.7
10.0
(8.2)
12.3
$ 2.6

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates of our interest rate derivatives. 
Average floating rates are based on rates as of the end of the reporting period.

In Millions
Pay-floating swaps - notional amount

Average receive rate
Average pay rate

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021

$644.1

$731.5

0.4%
0.1%

0.4%
0.1%

The floating-rate swap contracts outstanding as of May 29, 2022, mature in fiscal 2026. 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK

Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency cash flows related to 
third party purchases, intercompany loans, product shipments, and foreign-denominated debt. We are also exposed to the 
translation of foreign currency earnings to the U.S. dollar. Our principal exposures are to the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, 
British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and Swiss franc. We primarily 
use foreign currency forward contracts to selectively hedge our foreign currency cash flow exposures. We also generally swap 
our foreign-denominated commercial paper borrowings and nonfunctional currency intercompany loans back to U.S. dollars 
or the functional currency of the entity with foreign exchange exposure. 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 18 months in advance.

As of May 29, 2022, the net notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was $1,973.9 million.

We  also  have  net  investments  in  foreign  subsidiaries  that  are  denominated  in  euros.  We  hedged  a  portion  of  these  net 
investments by issuing euro-denominated commercial paper and foreign exchange forward contracts. As of May 29, 2022, 
we hedged a portion of these net investments with €2,223.5 million of euro denominated bonds. As of May 29, 2022, we had 
deferred net foreign currency transaction gains of $57.5 million in AOCI associated with net investment hedging activity.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we hedged €750 million of euro denominated bonds with foreign exchange forward 
contracts. As of May 29, 2022, we had deferred net foreign currency transaction gains of $20.9 million in AOCI associated 
with these hedges. 

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

Equity  price  movements  affect  our  compensation  expense  as  certain  investments  made  by  our  employees  in  our  deferred 
compensation plan are revalued. We use equity swaps to manage this risk. As of May 29, 2022, the net notional amount of our 
equity swaps was $204.7 million, which mature in fiscal 2023.

60

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

The fair values of our assets, liabilities, and derivative positions recorded at fair value and their respective levels in the fair 
value hierarchy as of May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021, were as follows:

In Millions
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts (a) (b) 
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)

Total 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
Commodity contracts (a) (d)
Grain contracts (a) (d)

Total 

Other assets and liabilities reported at fair value:

Marketable investments (a) (e) (f)

Total 
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions 

May 29, 2022
Fair Values of Assets

May 29, 2022
Fair Values of Liabilities

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

$ — $ — $ — $ —
— 26.9
— 26.9

— 26.9
— 26.9

$ — $(29.8)
— (4.7)
— (34.5)

$ — $(29.8)
— (4.7)
— (34.5)

—
10.7

8.4
96.9
— 28.7
134.0

10.7

—
8.4
— 107.6
— 28.7
— 144.7

— (15.1)
— (0.2)
— (3.0)
— (18.3)

— (15.1)
— (0.2)
— (3.0)
— (18.3)

255.3
255.3

2.3
2.3

67.2
67.2

324.8
324.8

—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—

recorded at fair value

$266.0 $163.2

$67.2 $496.4

$ — $(52.8)

$ — $(52.8)

(a)  These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current 
liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments 
are recorded as cash and cash equivalents. 

(b)  Based on EURIBOR and swap rates. As of May 29, 2022, the carrying amount of hedged debt designated as the hedged 
item in a fair value hedge was $615.7 million and was classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet within long-term debt. 
As of May 29, 2022, the cumulative amount of fair value hedging basis adjustments was $28.4 million.

(c)  Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.

(d)  Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.

(e)  Based on prices of common stock, mutual fund net asset values, and bond matrix pricing.

(f)  The level 3 marketable investment represents an equity security without a readily determinable fair value. During fiscal 
2022, we recorded an impairment charge of $34.0 million resulting from the determination of fair value utilizing level 3 
inputs including revised projections of future operating results and observable transaction data for similar instruments.

61

In Millions
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts (a) (b) 
Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)

Total 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign exchange contracts (a) (c)
Commodity contracts (a) (d)
Grain contracts (a) (d)

Total 
Other assets and liabilities reported  

at fair value:
Marketable investments (a) (e)

Total 
Total assets, liabilities, and derivative positions 

May 30, 2021
Fair Values of Assets

May 30, 2021
Fair Values of Liabilities

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

$ — $ 28.8
—
2.3
— 31.1

$ — $ 28.8
—
2.3
— 31.1

$ — $ —
— (36.3)
— (36.3)

$ — $ —
— (36.3)
— (36.3)

—
11.1

2.5
20.5
— 12.0
35.0

11.1

—
2.5
— 31.6
— 12.0
— 46.1

—
(0.8)
—
(0.8)

(1.6)
(0.5)
(0.9)
(3.0)

— (1.6)
— (1.3)
— (0.9)
— (3.8)

365.6
365.6

76.9
76.9

— 442.5
— 442.5

—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—

recorded at fair value

$376.7 $143.0

$ — $519.7

$ (0.8) $(39.3)

$ — $(40.1)

(a)  These contracts and investments are recorded as prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other current 
liabilities or other liabilities, as appropriate, based on whether in a gain or loss position. Certain marketable investments 
are recorded as cash and cash equivalents. 

(b)  Based on LIBOR and swap rates. As of May 30, 2021, the carrying amount of hedged debt designated as the hedged item 
in a fair value hedge was $736.9 million and was classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheet within long-term debt. As 
of May 30, 2021, the cumulative amount of fair value hedging basis adjustments was $5.4 million.

(c)  Based on observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices.

(d)  Based on prices of futures exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace.

(e)  Based on prices of common stock and bond matrix pricing.

We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods. 

The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for those instruments. Where 
quoted prices are not available, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows and market-based expectations for interest 
rates, credit risk and the contractual terms of the debt instruments. As of May 29, 2022, the carrying amount and fair value 
of  our  long-term  debt,  including  the  current  portion,  were  $10,508.8  million  and  $10,809.0  million,  respectively.  As  of 
May 30, 2021, the carrying amount and fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, were $12,250.7 million 
and $13,194.4 million, respectively.

62

Information related to our cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 
for the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021, follows:

Interest Rate 
Contracts
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

Foreign 
Exchange 
Contracts
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

Equity 
Contracts
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

Commodity 
Contracts
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

Total
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

$(5.4) $31.2 $ 13.2

$(58.7) $ — $ — $ — $ — $

7.8 $ (27.5)

In Millions
Derivatives in Cash Flow  
Hedging Relationships:
Amount of gain (loss) recognized 

in other comprehensive 
income (OCI)

Amount of net loss reclassified from 

AOCI into earnings (a)

(4.7)

(9.4)

(19.5)

(9.8) —

—

—

— (24.2)

(19.2)

Derivatives in Fair Value 

Hedging Relationships:
Amount of net loss recognized  

in earnings (b)
Derivatives Not Designated as 
Hedging Instruments:
Amount of net (loss) gain recognized 

(2.1)

(0.3)

—

—

—

—

—

— (2.1)

(0.3)

in earnings (c)

—

— (32.8)

4.2

(8.0)

47.7

257.2

134.6

216.4

186.5

(a)  Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and SG&A 
expenses for foreign exchange contracts. For the fiscal year ended May 29, 2022, the amount of loss reclassified from 
AOCI into cost of sales was $11.1 million and the amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into SG&A was $8.4 million. 
For the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021, the amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into cost of sales was $9.3 million and 
the amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into SG&A was $0.5 million.

(b)  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 and foreign exchange contracts.

(c)  (Loss) gain recognized in earnings is related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship, reported in SG&A 
expenses for foreign exchange contracts and interest, net for interest rate contracts. No amounts were reported as a result 
of being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

63

The following tables reconcile the net fair values of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements that are recorded 
in our Consolidated Balance Sheets to the net fair values that could be reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

May 29, 2022

Assets

Gross Amounts Not 
Offset in the Balance 
Sheet (e)

Liabilities

Gross Amounts Not 
Offset in the 
Balance Sheet (e)

Gross 
Liabilities 
Offset 
in the 
Balance 
Sheet (a)

Net 
Amounts 
of Assets 
(b)

Gross 
Amounts of 
Recognized 
Assets

Financial 
Instruments

Cash 
Collateral 
Received

Net 
Amount 
(c)

Gross 
Amounts of 
Recognized 
Liabilities

Gross 
Assets 
Offset 
in the 
Balance 
Sheet 
(a)

Net 
Amounts of 
Liabilities 
(b)

Financial 
Instruments

Cash 
Collateral 
Pledged

Net 
Amount 
(d)

$107.5

$— $107.5

$(0.2)

$(62.8)

$ 44.5

$ (0.2)

$ —

$ (0.2 )

$0.2

$ — $ —

35.3

0.4

—

—

—

—

35.3

0.4

—

(6.4)

(0.3)

—

—

—

—

28.9

0.1

(30.7)

(19.7)

(4.0)

—

—

—

(30.7 )

(19.7 )

(4.0 )

—

6.4

0.3

10.6

(20.1)

— (13.3)

—

(3.7)

$143.2

$— $143.2

$(6.9)

$(62.8)

$ 73.5

$(54.6)

$ —

$(54.6 )

$6.9

$10.6

$(37.1)

In Millions

Commodity contracts

Interest rate contracts

Foreign exchange contracts

Equity contracts

Total

(a)  Includes related collateral offset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(b)  Net fair value as recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(c)  Fair value of assets that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(d)  Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(e)  Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

May 30, 2021

Assets

Gross Amounts Not 
Offset in the Balance 
Sheet (e)

Liabilities

Gross Amounts Not 
Offset in the Balance 
Sheet (e)

Gross 
Liabilities 
Offset 
in the 
Balance 
Sheet (a)

Net 
Amounts 
of Assets 
(b)

Gross 
Amounts of 
Recognized 
Assets

Financial 
Instruments

Cash 
Collateral 
Received

Net 
Amount 
(c)

Gross 
Amounts of 
Recognized 
Liabilities

Gross 
Assets 
Offset 
in the 
Balance 
Sheet 
(a)

Net 
Amounts of 
Liabilities 
(b)

Financial 
Instruments

Cash 
Collateral 
Pledged

Net 
Amount 
(d)

$ 31.6

29.8

4.8

2.2

$—

—

—

—

$ 31.6

29.8

4.8

2.2

$(1.3)

$ (9.1)

$ 21.2

$ (1.3)

$—

$ (1.3)

—

(4.1)

—

—

—

—

29.8

0.7

2.2

—

(37.9)

—

—

—

—

—

(37.9)

—

$ 68.4

$—

$ 68.4

$(5.4)

$ (9.1)

$ 53.9

$(39.2)

$—

$(39.2)

$1.3

—

4.1

—

$5.4

$— $ —

—

—

—

—

(33.8)

—

$— $(33.8)

In Millions

Commodity contracts

Interest rate contracts

Foreign exchange contracts

Equity contracts

Total

(a)  Includes related collateral offset in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(b)  Net fair value as recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(c)  Fair value of assets that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(d)  Fair value of liabilities that could be reported net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(e)  Fair value of assets and liabilities reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

64

AMOUNTS RECORDED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 

As of May 29, 2022, the after-tax amounts of unrealized gains in AOCI related to hedge derivatives follows:

In Millions
Unrealized gains from foreign currency cash flow hedges
After-tax gains in AOCI related to hedge derivatives

After-Tax Gain
23.3
$23.3

The net amount of pre-tax gains and losses in AOCI as of May 29, 2022, that we expect to be reclassified into net earnings 
within the next 12 months is a $33.4 million net gain.

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 May 29, 
2022, was $35.0 million. We have posted $10.6 million of collateral under these contracts. 

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK

During fiscal 2022, customer concentration was as follows:

Percent of Total
Walmart (a):
Net sales
Accounts receivable
Five largest customers:

Net sales

Consolidated

North America 
Retail

North America 
Foodservice

International

Pet

20%

28%
23%

50%

8%
6%

49%

2% 16%
3% 23%

12% 64%

(a)  Includes Walmart Inc. and its affiliates.

No customer other than Walmart accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated net sales.

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. 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 $103.2 million, against which we hold $62.8 million of collateral. Under the terms of our 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.

We offer certain suppliers access to third-party services that allow them to view our scheduled payments online. The third-
party services also allow suppliers to finance advances on our scheduled payments at the sole discretion of the supplier and 
the third party. We have no economic interest in these financing arrangements and no direct relationship with the suppliers, 
the third parties, or any financial institutions concerning this service. All of our accounts payable remain as obligations to our 
suppliers as stated in our supplier agreements. As of May 29, 2022, $1,429.6 million of our accounts payable was payable to 
suppliers who utilize these third-party services. As of May 30, 2021, $1,411.3 million of our accounts payable was payable to 
suppliers who utilize these third-party services. 

65

NOTE 9. DEBT

NOTES PAYABLE

The components of notes payable and their respective weighted-average interest rates at the end of the periods were as follows: 

In Millions
U.S. commercial paper
Financial institutions
Total

May 29, 2022

May 30, 2021

Notes 
Payable
$694.8
116.6
$811.4

Weighted- 
Average 
Interest Rate
1.1%
4.4%
5.5%

Notes Payable
$ —
361.3
$361.3

Weighted- 
Average 
Interest Rate
— %
3.4 %
3.4 %

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

The following table details the fee-paid committed and uncommitted credit lines we had available as of May 29, 2022:

In Billions
Credit facility expiring:

April 2026

Total committed credit facilities
Uncommitted credit facilities
Total committed and uncommitted credit facilities

Facility 
Amount

Borrowed 
Amount

$2.7
2.7
0.6
$3.3

$ —
—
0.1
$0.1

The credit facilities contain covenants, including a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 times. 
We were in compliance with all credit facility covenants as of May 29, 2022.

LONG-TERM DEBT 

In  the  fourth  quarter  of  fiscal  2022,  we  repaid  $850.0  million  of  3.7  percent  fixed-rate  notes  due  October  17,  2023  using 
proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €250.0 million 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due November 11, 2022. We used 
the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €500.0 million of 0.125 percent fixed-rate notes due November 15, 2025. We 
used the net proceeds to repay a portion of our €500.0 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due November 16, 2021.

In  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2022,  we  issued  €250.0  million  of  floating-rate  notes  due  May  16,  2023.  We  used  the  net 
proceeds to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued $500.0 million of 2.25 percent notes due October 14, 2031. We used the net 
proceeds, together with proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper, to repay $1,000.0 million of 3.15 percent fixed-rate 
notes due December 15, 2021.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €500.0 million of floating-rate notes due July 27, 2023. We used the net proceeds 
to repay €500.0 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due August 21, 2021.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we issued €500.0 million of 2.2 percent fixed-rate notes due November 29, 2021. We used 
the net proceeds, together with borrowings under a committed credit facility, to repay €200.0 million of 2.2 percent fixed-rate 
notes due June 24, 2021.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we repaid $600.0 million of 3.2 percent fixed-rate notes and $850.0 million of floating-rate 
notes with cash on hand.

66

In the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we completed an offer to exchange certain series of outstanding notes for a combination of 
newly issued notes and cash. Holders exchanged $603.9 million of notes previously issued with rates between 4.15 percent and 
5.4 percent for $605.2 million of newly issued 3.0 percent fixed-rate notes due February 1, 2051 and $201.4 million of cash, 
representing a participation incentive. 

In  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2021,  we  issued  €500.0  million  principal  amount  of  0.0  percent  fixed-rate  notes  due 
November 16, 2021. We used the net proceeds to repay €200.0 million of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes and for general corporate 
purposes.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we issued €500.0 million principal amount of 0.0 percent fixed-rate notes due August 21, 
2021. We used the net proceeds, together with cash on hand, to repay €500.0 million of 2.1 percent fixed-rate notes. 

A summary of our long-term debt is as follows:

In Millions
4.2% notes due April 17, 2028
3.15% notes due December 15, 2021
3.7% notes due October 17, 2023
4.0% notes due April 17, 2025
3.2% notes due February 10, 2027
2.875% notes due April 15, 2030
Euro-denominated 0.45% notes due January 15, 2026
Euro-denominated 1.0% notes due April 27, 2023
Euro-denominated 0.0% notes due August 21, 2021
Euro-denominated 0.0% notes due November 16, 2021
3.0% notes due February 1, 2051
2.6% notes due October 12, 2022
3.65% notes due February 15, 2024
Euro-denominated 1.5% notes due April 27, 2027
4.7% notes due April 17, 2048
4.15% notes due February 15, 2043
Floating-rate notes due October 17, 2023
5.4% notes due June 15, 2040
4.55% notes due April 17, 2038
Euro-denominated 2.2% notes due June 24, 2021
Medium-term notes, 0.56% to 6.41%, due fiscal 2023 or later
2.25% notes due October 14, 2031
Euro-denominated 0.125% notes due November 15, 2025
Euro-denominated 0.0% notes due November 11, 2022
Euro-denominated floating rate notes due May 16, 2023
Euro-denominated floating rate notes due July 27, 2023
Other, including debt issuance costs, debt exchange participation premium, and finance 

leases

Less amount due within one year
Total long-term debt

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021
$ 1,400.0
1,000.0
850.0
800.0
750.0
750.0
731.5
609.6
609.6
609.6
605.2
500.0
500.0
487.7
446.2
434.9
400.0
382.5
282.4
243.9
104.0
—
—
—
—
—

$ 1,400.0
—
—
800.0
750.0
750.0
644.1
536.8
—
—
605.2
500.0
500.0
429.4
446.2
434.9
400.0
382.5
282.4
—
103.9
500.0
536.7
268.3
268.3
537.9

(267.6)
10,809.0
(1,674.2)
$ 9,134.8

(246.4)
12,250.7
(2,463.8)
$ 9,786.9

Principal payments due on long-term debt and finance leases in the next five fiscal years based on stated contractual maturities, 
our intent to redeem, or put rights of certain note holders are as follows: 

In Millions
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027

$1,674.2
1,442.3
800.0
1,180.9
1,179.4

67

Certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants. As of May 29, 2022, we were in compliance with all 
of these covenants. 

As of May 29, 2022, the $2.6 million pre-tax loss recorded in AOCI associated with our previously designated interest rate 
swaps will be reclassified to net interest over the remaining lives of the hedged transactions. The amount expected to be 
reclassified from AOCI to net interest in fiscal 2023 is a $2.5 million pre-tax loss.

NOTE 10. REDEEMABLE AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Our principal noncontrolling interest relates to our General Mills Cereals, LLC (GMC) subsidiary.

The holder of the GMC Class A Interests receives quarterly preferred distributions from available net income based on the 
application of a floating preferred return rate to the holder’s capital account balance established in the most recent mark-to-
market valuation (currently $251.5 million). On June 1, 2021, the floating preferred return rate on GMC’s Class A interests was 
reset to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 160 basis points. The preferred return rate is adjusted every three years through 
a negotiated agreement with the Class A Interest holder or through a remarketing auction.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we completed the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC and 
Liberté Marques Sàrl to Sodiaal in exchange for Sodiaal’s interest in our Canadian yogurt business, a modified agreement 
for the use of Yoplait and Liberté brands in the United States and Canada, and cash. Please see Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Up  to  the  date  of  the  divestiture,  Sodiaal  held  the  remaining  interests  in  each  of  the  entities.  On  the  acquisition  date,  we 
recorded  the  fair  value  of  Sodiaal’s  49  percent  euro-denominated  interest  in  Yoplait  SAS  as  a  redeemable  interest  on  our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Sodiaal had the right to put all or a portion of its redeemable interest to us at fair value until the 
divestiture closed in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. In connection with the divestiture, cumulative adjustments made to the 
redeemable interest related to the fair value put feature were reversed against additional paid-in capital, where changes in the 
redemption amount were historically recorded, and the resulting carrying value of the noncontrolling interests were included 
in the calculation of the gain on divestiture.

We paid dividends of $105.1 million in fiscal 2022 and $40.3 million in fiscal 2021 to Sodiaal under the terms of the Yoplait 
SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl shareholder agreements.

A  subsidiary  of  Yoplait  SAS  had  an  exclusive  milk  supply  agreement  for  its  European  operations  with  Sodiaal  through 
November 28, 2021. Net purchases totaled $99.5 million for the six-month period ended November 28, 2021, and $212.1 million 
for fiscal 2021.

For  financial  reporting  purposes,  the  assets,  liabilities,  results  of  operations,  and  cash  flows  of  our  non-wholly  owned 
consolidated subsidiaries are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The third-party investor’s share of the net 
earnings  of  these  subsidiaries  is  reflected  in  net  earnings  attributable  to  redeemable  and  noncontrolling  interests  in  our 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings. 

Our  noncontrolling  interests  contain  restrictive  covenants.  As  of  May  29,  2022,  we  were  in  compliance  with  all  of  these 
covenants.

NOTE 11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Cumulative preference stock of 5.0 million shares, without par value, is authorized but unissued.

On  June  27,  2022,  our  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  up  to  100  million  shares  of  our  common  stock. 
Purchases  under  the  authorization  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 
authorization has no specified termination date.

Share repurchases were as follows:

In Millions
Shares of common stock
Aggregate purchase price

Fiscal Year
2021
5.0
$301.4

2022
13.5
$876.8

2020
0.1
$3.4

68

The following tables provide details of total comprehensive income:

In Millions
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to 
redeemable and noncontrolling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
Net actuarial gain
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives

Reclassification to earnings:

Foreign currency translation (a)
Hedge derivatives (b)
Amortization of losses and prior service 
costs (c)

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income (loss)

Fiscal 2022

General Mills
Tax

Pretax

Net

Noncontrolling 
Interests
Net

Redeemable 
Interest
Net

$2,707.3

$ 10.2

$ 17.5

$(188.5)
132.4

$ 85.8
(30.8)

(102.7)
101.6

(26.2)
—

30.1

(23.6)

6.5

342.2
23.7

97.4
437.3

—
11.6

(21.6)
21.4

342.2
35.3

75.8
458.7
$3,166.0

—

—
—

—
(26.2)
$(16.0)

(47.0)
—

0.5

—
(0.2)

—
(46.7)
$(29.2)

(a)   Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in divestitures gain related to the divestiture of our interests in 

Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberte Marques Sarl to Sodiaal in the third quarter of fiscal 2022.

(b)  Loss (gain) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and 

SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(c)  Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income. Please refer to Note 2. 

In Millions
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to 
redeemable and noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
Net actuarial loss
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives

Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives (a)
Amortization of losses and prior service 

costs (b)
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Fiscal 2021

General Mills
Tax

Pretax

Net

Noncontrolling 
Interests
Net

Redeemable 
Interest
Net

$2,339.8

$

6.5

$ (0.3)

$

(6.1)
464.9

$ 64.9
(111.5)

58.8
353.4

(25.8)

6.5

(19.3)

19.1

(5.7)

13.4

31.5
—

—

—

102.5
554.6

(23.6)
(69.4)

78.9
485.2
$2,825.0

—
31.5
$ 38.0

84.8
—

(1.4)

0.1

—
83.5
$83.2

(a)  Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and 

SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(b)  Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income. Please refer to Note 2.

69

In Millions
Net earnings, including earnings attributable to 
redeemable and noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
Net actuarial loss
Other fair value changes:
Hedge derivatives

Reclassification to earnings:
Hedge derivatives (a)

Amortization of losses and prior service costs 

(b)

Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive income (loss)

Fiscal 2020

General Mills
Tax

Net

Pretax

Noncontrolling 
Interests
Net

Redeemable 
Interest
Net

$2,181.2

$12.9

$ 16.7

$(149.1)
(290.2)

$ —
65.6

(149.1)
(224.6)

4.4

4.3

(1.2)

(0.7)

3.2

3.6

101.3
(329.3)

(23.4)
40.3

77.9
(289.0)
$1,892.2

(2.6)
—

—

—

—
(2.6)
$10.3

(17.4)
—

—

0.5

—
(16.9)
$ (0.2)

(a)   Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in interest, net for interest rate swaps and in cost of sales and 

SG&A expenses for foreign exchange contracts.

(b)  Loss reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in benefit plan non-service income. Please refer to Note 2.

In fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020, except for certain reclassifications to earnings, changes in other comprehensive income (loss) 
were primarily non-cash items.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax effects, were as follows:

In Millions
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized loss from hedge derivatives
Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment benefits:

Net actuarial loss
Prior service credits

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

NOTE 12. STOCK PLANS

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021
$ (830.2)
(18.5)

$ (590.7)
23.3

(1,513.4)
110.3
$(1,970.5)

(1,718.4)
137.9
$(2,429.2)

We use broad-based stock plans to help ensure that management’s interests are aligned with those of our shareholders. As of 
May 29, 2022, a total of 20.7 million shares were available for grant in the form of stock options, restricted stock, restricted 
stock units, and shares of unrestricted stock under the 2017 Stock Compensation Plan (2017 Plan). The 2017 Plan also provides 
for  the  issuance  of  cash-settled  share-based  units,  stock  appreciation  rights,  and  performance-based  stock  awards.  Stock-
based  awards  now  outstanding  include  some  granted  under  the  2011  stock  plan,  under  which  no  further  awards  may  be 
granted. The stock plans provide for potential accelerated vesting of awards upon retirement, termination, or death of eligible 
employees and directors. 

70

Stock Options

The estimated fair values of stock options granted and the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were 
as follows:

Estimated fair values of stock options granted
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected term
Expected volatility
Dividend yield

2022

$8.77

Fiscal Year
2021

$8.03

2020

$7.10

1.5%
8.5 years

20.2%
3.4%

0.7%
8.5 years

2.0%
8.5 years

19.5%
3.3%

17.4%
3.6%

We estimate the fair value of each option on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires us 
to make predictive assumptions regarding future stock price volatility, employee exercise behavior, dividend yield, and the 
forfeiture rate. 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. 
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 to provide a reliable measure of expected volatility.

Our  expected  term  represents  the  period  of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be  outstanding  based  on  historical 
data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. Separate groups of employees have 
similar historical exercise behavior and therefore were aggregated into a single pool for valuation purposes. The weighted-
average expected term for all employee groups is presented in the table above. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the 
expected term of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Any corporate income tax benefit realized upon exercise or vesting of an award in excess of that previously recognized in 
earnings (referred to as a windfall tax benefit) is presented in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as an operating cash 
flow. Realized windfall tax benefits and shortfall tax deficiencies related to the exercise or vesting of stock-based awards are 
recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. We recognized windfall tax benefits from stock-based payments in 
income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings of $18.4 million in fiscal 2022, $12.4 million in fiscal 2021, 
and $27.3 million in fiscal 2020. 

Options may be priced at 100 percent or more of the fair market value on the date of grant, and generally vest four years after 
the date of grant. Options generally expire within 10 years and one month after the date of grant.

Information on stock option activity follows: 

Balance as of May 30, 2021

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired

Outstanding as of May 29, 2022
Exercisable as of May 29, 2022

Options 
Outstanding 
(Thousands)
17,397.5
1,485.4
(3,564.6)
(312.8)
15,005.5
7,960.9

Weighted-
Average Exercise 
Price Per Share
$53.29
60.03
47.03
55.79
$55.39
$57.10

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Term 
(Years)
5.26

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(Millions)
$174.4

5.36
3.58

$217.5
$101.8

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards was $12.1 million in fiscal 2022, $11.2 million in fiscal 
2021, and $13.4 million in fiscal 2020. 

71

Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options less shares used for minimum withholding taxes and the intrinsic value 
of options exercised were as follows:

In Millions
Net cash proceeds
Intrinsic value of options exercised

Fiscal Year
2021
$ 74.3
$ 44.8

2020
$263.4
$132.9

2022
$161.7
$ 74.0

Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Share Units

Stock and units settled in stock subject to a restricted period and a purchase price, if any (as determined by the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors), may be granted to key employees under the 2017 Plan. Restricted stock and restricted 
stock units generally vest and become unrestricted four years after the date of grant. Performance share units are earned 
primarily based on our future achievement of three-year goals for average organic net sales growth and cumulative free cash 
flow. Performance share units are settled in common stock and are generally subject to a three-year performance and vesting 
period. The sale or transfer of these awards is restricted during the vesting period. Participants holding restricted stock, but 
not restricted stock units or performance share units, are entitled to vote on matters submitted to holders of common stock for 
a vote. These awards accumulate dividends from the date of grant, but participants only receive payment if the awards vest.

Information on restricted stock unit and performance share unit activity follows: 

Non-vested as of May 30, 2021

Granted
Vested
Forfeited or expired

Non-vested as of May 29, 2022

Number of units granted (thousands)
Weighted-average price per unit

Equity Classified

Share-
Settled Units 
(Thousands)
5,072.8
1,958.1
(1,532.9)
(344.6)
5,153.4

Weighted-
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value
$53.84
60.01
52.48
57.10
$56.37

Liability Classified
Share-
Settled 
Units 
(Thousands)
97.6
30.9
(42.0)
(9.2)
77.3

Weighted-
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value
$54.26
60.23
53.95
57.49
$56.43

Fiscal Year
2020
2021
1,947.6
1,529.0
$ 60.02 $ 61.24 $ 53.28

2022
1,989.0

The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested was $82.7 million in fiscal 2022 and $74.4 million 
in fiscal 2021.

As  of  May  29,  2022,  unrecognized  compensation  expense  related  to  non-vested  stock  options,  restricted  stock  units,  and 
performance share units was $101.9 million. This expense will be recognized over 18 months, on average.

Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units and performance share units was $94.2 million for fiscal 
2022, $78.7 million for fiscal 2021, and $81.5 million for fiscal 2020. Compensation expense related to stock-based payments 
recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings includes amounts recognized in restructuring, impairment, and other 
exit costs for fiscal 2022. 

72

NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following: 

In Millions, Except per Share Data
Net earnings attributable to General Mills
Average number of common shares - basic EPS
Incremental share effect from: (a)

Stock options
Restricted stock units and performance share units

Average number of common shares - diluted EPS
Earnings per share — basic
Earnings per share — diluted

2022

Fiscal Year
2021
$2,707.3 $2,339.8 $2,181.2
608.1

614.1

2020

607.5

2.5
2.6
612.6
4.46 $
4.42 $

2.5
2.5
619.1

3.81 $
3.78 $

2.7
2.5
613.3
3.59
3.56

$
$

(a)  Incremental shares from stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share units are computed by the treasury 
stock  method.  Stock  options,  restricted  stock  units,  and  performance  share  units  excluded  from  our  computation  of 
diluted EPS because they were not dilutive were as follows:

In Millions
Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, 

and performance share units

Fiscal Year
2021

2022

2020

4.4

3.4

8.4

NOTE 14. RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We have defined benefit pension plans covering many employees in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and the United 
Kingdom. Benefits for salaried employees are based on length of service and final average compensation. Benefits for hourly 
employees  include  various  monthly  amounts  for  each  year  of  credited  service.  Our  funding  policy  is  consistent  with  the 
requirements  of  applicable  laws.  We  made  no  voluntary  contributions  to  our  principal  U.S.  plans  in  fiscal  2022  or  fiscal 
2021. We do not expect to be required to make any contributions to our principal U.S. plans in fiscal 2023. Our principal 
U.S. retirement plan covering salaried employees has a provision that any excess pension assets would be allocated to active 
participants if the plan is terminated within five years of a change in control. All salaried employees hired on or after June 1, 
2013, are eligible for a retirement program that does not include a defined benefit pension plan. 

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

We also sponsor plans that provide health care benefits to many of our retirees in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The 
U.S. salaried health care benefit plan is contributory, with retiree contributions based on years of service. We make decisions 
to fund related trusts for certain employees and retirees on an annual basis. We made no voluntary contributions to these plans 
in fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2021. We do not expect to be required to make any contributions to these plans in fiscal 2023.

In fiscal 2021, we approved amendments to reorganize certain U.S. retiree health and welfare benefit plans. The General 
Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees was divided into two plans, with participants under age 65 remaining within 
its coverage, and participants age 65 and over covered by The General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees (65+). 
Effective January 1, 2022, the General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees (65+) allows certain participants to 
purchase individual health insurance policies on a private health care exchange. Additionally, the Employees’ Benefit Plan 
of General Mills was merged into the General Mills Retiree Health Plan for Union Employees. Separate benefit structures 
and plan provisions continue to apply to eligible participants of these merged plans. A portion of the General Mills Retiree 
Health Plan for Union Employees overfunded plan assets were segregated to offset the cost of the Employees’ Benefit Plan 
of General Mills health and welfare benefits. The segregation of assets is reported as a negative employer contribution in the 
change in other postretirement benefit plan assets. The amendments facilitate targeted investment strategies that reflect each 
plan’s unique liability characteristics.

73

In fiscal 2021, we announced changes to the design of our health care coverage for certain eligible retirees to allow participants 
to purchase individual health insurance policies on a private health care exchange effective January 1, 2022. These changes 
provide certain eligible retirees with greater flexibility in choosing health care coverage that best fits their needs.

Health Care Cost Trend Rates 

Assumed health care cost trends are as follows:

Health care cost trend rate for next year
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate rate)
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

Fiscal Year

2022

2021

5.9% and 6.0% 6.0% and 6.3 %
4.5 %

4.5%

2031

2029

We review our health care cost trend rates annually. Our review is based on data we collect about our health care claims 
experience and information provided by our actuaries. This information includes recent plan experience, plan design, overall 
industry experience and projections, and assumptions used by other similar organizations. Our initial health care cost trend 
rate is adjusted as necessary to remain consistent with this review, recent experiences, and short-term expectations. Our initial 
health care cost trend rate assumption is 6.0 percent for retirees age 65 and over and 5.9 percent for retirees under age 65 at 
the end of fiscal 2022. Rates are graded down annually until the ultimate trend rate of 4.5 percent is reached in 2031 for all 
retirees. The trend rates are applicable for calculations only if the retirees’ benefits increase as a result of health care inflation. 
The ultimate trend rate is adjusted annually, as necessary, to approximate the current economic view on the rate of long-term 
inflation plus an appropriate health care cost premium. Assumed trend rates for health care costs have an important effect on 
the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans.

Postemployment Benefit Plans 

Under certain circumstances, we also provide accruable benefits, primarily severance, to former or inactive employees in the 
United States, Canada, and Mexico. We recognize an obligation for any of these benefits that vest or accumulate with service. 
Postemployment benefits that do not vest or accumulate with service (such as severance based solely on annual pay rather than 
years of service) are charged to expense when incurred. Our postemployment benefit plans are unfunded.

74

Summarized financial information about defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit 
plans is presented below:

In Millions
Change in Plan Assets:

Fair value at beginning of year
Actual return on assets
Employer contributions
Plan participant contributions
Benefits payments
Foreign currency 
Fair value at end of year (a)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan amendment
Curtailment/other
Plan participant contributions
Medicare Part D reimbursements
Actuarial (gain) loss 
Benefits payments 
Foreign currency 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year (a)
Plan assets (less) more than benefit obligation  

as of fiscal year end

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year

2022

2021

$ 7,460.2 $6,993.2
716.3
33.8
4.1
(315.1)
27.9
$ 6,510.3 $7,460.2

(618.7)
31.2
3.8
(346.2)
(20.0)

$ 7,714.4 $7,640.2
104.4
192.1
1.1
(5.8)
4.1
—
67.4
(315.7)
26.6
$ 6,528.3 $7,714.4

93.5
184.3
3.7
(29.4)
3.8
—
(1,089.7)
(334.7)
(17.6)

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
2021
2022

$519.4 $ 793.5
108.1
(359.9)
13.0
(35.3)
—
$479.2 $ 519.4

(18.0)
0.1
9.6
(31.9)
—

$600.0 $ 773.7
8.5
18.0
(138.7)
—
13.0
2.5
(15.8)
(61.9)
0.7
$469.6 $ 600.0

7.6
12.6
(16.1)
(3.2)
9.6
1.7
(86.0)
(56.9)
0.3

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

2022

2021

$ 151.7 $ 150.3
9.3
1.7
—
5.1
—
—
7.2
(22.5)
0.6
$ 138.5 $ 151.7

10.0
1.5
—
12.0
—
—
(18.7)
(17.7)
(0.3)

$

(18.0) $ (254.2)

$

9.6 $ (80.6)

$ (138.5) $(151.7)

(a)  Plan assets and obligations are measured as of May 31, 2022 and May 31, 2021.

During fiscal 2022, the decreases in defined benefit pension benefit obligations and other postretirement obligations were 
primarily driven by actuarial gains due to an increase in the discount rate.

During fiscal 2021, the increase in defined benefit pension benefit obligations was primarily driven by actuarial losses due to 
a decrease in the discount rate. The decrease in other postretirement obligations was primarily driven by the reorganization 
of certain U.S. retiree health and welfare benefit plans.

As of May 29, 2022, other postretirement benefit plans had benefit obligations of $332.4 million that exceeded plan assets of 
$279.6 million. As of May 30, 2021, other postretirement benefit plans had benefit obligations of $412.4 million that exceeded 
plan assets of $310.1 million. Postemployment benefit plans are not funded and had benefit obligations of $138.5 million and 
$151.7 million as of May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021, respectively.

The  accumulated  benefit  obligation  for  all  defined  benefit  pension  plans  was  $6,330.0  million  as  of  May  29,  2022,  and 
$7,402.1 million as of May 30, 2021.

75

Amounts recognized in AOCI as of May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021, are as follows:

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

Total
Fiscal Year

In Millions
Net actuarial (loss) gain
Prior service (costs) credits
Amounts recorded in accumulated 

2021

2022

2022
$(1,720.3) $(1,897.2) $208.5
118.9

(7.6)

5.8

2021
2022
$200.8 $(1.6)
(1.0)

133.7

2021

2022

2021

$(22.0) $(1,513.4) $(1,718.4)
137.9
110.3

(1.6)

other comprehensive loss

$(1,727.9) $(1,891.4) $327.4

$334.5 $(2.6)

$(23.6) $(1,403.1) $(1,580.5)

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021 are as follows:

In Millions
Projected benefit obligation 
Accumulated benefit obligation 
Plan assets at fair value 

Components of net periodic benefit expense are as follows:

Defined 
Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year
2022
$508.2
479.6
20.5

2021
$615.3
556.2
26.7

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year
2021
$ 104.4
192.1
(420.9)
108.3

2020
$ 92.7
230.5
(449.9)
106.0

2022
$ 93.5
184.3
(411.1)
140.5

Other Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
2021
$ 8.5
18.0
(34.7)
(5.1)

2022
$ 7.6
12.6
(26.7)
(10.9)

2020
$ 9.4
27.1
(42.1)
(2.1)

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
2021
$ 9.3
1.7
 —
2.6

2020
$ 8.3
2.6
 —
0.4

2022
$10.0
1.5
 —
3.0

1.0
0.1

1.3
 —

1.6
 —

(20.9)
(0.1)

(5.5)
 —

(5.5)
 —

0.4
12.9

0.9
8.4

0.9
17.7

(18.4)
$ (10.1) $

14.9
0.1

 —

 —
$ (19.1) $(43.9) $(18.8)

(5.5)

 —
$(13.2)

 —
$27.8

 —
$22.9

 —
$29.9

In Millions
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of losses (gains)
Amortization of prior  service 

costs (credits)
Other adjustments
Settlement or  curtailment 

(gains) losses
Net (income) expense

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine fiscal year-end benefit obligations are as follows:

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

2021

2022
2021
4.39% 3.17% 4.36% 3.03% 3.62% 2.04%
4.34

2022

2022

2021

4.46

4.39

4.46

—

—

Discount rate
Rate of salary increases

76

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine fiscal year net periodic benefit expense are as follows:

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year
2021

Other Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
2022
2020
2021
3.17% 3.20% 3.91% 3.03% 3.02% 3.79% 2.04% 1.86% 3.10%
3.40
3.56
2.29
2.42
—
4.39

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year
2021

4.19
3.47
4.17

3.34
2.08
—

3.58
2.55
4.44

4.04
3.28
—

2.46
1.48
4.46

3.51
2.83
4.47

3.51
2.84
4.47

2020

2020

2022

2022

Discount rate
Service cost effective rate
Interest cost effective rate
Rate of salary increases
Expected long-term rate of return on 

plan assets

5.85

5.72

6.95

6.09

4.57

5.67

—

—

—

Discount Rates

We estimate the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit expense for our United States and most of 
our  international  defined  benefit  pension,  other  postretirement  benefit,  and  postemployment  benefit  plans  utilizing  a  full 
yield curve approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used to determine the benefit obligation to the 
relevant projected cash flows. Our discount rate assumptions are determined annually as of May 31 for our defined benefit 
pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan obligations. We also use discount rates as of May 31 
to determine defined benefit pension, other postretirement benefit, and postemployment benefit plan income and expense for 
the following fiscal year. We work with our outside actuaries to determine the timing and amount of expected future cash 
outflows to plan participants and, using the Aa Above Median corporate bond yield, to develop a forward interest rate curve, 
including a margin to that index based on our credit risk. This forward interest rate curve is applied to our expected future 
cash outflows to determine our discount rate assumptions.

77

Fair Value of Plan Assets

The fair values of our pension and postretirement benefit plans’ assets and their respective levels in the fair value hierarchy 
by asset category were as follows:

In Millions
Fair value measurement of pension 

plan assets:
Equity (a)
Fixed income (b)
Real asset investments (c)
Other investments (d)
Cash and accruals

Fair value measurement of pension 

plan assets
Assets measured at net asset 

value (e)

Total pension plan assets
Fair value measurement of 

postretirement benefit plan assets:
Equity (a)
Fixed income (b)
Cash and accruals
Fair value measurement of 

postretirement benefit plan assets
Assets measured at net asset 

value (e)

Total postretirement benefit 

plan assets

May 31, 2022

May 31, 2021

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Total
Assets Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Total  
Assets

$ 623.4 $ 442.3
1,723.4
1,958.7
—
159.8
—
—
0.3
133.6

$66.3 $1,132.0 $ 838.3 $ 697.2
1,936.3
0.2
—
—

— 3,682.1
159.8
—
0.1
0.1
133.9
—

1,993.5
277.9
—
180.0

$ — $1,535.5
— 3,929.8
278.1
—
0.1
0.1
180.0
—

$2,875.5 $2,166.0

$66.4 $5,107.9 $3,289.7 $2,633.7

$0.1 $5,923.5

1,402.4
$6,510.3

1,536.7
$7,460.2

$

— $

120.8
6.6

— $ — $
—
—

—
—

— $

0.2 $

120.8
6.6

117.3
14.8

$ 127.4 $

— $ — $ 127.4 $ 132.3 $

—
—
—

—

$ — $
—
—

0.2
117.3
14.8

$ — $ 132.3

351.8

$ 479.2

387.1

$ 519.4

(a)  Primarily publicly traded common stock for purposes of total return and to maintain equity exposure consistent with 
policy  allocations.  Investments  include:  United  States  and  international  public  equity  securities,  mutual  funds,  and 
equity futures valued at closing prices from national exchanges, commingled funds valued at fair value using the unit 
values provided by the investment managers, and certain private equity securities valued using a matrix of pricing inputs 
reflecting assumptions based on the best information available.

(b)  Primarily government and corporate debt securities and futures for purposes of total return, managing fixed income 
exposure  to  policy  allocations,  and  duration  targets.  Investments  include:  fixed  income  securities  and  bond  futures 
generally  valued  at  closing  prices  from  national  exchanges,  fixed  income  pricing  models,  and  independent  financial 
analysts; and fixed income commingled funds valued at unit values provided by the investment managers, which are 
based on the fair value of the underlying investments.

(c)  Publicly  traded  common  stocks  in  energy,  real  estate,  and  infrastructure  for  the  purpose  of  total  return.  Investments 
include: energy, real estate, and infrastructure securities generally valued at closing prices from national exchanges, and 
commingled funds valued at unit values provided by the investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the 
underlying investments.

(d)  Insurance and annuity contracts to provide a stable stream of income for pension retirees. Fair values are based on the fair 

value of the underlying investments and contract fair values established by the providers.

(e)  Primarily limited partnerships, trust-owned life insurance, common collective trusts, and certain private equity securities 
that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been 
classified in the fair value hierarchy.

During fiscal 2022, the inclusion of non-observable inputs in the pricing of certain private equity securities resulted in the 
transfer of $66.3 million into level 3 investments. There were no transfers into or out of level 3 investments in fiscal 2021.

78

Expected Rate of Return on Plan Assets

Our  expected  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  is  determined  by  our  asset  allocation,  our  historical  long-term  investment 
performance, our estimate of future long-term returns by asset class (using input from our actuaries, investment services, and 
investment managers), and long-term inflation assumptions. We review this assumption annually for each plan; however, our 
annual investment performance for one particular year does not, by itself, significantly influence our evaluation.

Weighted-average asset allocations for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:

Asset category:

United States equities
International equities
Private equities
Fixed income
Real assets

Total

Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans
Fiscal Year

2022

2021

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans
Fiscal Year

2022

2021

12.1 % 15.4%
7.8
10.4
58.3
11.4

9.9
9.3
54.6
10.8

27.9 % 28.0%
13.5
15.2
43.4
—

13.9
15.1
43.0
—

100.0 % 100.0% 100.0 % 100.0%

The  investment  objective  for  our  defined  benefit  pension  and  other  postretirement  benefit  plans  is  to  secure  the  benefit 
obligations to participants at a reasonable cost to us. Our goal is to optimize the long-term return on plan assets at a moderate 
level of risk. The defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan portfolios are broadly diversified across 
asset classes. Within asset classes, the portfolios are further diversified across investment styles and investment organizations. 
For the U.S. defined benefit pension plans, the long-term investment policy allocation is: 13 percent to equities in the United 
States; 8 percent to international equities; 7 percent to private equities; 62 percent to fixed income; and 10 percent to real 
assets (real estate, energy, and infrastructure). For other U.S. postretirement benefit plans, the long-term investment policy 
allocations are: 27 percent to equities in the United States; 13 percent to international equities; 15 percent to total private 
equities; and 45 percent to fixed income. The actual allocations to these asset classes may vary tactically around the long-term 
policy allocations based on relative market valuations.

Contributions and Future Benefit Payments

We  do  not  expect  to  be  required  to  make  contributions  to  our  defined  benefit  pension,  other  postretirement  benefit,  and 
postemployment  benefit  plans  in  fiscal  2023.  Actual  fiscal  2023  contributions  could  exceed  our  current  projections, 
as  influenced  by  our  decision  to  undertake  discretionary  funding  of  our  benefit  trusts  and  future  changes  in  regulatory 
requirements. Estimated benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid from 
fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2032 as follows:

In Millions
Fiscal 2023
Fiscal 2024
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2026
Fiscal 2027
Fiscal 2028-2032

Defined 
Benefit 
Pension Plans
$ 349.9
347.9
354.3
361.7
369.1
1,945.3

Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans 
Gross Payments
$ 36.9
36.3
35.6
35.4
34.9
162.4

Postemployment 
Benefit Plans

$25.4
20.3
18.2
16.8
16.0
68.3

79

Defined Contribution Plans

The General Mills Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan that covers domestic salaried, hourly, nonunion, and certain 
union employees. This plan is a 401(k) savings plan that includes a number of investment funds, including a Company stock 
fund and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We sponsor another money purchase plan for certain domestic hourly 
employees with net assets of $20.6 million as of May 29, 2022, and $22.5 million as of May 30, 2021. We also sponsor defined 
contribution plans in many of our foreign locations. Our total recognized expense related to defined contribution plans was 
$90.1 million in fiscal 2022, $76.1 million in fiscal 2021, and $90.1 million in fiscal 2020.

We  match  a  percentage  of  employee  contributions  to  the  General  Mills  Savings  Plan.  The  Company  match  is  directed  to 
investment options of the participant’s choosing. The number of shares of our common stock allocated to participants in the 
ESOP was 4.0 million as of May 29, 2022, and 4.3 million as of May 30, 2021. The ESOP’s only assets are our common stock 
and temporary cash balances.

The Company stock fund and the ESOP collectively held $443.8 million and $433.0 million of Company common stock as of 
May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021, respectively.

NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES

The components of earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures and the corresponding income 
taxes thereon are as follows:

In Millions
Earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures:

United States
Foreign

Total earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from  

joint ventures

Income taxes:

Currently payable:

Federal
State and local
Foreign
Total current
Deferred:

Federal
State and local
Foreign
Total deferred
Total income taxes

2022

Fiscal Year
2021

2020

$ 2,652.3
557.3

$ 2,567.1
290.3

$ 2,402.1
198.1

$ 3,209.6

$ 2,857.4

$ 2,600.2

$ 384.2
60.8
79.1
524.1

75.0
18.3
(31.1)
62.2
$ 586.3

$ 369.8
47.5
93.0
510.3

117.9
13.6
(12.7)
118.8
$ 629.1

$ 381.0
55.3
73.8
510.1

67.8
(56.6)
(40.8)
(29.6)
$ 480.5

80

The following table reconciles the United States statutory income tax rate with our effective income tax rate:

United States statutory rate
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefits
Foreign rate differences
Stock based compensation
Subsidiary reorganization (a)
Capital loss (b)
Divestitures, net (c)
Other, net
Effective income tax rate

Fiscal Year
2022
2021
21.0% 21.0%
1.7
2.1
0.3
(1.1)
(0.4)
(0.6)
—
—
—
(1.7)
—
(1.2)
(0.6)
(0.2)
18.3% 22.0%

2020
21.0 %
2.0
(0.8)
(1.1)
(2.0)
—
—
(0.6)
18.5 %

(a)  During  fiscal  2020,  we  recorded  a  $53.1  million  decrease  to  our  deferred  income  tax  liabilities  associated  with  the 

reorganization of certain wholly owned subsidiaries.

(b)  During  fiscal  2022,  we  released  a  $50.7  million  valuation  allowance  associated  with  our  capital  loss  carryforward 

expected to be used against divestiture gains.

(c)  During fiscal 2022, we included certain non-taxable components of the gain related to the divestiture of Yoplait SAS, 

Yoplait Marques SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

In Millions
Accrued liabilities
Compensation and employee benefits
Unrealized hedges
Pension
Tax credit carryforwards
Stock, partnership, and miscellaneous investments
Capital losses
Net operating losses
Other

Gross deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
Brands
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tax lease transactions
Inventories
Stock, partnership, and miscellaneous investments
Unrealized hedges
Other

Gross deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liability

81

$

$

May 29, 2022 May 30, 2021
58.5
198.7
16.3
61.4
22.7
46.3
67.3
160.5
93.4
725.1
229.2
495.9
1,413.8
412.7
256.2
18.8
36.2
364.0
—
112.6
2,614.3
$ 2,118.4

46.2
146.7
—
1.5
34.9
17.9
61.9
178.0
96.3
583.4
185.1
398.3
1,415.2
392.6
201.0
14.9
27.1
357.7
98.7
109.4
2,616.6
$ 2,218.3

We have established a valuation allowance against certain of the categories of deferred tax assets described above as current 
evidence does not suggest we will realize sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (e.g., ordinary income versus 
capital gain income) within the carryforward period to allow us to realize these deferred tax benefits.

Information about our valuation allowance follows:

In Millions
Pillsbury acquisition losses
State and foreign loss carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards
Other
Total

May 29, 2022
$107.6
25.3
11.0
41.2
$185.1

As of May 29, 2022, we believe it is more-likely-than-not that the remainder of our deferred tax assets are realizable.

Information about our tax loss carryforwards follows:

In Millions
Foreign loss carryforwards
State operating loss carryforwards
Total tax loss carryforwards

Our foreign loss carryforwards expire as follows:

In Millions
Expire in fiscal 2023 and 2024
Expire in fiscal 2025 and beyond
Do not expire
Total foreign loss carryforwards

May 29, 2022
$179.2
8.7
$187.9

May 29, 2022
3.1
$
12.6
163.5
$179.2

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. The ARPA includes a provision expanding 
the  limitations  on  the  deductibility  of  certain  executive  employee  compensation  beginning  in  our  fiscal  2028.  We  do  not 
currently expect the ARPA to have a material impact on our financial results, including our annual estimated effective tax 
rate, or on our liquidity.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES 
Act and related notices included several significant provisions, including delaying certain payroll tax payments into fiscal 
2022 and fiscal 2023.

As of May 29, 2022, we have not recognized a deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of approximately $2.3 billion from 
our foreign operations because we currently believe our subsidiaries have invested the undistributed earnings indefinitely or 
the earnings will be remitted in a tax-neutral transaction. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of unrecognized 
tax  expense  on  these  reinvested  earnings.  Deferred  taxes  are  recorded  for  earnings  of  our  foreign  operations  when  we 
determine  that  such  earnings  are  no  longer  indefinitely  reinvested.  All  earnings  prior  to  fiscal  2018  remain  permanently 
reinvested.  Earnings  from  fiscal  2018  and  later  are  not  permanently  reinvested  and  local  country  withholding  taxes  are 
recorded on earnings each year.

We are subject to federal income taxes in the United States as well as various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. A number 
of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the 
final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our liabilities for income 
taxes reflect the most likely outcome. We adjust these liabilities, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and 
circumstances. Settlement of any particular position would usually require the use of cash.

The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Our major taxing jurisdiction is the United 
States (federal and state). Various tax examinations by United States state taxing authorities could be conducted for any open 
tax year, which vary by jurisdiction, but are generally from 3 to 5 years.

82

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently auditing our federal tax returns for fiscal 2016, 2018, and 2019. Several state 
and foreign examinations are currently in progress. We do not expect these examinations to result in a material impact on our 
results of operations or financial position. We have effectively settled all issues with the IRS for fiscal years 2015 and prior.

The Brazilian tax authority, Secretaria da Receita Federal do Brasil (RFB), has concluded audits of our 2012 through 2018 
tax return years. These audits included a review of our determinations of amortization of certain goodwill arising from the 
acquisition of Yoki Alimentos S.A. The RFB has proposed adjustments that effectively eliminate the goodwill amortization 
benefits related to this transaction. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to continue to contest the disallowance 
for all years.

We apply a more-likely-than-not threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, we 
recognize the amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being ultimately realized upon settlement. 
Future changes in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect earnings in the 
period of such change.

The following table sets forth changes in our total gross unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, excluding accrued interest, for 
fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. Approximately $81 million of this total in fiscal 2022 represents the amount that, if recognized, 
would affect our effective income tax rate in future periods. This amount differs from the gross unrecognized tax benefits 
presented in the table because certain of the liabilities below would impact deferred taxes if recognized. We also would record 
a decrease in U.S. federal income taxes upon recognition of the state tax benefits included therein.

In Millions
Balance, beginning of year
Tax positions related to current year:

Additions

Tax positions related to prior years:

Additions
Reductions
Settlements

Lapses in statutes of limitations
Balance, end of year

Fiscal Year

2022
$145.3

2021
$147.9

21.6

20.1

10.4
(5.5)
(2.4)
(8.5)
$160.9

6.3
(7.2)
(2.1)
(19.7)
$145.3

As of May 29, 2022, we do not expect to pay unrecognized tax benefit liabilities and accrued interest within the next 12 
months. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the 
timing of tax audit outcomes. Our unrecognized tax benefit liability was classified in other liabilities.

We report accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit liabilities in income tax expense. For fiscal 2022, 
we recognized $2.0 million of tax-related net interest and penalties, and had $26.6 million of accrued interest and penalties as 
of May 29, 2022. For fiscal 2021, we recognized $2.9 million of tax-related net interest and penalties, and had $24.9 million of 
accrued interest and penalties as of May 30, 2021.

NOTE 16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of May 29, 2022, we have issued guarantees and comfort letters of $147.2 million for the debt and other obligations of non-
consolidated affiliates, mainly CPW. Off-balance sheet arrangements were not material as of May 29, 2022.

During fiscal 2020, we received notice from the tax authorities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil regarding our compliance 
with its state sales tax requirements. As a result, we have been assessed additional state sales taxes, interest, and penalties. We 
believe that we have meritorious defenses against this claim and will vigorously defend our position. As of May 29, 2022, we 
are unable to estimate any possible loss and have not recorded a loss contingency for this matter.

NOTE 17. BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We  operate  in  the  packaged  foods  industry.  In  fiscal  2022,  we  completed  a  new  organization  structure  to  streamline  our 
global operations. This global reorganization required us to reevaluate our operating segments. Under our new organization 
structure, our chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about resources to be allocated to our 
operating segments as follows: North America Retail; International; Pet; and North America Foodservice.

83

We have restated our net sales by segment and segment operating profit to reflect our new operating segments. These segment 
changes had no effect on previously reported consolidated net sales, operating profit, net earnings attributable to General 
Mills, or earnings per share.

Our North America Retail operating segment includes convenience store businesses from our former Convenience Stores 
&  Foodservice  segment.  Within  our  North  America  Retail  operating  segment,  our  former  U.S.  Cereal  operating  unit  and 
U.S. Yogurt operating unit have been combined into the U.S. Morning Foods operating unit. Additionally, the U.S. Meals & 
Baking Solutions operating unit combines the former U.S. Meals & Baking operating unit with certain businesses from the 
U.S. Snacks operating unit. The Canada operating unit excludes Canada foodservice businesses which are now included in 
our North America Foodservice operating segment. The resulting North America Foodservice operating segment exclusively 
includes our foodservice business. Our International operating segment combines our former Europe & Australia and Asia & 
Latin America operating segments. Our Pet operating segment is unchanged.

Our North America Retail operating segment reflects business with a wide variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, 
membership  stores,  natural  food  chains,  drug,  dollar  and  discount  chains,  convenience  stores,  and  e-commerce  grocery 
providers. Our product categories in this business segment include ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, 
refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit snacks, 
savory snacks, and a wide variety of organic products including ready-to-eat cereal, frozen and shelf-stable vegetables, meal 
kits, fruit snacks, snack bars, and refrigerated yogurt.

Our International operating segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses outside of the United States and Canada. 
Our product categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, meal kits, salty snacks, snack bars, dessert and 
baking mixes, and shelf stable vegetables. We also sell super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts directly to consumers 
through owned retail shops. 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.

Our Pet operating segment includes pet food products sold primarily in the United States and Canada in national pet superstore 
chains,  e-commerce  retailers,  grocery  stores,  regional  pet  store  chains,  mass  merchandisers,  and  veterinary  clinics  and 
hospitals. Our product categories include dog and cat food (dry foods, wet foods, and treats) made with whole meats, fruits, 
vegetables and other high-quality natural ingredients. Our tailored pet product offerings address specific dietary, lifestyle, 
and life-stage needs and span different product types, diet types, breed sizes for dogs, lifestages, flavors, product functions, 
and textures and cuts for wet foods.

Our North America Foodservice segment consists  of foodservice businesses in the United States and Canada.  Our major 
product categories in our North America Foodservice operating segment are ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, refrigerated yogurt, 
frozen meals, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, baking mixes, and bakery flour. Many products we sell are 
branded to the consumer and nearly all are branded to our customers. We sell to distributors and operators in many customer 
channels including foodservice, vending, and supermarket bakeries.

Operating  profit  for  these  segments  excludes  unallocated  corporate  items,  gain  or  loss  on  divestitures,  and  restructuring, 
impairment, and other exit costs. Unallocated corporate items include corporate overhead expenses, variances to planned 
North  American  employee  benefits  and  incentives,  certain  charitable  contributions,  restructuring  initiative  project-related 
costs, gains and losses on corporate investments, 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.

84

Our operating segment results were as follows:

In Millions
Net sales:

North America Retail
International
Pet
North America Foodservice

Total
Operating profit:

North America Retail
International
Pet
North America Foodservice
Total segment operating profit
Unallocated corporate items
Divestitures (gain) loss
Restructuring, impairment, and other exit (recoveries) costs
Operating profit

Net sales for our North America Retail operating units were as follows:

In Millions
U.S. Meals & Baking Solutions
U.S. Morning Foods
U.S. Snacks
Canada
Total

Net sales by class of similar products were as follows:

In Millions
Snacks
Cereal
Convenient meals
Pet
Dough
Baking mixes and ingredients
Yogurt
Super-premium ice cream
Other
Total

The following tables provide financial information by geographic area:

In Millions
Net sales:

United States
Non-United States

Total

85

2022

Fiscal Year
2021

2020

$ 11,572.0
3,315.7
2,259.4
1,845.7
$ 18,992.8

$ 2,699.7
232.0
470.6
255.5
$ 3,657.8
402.6
(194.1)
(26.5)
$ 3,475.8

$ 11,250.0
3,656.8
1,732.4
1,487.8
$ 18,127.0

$ 2,725.9
236.6
415.0
203.3
$ 3,580.8
212.1
53.5
170.4
$ 3,144.8

$ 10,978.1
3,365.1
1,694.6
1,588.8
$ 17,626.6

$ 2,708.9
132.5
390.7
255.3
$ 3,487.4
509.1
—
24.4
$ 2,953.9

2022
$ 4,023.8
3,370.9
3,191.4
985.9
$ 11,572.0

Fiscal Year
2021
$ 4,042.2
3,314.0
2,940.5
953.3
$ 11,250.0

2020
$ 3,869.3
3,292.0
2,919.7
897.1
$ 10,978.1

2022
$ 3,960.9
2,998.1
2,988.5
2,260.1
1,986.3
1,843.6
1,714.9
782.2
458.2
$18,992.8

Fiscal Year
2021
$ 3,574.2
2,868.9
3,030.2
1,732.4
1,866.1
1,695.5
2,074.8
819.7
465.2
$18,127.0

2020
$ 3,529.7
2,874.1
2,814.3
1,694.6
1,801.1
1,674.2
2,056.6
718.1
463.9
$17,626.6

2022

Fiscal Year
2021

2020

$14,691.2
4,301.6
$18,992.8

$13,496.9
4,630.1
$18,127.0

$13,364.5
4,262.1
$17,626.6

In Millions
Cash and cash equivalents:

United States
Non-United States

Total

In Millions
Land, buildings, and equipment:

United States
Non-United States

Total

NOTE 18. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The components of certain Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts are as follows:

In Millions
Receivables:

Customers
Less allowance for doubtful accounts

Total

In Millions
Inventories:

Finished goods
Raw materials and packaging
Grain
Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (a)

Total

May 
29, 2022

May 
30, 2021

$ 46.0
523.4
$569.4

$ 817.9
687.3
$1,505.2

May 29, 
2022

May 30, 
2021

$ 2,675.2
718.6
$ 3,393.8

$ 2,714.7
892.1
$ 3,606.8

May 29, 
2022

May 30, 
2021

$1,720.4
(28.3)
$1,692.1

$1,674.5
(36.0)
$1,638.5

May 29, 
2022

May 30, 
2021

$1,634.7
532.0
164.0
(463.4)
$1,867.3

$1,506.9
411.9
111.2
(209.5)
$1,820.5

(a)  Inventories of $1,127.1 million as of May 29, 2022, and $1,139.7 million as of May 30, 2021, were valued at LIFO. The 
difference between replacement cost and the stated LIFO inventory value is not materially different from the reserve for 
the LIFO valuation method.

In Millions
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Marketable investments
Prepaid expenses
Other receivables
Derivative receivables
Grain contracts
Miscellaneous

Total

May 29,  
2022

May 30,  
2021

$249.8
213.5
182.8
86.1
28.7
41.2
$802.1

$360.0
221.7
139.1
37.5
12.0
20.0
$790.3

86

In Millions
Assets held for sale:

Goodwill
Inventories
Equipment

Total

In Millions
Land, buildings, and equipment:

Equipment
Buildings
Capitalized software
Construction in progress
Land
Equipment under finance lease
Buildings under finance lease
Total land, buildings, and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Total

In Millions
Other assets:

Investments in and advances to joint ventures
Right of use operating lease assets
Pension assets
Life insurance
Miscellaneous

Total

In Millions
Other current liabilities:

Accrued trade and consumer promotions
Accrued payroll
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Accrued interest, including interest rate swaps
Restructuring and other exit costs reserve
Accrued taxes
Dividends payable
Derivative payable, primarily commodity-related
Grain contracts
Miscellaneous

Total

87

May 29,  
2022

May 30,  
2021

$130.0
22.9
6.0
$158.9

$—
—
—
$—

May 29, 
2022

May 30, 
2021

$ 6,491.7
2,444.8
717.8
492.8
55.1
7.8
0.3
10,210.3
(6,816.5)
$ 3,393.8

$ 6,732.7
2,542.7
718.5
395.7
67.4
7.8
0.3
10,465.1
(6,858.3)
$ 3,606.8

May 29, 
2022

May 30, 
2021

$ 513.8
336.8
52.6
17.5
307.4
$1,228.1

$ 566.4
378.6
30.0
18.6
274.0
$1,267.6

May 29,  
2022

May 30,  
2021

$ 474.4
435.6
106.7
70.1
36.8
31.4
25.3
19.9
3.0
348.8
$1,552.0

$ 580.9
434.4
111.2
80.0
148.8
37.4
24.1
39.2
0.9
330.3
$1,787.2

In Millions
Other non-current liabilities:

Accrued compensation and benefits, including obligations for underfunded other 

postretirement benefit and postemployment benefit plans

Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities
Accrued taxes
Miscellaneous

Total

Certain Consolidated Statements of Earnings amounts are as follows:

In Millions
Depreciation and amortization
Research and development expense
Advertising and media expense (including production and communication costs)

The components of interest, net are as follows:

Expense (Income), in Millions
Interest expense
Capitalized interest
Interest income
Interest, net

Certain Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows amounts are as follows:

In Millions
Cash interest payments
Cash paid for income taxes

NOTE 19. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly data for fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 follows:

May 29,  
2022

May 30,  
2021

$360.8
248.3
233.0
87.0
$929.1

$ 707.7
283.2
215.6
86.2
$1,292.7

Fiscal Year
2021
$601.3
239.3
736.3

2020
$594.7
224.4
691.8

2022
$570.3
243.1
690.1

2022
$387.2
(3.8)
(3.8)
$379.6

Fiscal Year
2021
$430.9
(3.2)
(7.4)
$420.3

2020
$475.1
(2.6)
(6.0)
$466.5

Fiscal Year
2021
$412.5
636.1

2020
$418.5
403.3

2022
$357.8
545.3

In Millions, Except Per
 Share Amounts
Net sales
Gross margin
Net earnings attributable to 

General Mills

EPS:

Basic
Diluted

First Quarter
Fiscal Year

Second Quarter
Fiscal Year

Third Quarter
Fiscal Year

Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

$4,539.9 $4,364.0 $5,024.0 $4,719.4 $4,537.7 $4,520.0 $4,891.2 $4,523.6
1,582.9
1,597.4

1,631.2

1,553.9

1,721.1

1,590.4

1,769.9

1,403.7

627.0

638.9

597.2

688.4

660.3

595.7

822.8

416.8

$
$

1.03 $
1.02 $

1.04 $
1.03 $

0.98 $
0.97 $

1.12 $
1.11 $

1.09 $
1.08 $

0.97 $
0.96 $

1.36 $
1.35 $

0.68
0.68

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we recorded an additional gain on the sale of our interests in Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques 
SNC and Liberté Marques Sàrl of $14.9 million and an additional gain on the sale of our European dough businesses of $9.2 
million.  We  also  recorded  $16.0  million  of  transaction  costs  primarily  related  to  the  sale  of  our  interests  in  Yoplait  SAS, 
Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl, the sale of our European dough businesses, the definitive agreements to sell 

88

our Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side dishes business, and the definitive agreement to acquire TNT Crust. We also 
recorded a $34.0 million loss associated with the valuation of a corporate investment. In addition, we recorded a $34.0 million 
reduction related to our restructuring reserve.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, we approved restructuring actions designed to better align our organizational structure 
and resources with strategic initiatives and recorded $157.3 million of charges. We recorded a loss on the sale of our Laticínios 
Carolina  business  in  Brazil  of  $53.5  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  fiscal  2021.  In  the  fourth  quarter  of  fiscal  2021,  we 
recorded $9.5 million of transaction costs related to our non-binding memorandum of understanding to sell our interests in 
Yoplait SAS, Yoplait Marques SNC, and Liberté Marques Sàrl and our planned acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treats business. 
We also recorded an $8.8 million gain related to indirect taxes in Brazil and an $11.2 million loss related to deferred taxes on 
amendments to reorganize certain U.S. retiree health and welfare benefit plans.

89

Glossary

AOCI. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 

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

Adjusted EBITDA. The calculation of earnings before income taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures, net interest, 
and depreciation and amortization adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability. 

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

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

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

Core  working  capital.  Accounts  receivable  plus  inventories  less  accounts  payable,  all  as  of  the  last  day  of  
our fiscal year.

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

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

Earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization  (EBITDA).  The  calculation  of  earnings  before  income 
taxes and after-tax earnings from joint ventures, net interest, depreciation and amortization.

Euribor. European Interbank Offered Rate.

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

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

Level 2: 

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

Level 3: 

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

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

Free cash flow conversion rate. Free cash flow divided by our net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable 
and noncontrolling interests adjusted for certain items affecting year-to-year comparability.

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

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

Gross margin. Net sales less cost of sales. 

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

90

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

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

LIBOR. London Interbank Offered Rate. 

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

Net debt. Long-term debt, current portion of long-term debt, and notes payable, less cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio. Net debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA. 

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

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

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

Noncontrolling interests. Interests of consolidated subsidiaries held by third parties. 

Notional principal amount. The principal amount on which fixed-rate or floating-rate interest payments are calculated.

OCI. Other comprehensive income (loss). 

Operating cash flow conversion rate. Net cash provided by operating activities, divided by net earnings, including earnings 
attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests.

Operating cash flow to net debt ratio. Net debt divided by cash provided by operating activities. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 United States dollars 
for the purpose of consolidating our financial statements.

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

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

91

ITEM 9 - Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None. 

ITEM 9A - 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 1934 Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
have concluded that, as of May 29, 2022, 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 1934 Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, 
and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our 
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 1934 Act) during 
our fiscal quarter ended May 29, 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal 
control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The management of General Mills, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the 1934 Act. The Company’s internal control system was designed 
to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation 
of  published  financial  statements.  Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  management,  including  our  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over 
financial reporting as of May 29, 2022. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee 
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on our assessment using the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), management 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 29, 2022.

KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ J. L. Harmening

J. L. Harmening
Chief Executive Officer

June 29, 2022

/s/ K. A. Bruce

K. A. Bruce
Chief Financial Officer

Our  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm’s  attestation  report  on  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is 
included in the “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in Item 8 of this report.

ITEM 9B - Other Information 

None.

ITEM 9C - Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable. 

PART III

ITEM 10 - Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

The information contained in the sections entitled “Proposal Number 1 - Election of Directors” and “Shareholder Director 
Nominations”  contained  in  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2022  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  is  incorporated 
herein by reference.

Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Item 1 of this report.

92

The  information  regarding  our  Audit  Committee,  including  the  members  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  audit  committee 
financial experts, set forth in the section entitled “Board Committees and Their Functions” contained in our definitive Proxy 
Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial 
officer, and principal accounting officer. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available on our website at https://www.generalmills.
com. We intend to post on our website any amendments to our Code of Conduct and any waivers from our Code of Conduct 
for principal officers.

ITEM 11 - Executive Compensation 

The information contained in the sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and “Overseeing 
Risk Management” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein 
by reference.

ITEM 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information contained in the sections entitled “Ownership of General Mills Common Stock by Directors, Officers and 
Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information set forth in the section entitled “Board Independence and Related Person Transactions” contained in our 
definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14 - Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

The information contained in the section entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” in our definitive 
Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15 - Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

1.  Financial Statements: 

The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this report:

 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, May 30, 2021, and May 31, 2020.

 Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  May  29,  2022,  May  30,  2021,  and 
May 31, 2020.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 29, 2022 and May 30, 2021. 

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, May 30, 2021, and May 31, 2020.

 Consolidated Statements of Total Equity and Redeemable Interest for the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, May 30, 2021, 
and May 31, 2020.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Report of Management Responsibilities. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PCAOB ID: 185.

2.  Financial Statement Schedule: 

For the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, May 30, 2021, and May 31, 2020:

II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

93

3.  Exhibits: 

Exhibit No.
3.1

Description
Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 1, 2021).

3.2

4.1

4.2

By-laws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed January 28, 2022).

Indenture,  dated  as  of  February  1,  1996,  between  the  Company  and  U.S.  Bank  National  Association  (f/k/a 
First Trust of Illinois, National Association) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed February 6, 1996 (File no. 333-00745)).

First  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated  as  of  May  18,  2009,  between  the  Company  and  U.S.  Bank  National 
Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009).

4.3

Description of the Company’s registered securities.

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

2001 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 29, 2010).

2006 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 29, 2010).

2011  Stock  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  to  the  Company’s  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015).

2011 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2011).

2016 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2016).

Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 28, 2010).

Separation  Pay  and  Benefits  Program  for  Officers  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 23, 2020). 

Supplemental  Savings  Plan  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

Supplemental  Retirement  Plan  (Grandfathered)  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

2005  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the  Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (Grandfathered)  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.14  to  the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 22, 2009).

2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

Executive Survivor Income Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2005).

94

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27+

10.28

10.29+

Supplemental Benefits Trust Agreement, amended and restated as of September 26, 1988, between the Company 
and  Norwest  Bank  Minnesota,  N.A.  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the  Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2011).

Supplemental Benefits Trust Agreement, dated September 26, 1988, between the Company and Norwest Bank 
Minnesota,  N.A.  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2011).

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018).

Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018).

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2018).

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 26, 2017).

2017 Stock Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 26, 2017).

Supplemental  Retirement  Plan  I  (Grandfathered)  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

Supplemental Retirement Plan I (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021).

Agreements, dated November 29, 1989, by and between the Company and Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000).

Protocol  of  Cereal  Partners  Worldwide,  dated  November  21,  1989,  and  Addendum  No.  1 
to 
Protocol,  dated  February  9,  1990,  between  the  Company  and  Nestle  S.A.  (incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.16  to  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  
May 27, 2001).

Addendum No. 2 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, dated March 16, 1993, between the Company and 
Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2004).

Addendum No. 3 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, effective as of March 15, 1993, between the 
Company and Nestle S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2000).

Addendum No. 4, effective as August 1, 1998, and Addendum No. 5, effective as April 1, 2000, to the Protocol 
of  Cereal  Partners  Worldwide  between  the  Company  and  Nestle  S.A.  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009).

Addendum No. 10 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, effective January 1, 2010, among the Company, 
Nestle  S.A.,  and  CPW  S.A.  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2010).

Addendum No. 11 to the Protocol of Cereal Partners Worldwide, effective July 17, 2012, among the Company, 
Nestle  S.A.,  and  CPW  S.A.  (incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 26, 2012).

95

10.30

Five-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2021, among the Company, the several financial institutions 
from time to time party to the agreement, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2021).

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101

Subsidiaries of the Company.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The  following  materials  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
May 29, 2022 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; 
(ii)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Earnings;  (iii)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income; 
(iv)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Total  Equity  and  Redeemable  Interest;  (v)  the  Consolidated  Statements 
of  Cash  Flows;  (vi)  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements;  and  (vii)  Schedule  II  –  Valuation  of 
Qualifying Accounts.

104

Cover  Page, 
Exhibit 101.

formatted 

in 

Inline  Extensible  Business  Reporting  Language  and  contained 

in  

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15 of 

Form 10-K.

+  Confidential information has been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of 

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of our long-term 
debt are not filed and, in lieu thereof, we agree to furnish copies to the SEC upon request.

ITEM 16 - Form 10-K Summary 

Not Applicable. 

96

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

June 29, 2022
/s/ Mark A. Pallot

Date: 
By 
Name:  Mark A. Pallot
Title:  Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

/s/ Jeffrey L Harmening
Jeffrey L. Harmening

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,  
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Kofi A. Bruce
Kofi A. Bruce

/s/ Mark A. Pallot
Mark A. Pallot

/s/ R. Kerry Clark
R. Kerry Clark

/s/ David M. Cordani
David M. Cordani

/s/ C. Kim Goodwin
C. Kim Goodwin

/s/ Maria G. Henry
Maria G. Henry

/s/ Jo Ann Jenkins
Jo Ann Jenkins

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

/s/ Elizabeth C. Lempres
Elizabeth C. Lempres

Director

/s/ Diane L. Neal
Diane L. Neal

/s/ Steve Odland
Steve Odland

/s/ Maria A. Sastre
Maria A. Sastre

/s/ Eric D. Sprunk
Eric D. Sprunk

/s/ Jorge A. Uribe
Jorge A. Uribe

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

97

Date

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

General Mills, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Schedule II - Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

In Millions
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance at beginning of year
Additions charged to expense
Bad debt write-offs
Other adjustments and reclassifications
Balance at end of year
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Balance at beginning of year
(Benefits) additions charged to expense
Adjustments due to acquisitions, translation of amounts, and other
Balance at end of year
Reserve for restructuring and other exit charges:
Balance at beginning of year
Additions charged to expense, including translation amounts
Reserve adjustment
Net amounts utilized for restructuring activities
Balance at end of year
Reserve for LIFO valuation:
Balance at beginning of year
Increase (decrease)
Balance at end of year

Fiscal Year
2021

2022

2020

$ 36.0
23.0
(26.4)
(4.3)
$ 28.3

$229.2
(41.6)
(2.5)
$185.1

$148.8
3.4
(34.0)
(81.4)
$ 36.8

$209.5
253.9
$463.4

$ 33.2
25.7
(29.9)
7.0
$ 36.0

$214.2
9.1
5.9
$229.2

$ 17.8
143.9
—
(12.9)
$148.8

$202.1
7.4
$209.5

$ 28.8
25.9
(22.9)
1.4
$ 33.2

$213.7
4.2
(3.7)
$214.2

$ 36.5
(2.5)
—
(16.2)
$ 17.8

$213.5
(11.4)
$202.1

98

Shareholder Information
Markets
New York Stock Exchange  
Trading Symbol: GIS

Independent Auditor
KPMG LLP: (612) 305-5000

Investor Inquiries
General Investor Information:  
(800) 245-5703

Jeff Siemon  
Vice President, Investor Relations

Transfer Agent
Our transfer agent can assist you with a variety of 
services, including change of address or questions 
about dividend checks:

Equiniti Trust Company  
(800) 670-4763  
www.shareowneronline.com

Holiday Gift Boxes
To order a General Mills holiday gift box, please 
visit GMIHolidayGiftBox.com, call us toll free at 
(888) 496-7809 or write to us including your 
name, address and phone number:

2020 General Mills Holiday Gift Box  
Department 12280  
P.O. Box 5018  
Stacy, MN 55078-5018

Electronic Access to Proxy Statement and Annual Report
Shareholders are encouraged to enroll in the electronic 
delivery program. Please see the Investors section of 
GeneralMills.com, or go directly to the website, ICSDelivery.
com/GIS and follow the instructions to enroll. If your General 
Mills shares are not registered in your name, contact your 
bank or broker to enroll in this program.

Notice of Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held online at  
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GIS2022 at 8:30 a.m., 
Central Daylight Time, Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Please 
refer to the Proxy Statement for information concerning the 
meeting.

General Mills Direct Stock Purchase Plan
This plan provides a convenient and economical way to invest 
in General Mills stock without paying brokerage commissions 
and other fees on your purchases and reinvestments. For 
more information and a copy of a plan prospectus, go to the 
Investors section of GeneralMills.com.

Total Return to Shareholders
Return on $100 invested on May 28, 2017; stock price 
appreciation plus reinvested dividends.

x
e
d
n

I

n
r
u
t
e
R

l

a
t
o
T

250

200

150

100

50

0

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

General mills

S&P 500

S&P Packaged Food

General Mills Board of Directors
As of August 8, 2022

R. Kerry Clark
Retired Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer, Cardinal Health, 
Inc. (healthcare products and 
services)

David M. Cordani
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, Cigna Corporation (health 
insurance and services)

C. Kim Goodwin
Private Investor (financial services)

Jeffrey L. Harmening
Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, General Mills, Inc.

.

l

m
o
c
m
a
e
t
e
y
g
r
a
w
w
w
y
b

.

d
e
r
a
p
e
r
P

Maria G. Henry
Executive Vice President and 
Senior Advisor, Kimberly-Clark 
Corporation (consumer products)

Maria A. Sastre
Retired President and Chief 
Operating Officer, Signature Flight 
Support Corporation (aviation)

Eric D. Sprunk
Retired Chief Operating Officer, 
NIKE, Inc. (athletic footwear and 
apparel)

Jorge A. Uribe
Retired Global Productivity and 
Organization Transformation 
Officer, The Procter & Gamble 
Company (consumer products)

Jo Ann Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer, AARP, Inc. 
(nonprofit services)

Elizabeth C. Lempres
Retired Senior Partner, McKinsey 
& Company (management 
consulting)

Diane L. Neal
Retired Chief Executive Officer, 
Sur la Table, Inc. (consumer-facing 
retail company)

Steve Odland
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, The Conference Board 
and Former Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer, Office Depot, 
Inc. (office products retailer) and 
AutoZone, Inc.
(consumer-facing retail company)