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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

     
For the Quarterly Period Ended   Commission File Number
February 1, 2004   1-3822

(CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY LOGO)

     
New Jersey   21-0419870
State of Incorporation   I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

Campbell Place
Camden, New Jersey 08103-1799
Principal Executive Offices

Telephone Number: (856) 342-4800

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  [X]       No   [   ].

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

Yes   [X]       No  [   ].

There were 410,969,505 shares of Capital Stock outstanding as of March 5, 2004.



 


 

PART I.

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED

Statements of Earnings

(unaudited)
(millions, except per share amounts)

                                        
    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    February 1,   January 26,   February 1,   January 26,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net sales
  $ 2,100     $ 1,918     $ 4,009     $ 3,623  

 
Costs and expenses
                               
Cost of products sold
    1,212       1,056       2,320       2,027  
Marketing and selling expenses
    340       329       633       603  
Administrative expenses
    136       128       259       236  
Research and development expenses
    21       21       42       40  
Other expenses
    2       (1 )     12       2  

 
Total costs and expenses
    1,711       1,533       3,266       2,908  

 
Earnings before interest and taxes
    389       385       743       715  
Interest, net
    42       46       85       91  

 
Earnings before taxes
    347       339       658       624  
Taxes on earnings
    112       108       212       201  

 
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
    235       231       446       423  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                      (31 )

 
Net earnings
  $ 235     $ 231     $ 446     $ 392  

 
Per share — basic
                               
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ 1.03  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                      (.08 )

 
Net earnings
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ .95  

 
Dividends
  $ .1575     $ .1575     $ .315     $ .315  

 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    411       411       411       411  

 
Per share — assuming dilution
                               
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ 1.03  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                      (.08 )

 
Net earnings
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ .95  

 
Weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution
    412       411       412       411  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


 

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED

Balance Sheets

(unaudited)
(millions, except per share amounts)

                 
    February 1,   August 3,
    2004
  2003
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 41     $ 32  
Accounts receivable
    644       413  
Inventories
    715       709  
Other current assets
    141       136  

 
Total current assets
    1,541       1,290  

 
Plant assets, net of depreciation
    1,871       1,843  
Goodwill
    1,968       1,803  
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
    1,113       1,018  
Other assets
    303       251  

 
Total assets
  $ 6,796     $ 6,205  

 
Current liabilities
Notes payable
  $ 908     $ 1,279  
Payable to suppliers and others
    619       620  
Accrued liabilities
    609       602  
Dividend payable
    65       65  
Accrued income taxes
    301       217  

 
Total current liabilities
    2,502       2,783  

 
Long-term debt
    2,566       2,249  
Nonpension postretirement benefits
    301       304  
Other liabilities, including deferred income taxes of $252 and $245
    559       482  

 
Total liabilities
    5,928       5,818  

 
Shareowners’ equity
               
Preferred stock; authorized 40 shares; none issued
           
Capital stock, $.0375 par value; authorized 560 shares; issued 542 shares
    20       20  
Additional paid-in capital
    264       298  
Earnings retained in the business
    5,571       5,254  
Capital stock in treasury, at cost
    (4,835 )     (4,869 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (152 )     (316 )

 
Total shareowners’ equity
    868       387  

 
Total liabilities and shareowners’ equity
  $ 6,796     $ 6,205  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


 

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED

Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)
(millions)

                 
    Six Months Ended
    February 1,   January 26,
    2004
  2003
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 446     $ 392  
Non-cash charges to net earnings
               
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          31  
Depreciation and amortization
    127       111  
Deferred income taxes
    2       (4 )
Other, net
    48       28  
Changes in working capital
               
Accounts receivable
    (203 )     (162 )
Inventories
    21       6  
Prepaid assets
    (3 )     (14 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    22       101  
Pension fund contributions
    (53 )      
Other
    (75 )     (16 )

 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    332       473  

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of plant assets
    (76 )     (93 )
Sales of plant assets
    3       9  
Businesses acquired
    (9 )     (168 )
Other, net
          (1 )

 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (82 )     (253 )

 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Long-term borrowings
    301       400  
Net short-term repayments
    (408 )     (480 )
Dividends paid
    (129 )     (129 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (19 )     (3 )
Treasury stock issuances
    8       5  

 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (247 )     (207 )

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    6       3  

 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    9       16  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    32       21  

 
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 41     $ 37  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


 

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED

Statements of Shareowners’ Equity (Deficit)

(unaudited)
(millions, except per share amounts)

                                                                 
                                                     
    Capital Stock
      Earnings   Accumulated    
    Issued
  In Treasury
  Additional
Paid-in
  Retained
in the
  Other
Comprehensive
  Total
Shareowners'
    Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Business   Income (Loss)   Equity (Deficit)

Balance at July 28, 2002
    542     $ 20       (132 )   $ (4,891 )   $ 320     $ 4,918     $ (481 )   $ (114 )

Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                               
Net earnings
                                            392               392  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                                    94       94  
Cash-flow hedges, net of tax
                                                    (7 )     (7 )
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
                                                    (1 )     (1 )

Other comprehensive income
                                                    86       86  
 
                                                   
 
Total comprehensive income
                                                            478  

Dividends ($.315 per share)
                                            (129 )             (129 )
Treasury stock purchased
                          (3 )                             (3 )
Treasury stock issued under management incentive and stock option plans
                          29       (22 )                     7  

Balance at January 26, 2003
    542     $ 20       (132 )   $ (4,865 )   $ 298     $ 5,181     $ (395 )   $ 239  

Balance at August 3, 2003
    542     $ 20       (132 )   $ (4,869 )   $ 298     $ 5,254     $ (316 )   $ 387  

Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                               
Net earnings
                                            446               446  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                                    162       162  
Cash-flow hedges, net of tax
                                                    6       6  
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
                                                    (4 )     (4 )

Other comprehensive income
                                                    164       164  
 
                                                   
 
Total comprehensive income
                                                            610  

Dividends ($.315 per share)
                                            (129 )             (129 )
Treasury stock purchased
                    (1 )     (19 )                             (19 )
Treasury stock issued under management incentive and stock option plans
                    1       53       (34 )                     19  

Balance at February 1, 2004
    542     $ 20       (132 )   $ (4,835 )   $ 264     $ 5,571     $ (152 )   $ 868  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


 

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

(a)   Basis of Presentation / Accounting Policies
The financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the indicated periods. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The accounting policies used in preparing these financial statements are consistent with those applied in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 3, 2003, except as discussed below. Certain reclassifications were made to the prior year amounts to conform with current presentation. The results for the period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other interim periods or the full year.
 
    The company accounts for stock option grants and restricted stock awards in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for stock options since all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the grant date. Restricted stock awards are expensed. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.

                                 
    Three Months Ended
  Six Months Ended
    Feb. 1, 2004
  Jan. 26, 2003
  Feb. 1, 2004
  Jan. 26, 2003
Net earnings, as reported
  $ 235     $ 231     $ 446     $ 392  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effects1
    3       4       5       7  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (11 )     (10 )     (19 )     (19 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Pro forma net earnings
  $ 227     $ 225     $ 432     $ 380  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic-as reported
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ .95  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic-pro forma
  $ .55     $ .55     $ 1.05     $ .92  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted-as reported
  $ .57     $ .56     $ 1.08     $ .95  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted-pro forma
  $ .55     $ .55     $ 1.05     $ .92  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
    1 Represents restricted stock expense.

6


 

(b)   Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
The company adopted SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as of July 29, 2002 and recognized a non-cash charge of $31 (net of $17 tax benefit), or $.08 per share, as a cumulative effect of accounting change. This charge related to impaired goodwill associated with the Stockpot business, a food service business included in the North America Soup and Away From Home segment.
 
(c)   Acquisitions
In the first quarter 2004, the company acquired certain chocolate biscuit brands for approximately $9 from George Weston Foods Limited in Australia. These brands are included in the Biscuits and Confectionery segment.
 
    In the first quarter 2003, the company acquired two businesses for cash consideration of approximately $170 and assumed debt of approximately $20. The company acquired Snack Foods Limited, a leader in the Australian salty snack category, and Erin Foods, the number two dry soup manufacturer in Ireland. Snack Foods Limited is included in the Biscuits and Confectionery segment. Erin Foods is included in the International Soup and Sauces segment. The businesses have annual sales of approximately $160.
 
(d)   New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51.” This Interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities (VIEs). The Interpretation as amended is effective immediately for all enterprises with interests in VIEs created after January 31, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised version of FIN 46 (FIN 46R), which clarified the provisions of FIN 46 by addressing implementation issues. FIN 46R must be applied to all entities subject to the Interpretation as of the first interim quarter ending after March 15, 2004. The company has investments of approximately $150 as of February 1, 2004 consisting of limited partnership interests in affordable housing partnership funds. The company’s ownership ranges from approximately 12% to 19%. The company evaluated the nature of these investments, which were in existence before January 31, 2003, against the provisions of the guidance and determined that such investments do not need to be consolidated in the financial statements. The company will continue to monitor modifications to the Interpretation.
 
    In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, could be classified as equity or “mezzanine” equity, by now requiring those instruments to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the statement of financial position. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. The guidance in SFAS No. 150 is generally effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and is otherwise effective at the

7


 

    beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not impact the financial statements.
 
    In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” which requires additional disclosures for benefit plans. The standard requires quarterly disclosure of the various components of pension expense and expanded annual disclosures, such as describing the types of plan assets, investment strategy, and measurement dates. The company will include interim disclosure requirements in the Form 10-Q for the third quarter 2004. Annual disclosures will be provided in the 2004 Form 10-K.
 
    On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for prescription drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree medical plans. The company sponsors medical programs for certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this legislation will eventually reduce the costs for some of these programs. The company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the legislation since guidance from various governmental and regulatory agencies concerning the requirements that must be met to obtain these cost reductions, as well as the manner in which such savings should be measured, is still pending. In addition, authoritative guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy provided to a qualified employer-sponsored drug plan is pending. The expected effects of the Act will be factored into the company’s annual year-end measurement of postretirement medical obligations and related expense calculation for fiscal 2005. If the final authoritative accounting guidance is issued after the provisions of the Act are reflected in the year-end measurement of the obligation and net postretirement medical costs estimate for fiscal 2005, the guidance could require the company to change previously reported information.
 
(e)   Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth balance sheet information for intangible assets, excluding goodwill, subject to amortization and intangible assets not subject to amortization:

8


 

                                 
    February 1, 2004
  August 3, 2003
    Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Accumulated
    Amount
  Amortization
  Amount
  Amortization
Intangible assets subject to amortization1:
                               
Trademarks
  $ 6     $ (2 )   $ 6     $ (2 )
Other
    17       (7 )     16       (7 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 23     $ (9 )   $ 22     $ (9 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
                               
Trademarks
  $ 1,069             $ 975          
Pension
    28               28          
Other
    2               2          
 
   
 
             
 
         
Total
  $ 1,099             $ 1,005          
 
   
 
             
 
         
1   Amortization related to these assets was less than $1 for the six month periods ended February 1, 2004 and January 26, 2003. The estimated aggregated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is less than $2 per year. Asset useful lives range from five to thirty-four years.

Changes in the carrying amount for goodwill for the period ended February 1, 2004 are as follows:

                                         
    North America   North America            
    Soup and   Sauces and   Biscuits and   International    
    Away From Home
  Beverages
  Confectionery
  Soup and Sauces
  Total
Balance at August 3, 2003
  $ 298     $ 365     $ 524     $ 616     $ 1,803  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    5             88       72       165  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at February 1, 2004
  $ 303     $ 365     $ 612     $ 688     $ 1,968  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(f)   Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income comprises net earnings, net foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments, and net unrealized gains (losses) on cash-flow hedges.
 
    Total comprehensive income for the three months ended February 1, 2004 and January 26, 2003, was $320 and $294, respectively. Total comprehensive income for the six months ended February 1, 2004 and January 26, 2003, was $610 and $478, respectively.

9


 

    The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, as reflected in the Statements of Shareowners’ Equity (Deficit), consisted of the following:

                 
    February 1,   January 26,
    2004
  2003
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 61     $ (181 )
Cash-flow hedges, net of tax
    1       (5 )
Minimum pension liability, net of tax1
    (214 )     (209 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (152 )   $ (395 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

    1 Includes a tax benefit of $121 as of February 1, 2004 and $119 as of January 26, 2003.

(g)   Earnings Per Share
For the periods presented in the Statements of Earnings, the calculations of basic EPS and EPS assuming dilution vary in that the weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution include the incremental effect of stock options, except when such effect would be antidilutive. Stock options to purchase 28 million and 19 million shares of capital stock for the three-month periods ended February 1, 2004 and January 26, 2003, respectively, and 25 million and 27 million shares of capital stock for the six-month periods ended February 1, 2004 and January 26, 2003, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the stock options exceeded the average market price of the capital stock and therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.
 
(h)   Segment Information
Campbell Soup Company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global manufacturer and marketer of high quality, branded convenience food products. The company operates in four segments: North America Soup and Away From Home, North America Sauces and Beverages, Biscuits and Confectionery, and International Soup and Sauces.
 
    The North America Soup and Away From Home segment comprises the retail soup and Away From Home business in the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. retail business includes the Campbell’s brand condensed and ready-to-serve soups and Swanson broths. The segment includes the company’s total business in Canada, which comprises the Habitant and Campbell’s soups, Prego pasta sauce and V8 juices. The Away From Home operations represent the distribution of products such as Campbell’s soups, Campbell’s specialty entrees, beverage products, other prepared foods and Pepperidge Farm products through various food service channels in North America. The North America Sauces and Beverages segment includes U.S. retail sales for Prego pasta sauces, Pace Mexican sauces, Franco-American canned pastas and gravies, V8 vegetable juices, V8 Splash juice beverages, Campbell’s tomato juice, as well as the total of all businesses in Mexico and other Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Biscuits and

10


 

    Confectionery segment includes all retail sales of Pepperidge Farm cookies, crackers, breads and frozen products in the United States, Arnott’s biscuits and crackers in Australia and Asia Pacific, Arnott’s Snackfoods salty snacks in Australia, and Godiva chocolates worldwide. The International Soup and Sauces segment comprises operations outside of North America, including Erasco and Heisse Tasse soups in Germany, Liebig and Royco soups and Lesieur sauces in France, Campbell’s and Batchelors soups, Oxo stock cubes and Homepride sauces in the United Kingdom, Devos Lemmens mayonnaise and cold sauces and Campbell’s and Royco soups in Belgium, Blå Band soups and sauces in Sweden, and McDonnells and Erin soups in Ireland. In Asia Pacific, operations include Campbell’s soups and stock and Swanson broths across the region.

    Accounting policies for measuring segment assets and earnings before interest and taxes are substantially consistent with those described in the company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The company evaluates segment performance before interest and taxes. The North America Soup and Away From Home and North America Sauces and Beverages segments operate under an integrated supply chain organization, sharing substantially all manufacturing, warehouse, distribution and sales activities. Accordingly, assets have been allocated between the two segments based on various measures, for example, budgeted production hours for fixed assets and depreciation.

11


 

February 1, 2004

                                         
            Earnings   Depreciation    
            Before Interest   and   Capital
Three Months Ended
  Net Sales
  and Taxes
  Amortization
  Expenditures
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 894     $ 220     $ 15     $ 17  
North America Sauces and Beverages
    324       72       9       8  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    550       90       24       19  
International Soup and Sauces
    332       39       9       5  
Corporate and Eliminations1
          (32 )     7       4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 2,100     $ 389     $ 64     $ 53  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                         
                         
            Earnings   Depreciation        
            Before Interest   and   Capital   Segment
Six Months Ended
  Net Sales
  and Taxes
  Amortization
  Expenditures
  Assets
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 1,699     $ 441     $ 31     $ 24     $ 1,388  
North America Sauces and Beverages
    651       150       17       11       1,215  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    1,041       136       46       28       1,851  
International Soup and Sauces
    618       74       20       8       2,007  
Corporate and Eliminations1
          (58 )     13       5       335  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 4,009     $ 743     $ 127     $ 76     $ 6,796  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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January 26, 2003

                                         
            Earnings   Depreciation    
            Before Interest   and   Capital
Three Months Ended
  Net Sales
  and Taxes
  Amortization
  Expenditures
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 824     $ 209     $ 15     $ 14  
North America Sauces and Beverages
    318       84       8       8  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    486       87       20       28  
International Soup and Sauces
    290       34       8       5  
Corporate and Eliminations1
          (29 )     5       1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 1,918     $ 385     $ 56     $ 56  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
            Earnings   Depreciation        
            Before Interest   and   Capital   Segment
Six Months Ended
  Net Sales
  and Taxes
  Amortization
  Expenditures
  Assets
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 1,570     $ 414     $ 29     $ 23     $ 1,424  
North America Sauces and Beverages
    625       161       16       14       1,136  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    896       129       39       41       1,561  
International Soup and Sauces
    532       60       16       9       1,811  
Corporate and Eliminations1
          (49 )     11       6       355  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 3,623     $ 715     $ 111     $ 93     $ 6,287  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

1   Represents unallocated corporate expenses and unallocated assets, including corporate offices, deferred income taxes and investments.

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(i)   Inventories

                 
    February 1, 2004
  August 3, 2003
Raw materials, containers and supplies
  $ 237     $ 264  
Finished products
    478       445  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 715     $ 709  
 
   
 
     
 
 

    Approximately 55% of inventory in 2004 and 57% in 2003 is accounted for on the last in, first out (LIFO) method of determining cost. If the first in, first out inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would not differ materially from the amounts reported at February 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003.
 
(j)   Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
On September 15, 2003, the company issued $300 ten-year 4.875% fixed-rate notes. The proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. In connection with this issuance, the company entered into ten-year interest rate swaps that convert $200 of the fixed-rate debt to variable.
 
(k)   Accounting for Derivative Instruments
The company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage risks which exist as part of ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency, commodity and certain equity-linked employee compensation exposures. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument.
 
    All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair-value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash-flow hedge), (3) a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (foreign-currency hedge), or (4) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Some derivatives may also be considered natural hedging instruments (changes in fair value are recognized to act as economic offsets to changes in fair value of the underlying hedged item and do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133).
 
    Interest Rate Swaps
The company finances a portion of its operations through debt instruments primarily consisting of commercial paper, notes, debentures and bank loans. The company periodically utilizes interest rate swap agreements, including forward-

14


 

    starting swaps, to minimize worldwide financing costs and to achieve a targeted ratio of variable versus fixed-rate debt.

    Variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash-flow hedges. Consequently, the effective portion of unrealized gains (losses) is deferred as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings. The amounts paid or received on the hedge are recognized as adjustments to interest expense. Cash-flow interest rate swaps with a notional value of $300 matured in October 2003.
 
    Fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair-value hedges. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in earnings as adjustments to interest expense, offsetting gains and losses on the hedged item. The notional amounts of all outstanding fair-value interest rate swaps at February 1, 2004 totaled $775 with a maximum maturity date of October 2013. The fair value of such instruments was $21 as of February 1, 2004.
 
    Foreign Currency Contracts
The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries, including subsidiary financing transactions. The company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts, options and cross-currency swaps in order to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business.
 
    Qualifying foreign exchange forward and cross-currency swap contracts are accounted for as cash-flow hedges when the hedged item is a forecasted transaction, or when future cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability are expected to be received or paid. The effective portion of the changes in fair value on these instruments is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into the Statements of Earnings on the same line item and in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The assessment of effectiveness for contracts is based on changes in the spot rates. The fair value of these instruments was $(159) at February 1, 2004.
 
    Qualifying foreign exchange forward contracts are accounted for as fair-value hedges when the hedged item is a recognized asset, liability or firm commitment. The fair value of such contracts was not material at February 1, 2004.
 
    The company also enters into certain foreign exchange forward and variable-to-variable cross-currency swap contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges. These instruments are primarily intended to reduce volatility of certain intercompany financing transactions. Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are typically recorded in Other expenses, as an offset to gains (losses) on the underlying transaction. The fair value of such contracts was $(17) at February 1, 2004. Foreign exchange forward contracts typically have maturities of less than eighteen months. Cross-currency contracts

15


 

    mature in 2005 through 2007. Principal currencies include the Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, euro, Japanese yen and Swedish krona.

    As of February 1, 2004, the accumulated derivative net gain in other comprehensive income for cash-flow hedges, including the foreign exchange forward and cross-currency contracts, forward starting swap contracts, and treasury lock agreements was $1, net of tax. At January 26, 2003, the accumulated derivative net loss in other comprehensive income was approximately $5, net of tax. Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Statements of Earnings during the quarter ended February 1, 2004 were not material. Reclassifications during the remainder of fiscal year 2004 are not expected to be material. There were no discontinued cash-flow hedges during the quarter. At February 1, 2004, the maximum maturity date of any cash-flow hedge was approximately 10 years.
 
    Other Contracts
The company is exposed to equity price changes related to certain employee compensation obligations. Swap contracts are utilized to hedge exposures relating to certain employee compensation obligations linked to the total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the total return of the company’s capital stock. The company pays a variable interest rate and receives the equity returns under these instruments. The notional value of the equity swap contracts, which mature in 2004, was $30 at February 1, 2004. These instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. Gains and losses are recorded in the Statements of Earnings. The net asset recorded under these contracts at February 1, 2004 was approximately $2.
 
    Other disclosures related to hedge ineffectiveness and gains (losses) excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness have been omitted due to the insignificance of these amounts.
 
(l)   Contingencies
On March 30, 1998, the company effected a spinoff of several of its non-core businesses to Vlasic Foods International Inc. (VFI). VFI and several of its affiliates (collectively, Vlasic) commenced cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on January 29, 2001 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Vlasic’s Second Amended Joint Plan of Distribution under Chapter 11 (the Plan) was confirmed by an order of the Bankruptcy Court dated November 16, 2001, and became effective on or about November 29, 2001. The Plan provides for the assignment of various causes of action allegedly belonging to the Vlasic estates, including claims against the company allegedly arising from the spinoff, to VFB L.L.C., a limited liability company (VFB) whose membership interests are to be distributed under the Plan to Vlasic’s general unsecured creditors.
 
    On February 19, 2002, VFB commenced a lawsuit against the company and several of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging, among other things, fraudulent conveyance, illegal dividends

16


 

  and breaches of fiduciary duty by Vlasic directors alleged to be under the company’s control. The lawsuit seeks to hold the company liable in an amount necessary to satisfy all unpaid claims against Vlasic (which VFB estimates in the amended complaint to be $200), plus unspecified exemplary and punitive damages. While the ultimate disposition of complex litigation is inherently difficult to assess, the company believes the action is without merit and is defending the case vigorously.

  The company received an Examination Report from the Internal Revenue Service on December 23, 2002, which included a challenge to the treatment of gains and interest deductions claimed in the company’s fiscal 1995 federal income tax return, relating to transactions involving government securities. If the proposed adjustment were upheld, it would require the company to pay a net amount of approximately $100 in taxes, accumulated interest to date, and penalties. Interest will continue to accrue until the matter is resolved. The company believes these transactions were properly reported on its federal income tax return in accordance with applicable tax laws and regulations in effect during the period involved and is challenging these adjustments vigorously. While the outcome of proceedings of this type cannot be predicted with certainty, the company believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.
 
(m) Guarantees
In November 2002, FIN 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” was issued. FIN 45 clarifies the requirements relating to a guarantor’s accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002.
 
  The company guarantees approximately 1,200 bank loans made to Pepperidge Farm independent sales distributors by third party financial institutions for the purchase of distribution routes. The maximum potential amount of future payments the company could be required to make under the guarantees is approximately $86. The company’s guarantees are indirectly secured by the distribution routes. The company does not believe it is probable that it will be required to make guarantee payments as a result of defaults on the bank loans guaranteed. Prior to the adoption of FIN 45, no amounts were recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to these guarantees. The amount recognized as of February 1, 2004 is not material.

17


 

(n)   Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Other cash used in operating activities for the six month periods is comprised of the following:

                 
    February 1, 2004
  January 26, 2003
Net (Payments) Receipts on Derivatives
  $ (56 )   $ 9  
Benefit Related Payments
    (17 )     (17 )
Other
    (2 )     (8 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ (75 )   $ (16 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

18


 

ITEM 2.

CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Results of Operations

Overview

The company reported net earnings of $235 million for the second quarter ended February 1, 2004 versus $231 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. Earnings per share were $.57, compared to $.56 a year ago. (All earnings per share amounts included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis are presented on a diluted basis.) The increase in earnings was primarily driven by lower interest expense and the favorable impact of currency.

For the six months ended February 1, 2004, net earnings were $446 million, compared to $423 million a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. Earnings per share were $1.08 compared to $1.03 a year ago before the cumulative effect of accounting change. The increase over the prior year is due to higher sales, lower interest expense, and the favorable impact of currency, partially offset by a decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales.

In connection with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142 in fiscal 2003, the company recognized a non-cash charge of $31 million (net of a $17 million tax benefit) or $.08 per share, as a cumulative effect of accounting change. This charge related to impaired goodwill associated with the Stockpot business, a food service business acquired in August 1998.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, certain stock-based incentive compensation expenses were reclassified from Other expenses to reflect the costs by function on various lines of the Statements of Earnings. The prior period has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

SECOND QUARTER

Sales

Net sales in the quarter increased 9% to $2.1 billion from $1.9 billion last year. The growth was attributed to a 3% increase in volume and mix, a 2% increase from higher selling prices, a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs and a 5% increase due to currency.

19


 

An analysis of net sales by reportable segment follows:

                         
    (millions)
   
    2004
  2003
  % Change
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 894     $ 824       8 %
North America Sauces and Beverages
    324       318       2  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    550       486       13  
International Soup and Sauces
    332       290       14  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 2,100     $ 1,918       9 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

The 8% increase in sales from North America Soup and Away From Home was due to a 5% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from improved price realization, a 2% decrease attributable to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, and a 2% increase from currency. In the U.S., ready-to-serve soup sales increased 17 percent for the quarter on shipment growth of 17 percent. This strong performance was driven by significantly enhanced promotional activity behind Campbell’s Chunky canned soups, as well as the continued positive impact of the M’m! M’m! Good! To Go convenience platform, which includes Chunky and Select microwaveable bowls and Soup At Hand, a line of microwaveable sippable soups designed for out-of-home consumption. Condensed soup sales were even with a year ago as higher prices offset a 2 percent decline in shipments during the quarter. Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup achieved particularly strong shipment growth in the quarter, offset by declines in cooking soups. Broth sales declined 1%, as 1% shipment growth was more than offset by increased promotional spending. Away From Home reported a slight increase in sales due to higher sales of refrigerated soup and bakery products and the favorable impact of currency. The Canadian business reported a sales increase driven by increased marketing support and the favorable impact of currency.

North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 2% increase in sales due to a 5% increase in volume and mix and a 3% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. The sales increase was primarily due to strong gains in beverages generated by effective marketing programs and new product introductions. V8 vegetable juice reported sales gains due to more productive marketing programs. V8 Splash beverages also contributed to the sales growth driven by V8 Splash Smoothies, introduced in the second-half of last year. Prego pasta sauces experienced a decline in sales, attributable to weakness in the dry pasta category. Pace Mexican sauces and Franco-American canned pasta reported increases in sales, while Franco-American gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales declined.

Biscuits and Confectionery reported a 13% increase in sales due to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization, a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs and a 9% increase from currency. The favorable currency impact principally

20


 

reflects the strengthening of the Australian dollar. Pepperidge Farm contributed to the sales increase primarily as a result of growth in cookies, crackers, and fresh bread partially offset by a decline in frozen products. Arnott’s reported a sales increase from gains in biscuit products driven by the performance of Shapes and chocolate varieties. Godiva Chocolatier’s worldwide sales increased due to growth in the Asia Pacific region and improved same store sales trends in the U.S.

International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 14%. The sales increase was due to a 15% increase from the favorable impact of currency, a 1% increase from higher price realization, a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, offset by a 2% decline in volume and mix, and a 1% decline due to the divestiture of a private label business in the United Kingdom in 2003. In Europe, branded sales increased compared to the year-ago quarter, offsetting declines in sales of private label products. In Germany, new single serve pouches of Erasco soup performed well. Liebig aseptic soups in France also reported an increase in sales. In Asia Pacific, sales growth was driven by soup, broth, and V8 beverages.

Gross Margin

Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, increased $26 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 44.9% in 2003 to 42.3% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 1.1 percentage points), higher promotional spending (approximately 0.7 percentage points), product mix and currency (approximately 0.5 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 3 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 1.1 percentage points) and productivity improvements (approximately 1.6 percentage points).

Marketing and Selling Expenses

Marketing and selling expenses increased 3% in 2004 as a result of the impact of currency translation. As a percent of sales, Marketing and selling expenses were 16% in 2004 and 17% in 2003.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses increased by $8 million, or 6%, primarily due to the impact of currency translation.

Operating Earnings

Segment operating earnings increased 2% from the prior year.

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An analysis of operating earnings by reportable segment follows:

                         
    (millions)
   
    2004
  2003
  % Change
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 220     $ 209       5 %
North America Sauces and Beverages
    72       84       (14 )
Biscuits and Confectionery
    90       87       3  
International Soup and Sauces
    39       34       15  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Subtotal
    421       414       2  
Corporate
    (32 )     (29 )        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 389     $ 385       1 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Earnings from North America Soup and Away From Home increased 5% primarily due to the increase in sales.

Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages decreased 14% due to the higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements, and unfavorable sales mix.

Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery increased 3% due to the favorable impact of currency (approximately 6 percentage points). In the year ago period, earnings included an $8 million gain on the sale of a biscuit plant in Australia. The current year included a $4 million insurance settlement payment related to the loss on September 11, 2001 of Godiva’s World Trade Center store.

Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 15% primarily due to the favorable impact of currency.

Nonoperating Items

Interest expense decreased to $42 million from $46 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt and interest rates.

The effective tax rate for the quarter was 32.3% for 2004 and 31.9% for 2003. The effective tax rate for the 2003 year was 32.2%.

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SIX MONTHS

Sales

Net sales for the six months increased 11% to $4.0 billion from $3.6 billion last year. The change was attributed to a 3% increase in volume and mix, a 2% increase from higher selling prices, a 1% increase from acquisitions and a 5% increase due to currency.

An analysis of net sales by reportable segment follows:

                         
    (millions)
   
    2004
  2003
  % Change
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 1,699     $ 1,570       8 %
North America Sauces and Beverages
    651       625       4  
Biscuits and Confectionery
    1,041       896       16  
International Soup and Sauces
    618       532       16  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 4,009     $ 3,623       11 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

North America Soup and Away From Home sales increased 8% due to a 2% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization, a 1% increase attributable to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, and a 2% increase from currency. In the U.S., ready-to-serve soup sales increased 17% as shipments rose 12% and higher sales of microwaveable items improved mix. Condensed soup sales were down 1% reflecting shipment declines of 4% and higher prices. Broth sales increased 14% reflecting shipment growth of 7% and lower promotional spending. The ready-to-serve increase was driven by the strong performance of the new M’m! M’m! Good! To Go convenience platform including Campbell’s Select and Chunky soups in microwaveable bowls, which were introduced this year, and Campbell’s Soup at Hand. The convenience platform delivered over $100 million in sales this year. Total sales of Campbell’s Chunky products increased compared to the prior year. Away From Home reported slightly increased sales due primarily to the favorable impact of currency. The Canadian business reported a sales increase versus prior year primarily due to currency.

North America Sauces and Beverages reported a 4% increase in sales due to a 4% increase in volume and mix and a 1% increase due to lower revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs, partially offset by a 1% decline due to currency. The sales increase was primarily due to the performance of beverages. V8 vegetable juice reported sales gains. V8 Splash Smoothies, introduced in the second-half of last year, and Campbell’s tomato juice also contributed to the sales growth. Pace sales increased over the year-ago period with the aid of continued advertising support. Prego pasta sauces experienced a decline in sales, attributable in

23


 

part to weakness in the dry pasta category. Franco-American gravies and Swanson canned poultry sales declined.

Biscuits and Confectionery reported a 16% increase in sales due to a 3% increase from the acquisition of Snack Foods Limited in Australia in 2003, a 3% increase from volume and mix, a 3% increase from higher price realization and an 8% increase from currency, partially offset by a 1% decrease due to higher revenue reductions from trade promotion and consumer coupon redemption programs. The favorable currency impact was attributable primarily to the strengthening of the Australian dollar. Pepperidge Farm contributed to the sales increase as a result of growth in cookies, crackers and fresh bread. Arnott’s reported a sales increase primarily due to growth in biscuits. Godiva Chocolatier’s worldwide sales increased primarily due to continued growth in the Asia Pacific region.

International Soup and Sauces reported an increase in sales of 16%. The favorable impact of currency accounted for a 14% increase, volume and mix added 3%, offset by a 1% decrease due to the divestiture of a private label business in the United Kingdom. In Europe, sales increased primarily due to the favorable impact of currency. In Asia Pacific, sales increased primarily due to the favorable impact of currency and growth of soup, broth and V8 beverages.

Gross Margin

Gross margin, defined as net sales less cost of products sold, increased $93 million. As a percent of sales, gross margin decreased from 44.1% in 2003 to 42.1% in 2004. The percentage decrease was primarily due to costs associated with quality and packaging improvements (approximately 1.1 percentage points), product mix and currency (approximately 0.8 percentage points), higher pension costs and the impact of acquisitions (approximately 0.4 percentage points), and the impact of inflation and other factors (approximately 2.7 percentage points) partially offset by higher selling prices (approximately 1.1 percentage points), productivity improvements (approximately 1.7 percentage points) and reduced promotional spending (approximately 0.2 percentage points).

Marketing and Selling Expenses

Marketing and selling expenses increased 5% in 2004 primarily as a result of the impact of currency translation. As a percent of sales, Marketing and selling expenses were 16% in 2004 and 17% in 2003.

Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses increased by $23 million, or 10%, primarily due to the impact of currency translation (approximately 5 percentage points) and expenses related to litigation and employee benefit costs.

24


 

Operating Earnings

Segment operating earnings increased 5% from the prior year.

An analysis of operating earnings by reportable segment follows:

                         
    (millions)
   
    2004
  2003
  % Change
North America Soup and Away From Home
  $ 441     $ 414       7 %
North America Sauces and Beverages
    150       161       (7 )
Biscuits and Confectionery
    136       129       5  
International Soup and Sauces
    74       60       23  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Subtotal
    801       764       5  
Corporate
    (58 )     (49 )        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 743     $ 715       4 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Earnings from North America Soup and Away From Home increased 7% primarily due to the increase in sales.

Earnings from North America Sauces and Beverages decreased 7% due to higher costs of packaging and ingredients, costs associated with quality improvements and unfavorable sales mix.

Earnings from Biscuits and Confectionery increased 5% due to the favorable impact of currency (approximately 8 percentage points). The year ago period was impacted by an $8 million gain on the sale of a biscuit plant in Australia. The current year included a $4 million insurance settlement payment related to the loss on September 11, 2001 of Godiva’s World Trade Center store.

Earnings from International Soup and Sauces increased 23% primarily due to the impact of currency (approximately 15 percentage points) and the sales gains.

Corporate expenses increased to $58 million from $49 million primarily due to increases in legal expenses related to ongoing litigation.

Nonoperating Items

Interest expense decreased to $85 million from $91 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower levels of short-term debt and interest rates.

The effective tax rate for the six months was 32.2% for 2004 and 2003. The effective tax rate for the 2003 year was 32.2%.

25


 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The company generated cash from operations of $332 million compared to $473 million last year. This reduction in cash flow reflects a $50 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan, a higher seasonal increase in working capital than a year ago, and cash settlements of foreign exchange forward contracts and cross-currency swaps related to the financing of foreign operations. These factors were partially offset by increased earnings.

Capital expenditures were $76 million compared to $93 million a year ago. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $290 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $283 million in fiscal 2003, with the increase driven by currency.

Businesses acquired, as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows, reflect the acquisitions of Snack Foods Limited and Erin Foods in Ireland in the first quarter of 2003 and the acquisition of certain brands from George Weston Foods Limited in Australia in the first quarter of 2004.

The company purchased 710,000 shares in the six month period ended February 1, 2004 at a cost of approximately $19 million. The company repurchased 120,000 shares in the six month period last year at a cost of approximately $3 million. The company expects to repurchase sufficient shares over time to offset the impact of dilution from shares issued under incentive stock compensation plans.

In September 2003, the company issued $300 million ten-year 4.875% fixed-rate notes. The proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. While planning for the issuance of these notes, the company entered into treasury lock agreements with a notional value of $100 million that effectively fixed a portion of the interest rate on the debt prior to issuance. These agreements were settled at a minimal gain upon issuance of the notes, which will be amortized over the life of the notes. In connection with this issuance, the company entered into ten-year interest rate swaps that convert $200 million of the fixed-rate debt to variable.

In September 2003, the company also entered into $100 million five-year interest rate swaps that convert a portion of the 5.875% fixed-rate notes due October 2008 to variable.

At February 1, 2004, the company had approximately $908 million of notes payable due within one year and $34 million of standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the company. The company maintains $1.8 billion of committed revolving credit facilities, which remain unused at February 1, 2004, except for the $34 million of standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the company. In September 2003, the company entered into a $900 million committed 364-day revolving credit facility, which replaced an existing $900 million 364-day facility that matured in September 2003. The 364-day revolving credit facility contains a one-year term-out feature. The company also has a $900 million revolving credit facility that matures in September 2006. The credit facilities support the company’s commercial paper program. The company is in compliance with the covenants contained in its revolving credit facilities and debt securities.

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Shareowners’ equity includes a minimum liability, net of tax, of $214 million in 2004 and $209 million in 2003, principally related to a U.S. pension plan. Following stock market declines in July 2002, and continuing through 2003, the fair value of assets included in certain pension funds fell below the accumulated benefit obligation. As required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the company recognized the additional minimum liability and reclassified an existing pension asset to equity. Pension expense is expected to increase in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to a lower discount rate and a reduction in the estimated return on plan assets. As previously noted, the company made a $50 million voluntary contribution to a U.S. pension plan in 2004.

The company guarantees approximately 1,200 bank loans to Pepperidge Farm independent sales distributors by third party financial institutions used to purchase distribution routes. The maximum potential amount of the future payments the company could be required to make under the guarantees is approximately $86 million. The company’s guarantees are indirectly secured by the distribution routes. The company does not believe that it is probable that it will be required to make guarantee payments as a result of defaults on the bank loans guaranteed. See also Note (l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on guarantees.

The company believes that foreseeable liquidity, including the resolution of the contingencies described in Note (k) to the Consolidated Financial Statements and capital resource requirements, are expected to be met through anticipated cash flows from operations, management of working capital, long-term borrowings under its shelf registration, and short-term borrowings, including commercial paper. The company believes that its sources of financing are adequate to meet its future liquidity and capital resource requirements. The cost and terms of any future financing arrangements depend on the market conditions and the company’s financial position at that time.

Significant Accounting Estimates

The consolidated financial statements of the company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. The significant accounting policies of the company are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the significant accounting estimates are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The impact of new accounting standards is discussed in the following section. There have been no other changes in the company’s accounting policies in the current period that had a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operation.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51.” This Interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of certain variable interest entities (VIEs). The Interpretation as amended is effective immediately for all enterprises with interests in VIEs created after January 31, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised version of FIN 46 (FIN 46R) which clarified the provisions of FIN 46 by addressing implementation issues. FIN 46R must be applied to all entities subject to the Interpretation as of the first interim quarter ending after March 15, 2004. The company has investments of approximately $150 million as of February 1, 2004 consisting of limited partnership interests in affordable housing partnership funds. The company’s ownership ranges from approximately 12% to 19%. The company evaluated the nature of these investments, which were in existence before January 31, 2003, against the provisions of the guidance and determined that such investments do not need to be consolidated in the financial statements. The company will continue to monitor modifications to the Interpretation.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, could be classified as equity or “mezzanine” equity, by now requiring those instruments to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the statement of financial position. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. The guidance in SFAS No. 150 is generally effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and is otherwise effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this standard did not impact the financial statements.

In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” which requires additional disclosures for benefit plans. The standard requires quarterly disclosure of the various components of pension expense and expanded annual disclosures, such as describing the types of plan assets, investment strategy, and measurement dates. The company will include interim disclosure requirements in the Form 10-Q for the third quarter 2004. Annual disclosures will be provided in the 2004 Form 10-K.

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for prescription drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree medical plans. The company sponsors medical programs for certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this legislation will eventually reduce the costs for some of these programs. The company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the legislation since guidance from various governmental and regulatory agencies concerning the requirements that must be met to obtain these cost reductions, as well as the manner in which such savings should be measured, is still pending. In addition, authoritative guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy provided to a qualified employer-sponsored drug plan is pending. The expected effects of the Act will be factored into the

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company’s annual year-end measurement of postretirement medical obligations and related expense calculation for fiscal 2005. If the final authoritative accounting guidance is issued after the provisions of the Act are reflected in the year-end measurement of the obligation and net postretirement medical costs estimate for fiscal 2005, the guidance could require the company to change previously reported information.

Recent Developments

On February 12, 2004, the company announced a new organization structure for its North American businesses.

On February 23, 2004, the company announced results for the second quarter 2004 and commented on the outlook for earnings per share for the third quarter of 2004 and for the full year. In that announcement, the company maintained its previous earnings estimate of approximately $1.58 per share for 2004 and announced that it expects diluted earnings to be approximately $.31 per share for the third quarter of 2004.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains certain statements that reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of the company. The company tries, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will” and similar expressions. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements reflect the company’s current plans and expectations and are based on information currently available to it. They rely on a number of assumptions regarding future events and estimates which could be inaccurate and which are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.

The company wishes to caution the reader that the following important factors and those important factors described in other Securities and Exchange Commission filings of the company, or in the company’s 2003 Annual Report, could affect the company’s actual results and could cause such results to vary materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company:

    the company’s ability to achieve the goals of its “transformation plan”;
 
    the impact of strong competitive response to the company’s efforts to leverage its brand power with product innovation, promotional programs and new advertising, and of changes in consumer demand for the company’s products;
 
    the risks in the marketplace associated with trade and consumer acceptance of product improvements, shelving initiatives and new product introductions;
 
    the company’s ability to achieve sales and earnings forecasts, which are based on assumptions about sales volume and product mix and the impact of increased marketing investments;

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    the company’s ability to realize forecasted cost savings;
 
    the company’s ability to successfully manage changes to its business processes, including selling, distribution, production capacity and the integration of acquisitions;
 
    the increased significance of certain of the company’s key trade customers;
 
    the difficulty of predicting the pattern of inventory movements by the company’s trade customers and of predicting changes in the policies of its customers, such as changes in customer inventory levels and access to shelf space;
 
    the impact of fluctuations in the supply and cost of raw materials;
 
    the impact of unforeseen economic changes in currency exchange rates, tax rates, interest rates, equity markets, inflation rates, recession and other external factors over which the company has no control, including the possibility of increased pension expense and contributions resulting from lower interest rates and declines in stock market returns; and
 
    the impact of unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of the company’s markets due to political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities or other calamities.

This discussion of uncertainties is by no means exhaustive but is designed to highlight important factors that may impact the company’s outlook. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update any forward-looking statements made by the company in order to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information regarding the company’s exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2003. There have been no significant changes in the company’s portfolio of financial instruments or market risk exposures from the fiscal 2003 year-end except as follows:

In August 2003, the company entered into a pay variable CAD/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $53 million. The company also entered into two pay fixed CAD/receive fixed USD swaps with notional values of $61 million each.

In August 2003, a pay fixed SEK/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $31 million matured. The company entered into a pay variable SEK/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $18 million which matures in 2005.

In October 2003, the company entered into a pay variable GBP/receive variable USD swap with a notional value of $125 million to replace a portion of a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.

In December 2003, the company entered into a pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $30 million to replace a portion of a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.

In January 2004, the company entered into two pay variable EUR/receive variable USD swaps with notional values of $32 million and $137 million. Both swaps replaced foreign exchange forward contracts that matured.

On February 19, 2004, the company entered into a pay fixed GBP/receive fixed USD swap with a notional value of $40 million to replace a foreign exchange forward contract that matured.

In addition, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion in Item 2 for information on the interest rate swap activity in fiscal 2004.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  a.   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
      The company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of February 1, 2004 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, and are reasonably designed to ensure that all material information relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
  b.   Changes in Internal Controls
 
      During the quarter ended February 1, 2004, there were no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As previously reported, on March 30, 1998, the company effected a spinoff of several of its non-core businesses to Vlasic Foods International Inc. (“VFI”). VFI and several of its affiliates (collectively, “Vlasic”) commenced cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on January 29, 2001 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Vlasic’s Second Amended Joint Plan of Distribution under Chapter 11 (the “Plan”) was confirmed by an order of the Bankruptcy Court dated November 16, 2001, and became effective on or about November 29, 2001. The Plan provides for the assignment of various causes of action allegedly belonging to the Vlasic estates, including claims against the company allegedly arising from the spinoff, to VFB L.L.C., a limited liability company (“VFB”) whose membership interests are to be distributed under the Plan to Vlasic’s general unsecured creditors.

On February 19, 2002, VFB commenced a lawsuit against the company and several of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging, among other things, fraudulent conveyance, illegal dividends and breaches of fiduciary duty by Vlasic directors alleged to be under the company’s control. The lawsuit seeks to hold the company liable in an amount necessary to satisfy all unpaid claims against Vlasic (which VFB estimates in the amended complaint to be $200 million), plus unspecified exemplary and punitive damages. While the ultimate disposition of complex litigation is inherently difficult to assess, the company believes the action is without merit and is defending the case vigorously.

As also previously reported, the company received an Examination Report from the Internal Revenue Service on December 23, 2002, which included a challenge to the treatment of gains and interest deductions claimed in the company’s fiscal 1995 federal income tax return, relating to transactions involving government securities. If the proposed adjustment were upheld, it would require the company to pay a net amount of approximately $100 million in taxes, accumulated interest to date, and penalties. Interest will continue to accrue until the matter is resolved. The company believes these transactions were properly reported on its federal income tax return in accordance with applicable tax laws and regulations in effect during the period involved and is challenging these adjustments vigorously. While the outcome of proceedings of this type cannot be predicted with certainty, the company believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.

As also previously reported, the company began discussions in April 2003 with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) regarding certain air emissions from the company’s South Plainfield, New Jersey flavoring and spice mix plant. These emissions may exceed limits established pursuant to the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act. The discussions are expected to result in the company modifying existing process equipment and installing air emission control equipment on an agreed upon schedule, which the company anticipates will cost up to $1.5 million. In addition,

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the NJDEP will likely require other expenditures, which the company anticipates will not exceed $500 thousand. As of February 1, 2004, the company incurred costs of approximately $236 thousand related to the evaluation of this issue. The company does not expect that the cost of installing the emission control equipment or any other expenditure required by the NJDEP will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.

As also previously reported, in July 2003, the company began discussions with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) regarding certain air emissions from the company’s Milwaukee, Wisconsin flavoring and spice mix plant. These emissions may exceed limits established pursuant to the Wisconsin Clean Air Act Program. The discussions are likely to result in the company installing air emission control equipment on an agreed upon schedule. The WDNR may require additional expenditures, which cannot be determined at this time. As of February 1, 2004, the company incurred costs of approximately $168 thousand related to the evaluation of this issue, and the company expects to spend up to $1 million (exclusive of any other amounts) on the installation of required air emissions control equipment. The company does not expect that the cost of installing the emission control equipment or any other expenditures required by the WDNR will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.

As also previously reported, on July 15, 2003, Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, made a submission to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) relating to its use and replacement of certain appliances containing ozone-depleting refrigerants. The submission was made pursuant to the terms of the Ozone-Depleting Substance Emission Reduction Bakery Partnership Agreement (the “EPA Agreement”) entered into by and between Pepperidge Farm and the EPA. Pepperidge Farm executed the EPA Agreement in April 2002 as part of a voluntary EPA-sponsored program relating to the reduction of ozone-depleting refrigerants used in the bakery industry. As a result of the EPA Agreement, as of February 1, 2004, Pepperidge Farm has incurred costs of approximately $4 million relating to the evaluation and replacement of certain of its refrigerant appliances. If the submission is approved by the EPA, in addition to the expenditures previously made, Pepperidge Farm will be required to (i) pay a penalty in the amount of approximately $370 thousand, and (ii) replace certain additional refrigerant appliances, which Pepperidge Farm expects to cost approximately $750 thousand. In December 2003, in anticipation of the EPA’s approval of the submission, Pepperidge Farm began replacing the additional refrigerant appliances. The company does not expect that the cost of complying with the EPA Agreement will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition or results of operation of the company.

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

  a.   Campbell’s Annual Meeting of Shareowners was held on November 21, 2003.
 
  b.   The matters voted upon and the results of the vote are as follows:

     Election of Directors

                 
    Number of Shares
Name
  For
  Withheld
Edmund M. Carpenter
    366,393,563       8,231,595  
Paul R. Charron
    368,171,694       6,453,464  
Douglas R. Conant
    368,178,430       6,446,728  
Bennett Dorrance
    359,355,639       15,269,519  
Kent B. Foster
    366,370,725       8,254,433  
Harvey Golub
    359,384,365       15,240,793  
Randall W. Larrimore
    357,527,634       17,097,524  
Philip E. Lippincott
    359,318,258       15,306,900  
Mary Alice D. Malone
    368,153,933       6,471,225  
David C. Patterson
    368,178,099       6,447,059  
Charles R. Perrin
    357,607,954       17,017,204  
George M. Sherman
    359,384,882       15,240,276  
Donald M. Stewart
    359,295,415       15,329,743  
George Strawbridge, Jr.
    368,055,758       6,569,400  
Les C. Vinney
    368,076,847       6,548,311  
Charlotte C. Weber
    359,382,936       15,242,222  

Ratification of Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Accountants

                                                              
    For
  Against
  Abstentions
  Broker Non-Votes
Ratification of Appointment
    363,968,035       8,493,376       2,163,747       0  
of Accountants
                               

Approval of the company’s 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan

                                 
    For
  Against
  Abstentions
  Broker Non-Votes
Approval of the company’s
    318,548,877       33,404,545       2,517,951       20,153,785  
2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan
                               

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  a.   Exhibits

     
10(i) Campbell Soup Company 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with the company’s 2003 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
      31(i) Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
 
      31(ii) Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
 
      32(i) Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
      32(ii) Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

  b.   Reports on Form 8-K

On November 24, 2003, the company furnished a report on Form 8-K to provide a copy of the press release dated that day announcing financial results for the quarter ended November 2, 2003.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

         
    CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY
 
       
Date: March 16, 2004
  By:   /s/ Robert A. Schiffner
     
 
      Robert A. Schiffner
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
       
  By:   /s/ Ellen Oran Kaden
     
 
      Ellen Oran Kaden
Senior Vice President
Law and Government Affairs


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibits

10(i) Campbell Soup Company 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with the company’s 2003 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

31(i) Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31(ii) Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32(i) Certification of Douglas R. Conant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32(ii) Certification of Robert A. Schiffner pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.