<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001628280-15-009172.txt : 20160525
<SEC-HEADER>0001628280-15-009172.hdr.sgml : 20160525
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20151203093744
<PRIVATE-TO-PUBLIC>
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001628280-15-009172
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	CORRESP
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
FILED AS OF DATE:		20151203

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			CONAGRA FOODS INC /DE/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000023217
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	FOOD & KINDRED PRODUCTS [2000]
		IRS NUMBER:				470248710
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0531

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		CORRESP

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE CONAGRA DR
		CITY:			OMAHA
		STATE:			NE
		ZIP:			68102
		BUSINESS PHONE:		4022404000

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		ONE CONAGRA DRIVE
		CITY:			OMAHA
		STATE:			NE
		ZIP:			68102

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	CONAGRA INC /DE/
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	NEBRASKA CONSOLIDATED MILLS CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19721201
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>CORRESP
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>filename1.htm
<TEXT>
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<a name="sb57743b971f342f18dd56d8589180cc6"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">December 3, 2015</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">VIA EDGAR</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Mr. Ethan Horowitz, Branch Chief, Office of Natural Resources</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Sandy Eisen</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Division of Corporation Finance</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">100 F Street, N.E.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">RE:</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">ConAgra Foods, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 (&#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Form 10-K</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#8221;)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Filed July 17, 2015</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">File No. 001-07275</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Dear Ms. Eisen:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">This letter sets forth the response of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (&#8220;we&#8221; or the &#8220;Company&#8221;) to the Staff's additional comment letter dated November 20, 2015 on the above referenced Form 10-K.  We have also included each comment along with our responses to aid in the review process.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2015</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">Management&#8217;s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, page 17</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">Liquidity and Capital Resources, page 28</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">Sources of Liquidity and Capital, page 28</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Your response to prior comment 1 refers to the statement in your Form 10-K that management believes that existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet your working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and payment of anticipated dividends for at least the next twelve months.  However, it does not appear that you have provided sufficient detail to enable a financial statement user to understand your basis for this statement.  Please revise your disclosure to provide additional detail addressing your ability to meet upcoming cash requirements over both the short and long term.  Refer to section VI of SEC Release No. 33-8350.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Response</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In order to clarify our disclosures in this regard, we propose to add the following additional verbiage to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&amp;A in future filings.  This language would be in addition to the language we included in our prior comment letter response and in our most recently filed Form 10-Q (as set forth below):</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;">&#8220;We expect to generate significant cash flows from operations in fiscal 2016, and we have access to the $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, our commercial paper program, and the capital markets. We believe we have  access to additional bank loan facilities, if needed. We also expect to receive approximately $2.7 billion in proceeds from the sale of the Private Brands business prior to the end of fiscal 2016.  </font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sb57743b971f342f18dd56d8589180cc6"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;">Although we have not finalized plans for our future capital structure, management believes the aforementioned sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet required debt repayments, planned capital expenditures, working capital needs, and payment of anticipated quarterly dividends for the foreseeable future.&#8221;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Previously included language in our prior response and most recently filed Form 10-Q:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;">&#8220;Although a significant amount of our senior debt will mature during fiscal 2016, and over the next several years, we expect to maintain or have access to sufficient liquidity to either retire or refinance such debt, as market conditions warrant, from operating cash flows, our commercial paper program, proceeds from any divestitures, access to capital markets and our revolving credit facility.&#8221; </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures, page 58</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">2.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Your response to prior comment 5 states that the contribution of your milling operations to the Ardent Mills joint venture was a strategic shift that will have a major impact on your operations and financial results.  Please provide us with a detailed analysis supporting your conclusion that the disposal of your grain milling operation meets the requirements for discontinued operations presentation pursuant to ASU 2014-08.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Response</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In accordance with ASU No. 2015-08, management determined that the disposal of a controlling interest in the flour milling operations constituted a strategic shift that had a major impact on our operations and financial results.  The milling operations were the last of the purely commodity-based operations of the Company.  The entire line of business was contributed to the Ardent Mills joint venture.  The net sales and operating profit of the milling operations were $1.86 billion, and $235 million, respectively, in fiscal 2014 (the last year for which the results were presented in continuing operations).  This represented 10.5% and 18% of the company&#8217;s net sales and operating profit, respectively, during fiscal 2014.  Management of the Company determined that the disposal of a controlling interest of this entire line of business represented a strategic shift and the cited financial statement amounts to be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a &#8220;major impact&#8221; on the Company&#8217;s operations and financial results.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">***</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">The Company acknowledges that:</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">The Company is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in the filing;</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">staff comments or changes to disclosures in response to staff comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the filing; and</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">the Company may not assert staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;padding-left:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;padding-left:24px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">We continue to be willing to discuss with you any comments the staff may have.  Please contact me at 402-240-4686 with questions or comments on this response letter.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;padding-left:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:240px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sb57743b971f342f18dd56d8589180cc6"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Very truly yours,</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">/s/ John Gehring</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">John Gehring</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:24px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">cc: Colleen Batcheler, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;&#32;Rob Wise, Senior Vice President, Controller, ConAgra Foods, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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