ConAgra Q3Mar04

Packaged Foods sales increased 4% excluding divestitures, with 2% volume growth. Several brands posted sales growth including Armour, Banquet, and Blue Bonnet, while others like ACT II and Butterball declined. Sales comparability was affected by $155 million in divested businesses last year. Operating profit grew 5% in Packaged Foods and 10% overall when adjusting for divested businesses and cost savings initiatives. The company is implementing cost cutting measures expected to save more than implementation costs in the future.