Strong brand names within the branded packaged foods industry Broad market penetration A solid liquidity position The company has moderately aggressive debt leverage for the rating. Its food service business has been slow to rebound after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. To expand its packaged food segment, ConAgra will embark on small brand food acquisitions. The ratings reflect ConAgra Foods Inc.'s relatively low business risk, which results from a diverse portfolio of leading packaged-food brands, as well as the company's good geographic coverage and solid liquidity position. These factors are partially offset by the company's moderate debt leverage for the rating. Standard&Poor's expects ConAgra Foods' operating margins to improve now that it has divested of its lower
