Exhibit 13
2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Table of Contents
Principal Locations
Summary of Selected Financial Data
Company Performance Graph
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stockholder Information
2
3
4
5
6
19
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
58
This report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this report, contains certain forward-looking
statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business
of Seaboard. Forward-looking statements generally may be identified as statements that are not historical in nature and
statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words: “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,”
“anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” or similar expressions. In more specific terms, forward-looking statements, include,
without limitation: statements concerning the projection of revenues, income or loss, capital expenditures, capital structure
or other financial items, including the impact of mark-to-market accounting on operating income; statements regarding the
plans and objectives of management for future operations; statements of future economic performance; statements
regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Seaboard and its management with respect to: (i) Seaboard’s ability
to obtain adequate financing and liquidity; (ii) the price of feed stocks and other materials used by Seaboard; (iii) the sales
price or market conditions for pork, grains, sugar, alcohol, turkey and other products and services; (iv) the recorded tax
effects under certain circumstances and changes in tax laws; (v) the volume of business and working capital requirements
associated with the competitive trading environment for the Commodity Trading and Milling segment; (vi) the charter hire
rates and fuel prices for vessels; (vii) the fuel costs and spot market prices for electricity in the Dominican Republic;
(viii) the effect of the fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates; (ix) the profitability or sales volume of any of
Seaboard’s segments; (x) the anticipated costs and completion timetables for Seaboard’s scheduled capital improvements,
acquisitions and dispositions; (xi) the productive capacity of facilities that are planned or under construction, and the
timing of the commencement of operations at such facilities; or (xii) other trends affecting Seaboard’s financial condition
or results of operations, and statements of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements.
This list of forward-looking statements is not exclusive. Seaboard undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise
any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties and
assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a
variety of factors. The information contained in this report, including, without limitation, the information under the
captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Letter to
Stockholders” identifies important factors which could cause such differences.
2018 Annual Report 1
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Principal Locations
Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries together comprise a diverse global agribusiness and transportation company whose
business is described below under “Management's Discussion and Analysis – Overview”.
Corporate Office
Seaboard Corporation
Merriam, Kansas
Pork
Seaboard Foods LLC
Pork Division Office
Merriam, Kansas
Processing Plants
Guymon, Oklahoma
Mexico
Sioux City, Iowa*
Biodiesel Operations
Guymon, Oklahoma
St. Joseph, Missouri
Daily’s Premium Meats, LLC*
Missoula, Montana
Salt Lake City, Utah
St. Joseph, Missouri
Commodity Trading and Milling
Commodity Trading Operations
Atlanta, Georgia*
Australia*
Canada
Morrisville, North Carolina
Colombia
Ecuador
Greece
Isle of Man
Kenya
Monaco
Peru*
South Africa
Africa Poultry Development Limited*
Kenya and Zambia
Bag Yaglari Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.*
Turkey
Beira Grain Terminal, S.A.
Mozambique
Belarina Alimentos S.A.
Brazil
Bolux Group (Proprietary) Limited*
Botswana
Compania Industrial de Productos
Agropecuarios S.A.*
Colombia
Fill-More Seeds Inc.
Canada
Flour Mills of Ghana Limited
Ghana
Gambia Milling Corporation Limited*
Gambia
Grand Moulins de Mauritanie S.A.*
Lafito Logistics Holding Ltd.*
Mauritania
Bahamas & Haiti
Les Grands Moulins d’Abidjan
Representaciones Maritimas y Aereas, S.A.
Ivory Coast
Les Grands Moulins de Dakar
Senegal
Guatemala
Sea Cargo, S.A.
Panama
Les Moulins d’Haiti S.E.M.*
Seaboard de Colombia, S.A.
Haiti
Colombia
Lesotho Flour Mills Limited*
Seaboard de Nicaragua, S.A.
Lesotho
Life Flour Mill Limited*
Nigeria
Minoterie de Matadi, S.A.*
Democratic Republic of Congo
Minoterie du Congo S.A.
Republic of Congo
Moderna Alimentos, S.A.*
Ecuador
Molinos Champion, S.A.*
Ecuador
Nicaragua
Seaboard Freight & Shipping Jamaica Limited
Jamaica
Seaboard Honduras, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Honduras
Seaboard Marine (Trinidad) Limited
Trinidad
Seaboard Marine of Haiti, S.A.
Haiti
SEADOM, S.A.S.
Dominican Republic
National Milling Company of Guyana, Inc.
SeaMaritima, S.A. de C.V.
Guyana
National Milling Corporation Limited
Zambia
Paramount Mills (Proprietary) Limited*
South Africa
Rafael del Castillo & Cia. S.A.*
Colombia
RussellStone Protein (Pty) Ltd.*
South Africa
Societe Africaine de Developpement
Industriel Alimentaire, SARL*
Democratic Republic of Congo
Unga Holdings Limited*
Kenya
Zalar Holding S.A.*
Morocco
Marine
Seaboard Marine Ltd.
Marine Division Office
Miami, Florida
Port Operations
Brooklyn, New York
Miami, Florida
New Orleans, Louisiana
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Agencia Maritima del Istmo, S.A.
Costa Rica
Jacintoport International LLC
Houston, Texas
Kingston Wharves Limited*
Jamaica
Mexico
Sugar and Alcohol
Ingenio y Refineria San Martin del
Tabacal S.R.L.
Argentina
Power
Transcontinental Capital Corp. (Bermuda) Ltd.
Dominican Republic
La Compania de Electricidad de San Pedro de Macoris*
Dominican Republic
Turkey
Butterball, LLC*
Division Office
Garner, North Carolina
Processing Plants
Carthage, Missouri
Huntsville, Arkansas
Mt. Olive, North Carolina
Ozark, Arkansas
Further Processing Plants
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Raeford, North Carolina
Other
Mount Dora Farms de Honduras, S.R.L.
Honduras
Mount Dora Farms Inc.
Houston, Texas
*Represents a non-controlled, non-consolidated affiliate
2 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Summary of Selected Financial Data
(Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
Net sales
Operating income
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Seaboard
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Total assets
Long-term debt, less current maturities
Stockholders’ equity
Dividends declared per common share (e)
Years ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2014
2018
$ 5,379 $ 5,594 $ 6,473
$ 6,583 $ 5,809
424
240
209 $
$
$
367 (d)
247 (a)(b)$
(17)(a) $
$
$ (14.61)(a) $ 211.01 (a)(b)$ 266.50 (a) $ 146.44 (c) $ 311.44 (d)
$ 4,755 $ 4,431 $ 3,692
$ 5,307 $ 5,161
—
$
482
739 $
$
$ 3,175 $ 2,882 $ 2,735
$ 3,329 $ 3,408
—
$
$ 6.00 $ 6.00
126 $
171 (c) $
230 $
312 (a) $
499 $
518 $
— $
— $
(a)
(b)
(c)
In 2018, net loss attributable to Seaboard includes other investment losses of $152 million, which includes
$110 million of non-cash, unrealized mark-to-market losses on short-term investments. In 2017 and 2016, net
earnings included other investment income of $177 million and $69 million, respectively.
In 2017, Seaboard recorded $65 million of additional income tax expense, or $55.31 per common share, as a
result of the December 22, 2017 enactment of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “2017 Tax Act”). The additional
income tax expense included a provisional $112 million of additional federal tax, payable over eight years,
associated with the mandatory deemed repatriation of permanently invested foreign profits, offset by an estimated
reduction in deferred taxes resulting from the rate decrease from 35% to 21%. See Note 13 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on the 2017 Tax Act.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, Seaboard recorded interest income of $23 million, net of taxes ($31 million before
taxes), or $19.49 per common share, for interest recognized on certain outstanding customer receivable balances
in its Power segment. This interest income related to amounts determined to be collectible as of
December 31, 2015, but previously had been considered uncollectable in prior years. This amount was fully
collected by Seaboard in January 2016.
(d) On September 27, 2014, Seaboard’s Pork segment sold to Triumph a 50% interest in Daily’s. Included in net
earnings attributable to Seaboard for 2014 is a gain on sale of controlling interest in subsidiary of $40 million,
net of taxes ($66 million gain before taxes), or $34.14 per common share.
(e)
In 2017, Seaboard resumed declaring quarterly dividends and paid them in the amount of $1.50 per common
share per quarter. In December 2012, Seaboard declared and paid a dividend of $12.00 per common share. The
amount of the dividend represented a prepayment of the annual 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 dividends ($3.00 per
common share per year). Basic and diluted earnings per common share are the same for all periods presented.
2018 Annual Report 3
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Company Performance Graph
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires a five-year comparison of stock performance for Seaboard with that of
an appropriate broad equity market index and similar industry index. Seaboard’s common stock is traded on the NYSE
American and provides an appropriate comparison for Seaboard’s stock performance. Because there is no single industry
index to compare stock performance, the companies comprising the Dow Jones Food and Marine Transportation Industry
indices (the “Peer Group”) were chosen as the second comparison.
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total return for Seaboard Corporation, the NYSE
American Index and the companies comprising the Dow Jones United States (“U.S.”) Food Products and the Dow Jones
U.S. Marine Transportation indices, weighted by market capitalization for the five fiscal years commencing
December 31, 2013 and ending December 31, 2018. The information presented in the performance graph is historical in
nature and is not intended to represent or guarantee future returns.
The comparison of cumulative total returns presented in the above graph was plotted using the following index values and
common stock price values:
Seaboard Corporation
NYSE American
Peer Group
12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18
$ 100.00 $ 150.20 $ 103.57 $ 141.40 $ 158.02 $ 126.98
$ 100.00 $ 101.45 $ 72.08 $ 86.50 $ 85.89 $ 75.60
$ 100.00 $ 108.62 $ 117.37 $ 132.38 $ 133.46 $ 111.01
4 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Quarterl y Financial Data (unaudited)
(UNAUDITED)
(Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
2018
Net sales
Operating income
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Seaboard
Earnings (loss) per common share
2017
Net sales
Operating income
Net earnings attributable to Seaboard
Earnings per common share
1st
Total for
3rd
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter the Year
2nd
4th
$ 1,579 $ 1,691 $ 1,651 $ 1,662 $ 6,583
209
$
(17)
$
$ 26.75 $ 6.28 $ 29.93 $ (77.58)(a) $ (14.61)
43 $
(91)(a) $
32 $
7 $
37 $
35 $
97 $
32 $
$ 1,399 $ 1,422 $ 1,402 $ 1,586 $ 5,809
240
$
247
$
$ 71.84 $ 50.51 $ 69.28 $ 19.38 (b) $ 211.01
55 $
58 $
73 $
81 $
68 $
85 $
44 $
23 (b) $
(a) During the fourth quarter of 2018, Seaboard recorded other investment losses of $167 million, which includes
$122 million of non-cash, unrealized mark-to-market losses on short-term investments still held as of
December 31, 2018. As a comparison, other investment income of $58 million was recorded in the fourth quarter
of 2017.
(b) During the fourth quarter of 2017, Seaboard recorded $65 million of additional income tax expense, or $55.31
per common share, as a result of the December 22, 2017 enactment of the 2017 Tax Act. The additional income
tax expense included a provisional $112 million of additional federal tax, payable over eight years, associated
with the mandatory deemed repatriation of permanently invested foreign profits, partially offset by an estimated
reduction in deferred taxes resulting from the rate decrease from 35% to 21%. See Note 13 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on the 2017 Tax Act.
2018 Annual Report 5
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
OVERVIEW
Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Seaboard”) together comprise a diverse global agribusiness and transportation
company with operations in several industries. In the United States (“U.S.”), Seaboard is primarily engaged in hog
production, pork processing and ocean transportation. Overseas, Seaboard is primarily engaged in commodity
merchandising, grain processing, sugar and alcohol production and electric power generation. Seaboard also has an equity
method investment in Butterball, LLC (“Butterball”), a producer and processor of branded and non-branded turkey
products which it reports as a segment.
Sales and costs of Seaboard’s segments are significantly influenced by worldwide fluctuations in commodity prices and
changes in foreign political and economic conditions. Accordingly, sales, operating income and cash flows can fluctuate
significantly from year to year. As each segment operates in a distinct industry and a different geographic location,
management evaluates their operations separately. Seaboard’s reporting segments are based on information used by
Seaboard’s Chief Executive Officer to determine allocation of resources and assess performance, in his capacity as chief
operating decision maker.
Pork Segment
Seaboard’s Pork segment is a vertically integrated pork producer that primarily produces and sells fresh and frozen pork
products to further processors, food service operators, grocery stores, distributors and retail outlets. This segment’s sales
are primarily to U.S. customers with some export sales to Japan, Mexico, China and numerous other foreign markets. Pork
products include fresh pork, such as loins, tenderloins and ribs which are primarily sold to distributors and grocery stores
and fresh and frozen pork products sold in bulk to further processors who produce products, such as lunch meat, ham,
bacon and sausage. Pork product sales prices are directly affected by both domestic and worldwide supply and demand for
pork products and other proteins.
The Pork segment’s pork processing plant, located in Guymon, Oklahoma, generally operates at a double-shift processing
capacity of approximately six million hogs annually. Seaboard also has a ham boning and processing plant in Mexico. In
2018, Seaboard raised approximately 89% of the hogs processed at its processing plant, with the remaining hog
requirements purchased primarily under contracts with independent producers. Seaboard’s hog production facilities consist
of genetic and commercial breeding, farrowing, nursery and finishing buildings located in the central U.S. These facilities
have a capacity to produce over six million hogs annually. Seaboard owns and operates seven centrally located feed mills
to provide formulated feed to these hogs.
The Pork segment also produces biodiesel at facilities in Oklahoma and Missouri, which is sold to third parties. Biodiesel
is produced from pork fat supplied by Seaboard’s Oklahoma pork processing plant and from other animal fat and vegetable
oil purchased from third parties. The biodiesel is sold to fuel blenders for distribution.
Seaboard has a 50% noncontrolling interest in Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC (“STF”), which operates a pork processing
plant located in Iowa. STF began single-shift operations in September 2017 and a second shift commenced in October
2018. STF’s plant is designed to process about six million market hogs annually when operating at full capacity, which is
expected to occur by the end of 2019. Seaboard has agreements with STF and Triumph Foods, LLC (“Triumph”), an
independent pork processor, to market substantially all pork products produced at STF’s and Triumph’s pork processing
plants. Seaboard and Triumph also sell a portion of the hogs they raise to the STF plant to be processed. Seaboard’s sales
prices for its pork products are primarily based on a margin sharing arrangement that considers the average sales price and
mix of products sold from the Seaboard, Triumph and STF pork processing plants.
Sales prices are directly affected by both domestic and worldwide supply and demand for pork products and other proteins.
Feed accounts for the largest input cost in raising hogs and is materially affected by price changes for corn and soybean
meal. Market prices for hogs purchased from third parties for processing at the plant also represent a major cost factor.
Within the portfolio of Seaboard’s businesses, management believes profitability of the Pork segment is most susceptible
to commodity price fluctuations. As a result, this segment’s operating income and cash flows can materially fluctuate from
year to year, significantly affecting Seaboard’s consolidated operating income and cash flows. This segment is Seaboard’s
most capital-intensive segment, representing approximately 54% of Seaboard’s total fixed assets, in addition to 44% of
total inventories. With the Guymon plant generally operating at capacity, Seaboard is continually looking for ways to
enhance the plant’s operational efficiency, while also looking to increase margins by introducing new, higher value
products.
6 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
Commodity Trading and Milling Segment
Seaboard’s Commodity Trading and Milling (“CT&M”) segment, which is managed under the name of Seaboard Overseas
and Trading Group, is an integrated agricultural commodity trading, processing and logistics company. Overall the CT&M
segment has facilities in 31 countries, primarily in Africa, South America, the Caribbean and Europe. This division sources,
transports and markets approximately 11 million metric tons per year of wheat, corn, soybeans, soybean meal and other
commodities. This segment represents approximately 47% of Seaboard’s total inventories as of December 31, 2018.
The commodity trading business has 13 offices in 12 countries, in addition to four non-consolidated affiliates in three other
countries. The grain processing business, which includes 8 consolidated and 19 non-consolidated affiliates, operates
facilities at 42 locations in 23 countries, with wheat flour mills located in 19 countries. Seaboard and its affiliates produce
approximately six million metric tons of wheat flour, maize meal, manufactured feed and oilseed crush commodities per
year in addition to other related grain-based products. The CT&M segment has invested in several entities in recent years
and continues to seek opportunities to expand its trading, milling and agro-processing businesses.
The majority of the CT&M segment’s sales are derived from sourcing agricultural commodities from multiple origins
which are delivered to third-party and affiliate customers in various international locations. The execution of these
purchase and delivery transactions have long cycles of completion, which may extend for several months with a high
degree of price volatility. As a result, these factors can significantly affect sales volumes, operating income, working
capital and related cash flows from period to period. Although this segment owns three vessels, the majority of the trading
business is transacted with chartered ships. Consolidated and non-consolidated affiliates operate the grain processing
business in foreign countries that are, in most cases, lesser developed. Foreign operations can be significantly impacted by
changes in local crop production, political instability and local government policies, as well as fluctuations in economic
and industry conditions and foreign currency exchange rates. This segment’s sales are also significantly affected by
fluctuating prices of various commodities, such as wheat, corn, soybeans and soybean meal. Exports from various countries
can exacerbate volatile market conditions that may have a significant impact on both the trading and milling businesses’
sales and operating income. Profit margins are sometimes protected by using commodity derivatives and other risk
management practices.
Marine Segment
Seaboard’s Marine segment provides cargo shipping services in the U.S. and 28 countries in the Caribbean and Central
and South America. This segment’s primary operations are at PortMiami and include a terminal and an off-port warehouse
for cargo consolidation and temporary storage. At the Port of Houston, Seaboard’s Marine segment operates a cargo
terminal facility that includes on-dock warehouse space for temporary storage of bagged grains, resins and other cargoes.
Seaboard also makes scheduled vessel calls to Brooklyn, New Orleans, Philadelphia and various ports in the Caribbean
and Central and South America. The Marine segment uses a network of offices and agents throughout the U.S., Canada,
the Caribbean and Central and South America to sell freight. Seaboard’s capabilities allow transport by truck or rail of
import and export cargo to and from various U.S. ports. This segment’s fleet consists of 19 chartered and 3 owned vessels,
and includes dry, refrigerated and specialized containers and other cargo related equipment.
Fluctuations in economic conditions and political instability in the regions or countries in which this segment operates
may affect trade volumes and operating profits. In addition, cargo rates can fluctuate depending on regional supply and
demand for shipping services. Because the Marine segment time-charters the majority of its ocean cargo vessels, it is
affected by fluctuations in charter hire rates as well as fuel costs. This segment continues to explore ways to increase
volumes on existing routes while seeking opportunities to broaden its route structure in the regions it serves.
Sugar and Alcohol Segment
In Argentina, Seaboard’s Sugar and Alcohol segment operates a vertically integrated production facility with an annual
capacity to crush approximately three million metric tons of sugar cane and produce approximately 250,000 metric tons
of sugar and approximately 33 million gallons of alcohol. Seaboard grows sugarcane on its owned land in Argentina to
supply most of the raw material processed in its plant. The sugar is primarily marketed locally, with some exports to the
U.S. and other countries. The alcohol is marketed to industrial users or sold as dehydrated alcohol to certain oil companies
under the Argentine governmental bio-ethanol program, which requires alcohol be blended with gasoline. This segment
also owns a 51-megawatt cogeneration power plant, which is fueled by the burning of sugarcane by-products, natural gas
and other biomass when available.
The Sugar and Alcohol segment’s sales and operating income are significantly affected by local and worldwide sugar and
alcohol prices. Domestic sugar production levels in Argentina affect the local price. Global sugar price fluctuations, to a
2018 Annual Report 7
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
lesser extent, have an impact in Argentina as well. Historically, the functional currency of this segment was the Argentine
peso, but during the third quarter of 2018 highly inflationary accounting was adopted and the U.S. dollar became the
functional currency for U.S. GAAP purposes. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion
on highly inflationary accounting. The currency exchange rate can have an impact on reported U.S. dollar sales, operating
income and cash flows.
Power Segment
Seaboard’s Power segment is an unregulated independent power producer that generates electricity for the Dominican
Republic power grid. This segment owns and operates a power generating barge, located on the Ozama River, that contains
a system of engines capable of using natural gas or heavy fuel oil to produce up to 108 megawatts of electricity. The
Power segment sells the electricity it generates primarily on the spot market to government-owned distribution companies
and is subject to delays in obtaining timely collections from sales to these government-related entities. Supply of power in
the Dominican Republic is determined by a government body and is subject to fluctuations based on governmental
budgetary constraints. While fuel is this segment’s largest cost component and is subject to price fluctuations, higher fuel
costs generally have been passed on to customers. In November 2018, Seaboard’s Power segment entered into a contract
to build a new floating power barge with capacity to generate approximately 146 megawatts of electricity using gaseous
fuels, including natural gas.
Turkey Segment
Seaboard has a 50% noncontrolling interest in Butterball, a vertically integrated producer and processor of branded and
non-branded turkey products. Butterball has four processing plants, two further processing plants and numerous live
production and feed milling operations located in North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. These facilities produce
over one billion pounds of turkey each year. Butterball is a national supplier to retail stores, foodservice outlets and
industrial entities, and also exports products to Mexico and numerous other foreign markets. Sales prices are directly
affected by both domestic and worldwide supply and demand for turkey products and other proteins. Feed accounts for
the largest input cost in raising turkeys and is materially affected by price changes for corn and soybean meal. As a result,
commodity price fluctuations can significantly affect the profitability and cash flows of Butterball.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Summary of Sources and Uses of Cash
Cash and short-term investments as of December 31, 2018 decreased $162 million from December 31, 2017. The decrease
was primarily the result of a business acquisition and lower repayments of affiliate notes receivables, partially offset by
debt proceeds. Cash from operating activities decreased $7 million from 2017.
Cash and short-term investments as of December 31, 2017 increased $338 million from December 31, 2016. The increase
was primarily the result of net cash from operating activities of $245 million, repayments of affiliate notes receivable of
$167 million and proceeds from short-term and long-term debt of $83 million. Partially offsetting the increase was cash
used for capital expenditures of $173 million. Cash from operating activities decreased $182 million from 2016 primarily
as a result of lower net earnings including adjustments and working capital changes.
Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Other Investing Activities
During 2018, Seaboard invested $162 million in property, plant and equipment, of which $86 million was in the Pork
segment, $29 million in the CT&M segment, $18 million in the Marine segment, $5 million in the Sugar and Alcohol
segment, $23 million in the Power segment and the remaining amount in other businesses. The Pork segment expenditures
were primarily for additional hog finishing barns and its plant expansion project as further discussed below. The CT&M
segment expenditures were primarily for milling assets. The Power segment expenditures were primarily for its new power
barge under construction as further discussed below. All other capital expenditures were primarily of a normal recurring
nature such as replacements of machinery and equipment and general facility modernizations and upgrades.
The total budget for 2019 capital expenditures is $457 million. The Pork segment budgeted $217 million primarily for the
expansion of the Guymon pork processing plant and the construction or possible acquisition of additional biodiesel
production facilities. The plant will continue to operate at full production during the construction. The CT&M segment
budgeted $77 million primarily for milling assets, including silos, and other improvements to existing facilities and related
equipment. The Marine segment budgeted $40 million primarily for additional cargo carrying and handling equipment.
The Sugar and Alcohol segment budgeted $32 million primarily for alcohol fermentation expansion plans. The Power
segment budgeted $89 million for its new power barge. In November 2018, Seaboard’s Power segment entered into a
contract to build a new floating power barge with operations anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2021. The total cost
8 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
of the project is estimated to exceed $160 million. Seaboard’s Power segment continues to explore strategic alternatives,
including the possible sale or relocation of the existing power barge. The balance of $2 million is planned to be spent in
all other businesses. Management anticipates paying for these capital expenditures from a combination of available cash,
the use of available short-term investments and Seaboard’s available borrowing capacity.
During 2017, Seaboard invested $173 million in property, plant and equipment, of which $100 million was in the Pork
segment, $15 million in the CT&M segment, $37 million in the Marine segment and $20 million in the Sugar and Alcohol
segment. The Pork segment expenditures were primarily for improvements to existing facilities and additional hog
finishing barns. The Sugar and Alcohol segment expenditures were primarily related to a new bioethanol distillery. All
other capital expenditures were primarily of a normal recurring nature and included replacements of machinery and
equipment, and general facility modernizations and upgrades.
During 2016, Seaboard invested $158 million in property, plant and equipment, of which $69 million was in the Pork
segment, $35 million in the CT&M segment, $19 million in the Marine segment and $34 million in the Sugar and Alcohol
segment. The Pork segment expenditures were primarily for improvements to existing facilities and related equipment,
additional hog finishing barns and the June 2016 purchase and improvement of a biodiesel plant in St. Joseph, Missouri
for $6 million that became operational in the third quarter of 2016. Of the CT&M segment expenditures, $29 million was
for the construction of two dry bulk vessels, which were delivered and then sold and leased back by Seaboard at book
value of $44 million during the first quarter of 2016. The Marine segment expenditures were primarily for purchases of
cargo carrying and handling equipment. The Sugar and Alcohol segment expenditures were primarily for milling capacity
increases and fermentation and distillery equipment upgrades. All other capital expenditures were primarily of a normal
recurring nature and included replacements of machinery and equipment, and general facility modernizations and
upgrades.
During the first quarter of 2018, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired three flour mills and an associated grain trading
business located in Senegal, Ivory Coast and Monaco for total consideration of $324 million, net of cash acquired. The
acquisition was primarily funded using proceeds from Seaboard’s short-term investments and the incurrence of a note
payable to the sellers. With this business, the CT&M segment increased its flour and feed milling capacity and annual
grain trading volumes. Also, during the first quarter, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired a 50% noncontrolling interest
in a grain trading and flour milling business in Mauritania for total consideration of $16 million. See Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements for further information on this acquisition and Note 6 for further discussion of this non-
consolidated affiliate. Also, during 2018, Seaboard’s CT&M segment increased its ownership interest in a
non-consolidated affiliate and paid $5 million for shares purchased.
During 2017, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired a pulse and grain elevator in Canada for $14 million and invested an
additional $7 million in a grain trading and poultry business in Morocco, increasing its ownership interest in this Moroccan
business to 19.4%. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the elevator purchase
and Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this non-consolidated affiliate.
During 2017 and 2016, Seaboard contributed $73 million and $51 million, respectively, to STF for construction of its pork
processing plant in Iowa, which began operations in September 2017. In addition to capital contributions, Seaboard also
agreed to provide a portion of the hogs to be processed at the plant. During 2017 and 2016, Seaboard acquired hog
inventory and hog farms through acquisitions of existing farm operations for a total investment of $40 million and
$219 million, respectively. These assets increased Seaboard’s hog production capacity to meet the hog supply
commitment. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of certain acquisitions.
Seaboard purchased equity interests in limited liability companies that operate refined coal processing plants that generate
federal income tax credits. Seaboard’s funding commitment for these companies varies depending on production and,
based on current production estimates, is anticipated to be approximately $14 million in 2019, $9 million in 2020 and
$9 million in 2021. Seaboard invested $17 million, $10 million and $14 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In 2016, Seaboard invested $7 million of cash and converted its $8 million note receivable to equity for a 36%
noncontrolling interest in a holding company that owns a Caribbean terminal operation. The investment is accounted for
in the Marine segment using the equity method and reported on a three-month lag.
During 2016, Seaboard invested an additional $14 million in equity and long-term advances in a flour production business
in Brazil, of which at December 31, 2018 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seaboard. See Note 6 to the consolidated
financial statements for further discussion of this investment.
2018 Annual Report 9
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
Financing Activities, Debt and Related Covenants
The following table presents a summary of Seaboard’s available borrowing capacity:
(Millions of dollars)
Short-term uncommitted and committed lines
Amounts drawn against lines
Letters of credit reducing borrowing availability
Available borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2018
Total amount
available
$
$
634
(148)
(18)
468
In 2018, Seaboard entered into an Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) that
replaced Seaboard Foods LLC’s (“Seaboard Foods”) $500 million unsecured term loan with a $700 million unsecured
term loan (“Term Loan”) and extended the maturity from December 4, 2022 to September 25, 2028. Seaboard received
proceeds of $220 million, net of certain costs. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard also had $80 million of foreign
subsidiary long-term debt, primarily denominated in euros and U.S. dollars.
Seaboard was in compliance with all restrictive covenants related to these facilities and loans as of December 31, 2018.
Seaboard has capacity under existing loan covenants to undertake additional debt financings of approximately
$1,489 million as of December 31, 2018. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of notes
payable and long-term debt.
As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had cash and short-term investments of $1,530 million and additional total working
capital of $713 million. Accordingly, management believes Seaboard’s combination of internally generated cash, liquidity,
capital resources and borrowing capabilities will be adequate for its existing operations and any currently known potential
plans for expansion of existing operations or business segments for 2019. Management intends to continue seeking
opportunities for expansion in the industries in which Seaboard operates, utilizing existing liquidity, available borrowing
capacity and other financing alternatives.
As of December 31, 2018, $294 million of the $1,530 million of cash and short-term investments were held by Seaboard’s
foreign subsidiaries. Historically, Seaboard has considered substantially all foreign profits as being permanently invested
in its foreign operations, including all cash and short-term investments held by foreign subsidiaries. Seaboard intends to
continue permanently reinvesting the majority of these funds outside the U.S. as current plans do not demonstrate a need
to repatriate them to fund Seaboard’s U.S. operations. For any planned repatriation to the U.S., Seaboard would record
applicable deferred taxes for state or foreign withholding taxes. However, with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Job Act
in December 2017, Seaboard accrued a provisional $112 million of federal tax in its consolidated financial statements as
of December 31, 2017. During 2018, Seaboard updated the provisional tax to $126 million in its consolidated financial
statements as of December 31, 2018 associated with the mandatory deemed repatriation of these balances. See Note 13 to
the consolidated financial statements for further discussion on the tax reform.
Seaboard repurchased 1,333 shares of common stock for a total cost of $5 million during 2018. No shares of common
stock were repurchased by Seaboard in 2017 or 2016. In each of the four quarters of 2018 and 2017, Seaboard declared
and paid quarterly dividends of $1.50 per share of common stock. Seaboard’s Board of Directors intends that Seaboard
will continue to pay quarterly dividends for the reasonably foreseeable future, with the amount of any dividends being
dependent upon such factors as Seaboard’s financial condition, results of operations and current and anticipated cash needs,
including capital requirements. There were no dividends paid in 2016. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements
for further discussion on stockholders’ equity.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Several of Seaboard’s segments have long-term contractual obligations, including non-cancelable operating lease
agreements for facilities and equipment. The Marine and CT&M segments enter into contracts to time-charter vessels for
use in operations. The Pork segment has contract grower agreements in place with farmers to raise a portion of Seaboard’s
hogs to support its operations. The Pork segment has also entered into grain and feed ingredient purchase contracts to
support the segment’s live hog operations and has contracted for the purchase of additional hogs from third parties. The
CT&M segment enters into commodity purchase contracts, primarily to support sales commitments. See Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements for further discussion on contractual obligations and other purchase commitments.
10 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
The following table provides a summary of Seaboard’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018:
(Millions of dollars)
Ports
Vessel, time and voyage-charter commitments
Contract grower agreements
Other operating lease payments
Total lease obligations
Purchase commitments
Short-term notes payable
Long-term debt
Interest payments (a)
Retirement benefit payments (b)
Mandatory deemed repatriation tax (c)
Power barge and pork plant expansion
Investment in affiliates (d)
Total contractual cash obligations and commitments
Total
203 $
157
231
69
660 $
$
$
1,647
148
779
275
93
80
218
32
Payments due by period
3-5
years
Less than 1-3
years
1 year
18 $
58
47
18
37 $
53
78
22
39 $
21
45
14
141 $ 190 $ 119 $
853
148
39
31
10
7
138
14
200
—
62
60
19
13
80
18
208
—
15
56
31
13
—
—
More than
5 years
109
25
61
15
210
386
—
663
128
33
47
—
—
1,467
$ 3,932 $ 1,381 $ 642 $ 442 $
(a) Interest payments in the table above include expected cash payments for interest on variable and fixed rate long-
term debt. Variable interest rates are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2018.
(b) Retirement benefit payments in the table above represent expected benefit payments for various non-qualified
pension plans and supplemental retirement arrangements as discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial
statements, which are unfunded obligations that are deemed to be employer contributions. No contributions are
planned at this time to the qualified pension plan.
(c) U.S. federal income tax on mandatory deemed repatriation is payable over eight years pursuant to the 2017 Tax
Act.
(d) Investment in affiliates represents obligations made to equity method investments for expected funding
commitments to three limited liability companies that operate refined coal processing plants.
Non-current deferred income taxes and certain other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets are not
included in the table above as management is unable to reliably estimate the timing of the payments for these items. In
addition, deferred revenues and other deferred credits included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance
sheets have been excluded from the table above because they do not represent contractual obligations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $6,583 million, $5,809 million and $5,379 million,
respectively. The increase for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily reflected higher volumes and sales prices for certain
commodities in the CT&M segment, higher biodiesel revenue and higher volume of market hogs and pork products sold
in the Pork segment and higher cargo volumes and rates in the Marine segment. The increase for 2017 compared to 2016
primarily reflected higher sales prices and volumes for certain commodities in the CT&M segment, higher overall prices
for pork products sold, higher sales volume of market hogs and higher biodiesel revenue in the Pork segment, higher cargo
volumes in the Marine segment and higher selling prices and volumes for alcohol in the Sugar and Alcohol segment.
Operating income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $209 million, $240 million and
$230 million, respectively. The decrease for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily reflected lower prices on pork products sold
and higher feed costs in the Pork segment, partially offset by higher margins from biodiesel sales in the Pork segment,
higher margins on third-party sales in the CT&M segment and higher spot market rates in the Power segment. The increase
for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily reflected higher margins from sugar in the Sugar segment and higher margins from
meat prices in the Pork segment, partially offset by lower margins on biodiesel in the Pork segment, lower margins on
commodities in the CT&M segment and lower cargo rates and higher fuel costs in the Marine segment.
2018 Annual Report 11
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
Pork Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income
Income (loss) from affiliates
2018
2017
2016
$ 1,774 $ 1,609 $ 1,443
179
$
11
$
193 $
(10) $
117 $
(30) $
Net sales for the Pork segment increased $165 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017. The
increase was primarily the result of increased volumes of pork products sold, increased volumes and prices of biodiesel
sales, the receipt of the federal blender’s credits of $42 million and higher sales of market hogs to third parties and affiliates.
In February 2018, Congress retroactively extended the federal blender’s credits for 2017 which resulted in recognizing
revenue in the first quarter of 2018. The federal blender’s credits were not renewed during 2018. The increase was partially
offset by lower prices for both pork products and market hogs sold. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements
for further discussion of the federal blender’s credits.
Operating income for the Pork segment decreased $76 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017.
The decrease was primarily due to lower prices for pork products along with higher feed costs, partially offset by higher
volumes of pork products sold and the federal blender’s credits of $42 million as discussed above. Seaboard sells pork to
international customers located in China and Mexico, among other countries, and recent incremental tariffs, the duration
of which is uncertain, continue to have a negative impact on earnings. Management is unable to predict future market
prices for pork products, the cost of feed or third-party hogs or the government’s intentions with the federal blenders’
credits; however, management anticipates positive operating income for this segment in 2019.
Loss from affiliates increased $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to the
start-up of STF operations, which began in September 2017.
Net sales for the Pork segment increased $166 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. The
increase was primarily the result of higher overall prices for pork products sold, higher sales volume of market hogs related
to the August 2017 acquisition, higher biodiesel revenue and, to a lesser extent, a higher volume of pork products sold
internationally.
Operating income for the Pork segment increased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016.
The increase was primarily the result of improved overall margins from higher meat prices and market hog sales, partially
offset by lower biodiesel margins because the federal blender’s credits were not renewed during 2017.
Income from affiliates decreased $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to
the start-up of STF operations, which began in September 2017, partially offset by earnings from its other non-consolidated
affiliate, Daily’s Premium Meats, LLC.
Commodity Trading and Milling Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income as reported
Mark-to-market adjustments
Operating income excluding mark-to-market adjustments
Income (loss) from affiliates
2018
2017
2016
46 $
$ 3,428 $ 2,945 $ 2,778
38
$
—
38
(10)
25 $
(4)
21 $
7 $
49 $
(11) $
$
$
3
Net sales for the CT&M segment increased $483 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017. The
increase primarily reflected higher volume of third-party sales, including sales for a business acquired in January 2018,
and higher affiliate sales prices, partially offset by lower third-party sales prices.
Operating income for the CT&M segment increased $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017.
The increase primarily reflected higher margins on third-party sales, predominantly related to the business acquired,
partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative costs related to the business acquired. Excluding the effects
of the mark-to-market adjustments for derivative contracts, operating income increased $28 million as discussed below.
Due to worldwide commodity price fluctuations, the uncertain political and economic conditions in the countries in which
this segment operates, and the volatility in the commodity markets, management is unable to predict future sales and
12 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
operating results for this segment. However, management anticipates positive operating income for this segment in 2019,
excluding the effects of marking to market derivative contracts.
Had Seaboard not applied mark-to-market accounting to its derivative instruments, operating income for this segment
would have been higher by $3 million in 2018, lower by $4 million in 2017 and remained the same in 2016. While
management believes its commodity futures, options and foreign exchange contracts are primarily economic hedges of its
firm purchase and sales contracts or anticipated sales contracts, Seaboard does not perform the extensive record-keeping
required to account for these transactions as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, while the changes in value of
the derivative instruments were marked to market, the changes in value of the firm purchase or sales contracts were not.
As products are delivered to customers, these existing mark-to-market adjustments should be primarily offset by realized
margins or losses as revenue is recognized over time and therefore, these mark-to-market adjustments could reverse in
fiscal 2019. Management believes eliminating these mark-to-market adjustments provides a more reasonable presentation
to compare and evaluate period-to-period financial results for this segment.
Income from affiliates for the CT&M segment decreased by $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared
to 2017. The decrease primarily reflected price and volume volatility in local markets of certain Seaboard affiliates,
including losses at an equity method investment located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”). See Note 6 to the
consolidated financial statements for further information on this affiliate. Based on the uncertainty of local political and
economic environments in the countries in which Seaboard’s affiliates operate, management cannot predict future results.
Net sales for the CT&M segment increased $167 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. The
increase primarily reflected higher sales prices for wheat sales to third parties and higher volumes of sales to affiliates and
third parties, partially offset by lower corn and soybean meal sales prices and volumes to third parties.
Operating income for the CT&M segment decreased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016.
The decrease primarily reflected lower margins on commodities and higher selling, general and administrative expense,
partially offset by higher gains of $4 million on mark-to-market derivative contracts. Excluding the effects of the mark-
to-market adjustments for derivative contracts, operating income decreased $17 million primarily due to a decrease in
commodity prices in the pulse market.
Income from affiliates for the CT&M segment increased $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to
2016. The increase primarily reflected consolidation of an equity method investment that incurred $10 million of losses
during 2016. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this affiliate.
Marine Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income
Income (loss) from affiliate
916
33
1
Net sales for the Marine segment increased $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017. The
increase was primarily the result of higher volumes and rates in certain markets during 2018 compared to 2017.
$ 1,057 $
25 $
$
2 $
$
956 $
21 $
(7) $
2017
2016
2018
Operating income for the Marine segment increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017.
The increase was primarily the result of higher revenues, partially offset by higher voyage costs related to fuel price
increases and other expenses. Management cannot predict changes in future cargo volumes, cargo rates and fuel costs or
to what extent changes in economic conditions in markets served will affect net sales or operating income. However,
management anticipates this segment will have positive operating income for 2019.
Income from affiliates increased $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to an
other-than-temporary impairment charge of $6 million incurred in 2017 related to Seaboard’s equity-method investment
in a holding company that owns a terminal operation. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further
information on this affiliate.
Net sales for the Marine segment increased $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. The
increase was primarily the result of higher volumes in certain markets during 2017 compared to 2016, partially offset by
lower cargo rates.
2018 Annual Report 13
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
Operating income for the Marine segment decreased $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016.
The decrease was primarily the result of lower cargo rates and higher fuel costs, partially offset by lower other voyage
costs.
Income from affiliates decreased $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to an
other-than-temporary impairment charge of $6 million as discussed above.
Sugar and Alcohol Segment
2018
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Income from affiliates
147
(12)
2
Net sales for the Sugar and Alcohol segment decreased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to
2017. The decrease primarily reflected lower prices of sugar and alcohol sold, partially offset by higher volumes of sugar
and alcohol sold. Sugar and alcohol sales are denominated in Argentine pesos, and an increase in local sales prices was
offset by exchange rate changes as the Argentine peso continued to weaken against the U.S. dollar. Management cannot
predict local sugar and alcohol prices or the volatility in the currency exchange rate. Argentina was determined by
management to be a highly inflationary economy in the second quarter of 2018, and as a result, this segment’s functional
currency is the U.S. dollar effective in the third quarter of 2018 until the economic environment stabilizes.
186 $
21 $
1 $
184 $
9 $
1 $
$
$
$
2017
2016
Operating income for the Sugar and Alcohol segment decreased $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2018
compared to 2017. The decrease primarily reflected lower margins on sugar, alcohol and cogeneration, partially offset by
lower selling, general and administrative expenses related to salaries and benefits. Costs for 2018 included a total of
$5 million in severance costs related to a restructuring of its workforce. Based on recent market conditions, management
currently cannot predict if this segment will be profitable in 2019.
Net sales for the Sugar and Alcohol segment increased $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to
2016. The increase primarily reflected higher volumes and selling prices of alcohol and higher selling prices for sugar,
partially offset by lower volumes of sugar sold.
Operating income for the Sugar and Alcohol segment increased $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2017
compared to 2016. The increase primarily reflected higher margins from sugar, alcohol and cogeneration primarily related
to increased selling prices, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative costs. During 2016, labor strikes
and inclement weather negatively impacted volumes and resulted in a $12 million sugar inventory charge.
Power Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income
Income from affiliate
79
7
4
Net sales for the Power segment increased $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017. The
increase primarily reflected higher spot market rates.
$ 122 $
21 $
$
10 $
$
97 $
9 $
6 $
2018 2017
2016
Operating income for the Power segment increased $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017
primarily due to higher spot market rates, partially offset by higher fuel costs. Management cannot predict future fuel costs
or the extent that spot market rates will fluctuate compared to fuel costs; however, management anticipates positive
operating income for this segment in 2019.
Net sales for the Power segment increased $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016. The
increase primarily reflected higher spot market rates.
Operating income for the Power segment increased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016
primarily due to higher spot market rates, partially offset by higher fuel costs.
14 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
Turkey Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Income (loss) from affiliate
2017 2016
73
(4) $
The Turkey segment, accounted for using the equity method, represents Seaboard’s investment in Butterball. The increase
in loss from affiliate for 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily the result of higher logistics and production costs and lower
volumes of turkey products sold in 2018, partially offset by Seaboard’s proportionate share of the Illinois plant closure
during 2017 as discussed below. Management is unable to predict future market prices for turkey products or the cost of
feed. Based on recent market conditions, management currently cannot predict if this segment will be profitable in 2019.
2018
(16) $
$
The decrease in income from affiliate for 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily the result of lower prices for turkey
products sold, pricing pressure from competing proteins and higher live growing costs. Also, the decrease included the
2017 closure of a further processing plant located in Illinois. Butterball’s closure of the plant resulted in charges primarily
related to impaired fixed assets and accrued severance. Seaboard’s proportionate share of these charges, recognized in
income (loss) from affiliates, was $18 million, all recorded in 2017.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased $5 million over
2017 to $314 million. The increase was primarily the result of increased personnel-related costs in the CT&M segment,
related to the business acquired in January 2018, partially offset by lower costs related to Seaboard’s deferred
compensation program which are offset by the effect of the mark-to-market on investments recorded in other investment
income (loss). As a percentage of revenues, SG&A was 5% for 2018 and 2017.
SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $42 million over 2016 to $309 million. The increase
was primarily the result of increased personnel-related costs, including costs related to Seaboard’s deferred compensation
program which are offset by the effect of the mark-to-market on investments recorded in other investment income (loss).
As a percentage of revenues, SG&A was 5% for 2017 and 2016.
Interest Expense
Interest expense totaled $44 million, $29 million and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. The increases in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily related to more debt outstanding, an increase in interest
rates and less capitalized interest.
Interest Income from Affiliates
Interest income from affiliates totaled $3 million, $22 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease for 2018 compared 2017 primarily relates to a Butterball note receivable, which
was repaid in December 2017. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
Other Investment Income (Loss), Net
Other investment income (loss), net totaled $(152) million, $177 million and $69 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily reflects $110 million
of unrealized losses on short-term investments still held as of December 31, 2018, due to mark-to-market fluctuations,
and, to a lesser extent, realized losses of $24 million. The increase for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily reflects higher
income on short-term investments related to mark-to-market fluctuation and dividends.
Foreign Currency Gains, Net
Foreign currency gains, net totaled $4 million, $14 million and $2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016, respectively. The decrease in foreign currency gains, net in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily reflected losses
in the euro and British pound on Seaboard’s short-term investments and the Zambian kwacha, partially offset by gains in
the Argentine peso, among fluctuations of other currency exchange rates in several foreign countries. As a result of the
change in the Sugar and Alcohol segment’s functional currency to the U.S. dollar, any foreign currency impact was
included in the statement of comprehensive income. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for further
discussion of this change. The increase in foreign currency gains, net in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily reflected gains
in the euro and British pound on Seaboard’s short-term investments and the Zambian kwacha on, partially offset by losses
in the South African rand, among fluctuations of other currency exchange rates in several foreign countries. The political
and economic conditions of the countries in which Seaboard operates and does business, along with fluctuations in the
value of the U.S. dollar, cause volatility in currency exchange rates, which exposes Seaboard to fluctuating foreign
currency gains and losses that cannot be predicted. Although Seaboard does not utilize hedge accounting, Seaboard does
2018 Annual Report 15
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
utilize foreign currency exchange contracts to manage its risks and exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Management
believes gains and losses on commodity transactions, including the mark-to-market effects, of such foreign currency
exchange contracts relate to the underlying commodity transactions and classifies such gains and losses in cost of sales.
All other gains and losses on foreign currency exchange contracts are included in foreign currency gains (losses), net.
Income Tax Expense
The 2018 effective tax rate was lower than 2017 primarily due to a current year loss versus prior year earnings, tax exempt
income from the retroactive extension of the 2017 federal blender’s credits during the first quarter of 2018 and the lower
statutory U.S. federal income tax rate. The decrease was partially offset by a tax classification change of a wholly-owned
subsidiary from a partnership to a corporation, updated provisional tax related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“2017 Tax
Act”) and a change in mix of domestic and foreign earnings from the prior year. The 2017 effective tax rate was higher
than 2016 primarily due to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offset by the expiration of the U.S. biodiesel tax
provisions on December 31, 2016 and lower tax credits in 2017. The 2017 effective tax rate reflects an increase in
Seaboard’s taxes payable resulting from the one-time mandatory deemed repatriation charge and a decrease in value of
Seaboard’s deferred tax assets due to the corporate rate decrease from 35% to 21%. This change was partially offset by
reduced tax expense resulting from the rate decrease impact on the deferred tax liabilities. See Note 13 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on Seaboard’s income taxes.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management does not believe its businesses have been materially adversely affected by inflation. See Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Management has identified the accounting estimates believed to be the most important to the portrayal of Seaboard’s
financial condition and results, and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a
result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has reviewed
these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – Seaboard primarily uses a specific identification approach to evaluate the adequacy of
this reserve for estimated uncollectible receivables at the consolidated balance sheet date. Changes in estimates, developing
trends and other new information can have a material effect on future evaluations. Furthermore, Seaboard’s total current
receivables are heavily weighted toward foreign receivables ($418 million or 77% as of December 31, 2018), including
foreign receivables due from affiliates ($91 million as of December 31, 2018), which generally represent more of a
collection risk than its domestic receivables. Receivables due from affiliates are generally associated with entities located
in foreign countries considered less developed than the U.S. that can experience conditions causing sudden changes to
their ability to pay such receivables on a timely basis or in full. Based on various historical experiences, future collections
of receivables or lack thereof could result in a material charge or credit to earnings depending on the ultimate resolution
of each individual customer past due receivable. Bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
was $7 million, $12 million and $15 million, respectively.
Valuation of Inventories – Inventories are generally valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. In determining
net realizable value, management makes assumptions regarding estimated sales prices, estimated costs to complete and
estimated disposal costs. For commodity trading inventories, when contract performance by a customer becomes a
concern, management must also evaluate available options to dispose of the inventory, including assumptions about
potential negotiated changes to sales contracts, sales prices in alternative markets in various foreign countries and
potentially additional transportation costs. At times, management must consider probability, weighting various viable
alternatives, in its determination of the net realizable value of the inventories. These assumptions and probabilities are
subjective in nature and are based on management’s best estimates and judgments existing at the time of preparation.
Changes in future market prices or facts and circumstances could result in a material write down in the value of inventory
or decreased future margins on the sale of inventory.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – The recoverability of long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment and
definite-lived intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
16 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of
the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered
to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets
exceeds the fair value of the assets. Some of the key assumptions utilized in determining future projected cash flows
include estimated growth rates, expected future sales prices, estimated costs, royalty rates and terminal values. In some
cases, judgment is also required in assigning probability weighting to the various future cash flow scenarios. The
probability weighting percentages used and the various future projected cash flow models prepared by management are
based on facts and circumstances existing at the time of preparation and management’s best estimates and judgment of
future operating results. Seaboard cannot predict the occurrence of certain future events that might adversely affect the
reported value of long-lived assets, which include, but are not limited to, a change in the business climate, government
incentives, a negative change in relationships with significant customers, and changes to strategic decisions made in
response to economic and competitive conditions. Changes in these facts, circumstances and management’s estimates and
judgment could result in an impairment of property, plant and equipment or definite-lived intangibles, resulting in a
material charge to earnings.
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates and Notes Receivable from Affiliates – Seaboard has numerous investments in
and advances to various businesses that it owns 50% or less for a noncontrolling interest and are accounted for using the
equity method. In addition, for some of these investments, Seaboard also has notes receivable for loans it provided to these
businesses. For the CT&M segment, these investments are primarily in foreign countries, which are less developed than
the U.S., and therefore, expose Seaboard to greater financial risks. At certain times when there are ongoing operating
losses, local economies are depressed, commodity-based markets are less stable, or foreign governments cause challenging
business conditions, the fair value of the equity method investment is evaluated by management. The fair value of these
investments is not readily determinable as almost all of these investments are not publicly traded. Management will use
other methods to determine fair value such as estimated future cash flows, including assumptions on growth rates, for the
business and consideration of other local business conditions as applicable. If the fair value of the investment is determined
to be less than the carrying value and the decline in value is considered to be other than temporary, an appropriate write
down is recorded to income (loss) from affiliates based on the excess of the carrying value over the best estimate of fair
value of the investment. In addition, if based on current information and events it is probable that Seaboard will be unable
to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the notes receivable from affiliates and an amount can be
reasonably estimated, Seaboard will write down the amounts to estimated realizable value. Information and events creating
uncertainty about the realization of recorded amounts for notes from affiliates include, but are not limited to, the estimated
cash flows generated by the affiliate’s business, the sufficiency of collateral securing the amounts, the creditworthiness of
the counterparties involved, and the consideration of other local business conditions as applicable. Changes in facts,
circumstances and management’s estimates and judgment could result in a material charge to earnings. See Note 6 to the
consolidated financial statements for further discussion on Seaboard’s affiliates.
Income Taxes – Income taxes are determined by management based on current tax regulations in the various worldwide
taxing jurisdictions in which Seaboard conducts its business. In various situations, accruals have been made for estimates
of the tax effects for certain transactions, business structures, the estimated reversal of timing differences and future
projected profitability of Seaboard’s various business units based on management’s interpretation of existing facts,
circumstances and tax regulations. Should new evidence come to management’s attention that could alter previous
conclusions or if taxing authorities disagree with the positions taken by Seaboard, the change in estimate could result in a
material adverse or favorable impact on the financial statements. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for
further discussion on income taxes.
Accrued Pension Liability – The measurement of Seaboard’s pension liability and related expense is dependent on a variety
of assumptions and estimates regarding future events. These assumptions include discount rates, assumed rate of return on
plan assets, compensation increases, turnover rates, mortality rates and retirement rates. The discount rate and return on
plan assets are important elements of liability and expense measurement and are reviewed on an annual basis. The effect
of decreasing both the discount rate and assumed rate of return on plan assets by 50 basis points would be an increase in
pension expense of approximately $3 million per year. The effects of actual results differing from the assumptions (i.e.
gains or losses) are primarily accumulated in accrued pension liability and amortized over future periods if it exceeds the
10% corridor and, therefore, could affect Seaboard’s recognized pension expense in such future periods, as permitted under
GAAP. Accordingly, accumulated gains or losses in excess of the 10% corridor are amortized over the average future
service of active participants. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
2018 Annual Report 17
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Discussion & Anal ysis
DERIVATIVE INFORMATION
Seaboard is exposed to various types of market risks in its day-to-day operations. Primary market risk exposures result
from changing commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices. Occasionally
derivatives are used to manage all of these overall market risks; however, Seaboard does not perform the extensive record-
keeping required to account for derivative transactions as hedges. Management believes it uses derivatives primarily as
economic hedges, although they do not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. Because these derivatives are not
accounted for as hedges, fluctuations in the related prices could have a material impact on earnings in any given year.
Seaboard also enters into speculative derivative transactions related to its market risks.
Commodity price changes affect the cost of necessary raw materials and other inventories, finished product sales and firm
sales commitments. Seaboard uses various grain, oilseed and other commodity futures and options purchase contracts to
manage certain risks of increasing prices of raw materials and firm sales commitments or anticipated sales contracts. Short
sales contracts are used to offset the open purchase derivatives when the related commodity inventory is purchased in
advance of the derivative maturity, effectively offsetting the initial futures or option purchase contract. From time to time,
hog futures are used to manage risks of increasing prices of hogs acquired for processing, and hog futures are used to
manage risks of fluctuating prices of pork product inventories and related future sales. Inventories that are sensitive to
changes in commodity prices, including carrying amounts as December 31, 2018 and 2017, are presented in Note 4 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Because changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect the cash paid or received on foreign currency denominated
receivables and payables, Seaboard manages certain of these risks through the use of foreign currency exchange
agreements. Because changes in interest rates affect the cash required to service variable-rate debt, Seaboard sometimes
uses interest rate exchange agreements to manage risks of increasing interest rates.
Equity price risk is the risk that Seaboard may incur losses due to adverse changes in the market prices of the equity
securities it holds in its short-term investment portfolio. Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and
may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of
alternative investments and general market conditions. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of Seaboard’s
marketable equity securities was approximately $878 million and $1 billion, respectively. Seaboard enters into equity
futures contracts to manage the equity price risk with respect to certain short-term investments.
The following table presents the sensitivity of the fair value of Seaboard’s open net commodity future and option contracts,
foreign currency exchange agreements and marketable equity securities to a hypothetical 10% change in market prices,
and foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. For all open derivatives, the fair value of such positions is
a summation of the fair values calculated for each item by valuing each net position at quoted market prices as of the
applicable date.
(Millions of dollars)
Grains and oilseeds
Energy related resources
Hogs
Equity prices
Foreign currencies
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
18
23 $
$
2
1
1
2
110
88
14
10
The table below provides information about Seaboard’s long-term debt that is sensitive to changes in interest rates as of
December 31, 2018. For this variable rate debt, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest
rates by expected maturity dates. Long-term variable debt included foreign subsidiary obligations payable in Argentine
pesos of $2 million and $13 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(Millions of dollars)
Long-term debt:
Variable rate
Weighted average interest rate
$
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter Total
39 $
3.61%
9 $
5.28%
9 $
5.26%
8 $
5.24%
7 $
4.56%
663 $
4.15%
735
4.16%
Long-term debt sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2017 totaled $504 million with a weighted average
interest rate of 3.84%.
18 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Management’s Reports
Management’s Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements
The management of Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Seaboard”) is responsible for the preparation of its
consolidated financial statements and related information appearing in this report. Management believes that the
consolidated financial statements fairly present Seaboard’s financial position and results of operations in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and necessarily includes amounts that are based on estimates and judgments
which it believes are reasonable based on current circumstances with due consideration given to materiality.
Management relies on a system of internal controls over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable
assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions are executed in accordance with company policy and U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles and are properly recorded, and accounting records are adequate for preparation of financial
statements and other information and disclosures. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on recognition that the
cost of a control system should not exceed the benefits expected to be derived, and such evaluations require estimates and
judgments. The design and effectiveness of the system are monitored by a professional staff of internal auditors.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Internal control over financial
reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns
resulting from human failures. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
The Board of Directors pursues its review of auditing internal controls and financial statements through its audit
committee, composed entirely of independent directors. In the exercise of its responsibilities, the audit committee meets
periodically with management, with the internal auditors and with the independent registered public accounting firm to
review the scope and results of audits. Both the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm
have unrestricted access to the audit committee, with or without the presence of management.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Seaboard”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision, and with the participation of management and its Internal Audit Department,
Seaboard conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Seaboard’s internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 excluded Groupe Mimran (“Mimran”), which was acquired on
January 5, 2018. Total assets excluded represented approximately $447 million, or 8%, of Seaboard’s consolidated assets
as of December 31, 2018. Total revenue excluded was approximately $247 million, or 4%, of Seaboard’s consolidated
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018. Based on its evaluation under the framework in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework (2013), management concluded that Seaboard’s internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2018.
Seaboard’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in
the annual report, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of Seaboard’s internal control over financial reporting.
Their report is included herein.
2018 Annual Report 19
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Seaboard Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Seaboard Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated
February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining,
on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation
of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1959.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 20, 2019
20 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Seaboard Corporation:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Seaboard Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of
comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and
related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired Groupe Mimran during 2018, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, Groupe Mimran’s internal control over financial reporting
associated with total assets of $447 million, or 8% of the Company’s consolidated assets, and total revenues of $247 million, or 4% of
the Company’s consolidated revenue, included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2018. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal
control over financial reporting of Groupe Mimran.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based
on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control
based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 20, 2019
2018 Annual Report 21
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Millions of dollars except share and per share amounts)
Net sales:
Products (includes sales to affiliates of $1,282, $1,123 and $993)
Services revenues (includes sales to affiliates of $12, $7 and $8)
Other
Total net sales
Cost of sales and operating expenses:
Products
Services
Other
Total cost of sales and operating expenses
Gross income
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Interest income
Interest income from affiliates
Income (loss) from affiliates
Other investment income (loss), net
Foreign currency gains, net
Miscellaneous, net
Total other income (loss), net
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net earnings (loss)
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Seaboard
Earnings (loss) per common share
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax benefit (expense) of
$(2), $3 and $12:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Unrealized gain on investments
Unrecognized pension cost
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Seaboard
$
$
$
$
$
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
5,334 $
1,116
133
6,583
4,693 $
1,009
107
5,809
4,334
961
84
5,379
3,992
822
68
4,882
497
267
230
(29)
15
24
81
69
2
(8)
154
384
(70)
314
(2)
312
4,990
971
99
6,060
523
314
209
(44)
11
3
(44)
(152)
4
(3)
(225)
(16)
(1)
(17) $
—
(17) $
4,298
879
83
5,260
549
309
240
(29)
15
22
(7)
177
14
(5)
187
427
(181)
246 $
1
247 $
(14.61) $
211.01 $
266.50
(53)
—
3
(50) $
(67)
1
(66) $
(6)
5
(4)
(5) $
241
1
242 $
(26)
1
(1)
(26)
288
(2)
286
Average number of shares outstanding
1,170,501
1,170,550
1,170,550
Dividends declared per common share
$
6.00 $
6.00 $
—
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
22 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Millions of dollars except share and per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Receivables:
Trade
Due from affiliates
Other
Total receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Net receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Total current assets
Net property, plant and equipment
Investments in and advances to affiliates
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Other non-current assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks
Current maturities of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Payables due to affiliates
Accrued compensation and benefits
Deferred revenue
Deferred revenue from affiliates
Accrued voyage costs
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt, less current maturities
Accrued pension liability
Deferred income taxes
Long-term income tax liability
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Total non-current liabilities
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value. Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding
1,169,217 shares in 2018 and 1,170,550 shares in 2017
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Total Seaboard stockholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
December 31,
2018
2017
$
194 $
1,336
$
$
392
111
81
584
(33)
551
815
55
76
3,027
1,160
804
167
69
80
5,307 $
148 $
39
218
20
123
39
31
58
108
784
739
136
127
73
119
1,194
116
1,576
299
120
92
511
(29)
482
780
94
80
3,128
1,077
851
22
2
81
5,161
162
53
256
16
118
47
34
35
97
818
482
128
112
111
102
935
1
(410)
3,727
3,318
11
3,329
5,307 $
1
(354)
3,750
3,397
11
3,408
5,161
$
2018 Annual Report 23
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Millions of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2016
Net earnings (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash from operating activities:
$
(17) $
246 $
314
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
Mandatory deemed repatriation tax
Reserve on notes receivable from affiliates
Loss (income) from affiliates
Dividends received from affiliates
Other investment loss (income), net
Other, net
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables, net of allowance
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Other current assets
Current liabilities, exclusive of debt
Other, net
Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
Acquisition of businesses
Investments in and advances to affiliates, net
Notes receivable issued to affiliates
Principal payments received on notes receivable from affiliates
Purchase of long-term investments
Other, net
Net cash from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Notes payable to banks, net
Proceeds from long-term debt
Principal payments of long-term debt
Repurchase of common stock
Dividends paid
Other, net
Net cash from financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
134
(20)
14
—
44
23
152
5
(58)
(34)
31
11
(22)
(25)
238
(1,130)
1,191
53
(162)
5
(264)
(26)
—
4
(21)
1
(349)
—
251
(46)
(5)
(7)
(3)
190
(1)
78
116
194 $
$
118
39
112
—
7
24
(177)
(9)
(12)
(21)
(51)
(14)
(25)
8
245
(767)
606
59
(173)
5
(54)
(87)
(2)
167
(12)
(8)
(266)
45
38
(17)
—
(7)
(1)
58
2
39
77
116 $
102
47
—
16
(81)
53
(69)
9
18
6
(4)
12
23
(19)
427
(691)
710
34
(158)
47
(219)
(71)
(13)
12
(31)
6
(374)
(25)
3
(5)
—
—
—
(27)
1
27
50
77
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
24 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Accumulated
Other
Common Comprehensive Retained Noncontrolling
Stock
Interests
Loss
Total
$
1 $
$
6 $ 2,882
Earnings
(278) $ 3,153
(Millions of dollars)
Balances, January 1, 2016
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Addition to noncontrolling interests
Balances, December 31, 2016
Adoption of accounting guidance (see Note 11)
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings (loss)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Reduction to noncontrolling interests
Dividends on common stock, $6.00/share
Balances, December 31, 2017
Adoption of accounting guidance (See Note 1)
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Repurchase of common stock
Additions to noncontrolling interests
Reduction to noncontrolling interests
Dividends on common stock, $6.00/share
Balances, December 31, 2018
$
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1 $
—
(26)
—
(304)
(45)
—
(5)
—
—
(354)
(7)
—
(49)
—
—
—
—
312
—
—
3,465
45
247
—
—
(7)
3,750
7
(17)
—
(5)
—
(1)
(7)
(410) $ 3,727 $
2
—
5
13
—
(1)
—
(1)
—
11
—
314
(26)
5
3,175
—
246
(5)
(1)
(7)
3,408
—
(17)
—
(50)
(1)
(5)
—
4
4
(4)
(3)
—
(7)
11 $ 3,329
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2018 Annual Report 25
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operations of Seaboard Corporation and its Subsidiaries
Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Seaboard”) together comprise a diverse global agribusiness and transportation
company. In the United States (“U.S.”), Seaboard is primarily engaged in hog production and pork processing and ocean
transportation. Overseas, Seaboard is primarily engaged in commodity merchandising, grain processing, sugar and alcohol
production and electric power generation. Seaboard also has an equity method investment in Butterball, LLC
(“Butterball”), a producer and processor of branded and non-branded turkey products. Approximately 76% of the
outstanding common stock of Seaboard is collectively owned by Seaboard Flour LLC and SFC Preferred, LLC.
Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Affiliates
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seaboard Corporation and its domestic and foreign
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments
in non-controlled affiliates where we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method. Financial
information from certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates is reported on a one- to three-month lag, depending on the
specific entity. As Seaboard conducts its agricultural commodity trading business with third parties, consolidated
subsidiaries and affiliates on an interrelated basis, cost of sales on affiliates cannot be clearly distinguished without making
numerous assumptions, primarily with respect to mark-to-market accounting for commodity derivatives.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments are retained for future use in the business. Investments held by Seaboard that are categorized as
trading securities are reported at their estimated fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in other investment
income (loss), net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Purchases and sales are recorded on a
settlement date basis. Gains and losses on sales of investments are generally based on the specific identification method.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. The Power segment, however,
collects interest on certain past due accounts, and the Commodity Trading and Milling (“CT&M”) segment provides
extended payment terms for certain customers in certain countries due to local market conditions. The allowance for
doubtful accounts is Seaboard’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. For most operating segments,
Seaboard uses a specific identification approach to determine, in management’s judgment, the collection value of certain
past due accounts based on contractual terms. For the Marine segment, the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an
aging percentage methodology primarily based on historical write-off experience. Seaboard reviews its allowance for
doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been
exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
(Millions of dollars)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Balance at
Balance at
beginning of year Provision(1) Net deductions(2) end of year
$
$
$
29
14
21
7
16
(1)
(3) $
(1) $
(6) $
33
29
14
(1)
(2)
During 2018, $7 million of the provision was charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. During
2017, $12 million of the provision was charged to selling, general and administrative expenses, $2 million to
income from affiliates related to reserves on convertible notes and $2 million to cost of sales related to a rebate
reserve.
Includes write-offs net of recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Inventories
Seaboard uses the lower of last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market for determining inventory cost of hogs, fresh pork
products and related materials. Grain, flour and feed inventories at foreign milling operations are valued at the lower of
weighted average cost and net realizable value. All other inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (“FIFO”)
cost and net realizable value.
26 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and are being depreciated on the straight-line method over useful lives,
ranging from 3 to 30 years. Routine and planned major maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred,
while major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets are
reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset
to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are determined to be impaired,
the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the
estimated fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value
less costs to sell.
Notes Receivable
Seaboard monitors the credit quality of notes receivable, the majority of which are from its affiliates. For notes receivable
from affiliates, Seaboard obtains and reviews financial information on a monthly basis and Seaboard representatives serve
on their Board of Directors. If it is indicated based on current information and events it is probable that Seaboard will be
unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the notes receivable and an amount can be
reasonably estimated, Seaboard reduces the notes receivable to estimated realizable value.
(Millions of dollars)
Allowance for Notes Receivable:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Balance at
Balance at
beginning of year Provision Net deductions end of year
$
$
$
16
16
—
1
—
16
— $
— $
— $
17
16
16
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment by each reporting unit at the quarter end closest to the anniversary date of
the acquisition, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that impairment is likely. If qualitative factors indicate more
likely than not an impairment is possible, Seaboard performs its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing
the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by
which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Based on the annual assessment conducted by these
reporting units, there were no impairment charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018. Any one event or a
combination of events such as change in the business climate, a negative change in relationships with significant customers
and changes to strategic decisions, including decisions to expand made in response to economic or competitive conditions,
could require an interim assessment prior to the next required annual assessment.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
Acquisition
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Acquisition
Foreign currency translation
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Pork
CT&M
Segment Segment
$
$
18
—
18
—
—
18
$
$
Total
1 $
3
4
148
(3)
149 $
19
3
22
148
(3)
167
Separable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. As of December 31, 2018,
intangible assets were $69 million, net of accumulated amortization of $6 million and foreign currency translation of
$3 million. The intangibles were as a result of a 2018 acquisition; there were no material intangible assets as of
December 31, 2017. Amortization of intangible assets was $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Using the
exchange rates in effect at year-end, estimated amortization of intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 was as follows:
$9 million in 2019, $9 million in 2020, $9 million in 2021, $9 million in 2022, $9 million in 2023 and $24 million
thereafter.
2018 Annual Report 27
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Accrued Self-Insurance
Seaboard is self-insured for certain levels of workers’ compensation, health care coverage, property damage, vehicle,
product recall and general liability. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements
for known and anticipated claims. Changes in estimates to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current operating
results.
Asset Retirement Obligation
Seaboard has recorded long-lived assets and a related liability for the asset retirement obligation costs associated with the
closure of the hog lagoons it is legally obligated to close in the future should Seaboard cease operations or plan to close
such lagoons voluntarily in accordance with a changed operating plan. Based on detailed assessments and appraisals
obtained to estimate the future asset retirement obligation costs, Seaboard recorded the present value of the projected costs
in non-current other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets with the retirement asset depreciated over the economic
life of the related asset. The following table shows the changes in the asset retirement obligation:
(Millions of dollars)
Beginning balance
Accretion expense
Liability for additional lagoons placed in service
Ending balance
Years ended December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
22
1
—
23
$
$
19
2
1
22
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax
rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing
assets and liabilities.
Revenue Recognition
Seaboard recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to its customers, in an amount
that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. A performance obligation, the
unit of account in Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), is a promise in a contract to transfer
a distinct good or service to the customer. The majority of Seaboard’s revenue arrangements consist of a single
performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual product or service is not separately identifiable from other
promises in the contracts, including shipping and handling and customary storage, and, therefore, not distinct. Seaboard’s
transaction prices are mostly fixed, but occasionally include minimal variable consideration for early payment, volume
and other similar discounts, which are highly probable based on the history with the respective customers. Taxes assessed
by a governmental authority that are collected by Seaboard from a customer are excluded from sales. See Note 12 for
further revenue recognition details.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and
assumptions include those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, impairment of long-lived
assets, potential write down related to investments in and advances to affiliates and notes receivable from affiliates, income
taxes and accrued pension liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted
earnings per share are the same for all periods presented.
28 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, management considers all demand deposits, overnight
investments and other investments with original maturities less than three months as cash equivalents. The following table
shows the cash paid for interest and income taxes:
(Millions of dollars)
Interest, net of interest capitalized
Income taxes, net of refunds
Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2016
$
$
43
35
$
30
32
29
31
Supplemental Non-Cash Transactions
In conjunction with the January 2018 acquisition discussed further in Note 2, Seaboard incurred debt consisting of a
$46 million note payable and contingent consideration with an estimated fair value of $14 million at the time of acquisition.
On October 28, 2016, Seaboard obtained control of Belarina Alimentos S.A., a flour production business in Brazil
(“Belarina”). No cash or other consideration was transferred to the other shareholder whose ownership was diluted through
revision of the shareholders agreement to restructure the affiliate debt and equity of Belarina. See Note 2 for the purchase
price allocation table and other details.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation
Seaboard has operations in several foreign countries, and the currencies of the countries fluctuate in relation to the U.S.
dollar. Certain of the major contracts and transactions, however, are denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, the value of
the U.S. dollar fluctuates in relation to the currencies of countries where certain of Seaboard’s foreign subsidiaries and
affiliates primarily conduct business. These fluctuations result in exchange gains and losses. The activities of these foreign
subsidiaries and affiliates are primarily conducted with U.S. subsidiaries or operate in hyper-inflationary environments.
As a result, the financial statements of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are re-measured using the U.S. dollar as
the functional currency.
Certain CT&M segment consolidated subsidiaries located in Brazil, Canada, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Zambia
use local currency as their functional currency. Also, certain non-controlled, non-consolidated affiliates of the CT&M and
Sugar and Alcohol segments use local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are
translated to United States dollars at year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated at average rates.
Translation gains and losses are recorded as components of other comprehensive income (loss). For the consolidated
subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates, U.S. dollar denominated net asset or liability conversions to the local currency
are recorded through income.
GAAP requires the use of highly inflationary accounting for countries whose cumulative three-year inflation exceeds
100%. In the second quarter of 2018, the Argentine peso rapidly devalued relative to the U.S. dollar, which along with
increased inflation, indicated that the three-year cumulative inflation in that country exceeded 100%. As a result, Seaboard
adopted highly inflationary accounting as of July 1, 2018, for Seaboard’s Sugar and Alcohol segment. Under highly
inflationary accounting, the Sugar and Alcohol segment’s functional currency became the U.S. dollar, and its income
statement and balance sheet were measured in U.S. dollars using both current and historical rates of exchange. The effect
of changes in exchange rates on peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in foreign currency gains
(losses), net. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Seaboard recognized $9 million in foreign currency gains related to
the adoption of highly inflationary accounting as a result of its net monetary liability position.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Seaboard recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at their fair values. Accounting for changes in the fair
value of a derivative depends on its designation and effectiveness. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges for
accounting purposes when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the instrument and the related
change in value of the underlying commitment. Additionally, in order to designate a derivative financial instrument as a
hedge for accounting purposes, extensive record keeping is required. For derivatives that qualify as hedges for accounting
purposes, the change in fair value has no net impact on earnings, to the extent the derivative is considered effective, until
the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting
purposes, or for the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument, the change in fair value affects current period net earnings.
Seaboard uses derivative instruments to manage various types of market risks, including primarily commodity futures and
option contracts, foreign currency exchange agreements, interest rate exchange agreements and equity future contracts.
2018 Annual Report 29
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
While management believes each of these instruments are primarily entered into in order to effectively manage various
market risks, as of December 31, 2018, none of the derivatives were designated and accounted for as hedges, primarily as
a result of the extensive record-keeping requirements. From time to time, Seaboard also enters into speculative derivative
transactions not directly related to its raw materials requirements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted
On January 1, 2018, Seaboard adopted guidance that developed a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all
contracts with customers using the cumulative effect transition method. The adjustment to opening retained earnings,
which only included the impact of contracts that were not completed at the date of adoption, was less than $1 million. All
of Seaboard’s equity method investments must adopt the new standard by December 31, 2019. See Note 12 for additional
details on the impact of adopting this new accounting standard.
On January 1, 2018, Seaboard adopted guidance that requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be
presented in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered
during the period. Only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization in inventory. The other components of net
periodic benefit cost are presented outside of operating income and are not capitalizable. For the years ended December
31, 2017 and 2016, $8 million of net periodic benefit cost was reclassified from selling, general and administrative
expenses to miscellaneous, net below operating income. Seaboard elected to apply the practical expedient to estimate
amounts for comparative periods.
On January 1, 2018, Seaboard adopted guidance that eliminated cost method accounting and requires measuring equity
investments, other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting, at fair value and recognizing fair value
changes in net income if a readily determinable fair value exists. On January 1, 2018, $7 million of accumulated other
comprehensive loss was reclassified to retained earnings by means of a cumulative effect adjustment, and all future
gains/losses on these equity investments is reflected in other investment income (loss), net. As of January 1, 2018,
Seaboard had minimal investments without readily determinable fair values, which will be recorded at cost, less
impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes.
Recently Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that a lessee should record a right-
of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are
to be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income
statement. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a financing lease have
not significantly changed from the previous guidance. For operating leases, a lessee is required to: (1) recognize a ROU
asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the balance sheet, (2) recognize
a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis;
and (3) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Seaboard will adopt this
guidance on January 1, 2019, for all consolidated subsidiaries and plans to apply most practical expedients and the optional
transition relief issued in July 2018 that permits the recognition and measurement of leases at the date of adoption.
Therefore, Seaboard will not restate comparative period financial information for the effects of this accounting standard.
While Seaboard continues its process of assessing its leases and evaluating the effects this guidance will have on its
consolidated financial statements, Seaboard expects the adoption will increase its assets approximately $460 million and
its liabilities approximately $500 million for operating lease ROU assets and liabilities. Seaboard believes the most
significant effects will relate to the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet for port and
contract grower operating leases. Seaboard is in the process of implementing a new lease accounting system and evaluating
its processes and internal controls. See Note 8 for information about Seaboard’s lease obligations.
Note 2 - Acquisitions
On January 5, 2018, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired substantially all of the outstanding common shares of Borisniak
Corp., Les Grands Moulins d’Abidjan, Les Grands Moulins de Dakar, Eurafrique, and Societe Mediterraneenne de
Transport, collectively operating as Groupe Mimran (“Mimran”). Mimran operates three flour mills and an associated
grain trading business located in Senegal, Ivory Coast and Monaco. This acquisition increased Seaboard’s flour and feed
milling capacity and annual grain trading volume.
30 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The total purchase price for this acquisition based on the acquisition date fair values and using the exchange rate in effect
at the time of acquisition, was $324 million consisting of:
(Millions of dollars)
Cash payment, net of $64 million of cash acquired
Euro-denominated note payable due 2021, 3.25% interest
Contingent consideration
Total fair value of consideration at acquisition date
Fair Value
$
$
264
46
14
324
See Note 7 for further description of the note payable. The fair value of the contingent consideration, classified in other
non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, is dependent on the probability of Mimran achieving certain
financial performance targets using earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as a metric.
The contingent consideration ranges between zero and $48 million payable between five and eight years following the
closing, at the discretion of the sellers.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, Seaboard finalized its preliminary purchase price allocation. As a result of third-party
valuations of tangible and intangible assets, property, plant and equipment increased $34 million, intangible assets
decreased $22 million and goodwill decreased $13 million. Depreciation and amortization expense were not materially
impacted by the change.
The final purchase was recorded at fair value and allocated as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other long-term assets
Total fair value of assets acquired
Current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Total fair value of liabilities assumed
Less: Noncontrolling interest
Net fair value of assets acquired
Fair Value
83
91
78
148
4
404
(38)
(38)
(76)
(4)
324
$
$
The intangible assets include $28 million allocated to trade names, amortizable over 9 years, and $50 million allocated to
customer relationships, amortizable over 9 years. Goodwill represents Mimran’s market presence and its experienced
workforce. The intangible assets and goodwill are not deductible for income tax purposes.
Certain Mimran entities acquired are accounted for on a three-month lag and use local currency as their functional
currency. Translation gains and losses are recorded as components of other comprehensive income (loss). For the year
ended December 31, 2018, net sales of $247 million and net earnings of $17 million were recognized in Seaboard’s
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Acquisition costs, incurred primarily in 2017, of $2 million
were expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined consolidated financial results for Seaboard as if the
acquisition had been completed at January 1, 2017:
(Unaudited)
(Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
Net sales
Net earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per common share
Year ended
December 31,
2018
2017
6,643 $
(13) $
(10.90) $
6,095
272
233.45
$
$
$
On August 30, 2017, Seaboard’s Pork segment acquired hog inventory and hog farms in the central U.S. from New Fashion
Pork, LLP for total cash consideration of $40 million. This acquisition provides additional sows to further increase Seaboard’s
2018 Annual Report 31
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
capacity to fulfill its hog supply commitment for processing at the Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC (“STF”) processing plant
located in Sioux City, Iowa, which began operations in September 2017. See Note 6 for further information on STF.
The purchase was recorded at fair value in Seaboard’s Pork segment, and the allocation of the purchase price is below. No
material intangible assets were identified.
(Millions of dollars)
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Total consideration transferred
$
$
6
34
40
Operating results have been included in Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. There
was no material impact to Seaboard’s sales and net earnings as a result of the purchase. Acquisition costs were less than
$1 million.
During the first quarter of 2017, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired a pulse and grain elevator business in Canada for
total cash consideration of $14 million. This business, which complements an existing CT&M business in Canada, is
expected to increase the trade volumes of pulses, which include commodities of beans, peas and lentils. The purchase was
recorded at fair value with $11 million allocated to property, plant and equipment and $3 million allocated to goodwill.
Goodwill represents the assembled workforce, cost savings of buying rather than developing a greenfield operation and
the close proximity of this elevator to the producers in the region. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
Operating results have been included in Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Acquisition costs were less than $1 million.
On September 1, 2016, Seaboard’s Pork segment acquired certain assets of Texas Farm, LLC for total cash consideration of
$59 million. Texas Farm, LLC was a hog growing operation with hog inventory, hog farms and a feed mill located in Texas. The
additional hog production allows Seaboard to expand and realign its hog production in other states to supply its Oklahoma pork
processing plant and the STF pork processing plant in Iowa.
The purchase was recorded at fair value in Seaboard’s Pork segment, and the allocation of the purchase price is below. Goodwill
is primarily attributable to workforce and the benefits of acquiring an existing operation rather than incurring the costs and time
to begin a new hog operation.
(Millions of dollars)
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Accounts payable
Total consideration transferred
$
$
16
42
3
(2)
59
Operating results have been included in Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Net sales of
$4 million and a $2 million net loss were recognized during 2016. Acquisition costs were less than $1 million.
On February 7, 2016, Seaboard’s Pork segment acquired hog inventory, a feed mill, truck washes and certain hog farms in
the central U.S. from Christensen Farms & Feedlots, Inc. and Christensen Farms Midwest, LLC (“Christensen Farms”)
for total cash consideration of $148 million. Seaboard had previously agreed to provide a portion of the hogs to be
processed at the STF pork processing plant.
The purchase was recorded at fair value in Seaboard’s Pork segment, and the allocation of the purchase price is below. Intangible
assets include customer relationships that have a weighted-average useful life of 1.6 years. Goodwill represents the farms’
established processes, workforce and close proximity to the Sioux City, Iowa, processing plant.
(Millions of dollars)
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Total consideration transferred
32 2018 Annual Report
$
$
33
111
1
3
148
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Operating results have been included in Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Net sales of
$119 million and a $5 million net loss were recognized during 2016. Acquisition costs were less than $1 million.
During the last half of 2016, Seaboard’s Pork segment acquired additional hog inventory and sow farms through three
additional acquisitions for total cash consideration of $12 million. The purchases were recorded at fair value, and
$1 million and $11 million were allocated to inventories and property, plant and equipment, respectively. No material
intangible assets were identified, and acquisition costs were less than $1 million. With these purchases, Seaboard increased
its sow herd to meet the majority of its hog supply commitment for single-shift processing at the STF plant.
On October 28, 2016, Seaboard’s CT&M segment increased its ownership percentage from 50% to 98% to obtain control
of Belarina Alimentos S.A., a flour production business in Brazil (“Belarina”). No cash or other consideration was
transferred to the other shareholder whose ownership was diluted through revision of the shareholders agreement to
restructure the affiliate debt and equity of Belarina. Seaboard accounted for the transaction as a business combination
achieved in stages and included the financial results of Belarina in its consolidated financial statements since the date of
acquisition. See Note 6 for a discussion of the previous equity method of accounting for Belarina. As Belarina is recorded
on a three-month lag, there was no impact to Seaboard’s sales and net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016, as
a result of the consolidation. Since no consideration was transferred to the other owner, Seaboard substituted the
acquisition-date fair value of its 50% pre-existing interest in Belarina and the acquisition-date fair value of its pre-existing
affiliate trade and note receivable for the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred to measure goodwill.
The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation resulting from this consolidation:
(Millions of dollars)
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Goodwill
Third-party debt
Other liabilities
Total business valuation
Fair value of pre-existing interest
$
$
$
7
6
25
4
1
(14)
(11)
18
18
The valuation of the noncontrolling interest was immaterial. Goodwill primarily represents the assembled workforce.
Seaboard recorded a gain of $4 million in bad debt expense within selling, general and administrative expenses in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, related to recognizing the fair value of its pre-existing affiliate
receivables. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Seaboard acquired the remaining 2% for minimal consideration.
Note 3 - Investments
The following is a summary of the estimated fair value of short-term investments classified as trading securities at the end
of each year:
(Millions of dollars)
Domestic equity securities
Domestic debt securities
Foreign equity securities
Money market funds held in trading accounts
Collateralized loan obligations
High yield securities
Foreign debt securities
Term deposits
Other trading securities
Total trading short-term investments
December 31,
2018
Fair
Value
2017
Fair
Value
$
$
632
268
218
146
28
19
16
9
—
1,336
$
$
752
439
319
10
29
21
—
—
6
1,576
2018 Annual Report 33
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The change in unrealized gains (losses) related to trading securities still held at the end of the respective reporting period
was $(110) million, $146 million and $49 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Seaboard had $66 million of equity securities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2018, with $25 million
in euros, $20 million in Japanese yen, $9 million in the British pound, $3 million in the Swiss franc and the remaining
$9 million in various other currencies. Seaboard had $114 million of equity securities denominated in foreign currencies
as of December 31, 2017, with $48 million in euros, $25 million in Japanese yen, $20 million in the British pound,
$6 million in the Swiss franc and the remaining $15 million in various other currencies. Also, money market funds included
$10 million and less than $1 million denominated in various foreign currencies as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. Term deposits are denominated in the West African franc.
In addition to its short-term investments, Seaboard also has trading securities related to Seaboard’s deferred compensation
plans classified in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10 for information on the types of
trading securities held related to the deferred compensation plans. See Note 9 for a discussion of assets held in conjunction
with investments related to Seaboard’s defined benefit pension plan.
Note 4 - Inventories
The following table is a summary of inventories at the end of each year:
(Millions of dollars)
At lower of LIFO cost or market:
Hogs and materials
Fresh pork and materials
LIFO adjustment
Total inventories at lower of LIFO cost or market
At lower of FIFO cost and net realizable value:
Grains, oilseeds and other commodities
Sugar produced and in process
Other
Total inventories at lower of FIFO cost and net realizable value
Grain, flour and feed at lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value
Total inventories
December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
361 $
36
(58)
339
229
17
81
327
149
815 $
313
28
(31)
310
253
38
90
381
89
780
The use of the LIFO method for certain inventories of the Pork segment decreased net earnings $20 million ($16.87 per
common share) and $6 million ($5.40 per common share) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Net earnings increased $5 million ($3.92 per common share) for the year ended December 31, 2016. If the FIFO method
had been used for all inventories of the Pork segment, inventories would have been higher $58 million and $31 million as
of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The LIFO valuation reserve activity for 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Reserve for LIFO Valuation:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Balance at
Increase Balance at
beginning of year (decrease) end of year
$
$
$
31
21
28
27 $
10 $
(7) $
58
31
21
34 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5 - Net Property, Plant and Equipment
The following table is a summary of property, plant and equipment at the end of each year:
(Millions of dollars)
Land and improvements
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Vessels and vehicles
Office furniture and fixtures
Construction in progress
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net property, plant and equipment
Useful
Lives
3 - 15 years $
30 years
3 - 20 years
3 - 18 years
5 years
$
December 31,
2018
2017
238 $
591
1,298
147
36
96
2,406
(1,246)
1,160 $
224
525
1,253
136
34
56
2,228
(1,151)
1,077
Note 6 - Investments in and Advances to Affiliates and Notes Receivable from Affiliates
Seaboard has several investments in and advances to non-controlled, non-consolidated affiliates that are all accounted for
using the equity method of accounting. Financial information from certain foreign affiliates is reported on a one- to three-
month lag, depending on the specific entity.
Pork Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Net income (loss)
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
December 31,
2017
2018
2016
927 $
(60) $
623 $
243 $
380 $
441 $
(21) $
596 $
138 $
458 $
319
22
364
14
350
$
$
$
$
$
The Pork segment has a 50% noncontrolling interest in Daily’s Premium Meats, LLC (“Daily’s”) and STF. Daily’s
produces and markets raw and pre-cooked bacon. STF operates a new pork processing plant, which began operations in
September 2017. Combined condensed financial information of these entities for each of Seaboard’s years ended is
included in the table above.
Seaboard and Triumph Foods, LLC (“Triumph”) formed STF in May 2015 with equal ownership of 50%. In connection
with the development and operation of the plant, Seaboard contributed $73 million and $51 million during 2017 and 2016,
respectively. Also, Seaboard agreed to provide a portion of the hogs to be processed at the plant. The Pork segment
currently has a business relationship with Triumph under which Seaboard markets substantially all of the pork products
produced at Triumph’s plant in Missouri and STF’s plant in Iowa. In addition to supplying raw materials and providing
marketing services to these affiliates, the Pork segment also transferred fixed assets and other costs totaling $14 million in
2017 related to an enterprise resource planning system that is used by Seaboard, Triumph, Daily’s and STF.
Commodity Trading and Milling Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Net income (loss)
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
$
$
$
$
3,238 $
(13) $
1,914 $
1,242 $
672 $
2,907 $
23 $
1,793 $
1,150 $
643 $
2,871
(6)
1,201
734
467
The CT&M segment has noncontrolling interests in foreign businesses conducting flour, maize and feed milling, baking
operations, poultry production and processing, and agricultural commodity trading. Combined condensed financial
information of these entities for each of Seaboard’s years ended is included in the table above. As of December 31, 2018,
the location and percentage ownership of CT&M’s affiliates were as follows: Botswana (49%), Democratic Republic of
Congo (“DRC”) (50%), Gambia (50%), Kenya (46.64%-49%), Lesotho (50%), Mauritania (50%), Morocco (11.44%-
17.08%), Nigeria (25%-48.33%), Senegal (49%), South Africa (30%-50%), Tanzania (49%) and Zambia (49%) in Africa;
Colombia (40%-42%), Ecuador (25%-50%), Guyana (50%), and Peru (50%) in South America; Jamaica (50%) and Haiti
2018 Annual Report 35
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(23.33%) in the Caribbean; Turkey (25%) in Europe; Australia (22.5%-25%); and Canada (45%) and the U.S. (40%) in
North America. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard’s carrying value of certain of CT&M segment’s investments in
affiliates was more than its share of the affiliates’ book value by $57 million. The excess is attributable primarily to the
valuation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The amortizable assets are being amortized to income
(loss) from affiliates over the remaining life of the assets.
During 2018, Seaboard’s CT&M segment acquired a 50% noncontrolling interest in a grain trading and flour milling
business in Mauritania for total consideration of $16 million. The investment amount is subject to change dependent upon
resolution of certain contingencies. The investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting and reported
on a three-month lag. Seaboard’s first proportionate share of this affiliate’s income (loss) was recognized in the second
quarter of 2018.
During 2017, the CT&M segment invested an additional $7 million in a grain trading and poultry business in Morocco.
This investment increased Seaboard’s ownership interest in that business to 19.4% and, as a result, Seaboard changed its
accounting method from the cost method to equity method effective on the date of the additional investment. This
investment is reported on a three-month lag basis, and therefore Seaboard’s first proportionate share of earnings from this
investment was recognized in the third quarter of 2017.
The CT&M segment has a 50% noncontrolling interest in a bakery located in the DRC. Seaboard’s investment balance is
zero. As part of its original investment, Seaboard has an interest bearing long-term note receivable from this affiliate that
had a principal and interest balance of approximately $8 million and $15 million, net of reserves, as of December 31, 2018
and 2017, respectively, all classified as long-term in other non-current assets given uncertainty of the timing of payments
in the future. The note receivable, $32 million excluding accrued interest, is 50% guaranteed by the other shareholder in
the entity. Based on continued operating losses and revised cash flow forecasts, Seaboard reserved $16 million in bad debt
expense within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for
the year ended December 31, 2016. There was no tax benefit from this transaction. Seaboard recorded this entity’s current
period losses of $7 million and $4 million against the note receivable for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. In September 2017, Seaboard reached an agreement to amend the note to further extend the term and match
payments to cash flow estimates. If the future long-term cash flows of this bakery do not improve, more of the recorded
value of the note receivable from affiliate could be deemed uncollectible in the future, which could result in a further
charge to earnings.
The CT&M segment had a 50% noncontrolling interest in Belarina, a flour production business in Brazil, which it
accounted for using the equity method of accounting prior to October 28, 2016, the date Seaboard obtained 98% of the
equity ownership and control of Belarina. Seaboard accounted for this transaction as a business combination achieved in
stages as discussed further in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. As an equity method affiliate, Seaboard had
contributed a total of $63 million in investments and advances and a $13 million long-term loan, including investment and
advances and pay-in-kind interest accretion totaling $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Seaboard recorded
total losses from affiliate, which included reserves of $10 million related to this investment in 2016, and currency
translation adjustment losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) of $(4) million. Due to the extent of losses,
Seaboard had previously fully reserved all advances and long-term receivable, and as such, Seaboard’s investment,
advances and long-term note receivable were zero. Seaboard also had a gross trade receivable due from Belarina related
to sales of grain and supplies. The net trade receivable balance was effectively settled as the entity is now consolidated.
During 2016, the CT&M segment provided a $12 million loan to a Peruvian affiliate. The Peruvian affiliate repaid the
loan later that same year.
Marine Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Net income
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
December 31,
2017
2018
2016
66 $
11 $
272 $
133 $
139 $
58 $
5 $
229 $
114 $
115 $
47
7
277
109
168
$
$
$
$
$
The Marine segment has a 21% noncontrolling interest in a cargo terminal business in Jamaica and a 36% noncontrolling
interest in a holding company that owns a Caribbean terminal operation. Combined condensed financial information of
36 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
these entities for each of Seaboard’s years ended is included in the table above. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard’s
carrying value of certain of Marine segment’s investments in affiliates was less than its share of the affiliates’ book value
by $26 million. The difference is attributable primarily to the valuation of property, plant and equipment and impairments
taken by Seaboard, but not the respective entity. Both investments are reported on a three-month lag.
During 2016, the Marine segment invested $7 million of cash and converted an $8 million note receivable to equity in the
Caribbean terminal operation. During 2017, the holding company’s terminal operations encountered the loss of a customer
and defaulted on certain third-party debt obligations. In addition, third-party engineering studies identified significant
unexpected construction modifications needed for the terminal operation. As a result, Seaboard evaluated its investment
in affiliate and receivables for impairment and recorded a $5 million charge on its investment, a $1 million charge on its
convertible note receivable and a $3 million allowance on its affiliate receivables. The holding company is investigating
various strategic alternatives, such as additional capital calls, refinancing of the third-party debt and restructuring of the
affiliate equity and receivables, which includes the deferral of all affiliated receivable payments until such future time as
cash flow is sufficient to pay all third-party debt. If future long-term cash flows do not improve, there is a possibility that
there could be additional charges.
Sugar and Alcohol Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Net income
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
$
$
$
$
5 $
3 $
10 $
2 $
8 $
10 $
2 $
10 $
2 $
8 $
10
3
10
2
8
The Sugar and Alcohol segment has two noncontrolling interests in sugar-related businesses in Argentina (46% and 50%,
respectively). Combined condensed financial information of these entities for each of Seaboard’s years ended is included
in the table above.
Power Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Net income
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
$
$
$
$
138 $
33 $
247 $
139 $
108 $
105 $
23 $
265 $
145 $
120 $
146
14
261
175
86
The Power segment has a 29.9% noncontrolling interest in an electricity generating facility and two smaller energy-related
businesses (45% and 50%, respectively), all in the Dominican Republic. Combined condensed financial information of
these entities for each of Seaboard’s years ended is included in the table above. During 2018 and 2016, Seaboard received
dividends of $18 million and $9 million, respectively, from the electricity generating facility.
Turkey Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
$
$
$
$
$
$
2018
1,591 $
(16) $
(30) $
1,072 $
502 $
570 $
December 31,
2017
2016
1,670 $
15 $
(8) $
999 $
400 $
599 $
1,813
162
139
1,154
529
625
The Turkey segment represents Seaboard’s 50% noncontrolling interest in Butterball, LLC (“Butterball”), a vertically
integrated producer and processor of branded and non-branded turkey products. Butterball’s condensed financial
information for each of Seaboard’s years ended is included in the table above. Within total assets, Butterball had trade
name intangible assets of $111 million and goodwill of $74 million as of December 31, 2018. In 2017, Butterball closed
its further processing plant in Montgomery, Illinois, resulting in charges primarily related to impaired fixed assets and
accrued severance. Seaboard’s proportionate share of these charges, recognized in income (loss) from affiliates, was
$18 million in 2017.
2018 Annual Report 37
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In connection with its initial investment in Butterball in December 2010, Seaboard provided Butterball with a $100 million
unsecured subordinated loan (the “subordinated loan”) with a seven-year maturity. Also, in connection with providing the
subordinated loan, Seaboard received detachable warrants, which upon exercise for a nominal price, would enable
Seaboard to acquire an additional 5% equity interest in Butterball. In January 2016, the interest on the subordinated loan
was modified to 10% per annum, payable in cash semi-annually. The warrants were also modified in 2016, whereby
Seaboard can exercise these warrants at any time after December 31, 2018 or prior to December 31, 2025 after which time
the warrants expire. Butterball has the right to repurchase the warrants for fair market value. The warrant agreement
essentially provides Seaboard with a 52.5% economic interest, as these warrants are in substance an additional equity
interest. Therefore, Seaboard records 52.5% of Butterball’s earnings as income (loss) from affiliates in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income. However, all significant corporate governance matters would continue to be shared
equally between Seaboard and its partner in Butterball even if the warrants were exercised, unless Seaboard already owned
a majority of the voting rights at the time of exercise. The warrants qualify for equity treatment under accounting standards.
Upon issuance in December 2010, the warrants were allocated a value of $11 million, classified as investments in and
advances to affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets, and the subordinated loan was allocated a discounted value of
$89 million, classified as notes receivable from affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. The discount on the
subordinated loan was accreted monthly in interest income from affiliates through the maturity date of December 6, 2017.
In December 2017, Butterball fully repaid the outstanding note receivable balance of $164 million and accrued interest of
$6 million to Seaboard.
Note 7 - Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
Notes payable under uncommitted lines of credit was $148 million and $162 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. Of the $148 million outstanding as of December 31, 2018, all was related to foreign subsidiaries, with
$79 million denominated in South African rand, $20 million denominated in the Canadian dollar and $12 million
denominated in the Zambian kwacha. The weighted average interest rate for outstanding notes payable was 7.76% and
10.48% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The notes payable under the lines of credit are unsecured and do
not require compensating balances. Facility fees on these agreements are not material. As of December 31, 2018,
Seaboard’s borrowing capacity under its uncommitted lines of credit was reduced by $148 million drawn and $18 million
of letters of credit.
Seaboard has a $100 million committed line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association that had no outstanding
balance as of December 31, 2018. During 2018, Seaboard renewed this credit line for another year until
September 27, 2019, with no other changes to the agreement. Interest is computed at LIBOR plus 0.50%, and Seaboard
incurs an unused commitment fee of 0.09% per annum. This line of credit is secured by certain short-term investments
and is subject to standard representations and covenants.
The following table is a summary of long-term debt:
(Millions of dollars)
Term Loan due 2028
Term Loan due 2022
Foreign subsidiary obligations due 2019 through 2023
Total long-term debt at face value
$
Current maturities of long-term debt and unamortized discount and costs
Long-term debt, less current maturities and unamortized discount and costs $
December 31,
2018
2017
698 $
—
81
779
(40)
739 $
—
484
52
536
(54)
482
On September 25, 2018, Seaboard entered into an Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement (“Credit
Agreement”) with CoBank, ACB, Farm Credit Services of America, PCA, and the lenders party thereto. This Credit
Agreement replaced Seaboard Foods LLC’s (“Seaboard Foods”) $500 million unsecured term loan with a $700 million
unsecured term loan (“Term Loan”) and extended the maturity from December 4, 2022 to September 25, 2028. Seaboard
received proceeds of $220 million, net of certain costs, of which some were capitalized and amortized to interest expense
using the effective interest method. The Term Loan provides for quarterly payments of the principal balance pursuant to
the revised amortization schedule set forth in the Credit Agreement, with the balance due on the maturity date. The Term
Loan bears interest at fluctuating rates based on various margins over a Base Rate, LIBOR or a Quoted Rate, at the option
of Seaboard. The interest rate was 4.15% and 3.20% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
38 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Term Loan requires, among other terms, the maintenance of certain ratios involving a maximum debt to capitalization
ratio, which shall not exceed 50% at the end of any fiscal quarter, and minimum tangible net worth, as defined, of not less
than $2,500 million plus 25% of cumulative consolidated net income. The Term Loan also includes restrictions of certain
subsidiaries to grant liens on assets, incur indebtedness over 15% of consolidated tangible net worth, make certain
acquisitions, investments and asset dispositions in excess of specified amounts, and limits aggregate dividend payments
to $100 million per year under certain circumstances. Seaboard has guaranteed all obligations of Seaboard Foods under
the Term Loan.
Foreign subsidiary long-term debt is primarily denominated in euros and U.S. dollars. In conjunction with the acquisition
discussed in Note 2, Seaboard incurred a euro-denominated note payable due to the sellers valued at $44 million as of
December 31, 2018. The change in value from the date of acquisition to the current reporting period reflects foreign
currency fluctuations and the accretion of the discount to the note payable face value over the term that is recorded as
additional interest expense. This foreign subsidiary obligation bears interest at an annual rate of 3.25%, with interest due
annually on the anniversary date, until maturity on January 5, 2021. Seaboard’s Sugar and Alcohol segment, which is on
a one-month lag, refinanced certain notes payable with short-term loans valued at approximately $29 million and
$32 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The outstanding short-term loan as of December 31, 2018
incurs a fixed rate of interest of 3.10% and matures on December 20, 2018. The outstanding short-term loan as of December
31, 2017 incurred a fixed rate of interest of 23% and matured on February 7, 2018. The weighted average interest rate of
all foreign subsidiary debt was 3.80% and 21.80% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. All of the foreign
subsidiary debt is guaranteed by Seaboard, except $2 million is secured by property, plant and equipment.
Seaboard was in compliance with all restrictive debt covenants relating to these agreements as of December 31, 2018. The
aggregate minimum principal payments required on long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: $39 million
in 2019, $9 million in 2020, $53 million in 2021, $8 million in 2022, $7 million in 2023 and $663 million thereafter.
Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
On June 28, 2018, Wanda Duryea and eleven other indirect purchasers of pork products, acting on behalf of themselves
and a putative class of indirect purchasers of pork products, filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Minnesota against several pork processors, including Seaboard Foods and Agri Stats, Inc., a company described
in the complaint as a data sharing service. Subsequent to the filing of this initial complaint, additional class action
complaints making similar claims on behalf of putative classes of direct and indirect purchasers were filed in the U.S.
District Court for the District of Minnesota. The complaints allege, among other things, that beginning in January 2009,
the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of pork products in violation of U.S.
antitrust laws by coordinating their output and limiting production, allegedly facilitated by the exchange of non-public
information about prices, capacity, sales volume and demand through Agri Stats, Inc. The complaints on behalf of the
putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state laws, including state antitrust laws,
unfair competition laws, consumer protection statutes, and state common law claims for unjust enrichment. The complaints
also allege that the defendants concealed this conduct from the plaintiffs and the members of the putative classes. The
relief sought in the respective complaints includes treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs,
and attorneys’ fees on behalf of the putative classes. The complaints were amended and consolidated, and the cases are
now organized into three consolidated putative class actions brought on behalf of (a) direct purchasers, (b) consumer
indirect purchasers, and (c) commercial and institutional indirect purchasers. The amended complaints named Seaboard
Corporation as an additional defendant. Seaboard intends to defend these cases vigorously. It is impossible at this stage
either to determine the probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome resulting from these suits, or to estimate the
amount of potential loss, if any, resulting from the suits.
On March 20, 2018, the bankruptcy trustee (the “Trustee”) for Cereoil Uruguay S.A. (“Cereoil”) filed a suit in the
Bankruptcy Court of First Instance in Uruguay that was served during the second quarter naming as parties Seaboard and
Seaboard’s subsidiaries, Seaboard Overseas Limited (“SOL”) and Seaboard Uruguay Holdings Ltd. (“Seaboard
Uruguay”). Seaboard has a 45% indirect ownership of Cereoil. The suit seeks an order requiring Seaboard, SOL, and
Seaboard Uruguay to reimburse Cereoil the amount of $22 million, contending that deliveries of soybeans to SOL pursuant
to purchase agreements should be set aside as fraudulent conveyances. Seaboard intends to defend this case vigorously. It
is impossible at this stage to determine the probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome resulting from this suit. In
the event of an adverse ruling, Seaboard and its two subsidiaries could be ordered to pay the amount of $22 million. Any
award in this case would offset against any award in the additional case described below filed by the Trustee on
April 27, 2018.
2018 Annual Report 39
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On April 27, 2018, the Trustee for Cereoil filed another suit in the Bankruptcy Court of First Instance in Uruguay that was
served during the second quarter naming as parties Seaboard, SOL, Seaboard Uruguay, all directors of Cereoil, including
two individuals employed by Seaboard who served as directors at the behest of Seaboard, and the Chief Financial Officer
of Cereoil, an employee of Seaboard who also served at the behest of Seaboard (collectively, the “Cereoil Defendants”).
The Trustee contends that the Cereoil Defendants acted with willful misconduct to cause Cereoil’s insolvency, and thus
should be ordered to pay all liabilities of Cereoil, net of assets. The bankruptcy filing lists total liabilities of $53 million
and assets of $30 million. Seaboard intends to defend this case vigorously. It is impossible at this stage to determine the
probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome resulting from this suit. In the event of an adverse ruling, Seaboard and
the other Cereoil Defendants could be ordered to pay the amount of the net indebtedness of Cereoil, which based on the
bankruptcy schedules would total $23 million. It is possible that the net indebtedness could be higher than this amount if
Cereoil’s liabilities are greater than $53 million and/or Cereoil’s assets are worth less than $30 million. In addition, in the
event of an adverse ruling, the Bankruptcy Court of First Instance could order payment of the Trustee’s professional fees,
interest, and other expenses. Any award in this case would offset against any award in the case described above filed on
March 20, 2018.
On May 15, 2018, the Trustee for Nolston S.A. (“Nolston”) filed a suit in the Bankruptcy Court of First Instance in Uruguay
that was served during the second quarter naming as parties Seaboard and the other Cereoil Defendants. Seaboard has a
45% indirect ownership of Nolston. The Trustee contends that the Cereoil Defendants acted with willful misconduct to
cause Nolston’s insolvency, and thus should be ordered to pay all liabilities of Nolston, net of assets. The bankruptcy filing
lists total liabilities of $29 million and assets of $15 million. Seaboard intends to defend this case vigorously. It is
impossible at this stage to determine the probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome resulting from this suit. In the
event of an adverse ruling, Seaboard and the other Cereoil Defendants could be ordered to pay the amount of the net
indebtedness of Nolston, which based on the bankruptcy schedules would total $14 million. It is possible that the net
indebtedness could be higher than this amount if Nolston’s liabilities are greater than $29 million and/or Nolston’s assets
are worth less than $15 million. In addition, in the event of an adverse ruling, the Bankruptcy Court of First Instance could
order payment of the Trustee’s professional fees, interest, and other expenses.
On September 18, 2014, and subsequently in 2015 and 2016, Seaboard received a number of grand jury subpoenas and
informal requests for information from the Department of Justice, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section
(“AFMLS”), seeking records related to specified foreign companies and individuals. The companies and individuals as to
which the requested records relate were not affiliated with Seaboard, although Seaboard has also received subpoenas and
requests for additional information relating to an affiliate of Seaboard. During 2017, Seaboard received grand jury
subpoenas requesting documents and information related to money transfers and bank accounts in the Democratic Republic
of Congo (“DRC”) and other African countries and requests to interview certain Seaboard employees and to obtain
testimony before a grand jury. Seaboard has retained outside counsel and is cooperating with the government’s
investigation. It is impossible at this stage either to determine the probability of a favorable or unfavorable outcome or to
estimate the amount of potential loss, if any, resulting from the government’s inquiry.
On September 19, 2012, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) executed three search warrants
authorizing the seizure of certain records from Seaboard’s offices in Merriam, Kansas and at the Seaboard Foods
employment office and the human resources department in Guymon, Oklahoma. The warrants generally called for the
seizure of employment-related files, certain e-mails and other electronic records relating to Medicaid and Medicaid
recipients, certain health care providers in the Guymon area, and Seaboard’s health plan and certain personnel issues as
part of an investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma. This matter was settled in
November 2018 pursuant to a settlement agreement with ICE and the State of Oklahoma to which Seaboard made cash
payments to ICE and the State of Oklahoma in the aggregate amount of $1 million. The settlement resolves the
investigation.
Seaboard is subject to various administrative and judicial proceedings and other legal matters related to the normal conduct
of its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these items is not expected to have a material
adverse effect in the consolidated financial statements of Seaboard.
Contingent Obligations
Certain of the non-consolidated affiliates and third-party contractors who perform services for Seaboard have bank debt
supporting their underlying operations. From time to time, Seaboard will provide guarantees of that debt in order to further
business objectives. Seaboard does not issue guarantees of third parties for compensation. As of December 31, 2018,
40 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
guarantees outstanding to affiliates and third parties were not material. Seaboard has not accrued a liability for any of the
affiliate or third-party guarantees as management considers the likelihood of loss to be remote.
Commitments
As of December 31, 2018 Seaboard had various non-cancelable purchase commitments and commitments under other
agreements and operating leases, as described in the table below:
(Millions of dollars)
Hog procurement contracts (a)
Grain and feed ingredients (a)
Grain purchase contracts for resale (b)
Fuel supply contracts (c)
Equipment and other purchase commitments
Total firm purchase commitments
Ports (d)
Vessel, time and voyage-charters (e)
Contract grower agreements (f)
Other operating lease payments
Total operating lease payments
Power barge and pork plant expansion (g)
Investment in affiliates (h)
Total unrecognized non-cancelable
commitments
2019
$
78 $
—
—
49
—
64 $
—
—
49
—
Years ended December 31,
2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Totals
362
34 $
118
—
564
—
530
352
—
73
386 $ 1,647
203
109
157
25
231
61
69
15
660
218
32
71 $
2
—
—
—
73 $ 127 $ 113 $
18
27
41
13
99 $
71
9
46 $
—
—
49
—
95 $
20
8
18
6
52 $
—
—
19
26
37
9
91 $
9
9
69 $
116
564
31
73
853 $
18
58
47
18
141 $
138
14
67 $
—
—
19
13
27
8
—
—
210 $
$
$
$ 1,146 $ 252 $ 236 $ 180 $ 147 $
596 $ 2,557
(a) Seaboard has contracted with third parties for the purchase of hogs and has entered into grain and feed purchase
contracts to support its hog operations. The amounts included in the table are based on projected market prices as
of December 31, 2018. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Pork segment paid $77 million, $99 million and $133
million, respectively, for hogs purchased under committed contracts.
(b) The CT&M segment enters into grain purchase contracts, primarily to support firm sales commitments. These
contracts are valued based on projected commodity prices as of December 31, 2018.
(c) The Power segment has a natural gas supply contract for a significant portion of the fuel required for the operation
of its existing facility and barge under construction. The commitments have both fixed and variable price
components, and the amount included in the table above is partially based on market prices as of
December 31, 2018. The Marine segment also has fuel purchase contracts.
(d) Seaboard also leases various facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements including
a terminal operations agreement at PortMiami, which runs through 2028. Rental expense for operating leases for
all segments amounted to $46 million, $44 million and $43 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(e) The Marine and CT&M segments enter into contracts to charter vessels for use in their operations, which include
short-term time charters for a few months and long-term commitments ranging from less than one year to over
three years. These segments’ charter hire expenses during 2018, 2017 and 2016 totaled $111 million, $96 million
and $95 million, respectively.
(g)
(f) To support the operations of the Pork segment, Seaboard has contract grower agreements in place with farmers
to raise a portion of Seaboard’s hogs according to Seaboard’s specifications under long-term service agreements.
During the years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016, Seaboard paid $48 million, $37 million and $26 million,
respectively, under contract grower agreements.
In November 2018, Seaboard’s Power segment entered into a contract to build a floating power barge with
operations anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2021. The total cost of the project is estimated to exceed
$160 million. In the third quarter of 2018, Seaboard’s Pork segment entered into an approximate $103 million
construction contract to expand its Oklahoma, pork processing plant during 2019 and 2020. These assets are
under construction, so expected payments may vary based on timing of milestones achieved.
Investment in affiliates represents obligations made to equity method investments, primarily for expected funding
commitments to three limited liability companies that operate refined coal processing plants.
(h)
2018 Annual Report 41
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 9 - Employee Benefits
Seaboard has one qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) for its domestic salaried and clerical employees that
were hired before January 1, 2014. Benefits are generally based upon the number of years of service and a percentage of
final average pay. Seaboard has historically based pension contributions on minimum funding standards to avoid the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) variable rate premiums established by the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act (“ERISA”) of 1974. Seaboard did not make any contributions in 2018 and 2017 and currently does not plan
on making any contributions in 2019.
As described in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, Seaboard utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes
the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following tables show the Plan’s
assets measured at estimated fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and also the level within the fair
value hierarchy used to measure each category of assets:
(Millions of dollars)
Assets:
Domestic equity securities
Foreign equity securities
Domestic fixed income mutual funds
Foreign fixed income mutual funds
Money market funds
Total assets
(Millions of dollars)
Assets:
Domestic equity securities
Foreign equity securities
Domestic fixed income mutual funds
Foreign fixed income mutual funds
Money market funds
Total assets
December 31,
2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
$
$
69 $
47
27
11
2
156 $
69 $
47
27
11
2
156 $
— $
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
December 31,
2017
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
$
$
80 $
53
25
11
2
171 $
80 $
53
25
11
2
171 $
— $
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
Pursuant to Seaboard’s investment policy, assets are invested in the Plan to achieve a diversified target allocation of
approximately 50% in domestic equities, 25% in international equities, 20% in fixed income securities and 5% in
alternative investments. The investment strategy is periodically reviewed by management for adherence to policy and
performance.
Seaboard also sponsors non-qualified, unfunded supplemental executive plans, and has certain individual, non-qualified,
unfunded supplemental retirement agreements for certain retired employees. The unamortized prior service cost is being
amortized over the average remaining working lifetime of the active participants for these plans. Management has no plans
to provide funding for these supplemental executive plans in advance of when the benefits are paid.
Assumptions used in determining pension information for all of the above plans were:
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate used to determine obligations
Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Expected return on plan assets
Long-term rate of increase in compensation levels
3.50-4.50% 2.75-3.80% 2.90-4.65%
2.75-3.80% 2.90-4.60% 3.20-4.80%
6.50% 6.75-7.00%
4.00%
6.25%
4.00%
4.00%
Management selected the discount rate based on a model-based result where the timing and amount of cash flows
approximates the estimated payouts. The expected returns on the Plan’s assets assumption are based on the weighted
average of asset class expected returns that are consistent with historical returns. The assumed rate selected was based on
model-based results that reflect the Plan’s asset allocation and related long-term projected returns. The measurement date
42 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for all plans is December 31. The unrecognized net actuarial losses are generally amortized over the average remaining
working lifetime of the active participants for all of these plans.
The changes in the Plan’s benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the Plan, supplemental executive plans and
retirement agreements and the funded status were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Reconciliation of benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
Plan settlements
Benefits paid
Other
Benefit obligation at end of year
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan settlements
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded status
December 31,
2018
2017
300
10
11
(22)
—
(6)
—
293
171
(11)
2
—
(6)
156
(137)
$
$
$
$
$
262
9
11
29
(9)
(3)
1
300
151
25
10
(9)
(6)
171
(129)
$
$
$
$
$
The net funded status of the Plan was $(35) million and $(29) million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Plan was $165 million and $171 million and for all the other plans was
$95 million and $90 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Expected future net benefit payments for all
plans during each of the next five years and in aggregate for the five-year period beginning with the sixth year were as
follows: $15 million, $18 million, $14 million, $25 million, $21 million and $75 million, respectively.
The settlements recognized during 2017 were primarily due to three participants who received lump sum payments in
aggregate of $8 million that exceeded the service cost plus interest cost for the respective plan.
The net periodic cost of benefits of these plans was as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization and other
Settlement loss recognized
Net periodic benefit cost
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
$
10 $
11
(11)
6
—
16 $
9 $
11
(10)
5
2
17 $
9
11
(8)
5
—
17
The service cost component is recorded in either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses depending
upon the employee, and the other components of net periodic benefit cost are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The amounts not reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in
accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $72 million and $78 million,
respectively. Such amounts primarily represent accumulated losses, net of gain.
Seaboard participates in a multi-employer pension fund, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union-
Industry Pension Fund, which covers certain union employees under a collective bargaining agreement. This fund’s
employer identification number is 51-6055922, and this plan’s number is 001. For the plan year beginning July 1, 2017,
this plan’s “zone status” is green and is not subject to a funding improvement plan. Seaboard is required to make
contributions to this plan in amounts established under the collective bargaining agreement that expires in July 2019.
2018 Annual Report 43
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Contribution expense for this plan was $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, which
represents less than five percent of total contributions to this plan. The applicable portion of the total plan benefits and net
assets of this plan is not separately identifiable, although Seaboard has received notice that, under certain circumstances,
it could be liable for unfunded vested benefits or other expenses of this jointly administered union plan. The estimated
withdrawal liability attributable to Seaboard based on the previous plan year ending June 30, 2018, was $17 million.
Seaboard has not established any liabilities for potential future withdrawal, as such withdrawal from this plan is not
probable.
Seaboard maintains a defined contribution plan covering most of its domestic salaried and clerical employees. In 2018,
2017 and 2016, Seaboard contributed to this plan an amount equal to 50% of the first 6% of each employee’s contributions
to the plan. Employee vesting is based upon years of service, with 20% vested after one year of service and an additional
20% vesting with each additional complete year of service. Contribution expense for this plan was $3 million, $3 million
and $2 million for the years ended December 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, Seaboard maintains a defined
contribution plan covering most of its hourly, non-union employees. Contribution expense for this plan was $1 million for
each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Seaboard has a deferred compensation plan that allows certain employees to reduce their compensation in exchange for
values in various investments. Seaboard also has an Investment Option Plan that allowed certain employees to reduce their
compensation in exchange for an option to acquire interests measured by reference to three investments. Contributions are
no longer permitted under the Investment Option Plan. The exercise price for each investment option was established
based upon the fair market value of the underlying investment on the date of grant. Under the deferred compensation plan,
Seaboard contributes 3% of the employees’ reduced compensation. Seaboard’s income (expense) for these two deferred
compensation plans, which primarily includes amounts related to the change in fair value of the underlying investment
accounts, was $2 million, $(10) million and $(4) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. Included in other liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $38 million and $40 million,
respectively, representing the market value of the payable to the employees upon distribution or exercise for each plan. In
conjunction with these plans, Seaboard purchased the specified number of units of the employee-designated investment,
plus the applicable option price for the Investment Option Plan. These investments are treated as trading securities and are
stated at their fair market values. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $45 million and $46 million,
respectively, were included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Investment income (loss) related to
the mark-to-market of these investments for 2018, 2017 and 2016 totaled $(2) million, $9 million and $4 million,
respectively.
Note 10 - Derivatives and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Seaboard uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the
following three broad levels:
Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities - Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Seaboard has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable
for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active
markets, and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs - Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
44 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables show assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and
2017, respectively, and also the level within the fair value hierarchy used to measure each category of assets and liabilities.
The trading securities classified as other current assets below are assets held for Seaboard’s deferred compensation plans.
(Millions of dollars)
Assets:
Trading securities – short-term investments:
Domestic equity securities
Domestic debt securities
Foreign equity securities
Money market funds held in trading accounts
Collateralized loan obligations
High yield securities
Foreign debt securities
Term deposits
Other trading securities
Trading securities – other current assets:
Domestic equity securities
Money market funds held in trading accounts
Foreign equity securities
Fixed income securities
Other
Derivatives:
Commodities (1)
Foreign currencies
Total assets
Liabilities:
Trading securities – short-term investments:
Other trading securities
Contingent consideration
Derivatives:
December 31,
2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
$
$
$
632 $
268
218
146
28
19
16
9
5
32
5
3
3
1
632 $
215
218
146
—
7
2
9
5
32
5
3
3
1
— $
53
—
—
28
12
14
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6
2
4
—
1,393 $ 1,282 $
2
2
111 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5 $
13
— $
—
5 $
—
—
13
(1)
Commodities (1)
Total liabilities
—
13
Seaboard’s commodity derivative assets and liabilities are presented in the consolidated balance sheets on a net
basis, including netting the derivatives with the related margin accounts. As of December 31, 2018, the
commodity derivatives had a margin account balance of $15 million resulting in a net other current asset in the
consolidated balance sheet of $17 million.
4
22 $
4
4 $
5 $
—
$
2018 Annual Report 45
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Millions of dollars)
Assets:
December 31,
2017
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Trading securities – short-term investments:
Domestic equity securities
Domestic debt securities held in mutual funds/ETFs/U.S. Treasuries
Foreign equity securities
Collateralized loan obligations
High yield securities
Money market funds held in trading accounts
Other trading securities
$
Trading securities – other current assets:
Domestic equity securities
Money market funds held in trading accounts
Foreign equity securities
Fixed income securities
752 $
439
319
29
21
10
6
752 $
438
319
—
21
10
6
35
5
4
2
35
5
4
2
Derivatives:
Commodities (1)
Foreign currencies
Total assets
Liabilities:
Derivatives:
4
3
4
—
1,629 $ 1,596 $
$
— $
1
—
29
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
33 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1)
Commodities (1)
Foreign currencies
Total liabilities
—
—
—
Seaboard’s commodity derivative assets and liabilities are presented in the consolidated balance sheets on a net
basis, including netting the derivatives with the related margin accounts. As of December 31, 2017, the
commodity derivatives had a margin account balance of $20 million resulting in a net other current asset in the
consolidated balance sheet of $18 million.
6 $
6
12 $
6 $
—
6 $
— $
6
6 $
$
$
Financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, net receivables, notes payable and accounts payable are
carried at cost, which approximates fair value, as a result of the short-term nature of the instruments.
Domestic debt securities categorized as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy include debt securities held in mutual funds and
ETFs. Domestic debt securities categorized as level 2 include corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed
securities and U.S. Treasuries. Foreign debt securities categorized as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy include debt
securities held in mutual funds and ETFs with a country of origin concentration outside the U.S. Foreign debt securities
categorized as level 2 include foreign government or government related securities and asset-backed securities with a
country of origin concentration outside the U.S. High yield securities categorized as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy
include high yield securities held in mutual funds and ETFs, and level 2 includes corporate bonds and bank loans.
The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by comparing interest rates for debt with similar terms and maturities. As
Seaboard’s long-term debt is mostly variable-rate, its carrying amount approximates fair value. If Seaboard’s long-term
debt was measured at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets, it would have been classified as level 2 in the fair value
hierarchy. See Note 7 for a discussion of Seaboard’s long-term debt.
The fair value of Seaboard’s contingent consideration recorded in conjunction with the acquisition discussed further in
Note 2 was classified as a level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since the calculation is dependent upon projected company
specific inputs using a Monte Carlo simulation. In future reporting periods, Seaboard will remeasure the estimated fair
value of the contingent consideration liability until settled. The estimated fair value of the liability decreased $1 million
during the fourth quarter of 2018 based upon updated financial information, including 2018 actual and 2019 budgeted
amounts.
46 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
While management believes its derivatives are primarily economic hedges, Seaboard does not perform the extensive
record-keeping required to account for these types of transactions as hedges for accounting purposes. As the derivatives
discussed below are not accounted for as hedges, fluctuations in the related commodity prices, foreign currency exchange
rates and equity prices could have a material impact on earnings in any given reporting period.
Commodity Instruments
Seaboard uses various derivative futures and options to manage its risk to price fluctuations for raw materials and other
inventories, finished product sales and firm sales commitments. Occasionally, Seaboard also enters into speculative
derivative transactions not directly related to its raw material requirements. Commodity derivatives are recorded at fair
value, with any changes in fair value being marked-to-market as a component of cost of sales in the consolidated statements
of comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Seaboard recognized net realized and
unrealized gains (losses) related to commodity contracts of $(12) million, $(9) million and $21 million, respectively,
included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had open net derivative contracts to purchase 33 million bushels of grain and 8 million
pounds of soybean oil and open net derivative contracts to sell 26 million pounds of hogs and 7 million gallons of heating
oil. As of December 31, 2017, Seaboard had open net derivative contracts to purchase 29 million bushels of grain, 1 million
pounds of soybean oil and open net derivative contracts to sell 13 million pounds of hogs and 7 million gallons of heating
oil.
Foreign Currency Exchange Agreements
Seaboard enters into foreign currency exchange agreements to manage the foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect
to certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange agreements that primarily relate to
an underlying commodity transaction are recorded at fair value with changes in value marked-to-market as a component
of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Foreign currency exchange agreements that are
not related to an underlying commodity transaction are recorded at fair value with changes in value marked-to-market as
a component of foreign currency gains (losses), net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, Seaboard had foreign currency exchange agreements with notional amounts of $82 million
and $20 million, respectively, primarily related to the South African rand, euro and the Canadian dollar. From time to time
Seaboard is subject to counterparty credit risk related to its foreign currency exchange agreements should the
counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of the contracts. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had $2 million
of credit risk to five counterparties related to its foreign currency exchange agreements. Seaboard does not hold any
collateral related to these agreements.
Equity Futures Contracts
Seaboard enters into equity futures contracts to manage the equity price risk with respect to certain short-term investments.
Equity futures contracts are recorded at fair value with changes in value marked-to-market as a component of other
investment income (loss), net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The notional amounts of these
equity futures contracts were $97 million and $0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following table provides the amount of gain (loss) recognized for each type of derivative and where it was recognized
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
(Millions of dollars)
Commodities
Foreign currencies
Foreign currencies
Equity
Cost of sales
Cost of sales
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
Other investment income (loss), net
$
2018
2017
(12) $
2
1
(6)
(9)
(7)
(1)
—
2018 Annual Report 47
(Millions of dollars)
Commodities(1)
Foreign
currencies
Equity
(1)
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the fair value of each type of derivative held as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and where
each derivative is included in the consolidated balance sheets:
Asset Derivatives
December 31, December 31,
2018
2017
Liability Derivatives
December 31, December 31,
2018
2017
$
6 $
4 Other current liabilities $
4 $
6
Other current assets
2
—
Other current assets
Short-term investments
6
—
Seaboard’s commodity derivative assets and liabilities are presented in the consolidated balance sheets on a net basis,
including netting the derivatives with the related margin accounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the commodity
derivatives had a margin account balance of $15 million and $20 million, respectively, resulting in a net other current
asset in the consolidated balance sheets of $17 million and $18 million, respectively. Seaboard’s equity derivatives
are also presented on a net basis, including netting the derivatives within short-term investments.
3 Other current liabilities
— Short-term investments
—
5
Note 11 - Stockholders’ Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In October 2017, the Board of Directors extended through October 31, 2019 the share repurchase program initially
established in November 2009. As of December 31, 2018, $95 million remained available for repurchases under this
program. Seaboard repurchased 1,333 shares of common stock at a total price of $5 million during 2018. Shares
repurchased were retired and became authorized and unissued shares. Seaboard did not repurchase any shares of common
stock during 2017 and 2016. Under this share repurchase program, Seaboard is authorized to repurchase its common stock
from time to time in open market or privately negotiated purchases, which may be above or below the traded market price.
During the period that the share repurchase program remains in effect, from time to time, Seaboard may enter into a
10b5-1 plan authorizing a third party to make such purchases on behalf of Seaboard. All stock repurchased will be made
in compliance with applicable legal requirements and funded by cash on hand. The timing of the repurchases and the
number of shares repurchased at any given time will depend upon market conditions, compliance with Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations, and other factors. The Board of Directors’ stock repurchase authorization
does not obligate Seaboard to acquire a specific amount of common stock, and the stock repurchase program may be
suspended at any time at Seaboard’s discretion. Shares repurchased are retired and resume the status of authorized and
unissued shares.
In each of the four quarters of 2018 and 2017, Seaboard declared and paid a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share on the
common stock. Seaboard did not declare or pay a dividend in 2016. In December 2012, Seaboard declared and paid a
dividend of $12.00 per share on the common stock. The increased amount of the dividend represented a prepayment of the
annual 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 dividends ($3.00 per share per year).
48 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related taxes, for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were as follows:
Cumulative
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment Investments
$
Unrealized
Gain
on
(254) $
(6)
2 $
5
Unrecognized
Pension
Cost
Total
(52) $ (304)
(9)
(8)
(Millions of dollars)
Balance December 31, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
loss to net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
—
(6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
loss to retained earnings
Balance December 31, 2017
$
(37)(2)
(297) $
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
loss to net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(52)
—
(52)
—
5
—
7 $
—
—
—
4 (1)
(4)
4
(5)
(8)(2)
(45)
(64) $ (354)
(53)
(1)
4 (1)
3
4
(49)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
loss to retained earnings
Balance December 31, 2018
(1)
—
(7)
(61) $ (410)
This primarily represents the amortization of actuarial losses that were included in net periodic pension cost and
recorded in operating income. See Note 9 for further discussion.
—
(349) $
(7) (3)
— $
$
(2)
(3)
This represents the adoption of accounting guidance to reclassify $45 million of tax effects from accumulated other
comprehensive
the year ended
loss
December 31, 2017.
the consolidated financial statements for
to retained earnings
in
Effective January 1, 2018, upon adoption of new guidance, all unrealized gains (losses) on investments are included
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of
December 31, 2017, was reclassified to retained earnings on January 1, 2018.
The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment primarily represents the effect of the Argentine peso currency
exchange fluctuation on the net assets of the Sugar and Alcohol segment. Effective in the third quarter of 2018, the Sugar
and Alcohol segment’s functional currency changed from the Argentine peso to the U.S. dollar due to highly inflationary
accounting. See Note 1 for further discussion of this impact.
For 2018, less than $1 million of income taxes for the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment was recorded
because substantially all of the adjustment related to foreign subsidiaries for which no tax benefit was recorded. See Note
13 for discussion of the election to change the tax status of a wholly-owned subsidiary from a partnership to a corporation.
Income taxes for cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments were recorded using a 21% effective tax rate in the
fourth quarter of 2017 and a 35% effective tax rate for all other periods, except for $91 million in 2017 related to certain
subsidiaries for which no tax benefit was recorded. Income taxes for all other components of accumulated other
comprehensive loss were recorded using a 26% effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2017 and all of 2018 and a 39%
effective tax rate for other periods of 2017 and all of 2016, except for unrecognized pension cost of $23 million and
$22 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to employees at certain subsidiaries for which no tax benefit was
recorded.
2018 Annual Report 49
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 12 – Revenue Recognition
Seaboard has multiple segments with diverse revenue streams. For additional information on Seaboard’s segments, see
Note 14. The following table presents Seaboard’s sales disaggregated by revenue source and segment:
(Millions of dollars)
Major Products/Services Lines:
Products
Transportation
Energy
Other
Segment/Consolidated Totals
Pork
$ 1,451 $
9
282
32
$ 1,774 $
Commodity
Trading &
Milling
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Sugar
and
Marine
Alcohol Power
All
Other
Consolidated
Totals
— $
1,057
3,410 $
—
—
18
—
—
3,428 $ 1,057 $
173 $
—
11
—
184 $ 122 $
— $
—
122
—
18 $
—
—
—
18 $
5,052
1,066
415
50
6,583
Revenue from goods and services transferred to customers at a single point in time accounted for approximately 85% of
Seaboard’s net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018. Substantially all of the sales in Seaboard’s Marine segment
are recognized ratably over the transit time for each voyage as Seaboard believes this is a faithful depiction of the
performance obligation to its customers.
Almost all of Seaboard’s contracts with its customers are short-term, defined as less than one year. The Pork segment
recognizes fees paid at commencement of the marketing agreement with Triumph over the term of the agreement. As of
December 31, 2018, Seaboard had $12 million of remaining performance obligations that were unsatisfied related to the
marketing agreement, of which 50% is expected to be recognized as net sales in 2019 and the remaining 50% in 2020.
Seaboard elected to use all practical expedients and therefore will not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance
obligations for: (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less; and (ii) contracts for which revenue is
recognized at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed. Also, Seaboard will recognize a
financing component only on obligations that extend longer than one year.
Deferred revenue represents cash payments received in advance of Seaboard’s performance or revenue billed that is
unearned. The CT&M segment requires certain customers to pay in advance or upon delivery to avoid collection risk. The
Marine segment’s deferred revenue balance primarily relates to the unearned portion of billed revenue when a ship is on
the water and has not arrived at the designated port. Deferred revenue balances are reduced when revenue is recognized.
Deferred revenue recognized as revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $327 million.
The primary impact of adopting the new guidance was the acceleration of revenue related to sales in Seaboard’s CT&M
segment that previously had not been recognized as a fixed and determinable price was not established at the time of sale.
Under the new guidance, revenue is recognized when control is transferred. Adjustments are made to revenue for pending
sale prices dependent upon market fluctuations, further processing, or other factors until sales prices are finalized. The
following tables summarize the impacts of adoption on Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended
December 31, 2018
Balances Without
Adoption
of Topic 606
Adjustments
$
$
6,555 $
6,032 $
As
Reported
6,583
6,060
28 $
28 $
(Millions of dollars)
Total net sales
Total cost of sales
50 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2018
(Millions of dollars)
Net receivables
Inventories
Deferred revenue
Balances Without
Adoption of Topic 606
$
$
$
544
860
77
Adjustments
7
(45)
(38)
$
$
$
$
$
$
As
Reported
551
815
39
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended December 31, 2018
(Millions of dollars)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Balances Without
Adoption of Topic 606
Adjustments
As
Reported
Receivables, net of allowance
Inventories
Current liabilities, exclusive of debt
$
$
$
(51)
(79)
16
$
$
$
(7)
45
(38)
$
$
$
(58)
(34)
(22)
Note 13 - Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the President of the U.S. signed into law the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “2017 Tax Act”). The
2017 Tax Act changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial
tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on mandatory deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The 2017
Tax Act permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective
January 1, 2018.
Income taxes attributable to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 differed from
the amounts computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 35% for 2017 and 2016
to earnings before income taxes excluding noncontrolling interests for the following reasons:
(Millions of dollars)
Computed “expected” tax expense (benefit) excluding noncontrolling interests
Adjustments to tax expense (benefit) attributable to:
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
(3) $
150 $
134
2018
$
Foreign tax differences
Tax-exempt income
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Repatriation tax
Effect on deferreds of federal rate reduction
Foreign entity tax status change
Federal tax credits
Federal rate reduction effect on capital loss carryback
Domestic manufacturing deduction
Other
Total income tax expense
12
(13)
(8)
14
—
22
(23)
(3)
—
3
1 $
(22)
—
9
112
(47)
—
(18)
—
(2)
(1)
181 $
(14)
(15)
5
—
—
—
(31)
—
(5)
(4)
70
$
In December 2017, the SEC issued guidance that permitted the use of provisional amounts when the necessary information
was not available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of
the 2017 Tax Act. Seaboard recognized $112 million of provisional tax impact related to mandatory deemed repatriated
earnings and a $47 million benefit from the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities in its consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The accounting for the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act was
completed in the fourth quarter of 2018 with a total adjustment of $16 million related primarily to repatriation and, to a
lesser extent, executive compensation items. Seaboard increased its provisional tax impact by $13 million during the third
quarter of 2018 and $3 million during the fourth quarter of 2018. The 2018 effective tax rate was significantly impacted
by these measurement-period adjustments. The changes related to mandatory deemed repatriated earnings and the
revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities were based on interpretation changes and further analysis. Additional
regulatory guidance may be issued, and Seaboard will adjust in the period of issuance.
2018 Annual Report 51
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Beginning in 2018, the 2017 Tax Act also imposed two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-
taxed income (“GILTI”) provision and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provision. Seaboard accounts for
the GILTI and BEAT taxes in the period incurred. Seaboard’s annual income tax rate for 2018 includes less than $1 million
of anticipated tax expense associated with the GILTI and BEAT provisions.
During 2018, Seaboard elected to change the tax status of a wholly-owned subsidiary from a partnership to a corporation.
This change in tax status resulted in an estimated $22 million of additional tax expense and additional deferred tax
liabilities.
Earnings before income taxes were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
United States
Foreign
Total earnings (loss) excluding noncontrolling interests
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Total earnings (loss) before income taxes
The components of total income taxes were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Current:
Federal
Foreign
State and local
Deferred:
Federal
Foreign
State and local
Income tax expense
Unrealized changes in other comprehensive income (loss)
Total income taxes
2018
$
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
(109) $
93
(16)
—
(16) $
273 $
155
428
1
427 $
272
110
382
(2)
384
$
Years ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
$
(20) $
32
—
118 $
19
2
5
(5)
(11)
1
2
3 $
20
10
12
181
(3)
178 $
$
(1)
21
7
36
4
3
70
(12)
58
Seaboard recorded $14 million and $112 million of tax on mandatory deemed repatriated earnings for the years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard has $73 million of long-term income tax
liability, payable over 8 years, and $7 million of income taxes payable related to mandatory deemed repatriated earnings.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Seaboard had income taxes receivable of $39 million and $51 million, respectively,
primarily related to domestic tax jurisdictions, and had income taxes payable of $14 million and $3 million, respectively,
primarily related to foreign tax jurisdictions.
52 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Components of the net deferred income tax liability at the end of each year were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation
Domestic partnerships
LIFO
Cash basis farming adjustment
Deferred earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Other
Deferred income tax assets:
Reserves/accruals
Deferred earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Net operating and capital loss carry-forwards
LIFO
Tax credit carry-forwards
Other
Valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax liability
The activity within the valuation allowance account is as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Year Ended December 31, 2016
December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
$
$
140 $
78
—
5
2
1
226 $
70 $
—
56
7
21
4
158
59
127 $
92
92
3
5
—
17
209
61
24
51
—
14
6
156
59
112
Balance at
beginning of year
Charge (credit) Balance at
end of year
to expense
$
$
$
59
58
19
— $
1 $
39 $
59
59
58
Management believes Seaboard’s future taxable income will be sufficient for full realization of the net deferred tax assets.
The valuation allowance relates to the tax benefits from foreign net operating losses and tax credits. Management does not
believe these benefits are more likely than not to be realized due to limitations imposed on the utilization of these losses
and credits. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately
$148 million, a portion of which expire in varying amounts between 2019 and 2038, while others have indefinite expiration
periods. As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had state and foreign tax credit carry-forwards of approximately $20 million,
net of valuation allowance, all of which carry-forward indefinitely.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Seaboard had $25 million and $18 million, respectively, in total unrecognized tax
benefits, all of which if recognized would affect the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the resolution of
ongoing governmental audits within 12 months of the reporting date could significantly affect the total amounts of
unrecognized tax benefits. The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax
benefits:
(Millions of dollars)
Beginning balance at January 1
Additions for uncertain tax positions of prior years
Additions for uncertain tax positions of current year
Lapse of statute of limitations
Ending balance as of December 31
2018
2017
$
$
18 $
2
6
(1)
25 $
13
3
3
(1)
18
Seaboard accrues interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense and had approximately
$6 million and $3 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
2018 Annual Report 53
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Seaboard’s tax returns are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which may result in material
adjustments. Seaboard’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 U.S. income tax returns are currently under Internal Revenue Service
examination. Tax years prior to 2013 are generally no longer subject to U.S. tax assessment. In Seaboard’s major non-U.S.
jurisdictions, including Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast and Senegal, tax years are typically subject to
examination for three to six years.
As of December 31, 2018, Seaboard had provided for U.S. federal income tax on $1,300 million of undistributed earnings
from foreign operations in conjunction with the 2017 Tax Act. Historically, Seaboard has considered substantially all
foreign profits as being permanently invested in its foreign operations, including all cash and short-term investments held
by foreign subsidiaries. Seaboard intends to continue permanently reinvesting the majority of these funds outside the U.S.
as current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund Seaboard’s U.S. operations and therefore, Seaboard
has not recorded deferred taxes for state or foreign withholding taxes that would result upon repatriation to the U.S.
Determination of the tax that might be paid on unremitted earnings if eventually remitted is not practical. If Seaboard
decided at a later date to repatriate these permanently reinvested earnings to the U.S., Seaboard would be required to
provide for the net tax effects on these amounts.
Seaboard has certain investments in various limited partnerships as a limited partner that are expected to enable Seaboard
to obtain certain tax credits. The balance of the low-income housing investments recognized in the consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $5 million and $7 million, respectively. Seaboard uses the proportional
amortization method of accounting for all of its qualified affordable housing project investments by amortizing the initial
cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax credits received and recognizing as a component of income tax
expense. Seaboard also has invested in three limited liability companies that operate refined coal processing plants that
generate federal income tax credits based on production levels. Seaboard’s total contributions to these investments were
$17 million, $10 million and $14 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 8 for Seaboard’s estimate
of its funding commitment for these plants. Additionally, Seaboard invested $10 million during 2016 in two limited
liability companies that operate solar energy production facilities that generate investment tax credits. These other
alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In February 2018, Congress retroactively extended the federal blender’s credits for 2017. In accordance with U.S. GAAP,
the effects of changes in tax laws, including retroactive changes, are recognized in the financial statements in the period
that the changes are enacted. Accordingly, in the first quarter of 2018, a one-time tax benefit of $4 million related to the
2017 federal blender’s credits was recorded in income tax expense. In addition to this amount, Seaboard recognized
$42 million of federal blender’s credits as non-taxable revenue in the first quarter of 2018. See Note 14 for further
discussion of the federal blender’s credits. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the “2015 Tax Act”),
signed into law in December 2015, extended the federal blender’s credits provisions through December 31, 2016. Revenue
was recognized ratably throughout 2016. The federal blender’s credits were not renewed for 2018.
Note 14 - Segment Information
Seaboard has six reportable segments: Pork, CT&M, Marine, Sugar and Alcohol, Power and Turkey, each offering a
specific product or service. Seaboard’s reporting segments are based on information used by Seaboard’s Chief Executive
Officer in his capacity as chief operating decision maker to determine allocation of resources and assess performance.
Each of the six segments is separately managed, and each was started or acquired independent of the other segments. The
Pork segment primarily produces and sells fresh and frozen pork products to further processors, foodservice operators,
grocery stores, distributors and retail outlets throughout the U.S., and to foreign markets. This segment also produces
biodiesel from pork fat and other animal fat and vegetable oil for sale to third parties. Substantially all of Seaboard’s Pork
segment’s hourly employees at its processing plant are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in 2019.
The CT&M segment is an integrated agricultural commodity trading, processing and logistics operation that internationally
markets wheat, corn, soybean meal and other agricultural commodities in bulk to third-party customers and to non-
consolidated affiliates. This segment also operates flour, maize and feed mills and bakery operations in numerous foreign
countries. The Marine segment provides cargo shipping services in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The Sugar segment produces and processes sugar and alcohol in Argentina, primarily to be marketed locally. The Power
segment is an independent power producer in the Dominican Republic operating a power generating barge. The Turkey
segment, accounted for using the equity method, produces and sells branded and non-branded turkey products. Total assets
for the Turkey segment represent Seaboard’s investment in Butterball. Revenues for the All Other segment are primarily
54 2018 Annual Report
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
derived from a jalapeño pepper processing operation. Below are significant segment events that impact financial results
for the periods covered by this report.
During 2017 and 2016, the Pork segment acquired hog growing operations for total cash consideration of $40 million and
$219 million, respectively. These hog operations’ results have been included in Seaboard’s consolidated financial
statements from the dates of acquisition. See Note 2 for further information on these acquisitions. The Pork segment’s
biodiesel plants have historically received federal blender’s credits for the biodiesel they blend. The 2015 Tax Act signed
into law in December 2015 renewed the federal blender’s credit retroactively to January 1, 2015 with an expiration of
December 31, 2016. The federal blender’s credits were not renewed in 2017, but in February 2018 Congress retroactively
extended the federal blender’s credits for 2017. Seaboard recognized approximately $42 million of revenue in the first
quarter of 2018 for the biodiesel it blends. There was no tax expense on this transaction. The federal blender’s credits were
not renewed in 2018.
On January 5, 2018, the CT&M segment acquired flour milling and associated businesses in Senegal, Ivory Coast and
Monaco for $324 million, plus an earn-out between zero and $48 million, using the exchange rate in effect at closing.
During 2017, the CT&M segment acquired an elevator business in Canada for total cash consideration of $14 million. On
October 28, 2016, the CT&M segment obtained control of Belarina, its non-consolidated affiliate with a flour production
business in Brazil. See Note 2 for further details of these acquisitions.
The following tables set forth specific financial information about each segment as reviewed by Seaboard’s management,
except for the Turkey segment information previously disclosed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
Operating income for segment reporting is prepared on the same basis as that used for consolidated operating income.
Operating income, along with income (loss) from affiliates for the Pork, CT&M and Turkey segments, are used as the
measures of evaluating segment performance because management does not consider interest, other investment income
(loss) and income tax expense on a segment basis. Administrative services provided by the corporate office are allocated
to the individual segments and represent corporate services rendered to and costs incurred for each specific segment, with
no allocation to individual segments of general corporate management oversight costs. Corporate assets include short-term
investments, other current assets related to deferred compensation plans, fixed assets, and other miscellaneous items.
Corporate operating losses represent certain operating costs not specifically allocated to individual segments and include
costs related to Seaboard’s deferred compensation programs, which are offset by the effect of the mark-to-market
adjustments on these investments recorded in other investment income (loss), net.
Sales to External Customers:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
All Other
Segment/Consolidated Totals
Operating Income (Loss):
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
All Other
Segment Totals
Corporate
Consolidated Totals
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
$ 1,774 $ 1,609 $ 1,443
2,778
2,945
916
956
147
186
79
97
16
16
$ 6,583 $ 5,809 $ 5,379
3,428
1,057
184
122
18
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
$
$
117 $
46
25
9
21
2
220
(11)
209 $
193 $
25
21
21
9
2
271
(31)
240 $
179
38
33
(12)
7
2
247
(17)
230
2018 Annual Report 55
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Income (Loss) from Affiliates:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
Turkey
Segment/Consolidated Totals
Depreciation and Amortization:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
Segment Totals
Corporate
Consolidated Totals
Total Assets:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
Turkey
All Other
Segment Totals
Corporate
Consolidated Totals
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
Turkey
Segment/Consolidated Totals
56 2018 Annual Report
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
$
(30) $
(11)
2
1
10
(16)
(44) $
(10) $
7
(7)
1
6
(4)
(7) $
11
(10)
1
2
4
73
81
$
Years ended December 31,
2018
2016
2017
$
73 $
22
24
6
8
133
1
134 $
69 $
10
24
7
8
118
—
118 $
56
6
26
6
8
102
—
102
$
December 31,
2017
2018
$ 1,304 $ 1,309
964
376
197
188
315
4
3,353
1,808
$ 5,307 $ 5,161
1,423
345
138
203
295
8
3,716
1,591
December 31,
2018
$
2017
$
192
255
28
4
30
295
804 $
231
240
28
4
38
310
851
$
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Capital Expenditures:
(Millions of dollars)
Pork
Commodity Trading and Milling
Marine
Sugar and Alcohol
Power
Segment Totals
Corporate
Consolidated Totals
Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
$
86 $
29
18
5
23
161
1
162 $
100 $
15
37
20
1
173
—
173 $
69
35
19
33
1
157
1
158
$
Geographic Information
Seaboard had sales in South Africa totaling $589 million, $581 million and $650 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing approximately 9%, 10% and 12% of total sales for each
respective year. Seaboard also had sales in Colombia totaling $757 million, $495 million and $421 million for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing approximately 11%, 9% and 8% of total sales for
each respective year. No other individual foreign country accounted for 10% or more of sales to external customers.
The following table provides a geographic summary of net sales based on the location of product delivery:
(Millions of dollars)
Caribbean, Central and South America
Africa
United States
Pacific Basin and Far East
Canada/Mexico
Europe
All other
Totals
2017
Years ended December 31,
2016
2018
$ 2,753 $ 2,295 $ 1,990
1,572
1,161
309
236
40
71
$ 6,583 $ 5,809 $ 5,379
1,668
1,408
381
255
100
18
1,483
1,271
393
238
99
30
Management believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and reduces receivables recorded to their expected
net realizable value. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Seaboard had approximately $327 million and $242 million,
respectively, of foreign receivables, excluding receivables due from affiliates, which generally represent more of a
collection risk than the domestic receivables, although as of December 31, 2018 no individual material amounts were
deemed to have a heightened risk of collectability.
The following table provides a geographic summary of Seaboard’s long-lived assets according to their physical location
and primary port for the vessels:
(Millions of dollars)
United States
Dominican Republic
Argentina
Senegal
Ivory Coast
All other
Totals
December 31,
2018
2017
775 $
109
50
48
36
142
1,160 $
784
114
73
—
—
115
1,086
$
$
2018 Annual Report 57
S E A B O A R D C O R P O R A T I O N
Stockholder Information
Board of Directors
Steven J. Bresky
Director and Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard
David A. Adamsen
Director and Audit Committee Member
Former Vice President – Wholesale Sales of
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Paul M. Squires
Director
Chief Operating Officer of Seaboard Flour LLC
Officers
Steven J. Bresky
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert L. Steer
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
David M. Becker
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
James L. Gutsch
Senior Vice President, Engineering
Ralph L. Moss
Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs
David S. Oswalt
Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
Chief Executive Officers of Principal Seaboard Operations
Darwin E. Sand
Pork
David M. Dannov
Commodity Trading and Milling
Edward A. Gonzalez
Marine
Douglas W. Baena
Director and Audit Committee Chair
Self-employed, engaging in facilitation of equipment leasing
financings and consulting
Edward I. Shifman, Jr.
Director and Audit Committee Member
Retired, former Managing Director and Executive
Vice President of Wachovia Capital Finance
David H. Rankin
Senior Vice President, Taxation and Business Development
Michael D. Trollinger
Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer
Ty A. Tywater
Vice President, Audit Services
Ivan J. Winfield Jr.
Vice President, Information Technology
Zachery J. Holden
Assistant Secretary
Adriana N. Hoskins
Assistant Treasurer
Hugo D. Rossi
Sugar and Alcohol
Armando G. Rodriguez
Power
Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar of Stock
Availability of Form 10-K Report
Seaboard files its annual report on Form 10-K with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Copies of the Form 10-K for fiscal 2018
are available without charge by writing Seaboard Corporation, 9000
West 67th Street, Merriam, Kansas 66202, Attention: Shareholder
Relations or via the Internet at https://www.seaboardcorp.com/investors.
Seaboard provides access to its most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q
and Form 8-K reports on its Internet website as soon as reasonably
practicable after those reports are electronically filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
EQ Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0874
(800) 468-9716
www.shareowneronline.com
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
1000 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Stock Listing
Seaboard’s common stock is traded on the NYSE American
under the symbol SEB. Seaboard had 2,177 stockholders of
record of its common stock as of January 31, 2019.
58 2018 Annual Report