2024
ANNUAL REPORT
Letter to Stockholders
Dear Stockholders:
Overall net income was down in 2024 compared to 2023, principally due to a noncash tax adjustment of $212 million
to deferred tax assets required by GAAP. We believe this valuation allowance will reverse in future years when
domestic income rises. Operating income, however, was up from 2023. Operating income in 2024 increased by over
$240 million compared to 2023, largely attributable to our Pork segment improving by $475 million.
Although the Pork segment improved dramatically from the prior year, they still experienced some commodity
headwinds that resulted in them recording only $20 million in operating income. Feed prices had been historically
high in 2023 and into the start of 2024. That, along with some hog health issues, decreased earnings during this period.
During this past year, we have seen corn and soybean meal prices return to more normal levels. We do not expect to
see the full effects of the improvements in grain prices until 2025 as it takes time for lower feed prices to work their
way through our integrated live production system. In the meantime, we are working diligently to increase efficiencies
throughout this business with a focus on our live production system.
Seaboard Overseas achieved the highest operating income of any segment in 2024. Over the last few years
management has been able to implement a disciplined strategy that has helped bring more consistent and healthy
profitability levels to this business. Fiscal 2024 had particularly strong results from our flour mills, while the trading
business had slightly lower gross margins. We see a lot of areas of potential growth in the various markets this
segment serves and will continue to evaluate additional investment opportunities as they arise.
Seaboard Marine’s profitability was down in 2024 compared to the prior three years but still strong from a historical
perspective and we saw higher volumes than in the prior year. Seaboard Marine has definitive plans for the
construction of eight container vessels. Six of these will be the largest in our fleet. Seaboard Marine has taken delivery
of three of these vessels. The remaining five are expected to be delivered between now and the end of the year. We
are excited for these dual-fueled vessels to join our fleet. They bring greater fuel efficiency, increased tonnage capacity
and a host of other advantages. This is a fundamental improvement to Marine’s fleet of vessels and one we believe is
well timed and that will pay dividends for many years to come.
Our Liquid Fuels segment continued to underperform in 2024 due to fuel and credit markets but there are many reasons
to be optimistic about the future of this business. Downtime during the beginning of the year allowed for important
repairs and upgrades which led to production at levels above nameplate capacity for a period of time. Management is
working hard to make that level of production a new consistent baseline and we feel confident in achieving this goal.
The replacement of the federal blender’s tax credit with the production tax credit will likely bring a bit of volatility to
the related markets but overall we believe we are positioned well for advantageous feedstocks for our fuels.
Our Power segment in the Dominican Republic had another solid year with consistent profitability. Our assets there
are very efficient and provide a reliable source of power to the country.
In a year of depressed commodity prices for turkey, Butterball was still able to maintain profitability, albeit at a lower
level than in the prior year. A continued focus on value-added products helps cushion some of the inherent commodity
swings in that business.
We believe that this current year is off to a good start, and we are hopeful commodity markets will continue to operate
in more normal ranges. We look forward to our company’s bright future.
I am extremely proud of our 14,000-person workforce that bring passion and commitment to their jobs every day. Our
ability to succeed and thrive is dependent on their efforts.
Robert L. Steer
President and
Chief Executive Officer
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to ____________________
Commission file number: 1-3390
SEABOARD CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
04-2260388
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
9000 West 67th Street, Merriam, Kansas
66202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (913) 676-8928
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock $1.00 Par Value
SEB
NYSE American
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting
company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based
compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the 256,852 shares of Seaboard common stock held by nonaffiliates was $811,842,390 based on the
closing price of $3,160.74 per share on June 28, 2024, the end of Seaboard’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. As of
January 31, 2025, the number of shares of common stock outstanding was 971,055.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
Page
Item 1
Business
2
Item 1A
Risk Factors
6
Item 1B
Unresolved Staff Comments
13
Item 1C
Cybersecurity
14
Item 2
Properties
15
Item 3
Legal Proceedings
16
Item 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
16
Part II
Item 5
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
16
Item 6
[Reserved]
17
Item 7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
Item 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
25
Item 8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
26
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
26
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
28
Consolidated Balance Sheets
29
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
30
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
32
Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
57
Item 9A
Controls and Procedures
57
Item 9B
Other Information
57
Item 9C
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
57
Part III
Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
57
Item 11
Executive Compensation
58
Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
58
Item 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
58
Item 14
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
58
Part IV
Item 15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
59
Item 16
Form 10-K Summary
61
Signatures
62
1
PART I
Forward-looking Statements
This report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this report, contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Seaboard Corporation and
its subsidiaries (“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,” “plans,” “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;
•
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 feedstocks and other materials used by Seaboard;
(iii)
the sale price or market conditions for pork, agricultural commodities, renewable diesel, biodiesel and
related environmental credits, 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 (“CT&M”) segment;
(vi)
the charter hire rates and fuel prices for vessels;
(vii)
the fuel costs and related 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 capital improvements, acquisitions and
dispositions;
(xi)
the productive capacity of assets that are planned or under construction, and the timing of the
commencement of operations;
(xii)
potential future impact on Seaboard’s business of new legislation, rules or policies;
(xiii)
adverse results in pending litigation matters;
(xiv)
Seaboard’s ability to realize deferred tax assets or the need to record valuation allowances in future
periods;
(xv)
expectations regarding future regulatory developments or other matters and whether such matters will
or will not have a material adverse effect on Seaboard’s results of operations, business or financial
condition, including any preliminary estimates of such effects; or
(xvi)
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. Forward-looking statements are based only on Seaboard’s current
beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding its future financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives,
performance and business. 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, except as required by law.
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 Form 10-K and in other filings Seaboard makes with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including without limitation, the information under the items “Risk Factors” and
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-K, identifies
important factors which could cause such differences.
2
Item 1. Business
Company Overview
Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Seaboard”) together comprise a diversified group of companies
that operate worldwide in agricultural, energy and ocean transport businesses. Seaboard is primarily engaged in hog
production, pork processing and biofuel production in the United States (“U.S.”); commodity trading and grain processing
in Africa and South America; cargo shipping services in the U.S., Caribbean and Central and South America; electric
power generation in the Dominican Republic; and sugar and alcohol production in Argentina. Seaboard also has an equity
method investment in Butterball, LLC (“Butterball”), a producer and processor of turkey products. Seaboard’s diverse
operations are relatively decentralized, with each segment having a management team that operates independently of the
others.
Seaboard was originally founded in 1918 as a flour brokerage business and was organized as a Delaware corporation in
1946. In its over 100-year history, Seaboard has grown under generations of family leadership and broadened its portfolio
of industries. Approximately 73% of the outstanding common stock of Seaboard is collectively owned by Seaboard Flour
LLC and SFC Preferred, LLC, which are Delaware limited liability companies. Ellen Bresky, the Chairwoman of
Seaboard’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), and other members of the Bresky family, including trusts created for their
benefit, own the equity interests of Seaboard Flour LLC and SFC Preferred, LLC.
All of Seaboard’s segments provide essential goods or services, including food, energy and transportation. Accordingly,
most of Seaboard’s operations are heavily commodity-driven, resulting in high volatility due to market prices and a cyclical
nature of financial performance. With operations in over 45 countries, Seaboard is impacted by global economic
conditions. Seaboard has continued to invest in its businesses to increase reliability and efficiencies, vertically integrate
its operations, innovate, and promote sustainability.
Seaboard has six reportable segments: Pork, CT&M, Marine, Liquid Fuels, Power and Turkey. All Other represents
primarily a sugar and alcohol production and processing operation in Argentina and a jalapeño pepper processing operation
in Honduras. Changes to Seaboard’s reportable segments were made in 2024. Liquid Fuels, previously part of the Pork
segment, became a separate reportable segment and the previously separate Sugar and Alcohol reportable segment became
part of All Other as the economic conditions in Argentina over several years reduced this segment’s impact on overall
company performance. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding these
changes and each segment’s contribution to net sales and operating income (loss), and its respective assets and capital
expenditures. Additional information regarding sales and property, plant and equipment located in foreign locations is also
included in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Description of Segments
Pork Segment - Seaboard, through its subsidiary Seaboard Foods LLC (“Seaboard Foods”), is a vertically integrated pork
producer that primarily produces and sells pork products to further processors, foodservice operators, distributors and
grocery stores. This segment sells to U.S. customers and exports to Japan, Mexico, China and numerous other foreign
markets. This segment’s operations consist of hog production facilities for genetic and commercial breeding, farrowing,
nursery and finishing and a pork processing plant in Oklahoma.
Seaboard has a 50% investment in Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC (“STF”), which operates a pork processing plant in
Iowa with a capacity to process approximately six million hogs annually. Seaboard and Triumph Foods, LLC (“Triumph”),
an independent pork processor, supply a portion of the hogs processed at the STF plant. Seaboard also has a 50%
investment in Daily’s Premium Meats, LLC (“Daily’s”), which produces and markets raw and pre-cooked bacon, using
pork bellies primarily sourced from Seaboard, Triumph and STF, at Daily’s locations in Utah, Montana and Missouri.
Seaboard accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting. Seaboard has marketing agreements with
STF, Daily’s and Triumph to market their products and has a margin-sharing arrangement with Triumph that considers
the average sales price, standard costs and the mix of products sold from the Seaboard and Triumph plants.
This segment also produces swine-derived renewable natural gas with its integrated model of hog operations, covered
anaerobic digester lagoons and biomethane upgrading facilities at certain of its hog farms in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Environmental credits are generated upon gas production and then sold to third parties. Most sites are in the early stages
of operations.
CT&M Segment - Seaboard’s CT&M segment, which is managed under the name of Seaboard Overseas and Trading
Group (“SOTG”), is an integrated agricultural commodity trading, processing and logistics company. Seaboard’s CT&M
segment has ownership interests in several non-consolidated affiliates to further its business strategies. Overall, the CT&M
segment, including its affiliates, has facilities in 26 countries, primarily in Africa and South America. The majority of the
trading business is transported with chartered vessels or vessels this segment owns.
3
Marine Segment - Seaboard, through its subsidiary Seaboard Marine Ltd. and various foreign-affiliated companies and
third-party agents, provides cargo shipping services in the U.S. and 26 countries in the Caribbean and Central and
South America. This segment’s primary operations are in Miami, Florida, and scheduled port calls are made in Brooklyn,
New York; Houston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Gloucester, New Jersey; Wilmington,
North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and various foreign ports in the Caribbean and Central and South America. A network
of offices and agents are used to sell freight services, including intermodal transport of import and export cargo by truck
or rail to and from various U.S. and foreign ports. This segment’s fleet consists of chartered and owned vessels. Two new
dual-fueled vessels were completed and delivered in 2024, and six other dual-fueled vessels are under construction and
planned to be completed in 2025. These new vessels are expected to be primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas.
Liquid Fuels Segment - Seaboard, through its subsidiary Seaboard Energy, LLC, produces biodiesel at facilities in
Oklahoma and Missouri and renewable diesel at a facility in Kansas. Environmental credits, specifically renewable
identification numbers (“RINs”) and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (“LCFS”) credits, are generated per federal and California
state government biofuel initiatives, respectively. RINs are generated based on gallons produced, and LCFS credits are
generated based on the specific carbon-reducing initiatives throughout the production process and the number of gallons
shipped to California. These credits are then sold to third parties.
Power Segment - Seaboard, through its subsidiary Transcontinental Capital Corp. (Bermuda) Ltd., is an independent power
producer generating electricity for the Dominican Republic power grid. It is not directly involved in the transmission or
distribution of electricity. Seaboard’s Power segment uses two power-generating barges for its current operations.
Turkey Segment - Seaboard has a non-controlling 52.5% investment in Butterball, a producer and processor of
conventional and antibiotic-free turkey products. Butterball is a national supplier to retail stores, foodservice outlets and
industrial entities and, to a lesser extent, exports products to Mexico and other foreign markets. Seaboard accounts for this
investment under the equity method of accounting.
Other Businesses
Seaboard, through its subsidiary Seaboard Energías Renovables y Alimentos S.R.L. (“SERA”), operates a vertically
integrated sugar and alcohol production facility in Argentina. SERA owns nearly 70,000 acres of cultivated land to grow
sugarcane and a processing mill with an annual capacity to crush approximately three million metric tons of sugarcane.
The facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 250,000 metric tons of sugar if maximizing sugar
production and approximately 33 million gallons of alcohol if maximizing alcohol production. Depending on the market
conditions, this facility can produce more sugar and less alcohol, or vice versa. The sugar is primarily marketed locally,
and the alcohol is marketed to industrial users and sold to certain large oil companies under the Argentine governmental
bioethanol program, which requires alcohol to be blended with gasoline.
Additionally, through its subsidiary Mount Dora Farms, Inc., Seaboard processes jalapeño peppers at its plant in Honduras
which are primarily shipped to and sold in the U.S.
Customers
Seaboard does not have sales to any one customer equal to 10% or more of its consolidated revenues. The Power segment
sells power in the Dominican Republic primarily to wholly government-owned distribution companies. The Turkey
segment had two retail customers that collectively represented approximately 27% of its total 2022 and 2023 sales and
30% of its total 2024 sales.
Competitive Conditions
Seaboard’s Pork segment faces competition from a variety of regional, national and international pork and other protein
producers and processors and is based primarily on product quality, customer service and price. According to S&P Global
in 2024, Seaboard Foods was ranked number three in hog production in the U.S. based on its sows in production and
number four in pork processing in the U.S. based on daily processing capacity, including Triumph’s and STF’s capacity.
Competition in the CT&M segment comes from numerous traders around the world and imported grain-processed products
or other local producers in the same industries.
Seaboard’s Marine segment faces competition based on price, reliable sailing frequencies and customer service.
Seaboard’s Liquid Fuels segment faces competition from other biofuel producers that compete primarily based on price.
For Seaboard’s Power segment, the Dominican government sets a cap on the electricity spot market prices and establishes
the dispatch order of who sells into the power grid according to a merit list of producers based on energy efficiency. To
sell to the power grid, Seaboard competes with producers utilizing various types of fuel and generation technologies,
including hydro, solar, wind, natural gas, heavy fuel oil, diesel and coal. Renewable energy producers and producers who
have lower variable operating costs may receive dispatch preference from the Dominican government. Estrella Del Mar
4
III (“EDM III”), the barge that was completed in 2022, uses gas turbines instead of engines and is more energy efficient
than Seaboard’s dual-fueled barge, Estrella Del Mar II (“EDM II”) that began operations in 2012.
Competition in the Turkey segment comes from a variety of regional and national producers and processors within specific
product categories and sales channels and is based primarily on brand, product quality, customer service and price.
Seasonal Business
The Turkey segment’s business is seasonal for fresh and frozen whole birds and related products, with the holiday season
driving the majority of those sales. Seaboard’s other segments are not seasonally dependent to any material extent.
Research and Development
The majority of Seaboard’s research and development (“R&D”) occurs in the Pork and Liquid Fuels segments. Within
hog production operations, activities are directed at improving the genetics, health and feed efficiency of hogs. The
processing plant activities focus on increasing meat quality, as well as other manufacturing process improvements.
Recently, the Pork segment has also invested in R&D related to its renewable biogas recovery facilities. The Liquid Fuels
segment’s R&D investments relate to biodiesel and renewable diesel plants’ production process improvements.
Raw Materials and Sources of Supply
During 2024, Seaboard raised 96% of the hogs processed at its processing plant, with the remaining hog requirements
purchased primarily under a contract with an independent producer.
The CT&M segment sources, transports and markets approximately 14 million metric tons per year of wheat, corn,
soybeans, soybean meal and other commodities, generally purchased from farmers, grain elevators and wholesale
merchants. Changes in origination sources, weather patterns, planting forecasts and consumption patterns may impact
supply and demand and related commodity prices in this segment.
The Marine segment has a fleet of owned and chartered vessels with diverse fuel requirements. Fuel is supplied by a
combination of long-term supply and spot-price purchasing agreements.
The Liquid Fuels segment’s biodiesel and renewable diesel is produced from pork fat supplied by the pork processing
plants and other animal fats and vegetable oils purchased from many third-party suppliers.
Fuel is a significant raw material for the Power segment. EDM III only operates on natural gas and there is only one
supplier of natural gas in the Dominican Republic. The dispatch of EDM II is dependent on the effective sourcing of heavy
fuel oil or natural gas at competitive prices. The Power segment has entered into a long-term fuel supply agreement to
ensure natural gas is available for EDM III’s operations.
The Turkey segment purchases a significant portion of its grain used in the manufacturing of feed for its turkeys in North
Carolina from Seaboard’s partner in Butterball. Also, Butterball purchases poults for its operations from one supplier with
multiple locations.
Intellectual Property
Seaboard believes there is recognition of its registered trademarks in the various industries Seaboard serves. While
Seaboard considers all of its intellectual and proprietary rights important, Seaboard believes its business as a whole is not
materially dependent on any particular patent, trademark, license or other intellectual property right. The Pork segment
uses trademarks, including Seaboard Foods®, Prairie Fresh®, Prairie Fresh USA Prime®, Our Farms, Our Commitment®,
and St. Joe Pork®. The CT&M segment uses trademarks, including Mothers Pride® and Zambia’s Pride® in Zambia,
GMA® and Top Pain® in Ivory Coast, and GMD® and Jarga® in Senegal. The Marine segment uses trademarks,
including Seaboard Marine® and Seaboard Solutions®. The Liquid Fuels segment uses the trademark Seaboard Energy®.
The Turkey segment uses trademarks, including Butterball®, Carolina Turkey® and Farm to Family® by Butterball®.
Human Capital Resources
Generally, Seaboard’s segments operate autonomously to implement the human capital strategies that best meet the diverse
needs of the workforce, industry, competitive environment and legal requirements of the respective countries in which the
segment operates. This often includes developing location-specific employee benefits, policies, programs and practices.
Although individual programs and benefits vary by location, all segments align with Seaboard’s core principles that
emphasize health and safety, financial wellness, learning and development, and global diversity and acceptance.
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had approximately 14,000 total employees, of whom approximately 53% were in the
U.S., 30% were in the Caribbean, Latin and South America, and 17% were in Africa. Approximately 43% were in the Pork
segment, 22% were in the CT&M segment, 18% were in the Marine segment, 2% were in the Liquid Fuels segment, 2%
were in the Power segment, and the remaining 13% were in Seaboard’s other operations and corporate office.
5
Substantially all of the Pork segment’s hourly employees at its processing plant are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement that expires in 2026. In the CT&M segment, approximately 33% of employees at the mills, primarily in Africa
and South America, are subject to collective bargaining agreements with various unions that expire between 2025 and
2026. Seaboard believes it has good relationships with its employees and their representative labor organizations.
Seaboard’s employees are critical to operational success, and their health and safety is a top priority. All full-time domestic
employees are eligible to receive medical and dental benefits and participate in wellness programs. Wellness programs
differ by location and include options such as onsite mammograms and mobile dental care. The Power segment subsidizes
85% of employees’ and families’ medical coverage. All CT&M and almost all Marine foreign locations have either
company-subsidized private health coverage or public health coverage as mandated by their local governments. The Pork
and Power segments have onsite health clinics at their respective principal locations. Seaboard has various initiatives to
protect the safety of its workforce. Also, the Pork segment employs 16 full-time safety professionals.
At times, recruitment and retention can be a challenge for certain Seaboard businesses. In 2024, the Pork segment had a
retention rate of approximately 80% primarily due to its nature of work and rural locations, and approximately 26% of the
Pork segment’s workforce was dependent upon employment visas.
Flexible compensation and benefit strategies are developed by Seaboard’s segments to attract and retain employees and
reduce turnover and associated costs. Seaboard provides competitive pay, paid time off, holidays and other benefits
depending on location. All domestic employees that work a minimum number of hours are eligible to participate in the
company-sponsored 401(k) retirement savings plan. At many of the foreign locations, Seaboard participates in
government-required pension funds on behalf of its employees.
Seaboard’s segments also provide on-the-job training and various professional development opportunities. For example,
full-time employees with a minimum length of service in the Pork segment are eligible for tuition reimbursement, and the
segment has developed a comprehensive training program to promote internal employees to management positions. In the
Marine segment, employees are provided training courses through an online platform, including industry-specific, job-
specific and general skills courses, and heavy equipment operators have a formal training program with a certain number
of hours that must be met before promotion.
Seaboard believes that global diversity and acceptance are critical for its continued success around the world, including at
the highest levels. Two out of five members of Seaboard’s Board are female, including the Chairwoman.
Governmental Regulations
Environmental Matters
Seaboard’s Pork, Liquid Fuels and Turkey segments are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations
relating to the environment, such as treatment of wastewater and air emissions, that require the expenditure of funds in the
ordinary course of business. These segments do not anticipate making expenditures for these purposes that, in the
aggregate, would have a material effect on Seaboard’s financial condition or results of operations. Seaboard’s Marine and
CT&M segments’ vessels are subject to environmental regulations related to fuel emissions, which may cause certain
vessels to reduce their speed or alter trading routes, potentially impacting reliability of route frequency. Seaboard’s Power
segment must receive permits from local authorities to operate, including environmental licenses, among others, and these
permits may be canceled or not renewed. The environmental permits for both EDM II and EDM III were renewed during
2024 and are effective through October 2026 and August 2029, respectively.
Other Regulations
As a company with global operations, Seaboard is subject to complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, including
food safety, labor laws, trade regulations, tariffs, import and export regulations, foreign exchange regulations and anti-
bribery and corruption laws. Seaboard has policies and procedures in place to require compliance with these laws and
regulations. To date, Seaboard’s compliance actions and costs relating to these laws, rules and regulations have not resulted
in a material effect on Seaboard’s financial condition or results of operations. Governmental regulations are subject to
change, and accordingly, Seaboard is unable to assess the possible effect of compliance with future requirements or
whether compliance with such regulations will materially impact Seaboard’s business in the future.
Available Information
Access to all of Seaboard’s SEC filings, including its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, is available, free of charge, on its website at
www.seaboardcorp.com/investors as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or
furnished to, the SEC. Seaboard does not intend for information contained in its website to be part of this Form 10-K. The
SEC also maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
6
Information About Seaboard’s Executive Officers
The following table lists the executive officers of Seaboard. Generally, officers are elected at the annual meeting of the
Board following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and hold office until the next such annual meeting or until their
respective successors are duly chosen and qualified. There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any
executive officer was elected.
Name (Age)
Positions and Offices
Robert L. Steer (65)
President and Chief Executive Officer
David H. Rankin (53)
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
David M. Becker (63)
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
Chad M. Groves (41)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Foods LLC
Jacob A. Bresky (37)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group
Edward A. Gonzalez (59)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Marine Ltd.
Peter P. Ostenfeld-Rosenthal (62)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Energy, LLC
Mr. Steer has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2020. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer from April 2011 to December 2020.
Mr. Rankin has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since December 2020. Prior to that, he served
as Senior Vice President, Taxation and Business Development since April 2015.
Mr. Becker has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel since December 2020 and previously as Senior Vice
President, General Counsel since April 2011.
Mr. Groves has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard Foods LLC since July 2024 and was
previously the Senior Vice President of Sales of Seaboard Foods since July 2021. Prior to joining Seaboard, he served in
Vice President of Sales positions at Trilliant Food & Nutrition LLC and High Liner Foods, Inc.
Mr. Bresky has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SOTG since January 2023 and previously as Seaboard
Corporation’s Vice President, International and in various other positions with SOTG for more than ten years. Mr. Bresky
is the son of Ellen S. Bresky, Chairwoman of the Board.
Mr. Gonzalez has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard Marine Ltd. since January 2005.
Mr. Ostenfeld-Rosenthal has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard Energy, LLC since April 2024
and previously as Vice President of Operations of Seaboard Energy, LLC since July 2023. Prior to joining Seaboard, he
served as Senior Vice President of Refining Services at Delek U.S. Holdings, Inc. from 2022-2023 and in senior operations
positions at Cenovus Energy Inc. for three years.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Operational Risks
(1) International Operations May Present Risks. Seaboard’s international activities, some of which are in lesser-
developed countries, pose risks not faced by companies that limit themselves to U.S. markets. These risks include:
•
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, currency inconvertibility and devaluation;
•
foreign currency exchange or retail price controls;
•
hyperinflation;
•
heightened customer credit and execution risk;
•
border restrictions, tariffs, bilateral trade disputes, quotas, trade barriers, import or export licensing
requirements and other trade protection measures;
•
border closings by foreign countries to the import of products or other limitations on Seaboard’s ability
to access materials or ports, including due to animal disease or other perceived health or safety issues;
•
legal and regulatory structures and unexpected changes in legal and regulatory requirements and any
additional compliance costs that may arise;
•
negative perception within a foreign country of a U.S. company doing business in that foreign country;
•
compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations for conducting international business such
as Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Office of Foreign Assets
Control regulations and United Kingdom Bribery Act;
•
government instability, expropriation, confiscation, war, civil unrest, and corruption; and
•
enforcement of and compliance with local laws and remedies in foreign jurisdictions, including
inconsistent application or enforcement, including tax laws, and related uncertainties affecting legal
proceedings and lawsuits.
7
Accordingly, revenues, operating income and cash flows from international operations could fluctuate
significantly from year to year.
(2) The Ongoing Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine Could Directly or Indirectly Affect the Business. The Black
Sea region is a major exporter of wheat, corn and other commodity products to the world. Although Seaboard
does not operate in either Russia or Ukraine, Seaboard does engage in international commodity trading, and the
conflict has impacted global commodity, energy and input costs and export controls and has resulted in targeted
economic sanctions on Russia, certain Russian citizens and Russian enterprises. Commodity trades involving
Russian-originated commodities could be directly or indirectly impacted by export controls, economic sanctions
and the ability to collect on contracts, any of which, along with the general volatility in commodities prices and
margins, could negatively impact Seaboard’s business, financial condition, results of operations and the market
price of its common stock.
(3) Deterioration of Economic Conditions Could Adversely Affect the Business. Seaboard’s business may be
adversely affected by changes in national or global economic conditions, including recessions, inflation, interest
rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs, supply chain and
labor market disruptions, impacts caused by highly pathogenic disease outbreaks and other public health
emergencies, and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Any such changes could
adversely affect the demand for and production of Seaboard’s meat products, grains, shipping services, energy
and other products, the cost and availability of needed raw materials and packaging materials, or workforce
availability, thereby negatively affecting Seaboard’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The
national and global economic conditions could also, among other things:
•
impair the financial condition of some of Seaboard’s customers and suppliers, thereby increasing
customer bad debts or non-performance by customers and suppliers;
•
negatively impact global demand for Seaboard’s products and services, which could result in a reduction
of revenues, operating income and cash flows;
•
decrease the value of Seaboard’s investments in equity and debt securities, including short-term
investments used for liquidity and pension plan assets, causing losses that would adversely impact
Seaboard’s net earnings; and
•
impair the financial viability of Seaboard’s insurers.
(4) Cyber-Attacks or Cybersecurity Breaches Could Adversely Affect the Business. Seaboard may be adversely
impacted if it is unable to protect its information technology systems against, or effectively respond to,
cyber-attacks or cybersecurity breaches. Seaboard may also be adversely impacted if third parties on whom
Seaboard relies are unable to similarly protect their information technology systems. Attempted cyber-attacks
and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently and are being made by groups and individuals with a
wide range of motives and expertise. These risks are further heightened by factors such as developments in
artificial intelligence, increased remote working and geopolitical turmoil. Any significant penetration, invasion,
destruction, or interruption of the information technology systems on which we rely could negatively impact
sales, manufacturing, distribution or other critical functions. Additionally, there is a risk of reputational damage,
loss to financial assets, remediation costs, litigation, regulatory investigations and harm to business relationships.
If Seaboard is unable to prevent such breaches or failures or if a third party on whom Seaboard relies is unable to
prevent such breaches or failures, Seaboard’s operations could be disrupted and it could negatively impact
Seaboard’s financial condition, results of operations and the market price of its common stock.
(5) Disruption of Operations at Suppliers Could Adversely Affect the Business. Disruption of operations at suppliers
including due to natural disasters or catastrophic events such as cyber-attacks, terrorism or other similar
occurrences, including labor unrest, may impact Seaboard’s products or raw material supplies. Additionally,
actions taken to mitigate the impact of any potential disruption, including increasing inventory in anticipation of
a potential production or supply interruption, may also adversely affect Seaboard’s financial results.
(6) Adverse Weather Conditions, Including as a Result of Climate Change, May Adversely Affect Seaboard’s
Operations, Supply Chains and Operating Results. The potential physical effects of severe weather on operations
are highly uncertain and depend upon the unique geographic and environmental factors present. If any such events
were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on assets and operations. Examples of potential physical risks
include floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and freezing temperatures. Any extreme weather events may
disrupt the ability to operate facilities or to transport products in these areas. In addition, substantial
weather-related conditions could impact operations of major customers and suppliers and materially affect the
supply chain. Extended periods of such disruption could have an adverse effect on Seaboard’s results of
operations. Seaboard could also incur substantial costs to prevent or repair damage to its assets or facilities, which
could be material to liquidity and capital resources. Potential effects to agricultural commodities, such as changes
8
in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing temperature levels, increased frequency or severity of extreme
weather events and climatic volatility, could impact the availability, quality and price of agricultural commodities.
Commodity Risks
(1) Fluctuations in Commodity Prices Have Had Impacts on Results and May Present Future Risks. Seaboard’s
operations and financial performance are linked to commodity prices. Commodity prices may fluctuate by both
domestic and worldwide supply and demand for reasons over which Seaboard has little to no control, including,
among other things, changes in market and economic conditions, the impact of weather conditions, levels of
domestic production and imported commodities, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and international
conflicts. Historically, the prices of commodities primarily involved in Seaboard’s business have been cyclical
and exhibited significant volatility.
•
In the Pork and Turkey segments, commodity pork and turkey prices demonstrate a cyclical nature over
periods of years, reflecting changes in the supply of fresh meat and competing proteins on the market.
•
In the CT&M segment, fluctuating worldwide prices for wheat, corn, soybean meal and, to a lesser
degree, various other agricultural commodity products could also be caused by European flour exports,
donated food aid, flour dumping practices and worldwide and local crop production.
•
In the Liquid Fuels segment, the market price for biodiesel and renewable diesel is influenced by world
oil prices and government mandates and incentives to use biofuels.
These fluctuating market conditions have had and could have a significant impact on Seaboard’s sales, value of
commodities held in inventory and operating income.
(2) Increases in Costs of Raw Materials Have Affected and Could Adversely Affect Costs and Operating Margins.
Feed costs are the most significant single component of the cost of raising hogs and turkeys for the Pork and
Turkey segments and are affected by commodity price fluctuations for corn and soybean meal. The Liquid Fuels
segment’s raw material costs are impacted by fluctuations in the market price of pork fat, other animal fats and
vegetable oils, all of which are utilized to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel. The results of the Pork, Turkey
and Liquid Fuels segments could be negatively affected by increased costs of their raw materials. The cost and
supply of feed components and other raw materials are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply
and demand, which are driven by matters over which these segments have no control, including inflation, weather,
current and projected worldwide grain stocks and prices, grain export prices, subsidies and tariffs, and
governmental agricultural policies. Some of these segments attempt to manage certain of these risks through the
use of commodity derivatives; however, this may also limit the ability to participate in gains from favorable
commodity fluctuations. Unless wholesale pork, turkey and fuel prices correspondingly increase, increases in the
prices of feed components and other raw materials would adversely affect the segments’ operating margins and
the value of Seaboard’s investment in Butterball. In the Pork segment, approximately 4% of this segment’s
slaughtered hogs were purchased from a third party in 2024.
(3) Fluctuations in Fuel Costs Could Adversely Affect the Business. Fuel is a large expense for the Marine and Power
segments and also impacts the CT&M segment’s results with regards to owned and chartered vessels. Fuel prices
can vary greatly from year to year. While such fluctuations may be offset through fuel surcharges or other
mechanisms, such mechanisms do not act with precision in terms of timing and amount and may not adjust
revenues enough to offset the increase in costs.
Industry Risks
(1) The Food Industry May Present Certain Risks. The Pork, Turkey and CT&M segments are subject to the risks
posed by:
•
food spoilage;
•
food contamination, including contamination caused by disease-producing organisms or pathogens, such
as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli and aflatoxin;
•
food allergens;
•
adverse weather and climate change effects on crops;
•
evolving consumer preferences and nutritional and health-related concerns;
•
international, federal, state and local food processing regulations;
•
the possible unavailability and/or expense of liability insurance;
•
consumer product liability claims;
•
product recall;
•
product tampering; and
•
public perception of food production practices, including handling of production and live animals.
9
Pathogens that may cause food contamination are found generally in livestock and in the environment and
therefore may be present in Seaboard’s products. These pathogens also can be introduced to Seaboard’s products
as a result of improper handling by customers or consumers. Seaboard does not have control over handling
procedures once products have been shipped for distribution. If one or more of these risks were to materialize,
Seaboard’s brand reputation could be harmed, revenues could decrease, costs of doing business could increase,
and Seaboard’s operating results could be adversely affected.
(2) Health Risks to Animals Could Adversely Affect Production and the Supply of Raw Materials. Seaboard is
subject to risks relating to its ability to maintain animal health and control diseases. If the Pork segment’s hogs
or if Butterball’s turkeys are affected by disease, Seaboard could be required to euthanize infected animals, which
could adversely affect these segments’ production or ability to sell or export their products. The general health of
the hogs and turkeys and their respective reproductive performance could have an adverse impact on production
and production costs, the supply of raw material to their processing operations and consumer confidence.
Moreover, the herd or flock health of third-party suppliers could adversely affect the supply and cost of hogs or
turkeys available for purchase. Adverse publicity concerning any disease or health concern could also cause
customers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of these segments’ food products.
(3) Ocean Transportation May Present Certain Risks. Owned and chartered vessels along with related cargoes of
Seaboard’s Marine and CT&M segments are at risk of being damaged, lost or incurring excess cost because of
events such as:
•
inclement weather;
•
mechanical failures;
•
grounding, fire, explosions and collisions;
•
human error;
•
war, piracy and terrorism; and
•
access to and congestion in ports and canals.
Any of these hazards could result in death or injury to persons, loss of property, environmental damages, delays
or rerouting and could have a material adverse effect on Seaboard’s business, financial condition and results of
operations.
(4) Difficulties Obtaining and Retaining Appropriate Personnel. Seaboard is dependent on having a sufficient number
of properly trained operations personnel.
•
In the Pork, Liquid Fuels and Turkey segments, the nature of the work and rural locations at some
processing plants and production operations, along with national policy on immigration, have affected
and could continue to negatively affect the availability and cost of labor.
•
In the CT&M segment, the loss of a key employee such as a commodity trader could have a negative
impact resulting from the loss of revenues as personal customer relationships can be vital to obtaining
and retaining business with various foreign customers. Also, employing and retaining qualified
expatriate personnel at the operating facilities are key elements to success given the difficult living
conditions, the unique operating environments and the reliance on a relatively small number of
executives to manage individual locations.
•
Certain segments have employees covered by, or rely on services of third parties with employees that
are covered by, collective bargaining agreements, and work stoppages or other labor disruptions could
adversely affect Seaboard’s operations for these segments.
The inability to acquire and retain the services of such personnel, or increased costs associated with the acquisition
and retention of such personnel, could have a material adverse effect on Seaboard’s operations.
(5) The Loss or Closure of the Segments’ Principal Properties Could Adversely Affect the Business. The closure,
even temporarily, loss of or damage to any of the segments’ plants for any reason, including highly pathogenic
disease outbreaks, fire, weather, such as tornado, hurricane or earthquake, or the occurrence of adverse
governmental action or labor unrest resulting in labor strikes could adversely affect the business of the affected
segment and have a material adverse effect on Seaboard’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
•
The Pork segment is largely dependent on the continued operation at full capacity of its Oklahoma pork
processing plant and the STF plant. This segment provided approximately one-third of STF’s hogs for
processing during 2024 and also markets substantially all pork products produced.
•
In the Marine segment, port operations can be subject to disruption due to hurricanes or other adverse
weather conditions, and any associated damage could take significant time to repair while cargos would
move to other ports of entry. Recovering those volumes could prove difficult.
•
The Liquid Fuels segment depends on the operation of the renewable diesel plant and two biodiesel
plants. When a plant is not operational, the segment may be unable to fulfill contracts with the shortfall
in production or must purchase from other suppliers, possibly resulting in lower margins. Also, biodiesel
10
is different from renewable diesel and one product cannot be used in place of other products to fulfill
specifications for customer contracts.
•
The Power segment has two power-generating barges, both located in the Dominican Republic, and an
adverse event in the Dominican Republic could impact one or both barges.
•
Although Butterball has three processing plants, it is disproportionately dependent on the continued
operation of its processing plant in North Carolina, which handles a significant volume of the production
of turkey products.
Organizational Risks
(1) Seaboard’s Common Stock Is Infrequently Traded and Subject to Daily Price Fluctuations. The common stock
of Seaboard is closely held and infrequently traded on a daily basis on the NYSE American. Seaboard Flour LLC
and SFC Preferred, LLC, which are beneficially owned by the Bresky family, hold approximately 73% of
Seaboard’s outstanding common stock. Accordingly, the price of a share of Seaboard common stock could
fluctuate more significantly from day to day than that of a share of more widely held stock that is actively traded
on a daily basis.
(2) Decentralization May Present Certain Risks. Seaboard’s operations are relatively decentralized in comparison
with its peers. While Seaboard’s executive management believes this practice enables it to remain responsive to
risks, opportunities and customers’ needs, it necessarily places significant control and decision-making powers
in the hands of local management. This presents various risks, including the risk that executive management may
be slower or less able to identify or react to problems affecting a key business than in a more centralized
environment. In addition, it means that Seaboard may be slower to detect compliance-related problems (e.g., a
rogue employee undertaking activities that are prohibited by applicable law or Seaboard’s internal policies) and
that “company-wide” business initiatives, such as the integration of disparate information technology systems,
are often more challenging and costly to implement, and their risk of failure higher, than they would be in a more
centralized environment. Depending on the nature of the problem or initiative in question, such failure could
materially adversely affect Seaboard’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
(3) Investments in Non-Consolidated Affiliates May Present Certain Risks. Seaboard has several equity method
investments in which it generally owns approximately 50% or less, with various third-party business partners
owning the remaining equity. Due to the ownership structure of these affiliates, Seaboard participates in boards
of directors’ or comparable governing bodies’ decisions but does not control the decision-making processes.
Seaboard could be exposed to various business risks if the business partners’ decisions do not align with
Seaboard’s best interests, which could adversely impact the results of Seaboard’s income (loss) from affiliates.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
(1) Operations Are Subject to General Risks of Litigation. Seaboard is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation
arising in the ordinary course of business and otherwise. Trends in litigation may include class actions involving
employees, consumers, competitors, suppliers, shareholders or injured persons, as well as claims relating to
product liability, contract disputes, antitrust regulations, intellectual property, advertising, labeling, wage and
hour laws, employment practices or environmental matters. Litigation in certain countries carries additional risk
due to lack of transparency in judiciaries. Neither litigation trends nor the outcomes of litigation can be predicted
with certainty, and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could negatively affect Seaboard’s financial results and
result in losses in excess of accrued amounts.
(2) Operations Are Subject to Complex Laws and Regulations. Federal, state and local laws and domestic and
international regulations governing worker health and safety, food safety and animal health and welfare, port and
terminal security and the operation of vessels, including fuel regulations, significantly affect revenues, costs and
the manner or feasibility of doing business and otherwise. Some requirements applicable to Seaboard may also
be enforced by citizen groups.
•
In the Pork segment, select states have implemented, or are working to implement, varying standards
related to the required living conditions for breeding sows. Some laws apply to animals grown in the
state of enactment while, more recently, several states have enacted laws that prohibit the sale of meat
from non-compliant animals grown in any of the fifty states or foreign countries. Diversity of standards
for housing sows requires each producer to implement separate record-keeping to track compliant
animals through the growing process to the processing plant, and finished products from the processing
plant to third-party purchasers. Such laws can also impose civil and criminal penalties for failing to
comply. Animal production assets have long expected useful lives. The enactment of more stringent
standards can impair the value of existing assets, increase the cost of production and distribution, lower
the value of non-compliant products and/or disrupt the market for pork which could result in a reduction
11
in the sales prices of pork products. Incrementally, strict growing standards could cause the creation of
regional markets of compliant products or require the industry to build compliant assets for each market.
•
In the Marine segment, many aspects of the shipping industry, including rate agreements and vessel cost
sharing agreements, are subject to extensive governmental regulation by the Federal Maritime
Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as regulation by
private industry organizations. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards may require
capital investments or operational changes. As an example, this segment may be adversely impacted by
changes in vessel fuel consumption efficiency requirements. Certain vessels, based on their capacity and
other factors, have to meet certain energy emissions standards while sailing. The net effect could be that
certain vessels may be required to alter trading routes and voyage speeds to remain compliant, which
could impact the reliability of route frequency.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations and any future changes to them could result in significant
consequences to Seaboard, including civil and criminal penalties, liability for damages, negative publicity and
the inability to do business in certain locales. In addition, future changes in laws, regulations and standards may
result in additional costs or a reduction in revenues.
(3) Operations Are Subject to Stringent Environmental Regulation and Potentially Subject to Environmental
Litigation, Proceedings and Investigations. Seaboard operations and properties are subject to extensive and
increasingly stringent laws and regulations pertaining to, among other things, odors, the discharge of materials
into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Compliance with these laws and regulations, as well as
any modifications, may be material to Seaboard’s business.
(4) Future Potential Changes in Tax Laws Could Adversely Impact Results. Seaboard conducts business globally and
is subject to taxation in the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws could have an impact on
Seaboard’s effective tax rate, income tax expense and cash flows. For example, many jurisdictions have enacted
legislation and adopted policies resulting from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s
(“OECD”) Anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Pillar Two Model Rules (“Pillar Two”). Rules adopted in
response to this initiative establish a global per-country minimum tax of 15%. Numerous countries have enacted
legislation, or have indicated their intent to adopt legislation, to implement certain aspects of these rules.
Seaboard’s income tax expense will increase as the legislation becomes effective in countries in which Seaboard
conducts business. Seaboard is relying on temporary OECD safe harbors to reduce Pillar Two tax in applicable
years and jurisdictions. The OECD and implementing countries are expected to continue to make further revisions
to their legislation and release additional guidance. Due to these new rules, Seaboard’s tax complexity will
increase as rules vary by country. In addition, revisions to these rules or new rules or guidance could further
increase Seaboard’s income tax expense in future periods or increase such expense beyond amounts currently
anticipated. Seaboard will continue to monitor the legislation and implementation by individual
countries. Furthermore, estimating future tax is difficult since a large portion of Seaboard’s operations are heavily
commodity-driven, resulting in high volatility due to market prices and a cyclical nature of financial performance.
Seaboard’s management must also apply significant judgment and use assumptions and estimates in recording
income taxes, including income tax expense, deferred tax assets and valuation allowances, and there can be no
assurance that amounts will not change in future periods when management considers new information that could
affect its conclusions for prior periods.
(5) Any Legal or Regulatory Measures to Address Climate Change Could Have an Adverse Impact on Seaboard’s
Business and Results of Operations. The increased focus over climate change has resulted in, and may continue
to result in, the adoption of laws and regulations, including reporting requirements, designed to manage
greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and resulting environmental impacts which will likely lead to increased
compliance costs. Compliance with such legal or regulatory requirements may require Seaboard to make
significant changes to its business operations and strategy, which will likely incur substantial time, attention and
costs. Seaboard may also need to make additional investment in its resources and technology to comply with the
data reporting requirements. Additionally, Seaboard may fail to effectively address increased attention from
stakeholders on climate change and related environmental sustainability matters. Such failure, or the perception
that Seaboard has failed to act responsibly regarding climate change, whether or not valid, could negatively affect
its business and reputation.
12
Specific Pork Segment Risks
(1) Return on Investment of Renewable Biogas Recovery Facilities May Not Meet Original Estimates. This segment
has made significant investment in renewable biogas recovery facilities and most facilities are still in early phases
of operation. Consistent production at each site may take longer than expected as it is dependent upon the maturity
and volatile solid concentration of the lagoon, weather, hog health and methanogen health, among other variables,
and the return on assets and planned environmental credits may be less than expected. This segment’s inability
to realize the benefits of these projects in a cost-efficient and timely manner could have a material adverse effect
on its results of operations.
Specific Commodity Trading and Milling Segment Risks
(1) This Segment Faces Increasing Competition from Several Sources. This segment is experiencing increasing
competition in certain foreign markets by well-capitalized originators, traders of commodities making sales
directly to end-use customers, and industrial-asset owners that compete in the same markets as this segment. If
various competing raw material originators refuse to sell commodities to Seaboard for sale in these foreign
markets, it could be more challenging for this segment to purchase commodities for sale to its customers at
competitive prices. Also, competition with imported products or other local producers impacts this segment’s
industrial operations. This segment’s sales volume and sale prices for commodities to customers, as well as results
of operations, could be adversely impacted by such increased competition.
(2) This Segment Uses Derivative Products to Manage Certain Market Risks. This segment enters into various
commodity derivative and foreign exchange derivative transactions to create what management believes are
economic hedges for commodity trades it executes or intends to execute with its customers. Failure to execute or
improper execution of a derivative position or a firmly committed sale or purchase contract, a speculative
transaction that closes without the desired result or exposure to counterparty risk could have an adverse impact
on this segment’s results of operations and liquidity.
Specific Marine Segment Risks
(1) Chartered Vessels Are Subject to Fluctuating Rates and Availability. Time-charter expenses are one of this
segment’s largest expenses. These costs, and availability of vessels, can vary greatly due to a number of factors
including the worldwide supply and demand for shipping. It is not possible to determine in advance whether a
long-term charter contract will be favorable to this segment’s business. Accordingly, entering into either
long-term charter hire contracts during periods of decreasing charter hire costs or short-term charter hire contracts
during periods of increasing charter hire costs could have an adverse effect on this segment’s results of operations.
This segment purchases space, also known as slots, on certain third-party operated vessels, and these vessel
providers may not be reliable and may cause shipment delays or other challenges.
Specific Liquid Fuels Segment Risks
(1) The Operating Profit of the Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Production Facilities Has Been and Could Be
Adversely Impacted by Government Policies and Changes to Customer Preferences for Renewable Energy. The
profitability of this segment’s biodiesel and renewable diesel plants could be adversely affected by various
factors, including government policies, regulations, mandates and federal and state programs and incentives to
produce and use biofuels, such as those under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and the California Low
Carbon Fuel Standard, and the market price of environmental credits generated then sold to third parties, which
is influenced by the same factors as fuel market prices. Adverse changes in government policies, regulations,
mandates and incentives to use biofuels could adversely affect this segment’s results of operations and could
result in the potential impairment of the recorded value of the property, plant and equipment related to these
facilities. With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the federal blender’s credits expired December
31, 2024 and were replaced by a new clean fuel production credit starting in 2025. Regulatory guidance to
implement the new credit was issued in early 2025, and the value varies based on the greenhouse gas emissions
factor of fuel produced and sold. This clean fuel production credit will be less than the federal blender’s credit,
but Seaboard is still evaluating the new guidance and the impact it will have on its financial statements. Currently,
some customers purchase renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions; however, if customer preferences change
and there is less demand, the outlook for renewable energy products would be unfavorably impacted.
(2) Further Difficulties Could Be Experienced in the Operations of the Renewable Diesel Production Facility.
Commercial operations at this segment’s renewable diesel production facility commenced in 2022, but
operational issues delayed the achievement of consistent operations at full capacity. Repairs and maintenance
completed during 2024 allowed for more consistent production, but future issues are still possible with any new
operations. Further difficulties experienced could have adverse effects on this segment’s results of operations.
(3) Plant Production May Be Temporarily Slowed in Response to Unfavorable Market Conditions. Market
fluctuations, such as reduced demand, lower pricing or higher costs of raw materials, may have an adverse impact
13
on product sales and margins. As a result, management could choose to scale back production temporarily until
market conditions are more favorable. Lack of production would have adverse effects on this segment’s results
of operations as fixed costs would still need to be covered.
Specific Power Segment Risks
(1) This Segment’s Services Are Affected by Competition from More Efficient Energy Producers. This segment sells
the power it generates primarily to government-owned distribution companies, and the government can decide
which power units will be able to operate. Typically, dispatch is done based on a merit list with lower-cost power
plants dispatched before those with higher costs. More efficient power producer competitors, such as from
renewable energy, including hydro, solar and wind, or other nonrenewable energy sources like coal, are less costly
to operate and could cause the demand for this segment’s energy to decline and the spot market rates to decline
as well, which would adversely affect this segment’s results of operations.
(2) Supply of Natural Gas Is Limited in the Dominican Republic. Supply of natural gas in the Dominican Republic
is limited to one primary supplier. EDM III only operates on natural gas, but EDM II can run on other types of
fuel. Supply disruptions of natural gas could have an adverse impact on this segment’s operating income.
(3) This Segment Depends on the Condition of the Dominican Republic Economy, Currency and Political Climate.
Fluctuations in economic conditions or changes in the Dominican Republic political climate could have an impact
on the costs of operations, the sales prices of products and the exchange rate of the Dominican peso to the
U.S. dollar. In addition to significant currency fluctuations and the other risks of overseas operations, this segment
could experience difficulty in obtaining timely collections of trade receivables from the government-owned
distribution companies or other companies that must also collect from the government in order to make payments
on their accounts. Currently, the Dominican government does not allow a free market to enable prices to rise with
demand as the supply is restricted due to insufficient cash flow from electric distributors and the subsidy the
government provides, which could limit this segment’s profitability.
(4) This Segment May Be Unable to Renew Certain Permits. This segment’s barges are subject to various permitting
requirements imposed by the Dominican government. A major risk inherent in this segment’s operations is the
need to renew permits, and any failure to obtain a renewal permit could have a significant impact on this segment’s
business, including a suspension of operations.
Specific Turkey Segment Risks
(1) Decreased Perception of Value in the Butterball Brand and Changes in Consumer Preferences Could Adversely
Affect Sales Volumes and Prices of Butterball Products. Butterball is a premium brand name, built on a long
history of offering quality products that have been differentiated in the market. The value of the Butterball brand
allows for sales of a higher unit price for certain products compared to other turkey providers. In order to maintain
this advantage, Butterball must continue to support the brand with successful marketing efforts and develop new
products. Consumer product preferences continue to evolve as a result of, among other things, consumer
perceptions of Butterball, including animal well-being and manufacturing practices; shifting consumer
demographics; inflationary and recessionary risks; changes in consumer lifestyles and perceptions of relative
health benefits of turkey compared to other proteins; digital shopping patterns; and competitive product and
pricing pressures. If Butterball’s products fail to meet consumer preferences, or Butterball fails to introduce new
products or product extensions on a timely basis, the brand value could diminish significantly. In addition,
negative news reports for any reason related to Butterball specifically or the turkey/poultry industry generally
could negatively impact this brand perception, Butterball’s results of operations and the value of Seaboard’s
investment in Butterball.
(2) Adverse Operating Results Could Result in Need for Raising Additional Capital. Butterball has third-party bank
loan facilities that are secured by substantially all of the assets of Butterball. Adverse operating results or
economic conditions could cause Butterball to default on such loan facilities, which could result in a significant
adverse impact on Butterball’s financial position. As a result, Seaboard or other investors may need to make
additional capital investment or provide financing to Butterball, which could negatively impact the value, or cause
dilution, of Seaboard’s investment in Butterball or adversely impact Butterball’s results of operations and
liquidity position.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
14
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Seaboard recognizes the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of its customers, business partners, employees
and other stakeholders with the security of its data and information systems. The Board is involved in the oversight of
Seaboard’s enterprise risk management program, of which cybersecurity is a component. Seaboard’s information security
program includes cybersecurity policies, standards, processes and practices that are based on recognized frameworks
established by the Center for Internet Security (“CIS”) and other applicable industry standards. These frameworks and
standards serve as guides and references. Seaboard adapts them to its specific environment, needs and industries. They are
not meant to imply that Seaboard meets, or fully complies with, any specific technical standards, specifications or
requirements set forth within them. Seaboard seeks to address cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive, company-wide
information security program that is focused on preserving the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of the information
that Seaboard collects and stores, supporting legal and regulatory compliance and preventing disruptions to business
operations. Seaboard’s information security program monitors the systems and networks Seaboard relies upon for threats,
breaches, intrusions and potential other weaknesses; assesses the security of company-wide software, applications and
systems; responds to cybersecurity incidents; and facilitates training for employees.
Seaboard maintains a risk-based approach to information security that is based on the CIS-18 controls framework to
identify key areas of cybersecurity risk. Seaboard’s information security program maintains a team responsible for
managing the cybersecurity risk assessment process across all segments (the “Information Security Team”). The
Information Security Team routinely performs various reviews and generates reports throughout the year to determine
risks, threats and compliance with information security policies, standards and the framework of controls. This Information
Security Team partners with each of the segments to identify key areas of cybersecurity risk based on the framework and
develop action plans tailored to address those risks. Risks are evaluated at least on a quarterly basis according to Seaboard’s
cybersecurity reporting process.
Other cybersecurity risk management measures Seaboard takes include:
•
Employees and directors with login credentials are required to participate in trainings on at least a quarterly basis
to identify potential cybersecurity risks, which are supplemented by periodic phishing tests.
•
Seaboard engages independent third parties to perform some services such as penetration testing and monitoring
on an ongoing basis by automated tools that detect threats and trigger alerts for assessment and investigation by
Seaboard’s Information Security Team.
•
Seaboard maintains end user and administrative user policies governing the use of company technology.
•
Seaboard conducts risk assessments of certain of its third-party service providers with attention to cybersecurity
risks.
As of the date of this report, Seaboard is not aware of any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are
reasonably likely to materially affect Seaboard’s business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However,
cybersecurity threats and cyber-attacks continue to increase in sophistication and volume. As a result, Seaboard frequently
updates its information security plan to address new threats, and Seaboard continues to make investments to protect its
information technology infrastructure. Cybersecurity risks that may materially impact Seaboard are discussed in more
detail in Item 1A “Risk Factors,” under the heading “Operational Risks,” which should be read in conjunction with this
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity Governance
Seaboard acknowledges the importance of effectively managing risks linked to cybersecurity threats. Seaboard has
implemented oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance in handling risks linked to cybersecurity threats
because of the impact these threats can have on operational integrity and stakeholder confidence.
Seaboard’s information security program and the Information Security Team is led and managed by a dedicated Director
of Information Security (the “IS Director”). The IS Director, whose experience includes over eight years in information
security leadership roles and relevant certifications, brings appropriate expertise to Seaboard’s information security
program. The IS Director’s experience and knowledge are crucial to the ongoing development and execution of Seaboard’s
information security program.
The IS Director and the Information Security Team communicate guidance, including various alerts to monitor and assess
threats, to information security personnel in all segments to ensure consistent execution of cybersecurity risk management
activities. Updates on segment-level cybersecurity risks, compliance and implementation status are provided on at least a
quarterly basis to Seaboard’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) for purposes of risk
monitoring, updates to policies, allocation of resources, progress on action plans and discussions on other topics as
necessary.
15
On at least a quarterly basis, the IS Director and other members of management inform Seaboard’s full Board of new risks
or changes to risks, the status of projects supporting Seaboard’s information security systems, assessments of Seaboard’s
information security program and the emerging threat landscape. The Board provides feedback on management’s plans
and allocates resources for plan improvement expenditures.
Seaboard also maintains disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that executive management and the Board receive
prompt and timely information regarding any material cybersecurity incidents. Upon confirmation of a cybersecurity
incident, the impacted segment invokes their response plan and notifies the IS Director who then communicates the details
of the incident to management’s Cybersecurity Committee for determination of materiality.
Item 2. Properties
Management believes that Seaboard’s present facilities are adequate and suitable for its current purposes. Seaboard’s
principal properties by segment are described below:
(1) Pork - Seaboard’s Pork segment owns a pork processing plant in Oklahoma. It has a double-shift capacity to process
approximately six million hogs annually and generally operates at capacity with additional weekend shifts depending
on market conditions. Seaboard’s hog production operations can breed and raise approximately eight million hogs
annually at facilities it primarily owns or at facilities owned and operated by third parties with whom it has grower
contracts. This segment owns and operates eight centrally located feed mills, which have a combined capacity to
produce approximately three million tons of formulated feed annually. These facilities are located in Iowa, Oklahoma,
Texas, Kansas and Colorado. This segment also owns nine renewable natural gas production sites located on certain
of its existing hog farms. The production capacity at each site varies and depends on specific farm site factors,
including the number of barns and hog count. Most sites are in the early stages of operations.
(2) Commodity Trading and Milling - Seaboard’s CT&M segment operates milling facilities at 14 locations in
ten countries and has ten trading offices in nine countries. The milling facilities located in Ecuador, Ghana, Guyana,
Mozambique, Peru, Republic of the Congo and Zambia own the land and plants. There are additional milling facilities
located in Ivory Coast, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Zambia and Nigeria where the land is leased under long-term
agreements. The milling facilities produce approximately two million metric tons of wheat flour, maize meal,
manufactured feed and oilseed crush commodities per year in addition to other related grain-based products. Certain
foreign milling operations may operate at less than full capacity due to low demand, unstable power, excess milling
capacity in their competitive environment or imported flour. Seaboard’s CT&M segment owns three 18,900 metric
ton deadweight dry bulk vessels and charters between 34 to 46 bulk vessels on an annual basis with deadweights of
up to 65,000 metric tons under short-term agreements.
(3) Marine - Seaboard’s Marine segment leases approximately 297,000 square feet of off-port warehouse space and
87 acres of port terminal land and facilities in Miami, Florida, which are used in its containerized cargo operations.
Seaboard’s Marine segment also leases an approximate 77-acre cargo handling and marine terminal facility in
Houston, Texas, which includes several warehouses totaling approximately 648,000 square feet for cargo storage.
The Marine segment owns eight ocean cargo vessels with deadweights of up to approximately 53,000 metric tons.
Six new dual-fueled vessels are under construction and planned to be completed in 2025. Also, as of
December 31, 2024, this segment charters 15 vessels under contracts with a remaining average term of eight months
with deadweights of up to approximately 34,700 metric tons. Seaboard’s Marine segment owns or leases dry,
refrigerated and specialized containers and other related equipment.
(4) Liquid Fuels - The Liquid Fuels segment owns biodiesel plants in Oklahoma and Missouri, with the capacity to
produce up to 46 million gallons and 32 million gallons annually, respectively, and a renewable diesel plant in Kansas
with capacity to produce 85 million gallons annually. The renewable diesel plant began operations in 2022 but has
experienced operational issues and began operating with consistent production during 2024. The segment owns a
terminal facility in California with a maximum throughput capacity to store and distribute approximately 300 million
gallons of fuel per year. The renewable diesel and terminal facilities have solar arrays that can generate up to a total
of 20 megawatts of electricity, which is used to support the facilities’ energy needs.
(5) Power - Seaboard’s Power segment owns two power-generating barges that are secured on the Ozama River in
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. EDM II and EDM III can generate approximately 108 megawatts and
150 megawatts, respectively, of electricity.
(6) Turkey - Seaboard’s Turkey segment had a total of three processing plants, three further processing plants and
numerous company and third-party live production facilities and feed milling operations, located in North Carolina,
Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas as of December 31, 2024. These facilities have the capacity to produce approximately
one billion pounds of turkey annually. Butterball closed its Jonesboro, Arkansas further processing plant effective
16
February 3, 2025. Although capacity to meet core further processing demand is sufficient, Butterball uses third-party
copacker arrangements to supplement portions of its portfolio where it either does not maintain specialized
competencies, or to meet demand beyond its internal production capacity.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The information required by this item is included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Seaboard’s common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol SEB. Seaboard had 4,900 stockholders of
record of its common stock as of January 31, 2025.
Stock Performance Graph
The SEC requires a five-year comparison of Seaboard’s stock performance with that of an appropriate broad equity market
index and similar industry index. Since there is no single industry index to compare stock performance, the companies
comprising the Dow Jones U.S. Food Products and Dow Jones U.S. Marine Transportation Industry indices (the “Peer
Group”) were chosen as the second comparison.
The following line graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total return for Seaboard Corporation, the NYSE
American Index and the companies comprising the Peer Group, weighted by market capitalization for the five fiscal years
commencing December 31, 2019 and ending December 31, 2024.
The comparison of cumulative total returns presented in the above graph was plotted using the following index values and
common stock price values:
12/31/19 12/31/20 12/31/21 12/31/22 12/31/23 12/31/24
Seaboard Corporation
$ 100.00 $ 71.51 $ 93.07 $ 89.49 $ 84.84 $ 57.90
NYSE American
$ 100.00 $ 95.14 $ 122.10 $ 117.38 $ 119.42 $ 120.04
Peer Group
$ 100.00 $ 103.50 $ 119.61 $ 132.83 $ 122.32 $ 118.38
17
During each quarter in 2024, 2023 and 2022, Seaboard declared and paid quarterly dividends of $2.25 per share of common
stock. Seaboard’s Board intends that Seaboard will continue to pay quarterly dividends for the reasonably foreseeable
future, with such future dividends and the amount of any such dividends being subject to the determination, declaration
and discretion of Seaboard’s Board and dependent upon factors such as Seaboard’s financial condition, results of
operations, and current and anticipated cash needs, including capital requirements. As discussed in Note 7 to the
consolidated financial statements, Seaboard’s ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to limitations imposed by debt
agreements.
Seaboard has not established any equity compensation plans or individual agreements for its employees under which
Seaboard common stock or options, rights or warrants with respect to Seaboard common stock may be granted.
Item 6. Reserved
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management Discussion and Analysis is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with,
Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes in Item 8. Certain statements in this report
contain forward-looking statements. See the introduction in Item 1 for more information on these forward-looking
statements, including a discussion of the most significant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
Sales and costs of Seaboard’s segments are significantly influenced by worldwide fluctuations of commodity prices and
changes in global 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 varying geographic locations,
management independently evaluates each segment’s operations. Seaboard’s reporting segments are based on information
used by Seaboard’s CEO, in his capacity as chief operating decision maker, to determine allocation of resources and assess
performance. During 2024, Liquid Fuels became a separate reportable segment, and the former Sugar and Alcohol segment
became part of All Other. The historical periods presented have been recast to reflect these changes. See Note 13 to the
consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this segment change.
Pork Segment
The Pork segment primarily produces hogs to process and sells pork products throughout the U.S. and to foreign markets.
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 of 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 significant cost factor.
As a result, commodity price fluctuations can affect profitability and cash flows. This segment is Seaboard’s most
capital-intensive segment, representing approximately 47% of Seaboard’s total fixed assets and approximately 39% of
total inventories as of December 31, 2024. With the plant generally operating near capacity, Seaboard is continually
looking for ways to enhance the plant’s operational efficiency, while also looking to increase margins by introducing new,
higher margin value-added products. This segment also produces swine-derived renewable natural gas, but sales are not
significant as most sites are in the early stages of operation. Consistent production at each site may take longer than
expected as it is dependent upon a number of variables, including the maturity and volatile solid concentration of the
lagoon, weather, hog health and methanogen health.
CT&M Segment
The CT&M segment provides integrated agricultural commodity trading, processing and logistics services. The majority
of its sales are derived from sourcing agricultural commodities from multiple origins and delivering them to third-party
and affiliate customers in various international locations. This segment’s sales are significantly affected by fluctuating
prices of various commodities, such as wheat, corn and soybean meal. Exports from various countries can exacerbate
volatile market conditions. Profit margins are sometimes protected through commodity derivatives and other risk
management practices, but 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. This segment represents
approximately 41% of Seaboard’s total inventories as of December 31, 2024. Consolidated subsidiaries and
non-consolidated affiliates operate the grain processing facilities in foreign countries that are, in most cases, lesser
developed and are more likely to 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.
18
Marine Segment
The Marine segment provides cargo shipping services in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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, freight rates can fluctuate depending on regional supply and
demand for shipping services. Since this segment time-charters ocean cargo vessels, it is affected by fluctuations in charter
hire rates.
Liquid Fuels Segment
The Liquid Fuels segment produces biodiesel and renewable diesel and generates related environmental credits,
specifically LCFS credits and RINs, which are then sold to third parties. The profitability of this segment is impacted by
world oil prices, the market prices of pork fat, other animal fats and vegetable oils, all of which are utilized to produce
biodiesel and renewable diesel, and by government mandates and incentives to use biofuels and the market price of
environmental credits.
Power Segment
The Power segment is an independent power producer in the Dominican Republic. Spot market rates are impacted by fuel
prices and the various producers supplying power to the grid. 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.
Turkey Segment
The Turkey segment represents Seaboard’s 52.5% non-controlling investment in Butterball, which is accounted for using
the equity method. Butterball produces turkeys to process and sells turkey products. 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 of raising turkeys and is materially affected by price changes for corn and soybean meal. As a result, price
fluctuations for corn and soybean meal affect profitability and cash flows.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary objectives of Seaboard’s financing strategy are to effectively manage financial risks, ensure efficient liquidity
for daily global operations and maintain balance sheet strength. Seaboard’s principal funding sources are generated from
operating activities, short-term investments and borrowings from revolving lines of credit and term loans. Seaboard’s cash
requirements include funding for working capital, capital expenditures, strategic investments and other needs.
Management believes Seaboard’s combination of internally generated cash, liquidity and borrowing capabilities will be
adequate to meet all short-term and long-term commitments.
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had cash and short-term investments of nearly $1.2 billion and additional total
working capital of $0.9 billion. As of December 31, 2024, $97 million of the $1.2 billion 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. During 2022, Seaboard reversed its indefinite reinvestment assertion in connection with certain
previously-taxed undistributed earnings of its Seaboard Marine subsidiary due to the tax effectiveness of repatriating. For
all other foreign subsidiaries, Seaboard intends to continue permanently reinvesting their funds outside the U.S. as they
continue to demonstrate no need to repatriate them to fund Seaboard’s U.S. operations for the foreseeable future. Seaboard
has not recorded deferred taxes for state or foreign withholding taxes that would result upon repatriation of these funds to
the U.S. because determination of the tax that might be paid on unremitted earnings if eventually remitted is not practical
due to the complexity of the multi-jurisdictional tax environment in which Seaboard operates.
The following table presents a summary of Seaboard’s available borrowing capacity under lines of credit.
Total amount
(Millions of dollars)
available
Short-term uncommitted and committed lines
$
1,299
Amounts drawn against lines
(314)
Available borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2024
$
985
19
Seaboard had long-term debt of $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2024, which included a Term Loan due 2033 of
$963 million. Current maturities of long-term debt were $11 million as of December 31, 2024. The credit agreement
governing the Term Loan due 2033 contains customary covenants for credit facilities of this type, including restrictions
on the ability to grant liens on assets, incur indebtedness and make certain acquisitions, investments, asset dispositions and
dividend payments in excess of specified amounts. Seaboard evaluates opportunities to access efficient financing in the
markets where it operates, leveraging low-cost funding to support its operations.
Cash Flows
Cash generated from operating activities was $519 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
$710 million for 2023. The decrease of $191 million in operating cash flows was primarily due to changes in working
capital. Cash from working capital was lower due to timing of collections on accounts receivable and less volatility of
inventory cost. Operating cash flows during 2024 were also impacted by lower dividend payments of $53 million from
two of Seaboard’s equity method investments. The decrease in cash generated from working capital of $417 million was
partially offset by the $278 million change in earnings, adjusted for non-cash items.
Cash used in investing activities was $484 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $273 million for
2023. During 2024, Seaboard invested $511 million in property, plant and equipment, of which $299 million was in the
Pork segment and $172 million was in the Marine segment. The Pork segment expenditures were primarily to fund
renewable biogas recovery projects. At certain hog farms, the Pork segment has renewable biogas recovery facilities to
capture methane from its hog lagoons and convert it into renewable natural gas, which is then injected into the local
pipeline infrastructure. Some of these sites were placed in service during 2024, while one remains under construction. The
Marine segment expenditures primarily related to installment payments on dual-fueled vessels under construction and the
funding of other investments. Two vessels were completed and delivered in 2024, and six other dual-fueled vessels are
expected to be completed and delivered in 2025. Cash flows from investing activities for short-term investments are part
of Seaboard’s overall liquidity management strategy. Short-term investment purchases are a result of the investment of
excess cash, asset allocation from the active management of the portfolio and reinvestment of matured securities.
Cash provided by financing activities was $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to cash used in
financing activities of $581 million for 2023. Cash flows from financing activities primarily include draws and repayments
under committed and uncommitted revolving facilities held with financial institutions across multiple jurisdictions and
currencies. There has been significant activity in drawing and repaying lines of credit, with the funds used for working
capital and increased investment in capital expenditures. As previously disclosed, during 2023, Seaboard repurchased an
aggregate of 189,724 shares of its common stock from certain affiliates in a privately negotiated transaction at a price
below the traded market price for an aggregate purchase price of $600 million. The share repurchase was negotiated and
approved by a special committee of Seaboard’s Board of Directors, comprised solely of disinterested, independent
directors. The special committee was advised by independent legal counsel and an independent financial advisor, and
received a fairness opinion from its independent financial advisor regarding the repurchase. The U.S. excise taxes incurred
as part of the transaction were paid during 2024.
Capital Expenditures and Other Investments
Seaboard continues to make investments in its operations. The total budget for 2025 capital expenditures is approximately
$630 million, with approximately $290 million planned in the Marine segment, primarily for vessels under construction,
and approximately $215 million planned in the Pork segment. Management anticipates funding these capital expenditures
from a combination of available cash, the use of available short-term investments and Seaboard’s available borrowing
capacity.
Also, as of December 31, 2024, Seaboard committed to invest approximately $35 million in certain long-term investments
in 2025, primarily real estate-related. Based on specific facts and circumstances, Seaboard may also fund capital calls and
issue borrowings for its equity method investments.
Seaboard continues to look for opportunities to further grow and diversify its operations, but there are no definitive plans
for additional acquisitions at this time. Management intends to utilize existing liquidity, available borrowing capacity and
other financing alternatives to fund these opportunities. The terms and availability of such financing may be impacted by
economic and financial market conditions, as well as Seaboard’s financial condition and results of operations at the time
Seaboard seeks such financing, and there can be no assurances that Seaboard will be able to obtain such financing on terms
that will be acceptable or advantageous.
Future Contractual Obligations
Other than those obligations discussed above, future obligations mostly include normal operating expenses. For operating
and finance leases, Seaboard had a current undiscounted obligation of $191 million and a long-term undiscounted
obligation of $418 million as of December 31, 2024; see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further
20
discussion on leases. The majority of Seaboard’s purchase commitments for materials or supplies are related to hog, grain,
freight and fuel procurement contracts with a current obligation of approximately $1.3 billion and a long-term obligation
of approximately $576 million as of December 31, 2024; see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further
discussion on commitments. Also, Seaboard is subject to obligations under its existing defined benefit pension plans. As
of December 31, 2024, the unfunded status of all plans was $24 million. For additional information about Seaboard’s
pension plans, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $9.1 billion, $9.6 billion and $11.2 billion,
respectively. The decrease in sales of $500 million for 2024 compared to 2023 primarily reflected a $422 million decrease
in CT&M segment sales due to lower prices of commodities. The decrease of $1.6 billion for 2023 compared to 2022
primarily reflected a sales decline of $1.2 billion in the CT&M segment due to lower prices and volumes of commodities
sold and a sales decline of $544 million in the Marine segment due to lower cargo volumes and freight rates. See the net
sales discussion by reportable segment below for more details.
Operating income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $156 million, ($87) million and
$657 million, respectively. The increase in operating income of $243 million for 2024 compared to 2023 primarily
reflected an increase in operating income of $475 million in the Pork segment due to higher margins on the sale of pork
products and market hogs, partially offset primarily by a decrease in operating income of $146 million in the Marine
segment due to lower voyage revenue. The decrease of $744 million for 2023 compared to 2022 primarily reflected a
decrease in operating income of $395 million in the Pork segment due to lower margins on the sale of pork products and
market hogs and a decline in operating income of $363 million in the Marine segment due to lower voyage revenue. See
the operating income discussion by reportable segment below for more details.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2024
compared to 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, partially offset by the $10 million adjustment
to the contingent consideration liability recorded during 2023. SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023
increased $30 million compared to 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, including $7 million
for the deferred compensation program, and an adjustment of the contingent consideration liability of $10 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to higher
interest rates on more outstanding debt, partially offset by an increase of $7 million in capitalized interest on construction
in progress. In November 2023, Seaboard amended its Term Loan Credit Agreement and increased the principal amount
from $700 million to $975 million. Interest expense increased $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared
to 2022 primarily due to higher interest rates on outstanding debt, partially offset by an increase of $13 million in
capitalized interest on construction in progress.
Interest Income
Interest income increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 and $30 million for the year
ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to higher interest rates on short-term investments.
Other Investment Income (Loss), Net
Other investment income, net decreased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023. The
decrease was primarily due to less unrealized mark-to-market gains on short-term investments. Other investment income,
net increased $324 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022. The increase was primarily due to
unrealized mark-to-market gains on short-term investments and a $46 million charge recorded during 2022 related to a
long-term solar energy investment.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
The 2024 effective tax rate was higher than the 2023 effective tax rate primarily due to recording a $212 million valuation
allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets. Seaboard has a history of using tax credits before they expire, and although U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) required Seaboard to record a valuation allowance based on past
results, management currently believes that these deferred tax assets will be realized in the future over time before they
expire, although there can be no assurance as to the timing or if these will be realized at all. Seaboard’s federal tax credits
have long carryforward periods that expire between 2042 and 2044. Despite recent pre-tax book losses in the U.S.
operations as a result of challenging commodity conditions, Seaboard has no federal net operating loss carryforwards. The
2023 effective tax rate was lower than the 2022 effective tax rate primarily due to lower earnings, more federal tax credits
and a larger state tax benefit due to higher domestic losses. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further
information on Seaboard’s income taxes.
21
In 2021, the OECD released Pillar Two as part of its Base Erosion and Profit Shifting initiative. The rules are designed to
ensure large multinational companies pay a minimum level of tax on the income arising in each jurisdiction where they
operate. The adoption and effective dates of these rules vary by country and the rules include some temporary safe harbors.
Several countries in which Seaboard operates enacted Pillar Two laws in 2024, but the impact was not material to Seaboard.
Additional countries in which Seaboard has operations have adopted Pillar Two rules effective in 2025. Overall, Seaboard
will incur incremental income taxes related to Pillar Two due to operations in jurisdictions with effective tax rates that
were lower than 15% prior to implementing the new rules, including but not limited to Isle of Man, the Bahamas and
Monaco. Based on preliminary calculations, Seaboard does not expect additional tax cost of Pillar Two to be material in
2025. Seaboard will continue to monitor legislative developments related to Pillar Two in the countries in which it operates
and the potential impact on future results.
Segment Results
See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of net sales and operating income by reportable
segment to consolidated net sales and consolidated operating income, respectively.
Pork Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
$
%
$
%
Net sales
$ 2,055 $ 1,818 $ 1,998 $
237
13 % $
(180)
(9)%
Operating income (loss)
$
20 $
(455) $
(60) $
475
104 % $
(395)
(658)%
Income from affiliates
$
26 $
33 $
24 $
(7)
(21)% $
9
38 %
The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was driven by higher volumes and
prices of pork products sold which increased sales $128 million and $40 million, respectively, and higher prices and
volumes of market hogs sold which increased sales $19 million and $16 million, respectively. Sales associated with the
renewable natural gas sites increased due to more production, but are currently not significant. Most renewable natural gas
sites are in the early stages of operations and production is dependent upon the maturity of the lagoons.
The increase in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 reflected higher margins on
pork products and market hogs sold, primarily due to higher sale prices and lower hog production costs, including lower
feed costs of $181 million, and to a lesser extent, a decrease in legal expenses. Also, inventory adjustments to the lower
of cost and net realizable value (“LCNRV”) reserve resulted in an increase of $42 million in operating income based on a
comparison of changes to the reserve per market prices at each respective period end. Inventory adjustments to the LCNRV
reserve were necessary since the third quarter of 2022 to properly state the hog inventory balances at quoted future market
prices for pork products and grain costs. With more favorable pork prices and lower grain commodity costs, the LCNRV
reserve was not needed as of December 31, 2024. While management anticipates this segment to be profitable in 2025, it
is difficult to predict market prices for pork products, the cost of feed or third-party hogs for future periods.
The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was due to lower market prices of pork
products and market hogs sold which decreased sales $228 million, partially offset by higher volumes of pork products
sold that increased sales $37 million.
The decrease in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 primarily reflected
$392 million in lower margins on pork products and market hogs due to lower sales prices and higher hog production
costs, including higher feed costs of $98 million, and to a lesser extent, an increase in legal expense, partially offset by a
decrease in adjustments to the LCNRV inventory reserve of $41 million.
CT&M Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
$
%
$
%
Net sales
$ 4,717 $ 5,139 $ 6,290 $
(422)
(8)% $ (1,151)
(18)%
Operating income
$
132 $
145 $
151 $
(13)
(9)% $
(6)
(4)%
Income (loss) from affiliates
$
17 $
(18) $
21 $
35
194 % $
(39)
(186)%
Net sales decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower average sales prices
of commodities sold, which decreased sales $973 million, partially offset by higher volumes, which increased sales
$551 million. Sales prices for many of Seaboard’s products are directly affected by both domestic and worldwide supply
and demand for commodities and competing products, all of which are determined by constantly changing market forces.
22
Operating income decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower margins
driven by $22 million in mark-to-market losses on derivative contracts, partially offset by a $10 million contingent
consideration liability adjustment recorded in the prior year. While management anticipates positive operating income,
excluding the effects of mark-to-market adjustments, for this segment in 2025, it is difficult to predict 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 for future periods.
Income from affiliates increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023. CT&M’s investments in
affiliates are represented by numerous milling, feed and protein affiliates, with no individual investment representing a
material fluctuation. The increase was primarily due to higher margins driven by lower commodity costs.
Net sales decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to lower average sales prices,
which decreased sales $619 million, and lower volumes as a result of increased competition and market dynamics, which
decreased sales $532 million.
Operating income decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022. Margins increased slightly year
over year primarily due to lower commodity costs but were offset by a $10 million adjustment to the contingent
consideration liability.
Income from affiliates decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily
due to several entities challenged with lower margins due to higher costs and competition, with no individual investment
representing a material fluctuation.
Marine Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023 2022
$
%
$
%
Net sales
$ 1,388
$ 1,499
$ 2,043 $
(111)
(7)% $
(544)
(27)%
Operating income
$
82
$ 228
$ 591 $
(146)
(64)% $
(363)
(61)%
The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to an overall decline
in average freight rates driven by competitive pressures, partially offset by an increase in cargo volumes. Cargo volumes
increased 7% for the year ended 2024 as compared to the year ended 2023.
The decrease in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily the result of
lower voyage revenue and increases in stevedoring and terminal costs, attributable to increased cargo volumes and rates.
While management anticipates this segment will be profitable in 2025, it is difficult to predict changes in fuel costs or
other voyage-related costs, cargo volumes or cargo rates for future periods.
The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to an overall decline
in both cargo volumes and freight rates as a result of a general decrease in demand for ocean transportation services. Cargo
volumes decreased 17% for the year ended 2023 compared to the year ended 2022.
The decrease in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily the result of
lower voyage revenue, partially offset by lower voyage-related costs, such as slot costs, terminal services, trucking costs
and fuel costs, due to the lower cargo volumes and fuel prices.
Liquid Fuels Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
$
%
$
%
Net sales
$
556 $
698 $
607 $
(142)
(20)% $
91
15 %
Operating loss
$ (100) $
(73) $
(36) $
27
37 % $
37
103 %
The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 reflected lower market prices of
environmental credits and fuel sold of $146 million and $25 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in the
volume of fuel sold of $35 million as the renewable diesel plant had more consistent production. Average LCFS and RIN
credit market values decreased 17% and 56%, respectively, compared to 2023.
The increase in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 primarily reflected lower
environmental credit sales and lower margins on fuel sold. Product margins were insignificant after declining selling
23
prices. While management anticipates this segment will be near break-even in 2025, it is difficult to predict market prices
for biodiesel, renewable diesel, environmental credits or the cost of feedstocks for future periods.
With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the federal blender’s credits expired December 31, 2024, and a
new clean fuel production credit replaced the federal blender’s credits starting in 2025. Regulatory guidance to implement
the new credit was issued in early 2025, and the value varies based on the greenhouse gas emissions factor of fuel produced
and sold. This clean fuel production credit will be less than the federal blender’s credit, but Seaboard is still evaluating the
new guidance and the impact it will have on its financial statements. The federal blender’s credits included in sales were
$125 million and $103 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a $276 million
increase in volumes sold from the renewable diesel plant in Hugoton, Kansas, which began operations in the third quarter
of 2022. This increase was partially offset by lower market prices of fuel sold of $116 million and lower environmental
credit sales of $69 million due to timing.
The increase in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 reflected lower product margins,
driven by lower sales prices. This decrease was partially offset with no mark-to-market derivative contract losses for 2023
compared to $35 million in 2022.
Power Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023 2022
$
%
$
%
Net sales
$ 239
$ 237
$ 158 $
2
1 % $
79
50 %
Operating income
$
61
$
71
$
14 $
(10)
(14)% $
57
407 %
The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 reflected a slight increase in power
generation, partially offset by lower spot market rates due to lower fuel prices.
The decrease in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily a result of an
increase in maintenance costs. While management anticipates this segment will be profitable in 2025, it is difficult to
predict fuel costs or the extent that spot market rates will fluctuate compared to fuel costs or other power producers for
future periods.
The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by more power
generation from EDM III, which began operations in June 2022, contributing to an increase in sales of $60 million.
The increase in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was due to more revenue
generated primarily from EDM III’s operations, partially offset primarily by an increase in fuel costs of $12 million and
other costs related to EDM III.
Turkey Segment
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023 2022
$
%
$
%
Income from affiliate
$
37
$ 87
$ 103 $
(50)
(57)% $
(16)
(16)%
The Turkey segment represents Seaboard’s non-controlling 52.5% investment in Butterball, which is accounted for using
the equity method. The decrease in Butterball’s net income of $95 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared
to 2023 was primarily the result of lower sales of $141 million due to weaker pricing, partially offset by a decrease in
production costs, primarily attributable to lower feed costs. The average selling price decreased 8% for the year ended
December 31, 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to lower market prices. Sales volumes did not have a significant
impact on the results. While management anticipates this segment will be profitable in 2025, it is difficult to predict market
prices for turkey products or the cost of feed for future periods. Butterball’s closure of a further-processing plant in
Jonesboro, Arkansas, effective February 3, 2025, is not expected to have a material impact on net income in 2025.
The decrease in Butterball’s net income of $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022 was
primarily the result of income recorded in 2022 related to a $21 million gain on the sale of businesses and $11 million of
mark-to-market gains on interest-rate swap agreements that were terminated in 2022. The decrease was partially offset by
higher margins with a stronger mix of value-added products sold and production efficiencies. Volumes sold decreased 7%
for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022.
24
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of Seaboard’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and
assumptions. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of significant accounting policies.
Management has identified the accounting estimates believed to be the most important to the portrayal of Seaboard’s
financial condition and results of operations 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 inherently uncertain matters. Management
has reviewed these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets – Recording income taxes requires judgment in the use of assumptions and estimates.
As of each reporting date, management considers new information that could affect its conclusions regarding the future
realization of Seaboard’s deferred tax assets. In evaluating Seaboard’s ability to recover deferred tax assets within the
jurisdiction from which they arise, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled
reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations.
Circumstances may change over time such that previous negative evidence no longer exists, and new conditions should be
evaluated as positive or negative evidence that could affect the realization of the deferred tax assets. Seaboard might rely
more on forecasts in the future for certain evidence and given the inherent uncertainty involved, there can be significant
differences between anticipated and actual results. Unforeseen events may significantly impact forecasts or actual results,
and these changes could have a material impact on Seaboard’s income taxes. Since the evaluation requires consideration
of events that may occur some years into the future, significant judgment is required, and management’s conclusion could
be materially different if certain expectations do not materialize.
During the third quarter of 2024, after considering U.S. pre-tax book income and the effects of permanent differences,
Seaboard’s U.S. operations were in a historical three-year cumulative loss position, which is significant objective negative
evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Under U.S. GAAP, the presence of a three-year
cumulative loss limits Seaboard’s ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as its expectations of future taxable
income and projections of growth. As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had a valuation allowance of $242 million which
could reverse in future periods when positive sufficient evidence is achieved. Seaboard’s valuation allowance and related
charge to expense increased $212 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. A reversal would result in a benefit
to income taxes and an increase in net income during the applicable period in which the allowance is reversed. A valuation
allowance is maintained on deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of the allowance.
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, 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 have an immaterial impact on
pension expense. 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 they exceed the 10% corridor and therefore
could affect Seaboard’s recognized pension expense in such future periods as permitted under U.S. GAAP. See Note 9 to
the consolidated financial statements for discussion of the pension rates and assumptions.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.
25
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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 these overall market risks; however, Seaboard does not perform the extensive record-
keeping required to account for derivative transactions as hedges. As a result, fluctuations in the related prices could have
a material impact on earnings in any given year. From time to time, 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, hog, oilseed and other commodity futures and options purchase contracts
to manage certain risks of increasing prices of inventories 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.
The political and economic conditions of the countries in which Seaboard does business, along with fluctuations in the
value of the U.S. dollar, cause volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, which exposes Seaboard to fluctuating foreign
currency gains and losses that cannot be predicted. Since 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.
The following table presents the sensitivity of the fair value of Seaboard’s derivatives to a hypothetical 10% change in
market prices and foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The fair value is calculated for each item by
valuing each net position at quoted market prices as of the applicable date.
(Millions of dollars)
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Grains and oilseeds
$
34 $
19
Hogs and pork products
3
2
Foreign currencies
36
17
Seaboard’s short-term investment portfolio includes both debt and equity securities. Accordingly, Seaboard is exposed to
both interest rate risk and equity price risk. Approximately 45% of the debt securities in the short-term investment portfolio
have fixed interest rates. Increases in interest rates decrease the fair value of debt securities and vice versa. As of
December 31, 2024 and 2023, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would have had an immaterial impact on the
fair value of Seaboard’s debt securities. 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. As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, a hypothetical 10% change in market prices of Seaboard’s equity securities would have impacted results of
operations by $30 million and $24 million, respectively.
As changes in interest rates affect the cash required to service variable-rate debt, Seaboard may use interest rate exchange
agreements to manage risks of increasing interest rates. At December 31, 2024, Seaboard had variable-rate long-term debt
outstanding of $963 million with an interest rate of 6.08%. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates effective at
December 31, 2024 would have had an immaterial impact on interest expense. Long-term debt sensitive to changes in
interest rates as of December 31, 2023 totaled $973 million with an interest rate of 7.08%.
26
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Seaboard Corporation:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Seaboard Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company)
as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024, and the related notes (collectively, the
consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2024, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2024 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained
in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements 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. 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 audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinions.
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.
27
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.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts
or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging,
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on
the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below,
providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
(i) Sufficiency of audit evidence over net sales
As described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company earned $9.1 billion of net sales in
2024. Net sales were primarily generated by the Company’s Pork, Commodity Trading and Milling, Marine, Liquid
Fuels, and Power operations, which were dispersed over numerous countries. We identified the evaluation of the
sufficiency of audit evidence over net sales as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the sufficiency of audit evidence
obtained required auditor judgment due to the geographical dispersion of net sales. Furthermore, given the
disaggregation of local management and language differences between locations, our audit team consisted of
auditors located in multiple countries around the world. The following are the primary procedures we performed
to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the nature and amounts of the Company’s net sales at its various
locations and applied auditor judgment to determine the locations at which procedures were to be performed. We
evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s net
sales process, including controls related to the recognition of global net sales amounts. We tested samples of
individual net sales transactions by comparing the amounts recognized by the Company to relevant underlying
documentation such as purchase orders, contractual arrangements, and delivery documents, as applicable. We also
performed a software-assisted data analysis to test relationships among certain revenue transactions. In addition,
we evaluated the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained over net sales by assessing the results of procedures
performed, including the appropriateness of the nature and extent of audit effort.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1959.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 13, 2025
28
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars except share and per share amounts)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales:
Products (includes sales to affiliates of $1,168, $1,119 and $1,463)
$
7,381 $
7,754 $
8,979
Services (includes sales to affiliates of $38, $27 and $20)
1,473
1,566
2,100
Other
246
242
164
Total net sales
9,100
9,562
11,243
Cost of sales and operating expenses:
Products
7,129
7,893
8,707
Services
1,227
1,194
1,369
Other
168
159
137
Total cost of sales and operating expenses
8,524
9,246
10,213
Gross income
576
316
1,030
Selling, general and administrative expenses
420
403
373
Operating income (loss)
156
(87)
657
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (includes $1, $0 and $0 from affiliates)
(72)
(58)
(40)
Interest income (includes $3, $5 and $2 from affiliates)
68
62
32
Income from affiliates
85
105
152
Other investment income (loss), net
19
85
(239)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
(9)
(4)
5
Miscellaneous, net
(1)
4
12
Total other income (expense), net
90
194
(78)
Earnings before income taxes
246
107
579
Income tax benefit (expense)
(156)
120
3
Net earnings
$
90 $
227 $
582
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2)
(1)
(2)
Net earnings attributable to Seaboard
$
88 $
226 $
580
Earnings per common share
$
90.62 $
202.21 $
499.66
Average number of shares outstanding
971,055
1,117,636 1,160,779
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax expense of $0, $(4) and $(8):
Foreign currency translation adjustment
4
(3)
(33)
Unrecognized pension cost
30
15
43
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
$
34 $
12 $
10
Comprehensive income
124
239
592
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2)
(1)
(2)
Comprehensive income attributable to Seaboard
$
122 $
238 $
590
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
29
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
(Millions of dollars except share and per share amounts)
2024
2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
98 $
56
Short-term investments
1,075
973
Receivables:
Trade
569
500
Due from affiliates
87
127
Other (includes $5 and $0 due from affiliates)
166
152
Total receivables
822
779
Allowance for credit losses
(31)
(30)
Receivables, net
791
749
Inventories
1,408
1,462
Other current assets
146
123
Total current assets
3,518
3,363
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,162 and $1,956
2,560
2,410
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
382
394
Investments in and advances to affiliates
738
731
Goodwill
164
160
Other intangible assets, net
19
26
Deferred tax asset
69
199
Other non-current assets (includes $1 and $2 due from affiliates)
215
283
Total assets
$
7,665 $
7,566
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Lines of credit
$
314 $
255
Accounts payable (includes $31 and $1 to affiliates)
418
400
Accrued compensation and benefits
128
143
Deferred revenue (includes $17 and $28 from affiliates)
83
66
Operating lease liabilities
134
117
Accrued voyage costs
74
56
Other current liabilities
256
298
Total current liabilities
1,407
1,335
Long-term debt, less current maturities
987
997
Long-term operating lease liabilities
276
304
Accrued pension liability
67
74
Deferred tax liability
32
32
Other non-current liabilities
147
190
Total liabilities
2,916
2,932
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value. Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding
971,055 shares in 2024 and 2023
1
1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(376)
(410)
Retained earnings
5,104
5,025
Total Seaboard stockholders’ equity
4,729
4,616
Noncontrolling interests
20
18
Total equity
4,749
4,634
Total liabilities and equity
$
7,665 $
7,566
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
30
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Accumulated
Other
Common Comprehensive Retained Noncontrolling
(Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
Stock
Loss
Earnings
Interests
Total
Balances, January 1, 2022
$
1 $
(432) $ 4,847 $
18 $ 4,434
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings
—
—
580
2
582
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
10
—
—
10
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—
—
—
(2)
(2)
Dividends on common stock, $9.00/share
—
—
(10)
—
(10)
Balances, December 31, 2022
1
(422) 5,417
18 5,014
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings
—
—
226
1
227
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
12
—
—
12
Repurchase of common stock from affiliates
—
—
(608)
—
(608)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—
—
—
(1)
(1)
Dividends on common stock, $9.00/share
—
—
(10)
—
(10)
Balances, December 31, 2023
1
(410) 5,025
18 4,634
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings
—
—
88
2
90
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
34
—
—
34
Dividends on common stock, $9.00/share
—
—
(9)
—
(9)
Balances, December 31, 2024
$
1 $
(376) $ 5,104 $
20 $ 4,749
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
31
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities:
Net earnings
$
90 $
227 $
582
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
311
283
235
Deferred income taxes
128
(154)
(112)
Income from affiliates
(85)
(105)
(152)
Other investment loss (income), net
(19)
(85)
239
Dividends received from affiliates
64
117
40
Payment of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition date fair value
—
(16)
—
Other, net
42
23
39
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Receivables, net of allowance
(46)
176
(188)
Inventories
61
200
(20)
Other assets
(12)
3
(7)
Accounts payable
(5)
(32)
26
Other liabilities, exclusive of debt
(10)
73
(6)
Net cash from operating activities
519
710
676
Investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments
(1,366)
(2,519)
(567)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
1,354
2,686
717
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments
14
60
15
Capital expenditures
(511)
(506)
(474)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
34
34
29
Purchase of long-term investments
(13)
(16)
(117)
Acquisition of business
—
—
(58)
Proceeds from sale of non-consolidated affiliates
13
—
13
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
—
(11)
(4)
Other, net
(9)
(1)
9
Net cash used in investing activities
(484)
(273)
(437)
Financing activities:
Uncommitted lines of credit, net
(10)
(172)
(27)
Draws under committed lines of credit
1,440
1,173
1,215
Repayments of committed lines of credit
(1,370)
(1,199)
(1,241)
Proceeds from long-term debt
—
310
1
Principal payments of long-term debt
(10)
(8)
(8)
Proceeds from payable to affiliate
29
—
—
Finance lease payments
(49)
(57)
(44)
Payment of contingent consideration
—
(14)
—
Repurchase of common stock from affiliates
(8)
(600)
—
Dividends paid
(9)
(10)
(10)
Other, net
(1)
(4)
(2)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities
12
(581)
(116)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(5)
1
1
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
42
(143)
124
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
56
199
75
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
98 $
56 $
199
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
32
Note 1 − Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operations of Seaboard Corporation and its Subsidiaries
Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Seaboard”) together comprise a diversified group of companies
that operate worldwide in agricultural, energy and ocean transport businesses. Seaboard is primarily engaged in hog
production, pork processing and biofuel production in the United States (“U.S.”); commodity trading and grain processing
in Africa and South America; cargo shipping services in the U.S., Caribbean and Central and South America; electric
power generation in the Dominican Republic and sugar and alcohol production in Argentina. Seaboard also has an equity
method investment in Butterball, LLC (“Butterball”), a producer and processor of turkey products. Seaboard’s outstanding
common stock is closely held, with approximately 73% collectively owned by Seaboard Flour LLC and SFC Preferred,
LLC.
Seaboard has six reportable segments: Pork, Commodity Trading and Milling (“CT&M”), Marine, Liquid Fuels, Power
and Turkey. Changes to Seaboard’s reportable segments became effective during 2024. Liquid Fuels, previously part of
the Pork segment, became a separate reportable segment and the previously separate Sugar and Alcohol reportable segment
became part of All Other. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this segment
change.
Principles of Consolidation
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. Financial
information from certain foreign subsidiaries is reported on a one- to three-month lag, depending on the specific entity.
Investments in Affiliates
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates, where Seaboard has significant influence but does not have a controlling
interest, are accounted for by the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is recorded
at cost and the investment is subsequently adjusted for its proportionate share of earnings or losses and dividends, including
consideration of basis differences resulting from the difference between the initial carrying amount of the investment and
the underlying equity in net assets. Seaboard reviews its investments in affiliates for impairment whenever events or
changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be fully recoverable. For
the CT&M segment, investments in affiliates 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 losses, local economies
are depressed, commodity-based markets are less stable or foreign governments cause challenging business conditions,
management evaluates the fair value of the equity method investments for impairment. As the fair value of these
investments is not readily determinable, management uses other methods to determine fair value such as estimated future
cash flows, including assumptions on growth rates and consideration of other local business conditions as applicable.
Use of Estimates
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States (“U.S. GAAP”), which require 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. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
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, resulting in foreign currency gains and losses. Certain CT&M segment subsidiaries located in Ivory Coast, Senegal
and Zambia use local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated to
U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Translation
gains and losses are recorded as components of other comprehensive income (loss). Also, certain non-consolidated
affiliates, primarily in the CT&M segment, use local currency as their functional currency.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include all demand deposits, overnight investments and other highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
33
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The amounts paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Interest, net of interest capitalized
$
57 $
56 $
35
Income taxes, net of refunds and tax credit sale proceeds
40
47
101
During 2024, Seaboard sold the majority of its 2023 transferable federal investment tax credits and received proceeds of
$28 million. Proceeds from the sale of tax credits are presented within cash flows from operating activities.
Non-cash activities include capital expenditures of $25 million, $4 million and $15 million that were included in
accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Also, during 2024, there
was a non-cash reclassification of a long-term investment in a business development company (“BDC”) to short-term
investments. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this reclassification. Non-cash
activities associated with leases are included in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
During 2024, the CT&M segment received $29 million on behalf of an affiliate. The amount is included in accounts
payable as of December 31, 2024 and is payable upon demand. During 2023, Seaboard paid $30 million to settle a
euro-denominated contingent consideration liability related to a 2018 CT&M segment acquisition. Cash flows from
financing activities included the $14 million recognized at the acquisition date, and cash flows from operating activities
included the remaining $16 million.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments are categorized as trading securities and carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value of short-term
investments are recorded as unrealized gains and losses included in other investment income (loss), net in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income, with any purchases and sales recorded on a settlement date basis.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest.
The allowance for credit losses is Seaboard’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses using the current
expected credit loss model. This model estimates the lifetime of expected credit loss based on historical experience, current
conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. Changes in estimates, developing trends and other new information can
have a material effect on future evaluations. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Seaboard had gross foreign receivables
of approximately $475 million and $522 million, respectively, which generally represent more of a collection risk than the
domestic receivables; however, as of December 31, 2024, no individual material amounts were deemed to have a
heightened risk of collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have
been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
The activity within the allowance for credit losses was as follows:
Balance at
Balance at
(Millions of dollars)
beginning of year Provision(a) Net deductions(b) end of year
Allowance for Credit Losses:
Year ended December 31, 2024
$
30
3
(2)
$
31
Year ended December 31, 2023
$
31
5
(6)
$
30
Year ended December 31, 2022
$
31
7
(7)
$
31
(a) Provision amounts are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses.
(b) Includes write-offs net of recoveries, foreign currency translation adjustments and other adjustments.
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable are included in other receivables, if current, and other non-current assets, if long-term. Seaboard’s notes
receivable balances, net of reserves, were $34 million and $41 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
There were notes receivable due from affiliates outstanding of $6 million and $2 million, net as of December 31, 2024 and
2023, respectively. Seaboard monitors the credit quality of notes receivable, using the current expected credit loss model.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
34
The activity within the allowance for notes receivable was as follows:
Balance at
Balance at
(Millions of dollars)
beginning of year Provision Net deductions end of year
Allowance for Notes Receivable:
Year ended December 31, 2024
$
16
—
(2) $
14
Year ended December 31, 2023
$
17
2
(3) $
16
Year ended December 31, 2022
$
18
—
(1) $
17
Inventories
Grain, flour and feed inventories at the CT&M segment’s foreign milling operations are valued at the lower of
weighted-average cost and net realizable value (“NRV”). All other inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out
(“FIFO”) cost and NRV. In determining NRV, management makes assumptions regarding estimated sales prices, estimated
costs to complete and estimated disposal costs. 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.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and, except for land, depreciated using the straight-line method over an
estimated useful life. Property, plant and equipment under finance leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease
payments and subsequently amortized using the straight-line method over the earlier of the end of their useful life or the
end of the lease term. Routine 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 comparing the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated
by the asset. Impairment is recognized if the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.
Operational challenges experienced with the renewable diesel plant and unfavorable biofuel and environmental credit
market prices have resulted in Liquid Fuels segment operating losses. During the fourth quarter of 2024, management
performed an asset impairment test and concluded assets were not impaired.
Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Liabilities
Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present
value of lease payments over the lease term. The present value of lease payments is determined primarily using the
incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. For leases that do not
have readily determinable implicit discount rates, Seaboard adjusts its incremental borrowing rate by the local risk-free
interest rate on its term loan with a credit risk premium corresponding to Seaboard’s unreported credit rating. Then
Seaboard determines discount rates based on term, country and currency where the leased asset is located. Seaboard
accounts for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all classes of underlying assets. Seaboard
does not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases with terms greater than one month but less than
12 months.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment by each reporting unit during the fourth quarter. Goodwill is assessed more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is likely. Seaboard first assesses qualitative
factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
If qualitative factors indicate more likely than not that an impairment is possible, Seaboard performs a quantitative
impairment test using discounted cash flow analysis by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying
amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s
fair value.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
35
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
Pork
CT&M
(Millions of dollars)
Segment
Segment
Total
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
22
$
132 $
154
Foreign currency translation
—
6
6
Balance, December 31, 2023
22
138
160
Foreign currency translation
—
4
4
Balance, December 31, 2024
$
22
$
142 $
164
Separable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and evaluated for impairment
similar to property, plant and equipment discussed above. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for
finite-lived intangibles were as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Customer Trade
Customer Trade
(Millions of dollars)
relationships names Total
relationships names Total
Gross carrying amount
$
51 $
28 $
79
$
51 $
28 $
79
Accumulated amortization and currency translation
(39)
(21)
(60)
(34)
(19)
(53)
Net carrying amount
$
12 $
7 $
19
$
17 $
9 $
26
Amortization of intangible assets was $8 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Using
the exchange rates in effect at year-end, estimated amortization of intangible assets as of December 31, 2024 is $8 million
each year for the next two years and $3 million in year three.
Accrued Self-Insurance
Seaboard is self-insured for certain levels of workers’ compensation, health care coverage, property damage, vehicle,
product recall and general liability. Liabilities associated with some of these risks are estimated based on
actuarially-determined amounts and accrued in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors,
severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Changes in estimates to previously recorded reserves are reflected in
current operating results.
Asset Retirement Obligation
Seaboard records a long-lived asset and a related liability for the asset retirement obligation costs associated with the
closure of all hog lagoons. Based on detailed assessments and appraisals obtained to estimate the future asset retirement
obligation costs, Seaboard records the present value of the projected costs in other non-current liabilities in the consolidated
balance sheets. The retirement asset is depreciated over the economic life of the related asset. The following table shows
the changes in the asset retirement obligation:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Beginning balance
$
34
$
32
Accretion expense
2
2
Ending balance
$
36
$
34
Pension Plans
Seaboard records annual income and expense amounts relating to its pension plans based on calculations which include
various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and
retirement rates. Seaboard reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions
based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications on the value of plan
obligations and assets is recognized immediately within other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized into operating
earnings over future periods using the corridor approach. Actuarial (gains) losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the
pension benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets are generally amortized over the average remaining working
lifetime of the participants. The measurement date for all plans is December 31. Any overfunded status is recognized as
an asset and any underfunded status is recognized as a liability. The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost 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. Settlements are recognized when lump sum payments on a cumulative basis exceed the service cost plus interest
cost for the respective plan.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
36
Revenue Recognition
Almost all of Seaboard’s contracts with its customers are less than one year. 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. 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. Revenue
from goods and services transferred to customers at a single point in time accounts for approximately 85% of Seaboard’s
net sales. Substantially all of the sales in Seaboard’s Marine segment are recognized ratably over the transit time for each
voyage, as the performance obligation to its customers is satisfied.
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. Seaboard
recognizes 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 vessel is on
the water and has not arrived at the designated port. Deferred revenue balances are reduced when revenue is recognized.
The majority of the deferred revenue balance as of year-end is recognized as revenue during the following quarter.
Research and Development
Seaboard conducts research and development activities to develop new products and to improve existing products and
processes. Seaboard incurred research and development expenses of $113 million, $361 million and $210 million for the
years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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. Effects of changes in tax laws, including retroactive changes, are recognized in the financial
statements in the period that the changes are enacted.
Each reporting period, Seaboard assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets and the amount of any valuation
allowance for each relevant taxing jurisdiction. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that the
deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realizability of deferred tax assets is based on the weight of available positive and
negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated.
Seaboard accounts for the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provision and the base-erosion and anti-abuse
tax provision taxes in the period incurred. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Pillar Two
Model Rules (“Pillar Two”) are considered an alternative minimum tax, and therefore deferred taxes are not recognized
or adjusted for the estimated future effects of the minimum tax.
For quarters, Seaboard computes its year-to-date provision for income taxes by applying the estimated annual effective
tax rate to year-to-date pre-tax income or loss and adjusts the provision for discrete tax items recorded in the period. If an
annual effective tax rate cannot be reasonably estimated, Seaboard uses the actual effective tax rate.
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.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Adopted
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Seaboard adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance that
requires incremental segment disclosures including the disclosure of significant segment expenses regularly provided to
Seaboard’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The disclosure requirements were applied retrospectively to all
prior periods presented in the financial statements. These additional disclosures are effective for interim reporting periods
beginning on January 1, 2025. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for disclosure impacts from this new
accounting standard.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
37
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance that requires additional detailed income tax disclosures related to
standardization and disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation of effective tax rates to statutory rates and
income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This accounting standard should be applied on a prospective basis, although
retrospective adoption is permitted. Seaboard will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period beginning on
January 1, 2025. Seaboard is assessing the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance which requires disclosure of incremental income statement expense
information on an annual and interim basis, primarily through additional expense disclosures including disaggregation of
specific expense categories including, but not limited to, purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation,
amortization and selling expenses. Prospective application is required, and retrospective application is permitted. Seaboard
will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period beginning on January 1, 2027, and interim periods within the annual
year beginning on January 1, 2028. Seaboard is assessing the impact this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Note 2 − Investments
The following is a summary of the fair value of short-term investments classified as trading securities:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Domestic equity securities
$
205
$
143
Foreign equity securities
98
96
Domestic debt securities
635
593
Foreign debt securities
102
120
Money market funds held in trading accounts
28
17
Other trading securities
7
4
Total trading short-term investments
$
1,075
$
973
The unrealized gains (losses) related to trading securities still held at the end of the respective reporting period were
$13 million, $39 million and ($129) million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Seaboard had $40 million and $18 million of short-term investments denominated in foreign currencies, primarily euros,
as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had long-term investments of $141 million, primarily in real estate, classified in other
non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023, Seaboard had long-term investments of
$207 million which included an investment of $68 million in a BDC. During 2024, the BDC completed an initial public
offering and became a publicly traded company on the NYSE. Seaboard’s equity securities in this BDC are subject to the
SEC’s restrictions of the timing and sale of shares held by ownership interests greater than 10%.
Note 3 − Inventories
The following table is a summary of inventories:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
At lower of FIFO cost and NRV:
Hogs and materials
$
471 $
527
Pork products and materials
66
61
Grains, oilseeds and other commodities
367
375
Biofuels and related credits
221
194
Other
64
81
Total inventories at lower of FIFO cost and NRV
1,189
1,238
Grain, flour and feed at lower of weighted-average cost and NRV
219
224
Total inventories
$
1,408 $
1,462
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
38
Note 4 − Property, Plant and Equipment
The following table is a summary of property, plant and equipment:
Useful
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
Lives
2024
2023
Land and improvements
3 - 15 years $
470 $
369
Buildings and improvements
25 - 30 years
859
802
Machinery and equipment
3 - 25 years
2,443
2,120
Vessels
10 - 25 years
372
271
Vehicles
3 - 8 years
136
127
Office furniture and fixtures
3 - 10 years
50
45
Contract growers
5 - 15 years
155
156
Construction in progress
237
476
Total property, plant and equipment
4,722
4,366
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,162)
(1,956)
Net property, plant and equipment
$
2,560 $ 2,410
Seaboard’s capitalized interest on construction in progress was $24 million, $17 million and $4 million for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 5 − Leases
Seaboard leases ports, vessels, contract grower assets, and to a lesser extent, land, buildings and machinery and equipment.
Seaboard’s non-lease components are primarily for services related to labor associated with crew services on vessel charter
arrangements and caring for hogs in its contract grower agreements.
Seaboard’s operating lease assets and liabilities are reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets. The
classifications of Seaboard’s finance leases in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
96
$
148
Finance lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
29
51
Non-current finance lease liabilities
Other liabilities
68
96
Lease cost is included in various line items in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income or capitalized to
inventory. Operating lease cost and short-term lease cost are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance
lease cost is recognized based on the effective interest method for the lease liability and straight-line amortization of the
ROU asset. Variable lease payments are recognized when the circumstance on which those payments are assessed occurs.
The components of lease cost were as follows for the years ended December 31:
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Operating lease cost
$
182 $
190 $
184
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
50
54
46
Interest on lease liabilities
5
6
6
Variable lease cost (a)
6
10
18
Short-term lease cost (b)
7
9
13
Sublease income
—
(7)
(6)
Total lease cost
$
250 $
262 $
261
(a) Includes throughput of cargo containers in excess of minimums and changes in indexed charter hire rates.
(b) Short-term leases are primarily for cargo containers and vessels.
Weighted-average lease terms and discount rates were as follows as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
2024
2023
2024
2023
Weighted-average remaining term (in years)
5
6
6
5
Weighted-average discount rate
6.83%
6.63%
4.37%
3.79%
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
39
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Operating Finance
(Millions of dollars)
Leases
Leases
2025
$
158 $
33
2026
92
19
2027
71
13
2028
52
11
2029
27
10
Thereafter
96
27
Total undiscounted lease payments
496
113
Less: imputed interest
86
16
Total lease liability
$
410 $
97
The following table includes supplemental cash and non-cash information related to leases. Seaboard reports the
amortization of ROU assets and changes in operating lease liabilities in other liabilities, exclusive of debt in the
consolidated statements of cash flows.
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
179 $
193 $
194
Operating cash flows from finance leases
5
6
6
Financing cash flows from finance leases
49
57
44
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Operating leases
$
142 $
117 $
118
Finance leases
3
5
116
Note 6 – Investments in Affiliates
Seaboard has investments in several non-consolidated affiliates to further its business strategies and partner with other
entities that have expertise in certain industries and countries. These investments are all accounted for using the equity
method of accounting.
Investments in and
Income (Loss)
Advances to Affiliates
from Affiliates
December 31,
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
2022
Pork
$
154 $
154
$
26 $
32 $
24
CT&M
164
164
17
(18)
21
Turkey
375
370
37
87
103
Other
45
43
5
4
4
Segment/Consolidated Totals
$
738 $
731
$
85 $
105 $
152
As Seaboard conducts its agricultural commodity trading business with third parties, consolidated subsidiaries and
non-consolidated affiliates on an interrelated basis, cost of sales on affiliate sales transactions cannot be distinguished
without making numerous assumptions, primarily with respect to mark-to-market accounting for commodity derivatives.
Purchases of raw materials or services from related parties included in cost of sales were $68 million, $86 million and
$91 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Pork segment has investments in Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC (“STF”) (50%), which operates a pork processing
plant, Daily’s Premium Meats, LLC (“Daily’s”) (50%), which produces raw and pre-cooked bacon, and Seaboard de
Mexico USA LLC (“Seaboard de Mexico”) (50%), which debones hams. Seaboard’s Pork segment supplies raw materials
to Daily’s, STF and Seaboard de Mexico for processing and also provides marketing services to Daily’s and STF for its
pork products. STF supplies feedstock for the Liquid Fuels segment’s renewable diesel operations.
On January 1, 2022, Seaboard sold a 50% interest in Seaboard de Mexico to Triumph Foods, LLC, a partner in the Pork
segment’s other joint ventures, for cash proceeds of approximately $9 million, net of cash sold.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
40
Combined financial information for the Pork segment’s non-consolidated affiliates was as follows:
Pork Segment
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$ 2,376 $ 2,205 $ 2,417
Net income
$
52 $
65 $
48
Total assets
$
608 $
604 $
615
Total liabilities
$
302 $
299 $
312
Total equity
$
306 $
305 $
303
The CT&M segment has investments in foreign businesses conducting flour, maize and feed milling, baking operations,
protein production and processing, and agricultural commodity trading. The CT&M segment supplies commodities to the
majority of its milling affiliates. As of December 31, 2024, the location and percentage ownership of CT&M’s affiliates
were as follows: Botswana (50%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (50%), The Gambia (50%), Kenya (18.47%-49%),
Lesotho (50%), Mauritania (33.33%), Senegal (49%), South Africa (50%), Tanzania (11.76%-49%), Uganda (23.50%-
49%) and Zambia (49%) in Africa; Colombia (40%-42%), Ecuador (25%-50%), and Peru (50%) in South America;
Jamaica (50%) and Haiti (23.33%) in the Caribbean; Turkey (25%) in Europe; and Canada (45%) in North America. As
of December 31, 2024, the CT&M segment’s carrying value of certain investments in affiliates was more than its share of
the affiliates’ book value by $24 million and is attributable primarily to goodwill.
During 2022, the CT&M segment sold a 20% interest in its U.S. protein and commodity trading company to the majority
owner for cash proceeds of $12 million. During 2024, the segment sold its remaining 20% interest in this investment for
cash proceeds of $13 million. During 2023, the CT&M segment lost significant influence of its Moroccan investments and
since then, such investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.
Combined financial information for the CT&M segment’s non-consolidated affiliates was as follows. The information is
impacted by the transactions discussed above.
CT&M Segment
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$ 1,597 $ 3,088 $ 3,186
Net income (loss)
$
50 $
(79) $
40
Total assets
$
779 $
960 $ 1,848
Total liabilities
$
411 $
569 $ 1,250
Total equity
$
368 $
391 $
598
The Turkey segment represents Seaboard’s investment of 52.5% in Butterball. Seaboard does not have control of Butterball
and all significant corporate governance matters are equally shared between Seaboard and its partner in Butterball. Within
total assets, Butterball had indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets of $111 million and goodwill of $61 million as of
December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Butterball’s financial information was as follows:
Turkey Segment
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023 2022
Net sales
$ 1,883 $ 2,025 $ 2,050
Operating income
$
86 $
182 $
202
Net income
$
71 $
166 $
196
Total assets
$ 1,131 $ 1,120 $ 1,081
Total liabilities
$
409 $
408 $
406
Total equity
$
722 $
712 $
675
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
41
Other includes a port terminal business in the Caribbean (21.02%), investments in two energy-related businesses in the
Dominican Republic (45% and 50%), and two sugar-related businesses in Argentina (50%). Combined financial
information for these non-consolidated affiliates was as follows:
Other
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$
74 $
69 $
91
Net income
$
21 $
22 $
21
Total assets
$
311 $
248 $
271
Total liabilities
$
82 $
75 $
66
Total equity
$
229 $
173 $
205
Note 7 − Debt
Lines of Credit
The outstanding balances under uncommitted lines of credit were $139 million and $150 million as of December 31, 2024
and 2023, respectively. Of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2024, $83 million was denominated in foreign
currencies, with $62 million denominated in the South African rand. Of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023,
$70 million was denominated in foreign currencies, with $57 million denominated in the South African rand. The
uncommitted lines of credit are due on demand and unsecured.
Seaboard has a committed $450 million line of credit secured by certain short-term investments that matures
March 28, 2025. Draws bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a spread. The outstanding
balances under this committed line of credit were $175 million and $105 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively.
The weighted-average interest rate for outstanding lines of credit was 6.47% and 7.34% as of December 31, 2024 and
2023, respectively.
Long-Term Debt
The following table is a summary of long-term debt:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Term Loan due 2033
$
963 $
973
Foreign subsidiary obligations
1
1
Other long-term debt
38
38
Total debt at face value
1,002
1,012
Current maturities and unamortized costs
(15)
(15)
Long-term debt, less current maturities and unamortized costs
$
987 $
997
On November 10, 2023, Seaboard Foods LLC (“Seaboard Foods”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Seaboard, entered into
a Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) with CoBank, ACB, Farm
Credit Services of America, PCA, and the lenders party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement replaced the $700 million
unsecured term loan with a $975 million unsecured term loan (“Term Loan due 2033”) and extended the maturity from
September 25, 2028 to November 10, 2033. The Term Loan due 2033 provides for quarterly amortization of the principal
balance of $2.5 million with the balance due on the maturity date. The Term Loan due 2033 bears interest at one of four
options selected by the borrower, including fluctuating rates based on various margins over a Base Rate, Term SOFR,
Daily Simple SOFR or a fixed Quoted Rate. The interest rate was 6.08% and 7.08% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively. Seaboard was in compliance with all restrictive debt covenants as of December 31, 2024.
Seaboard has a note payable of $30 million that incurs a fixed interest rate of 1.28% and matures in December 2027, with
principal due upon maturity.
The aggregate minimum principal payments required on long-term debt as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
$11 million in 2025, $11 million in 2026, $41 million in 2027, $11 million in 2028, $11 million in 2029 and $917 million
thereafter.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
42
Note 8 − Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
Seaboard is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business and otherwise,
including those matters described below.
Seaboard accrues liabilities for loss contingencies when it is deemed probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount
of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If a range of loss is estimated, and some amount within that range appears to be a
better estimate than any other amount within that range, then that amount is accrued. If no amount within the range can be
identified as a better estimate than any other amount, Seaboard accrues the minimum amount in the range. For such matters
where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, or the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no accrual
has been made.
In Seaboard’s opinion, it has made appropriate and adequate accruals for loss contingencies where necessary as of
December 31, 2024. Substantially all of Seaboard’s contingencies are subject to uncertainties and, therefore, determining
the likelihood of a loss or the measurement of any loss can be complex. Consequently, Seaboard is unable to estimate the
range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amounts accrued. Seaboard’s assessments, which result from a complex
series of judgments about future events and uncertainties, are based on estimates and assumptions deemed reasonable by
management, including an expected probable loss associated with settling or otherwise resolving such contingencies.
These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, and unanticipated events and circumstances
may occur that might change such estimates and assumptions.
At the end of each reporting period, Seaboard reviews information with respect to its legal proceedings, claims and other
related loss contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible loss or range of loss
based on such reviews. Costs for defending claims are expensed as incurred. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is
recorded separately from the corresponding liability, and only if recovery is determined to be probable and reasonably
estimable.
Seaboard believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the matters described below, and it intends to
defend them vigorously, but litigation is inherently unpredictable and there can be no assurances as to their outcomes.
Seaboard does not currently believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its business or its
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, Seaboard could incur judgments, enter into
settlements or revise its expectations regarding the outcome of matters, which could have a material adverse effect in the
particular annual or quarterly period in which the amounts are accrued or paid.
Helms-Burton Act Litigation
On July 21, 2021, a lawsuit was filed by an individual, Odette Blanco de Fernandez (“Ms. de Fernandez”), and the heirs
(“Inheritors”) and estates (“Estates”) of four of her siblings (Ms. de Fernandez, together with the Inheritors and the Estates
being referred to as the “Plaintiffs”) against Seaboard Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
(the “Delaware District Court”), making claims under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Solidarity Act of 1996, also known
as the Helms-Burton Act (the “Act”). The same Plaintiffs filed a separate lawsuit against Seaboard Marine Ltd. (“Seaboard
Marine”) on December 20, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the “Florida District
Court”). The complaints in each lawsuit seek unspecified damages (including treble damages) and pre-filing interest as
provided in the Act; pre-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses; and such other relief as is just and proper.
The Act provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally “traffics” in property which was confiscated by the
Cuban government may be liable to any U.S. national who acquires an ownership interest in such property for money
damages in an amount equal to the greater of the current fair market value of the property or the value of the property
when confiscated, plus interest from the date of confiscation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and treble damages
under certain circumstances. The complaint in each of the cases alleges that the Plaintiffs acquired ownership interests to
a 70-year concession to develop port facilities at Mariel Bay, Cuba, and ownership of surrounding land, and that these and
other property rights were confiscated by the Cuban government in 1960. The complaints further allege that Seaboard
Corporation and Seaboard Marine knowingly and intentionally “trafficked” in the confiscated property within the meaning
of the Act by carrying and/or directing cargo to the Port of Mariel.
The Florida District Court in the Seaboard Marine case dismissed the claims of the Inheritors and the Estates because they
did not acquire the ownership claims prior to March 1996, as required by the Act. The remaining plaintiff, Ms. de
Fernandez, contends she owns 20% of the companies that were granted the concession and owned land in or around Mariel
Bay, Cuba. On August 19, 2022, the Florida District Court granted Seaboard Marine’s Motion for Summary Judgment
and entered a Final Judgment (the “Summary Judgment”) in favor of Seaboard Marine. On September 1, 2022, the
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
43
Plaintiffs appealed the Summary Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (“Appeal”). Oral
arguments with respect to the Appeal were held on January 24, 2024, and the court has not yet ruled.
As to the suit against Seaboard Corporation, on October 21, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint which
principally added allegations that there were other callings made by Seaboard Marine at the Port of Mariel and that
Seaboard Corporation engaged in a pattern of doing business with individuals and entities in contravention of U.S. foreign
policy. Seaboard Corporation filed a Motion to Dismiss, which is currently pending. On September 28, 2022, the Delaware
District Court stayed this lawsuit against Seaboard Corporation until 30 days after the outcome of the Appeal in the
Seaboard Marine case.
Seaboard believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend the litigation. However,
the outcome of litigation is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties and, if unfavorable, could
result in a material liability.
Pork Price-Fixing Antitrust Litigation
On June 28, 2018, twelve indirect purchasers of pork products filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for
the District of Minnesota (the “Minnesota District Court”) against several pork processors, including Seaboard Foods LLC
(“Seaboard Foods”) and Agri Stats, Inc., a company described in the complaint as a data sharing service. Additional class
action complaints with similar claims on behalf of putative classes of direct and indirect purchasers were later filed in the
Minnesota District Court, and additional actions by standalone plaintiffs (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico)
were filed in or transferred to the Minnesota District Court. The consolidated actions are styled In re Pork Antitrust
Litigation. 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
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 assert claims under various state laws, including state antitrust laws, unfair competition laws, consumer protection
statutes, and common law unjust enrichment. The relief sought in the respective complaints includes treble damages,
injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and attorneys’ fees. On October 16, 2020, the Minnesota District
Court denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss the amended complaints. On March 3, 2023, the Minnesota District Court
granted the Plaintiffs’ Motions to Certify the Classes with respect to all three classes.
Additional standalone “direct action” plaintiffs filed similar actions in federal courts throughout the country, several of
which named Seaboard Corporation as a defendant. Those actions filed in courts other than the District of Minnesota have
been conditionally transferred to Minnesota for pretrial proceedings pursuant to an order by the Judicial Panel on
Multidistrict Litigation. The states of New Mexico and Alaska filed civil cases in state court against substantially the same
defendants, including Seaboard Foods and Seaboard Corporation, based on substantially similar allegations.
On June 12, 2023, Seaboard Foods entered into a settlement agreement with the putative direct purchaser plaintiff class
(the “DPP Class”). The settlement with the DPP Class does not cover the claims of (a) “direct action” plaintiffs (“DPPs”)
that opted-out of Seaboard’s settlement with the DPP Class and are continuing direct actions; (b) other direct purchasers
that opted-out of the settlement (“Other Opt-Outs”) and may in the future file actions against Seaboard; (c) the Commercial
and Industrial Indirect Purchaser Class (the “CIIP Class”); or (d) the End User Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiff Class
(the “EUCP Class”). Subsequent to the settlement with the DPP Class, Seaboard settled with some of the DPPs and Other
Opt-Outs. Seaboard continues to litigate against the DPPs it has not settled with, but Seaboard will consider additional
reasonable settlements where they are available. On June 18, 2024 and June 20, 2024, Seaboard Foods entered into
settlement agreements with the CIIP Class and the EUCP Class. The settlement with the EUCP Class remains subject to
court approval. Seaboard Foods entered into settlement agreements with the state of Alaska on August 7, 2024 and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on January 2, 2025. Seaboard believes that these settlements were in the best interests of
Seaboard and its stakeholders in order to avoid the uncertainty, risk, expense and distraction of protracted litigation.
Seaboard believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims alleged in these matters and intends to vigorously defend
any matters not resolved by settlement. However, the outcome of litigation is inherently unpredictable and subject to
significant uncertainties and, if unfavorable, could result in a material liability.
Cereoil and Nolston Litigation
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 naming as parties Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries, Seaboard
Overseas Limited (“SOL”) and Seaboard Uruguay Holdings Ltd. (“Seaboard Uruguay”). Seaboard Corporation has a 45%
indirect ownership of Cereoil. The suit (the “Clawback Action”) seeks an order requiring Seaboard Corporation, SOL and
Seaboard Uruguay to reimburse Cereoil the amount of approximately $22 million (approximately $30 million with interest
at the statutory rate) (the “Clawback Amount”), contending that deliveries of soybeans to SOL pursuant to purchase
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
44
agreements should be set aside as fraudulent conveyances. Seaboard believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims
alleged in this matter and intends to vigorously defend this matter. In the event of an adverse ruling, Seaboard and its two
subsidiaries could be ordered to pay the Clawback Amount to Cereoil.
On April 27, 2018, the Trustee filed an additional suit in the Bankruptcy Court of First Instance in Uruguay that was served
during the second quarter of 2018, naming as parties Seaboard Corporation, 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 should be ordered to pay all liabilities of Cereoil, net of assets. The bankruptcy filing listed the U.S. dollar
equivalent of liabilities of approximately $50 million and assets of approximately $30 million. Based on the information
received from the Trustee on the administration of the case and the liquidation of assets, as of December 31, 2024, the
U.S. dollar equivalent of liabilities was estimated to be approximately $45 million, and the liquidation value of the
remaining assets is negligible. Seaboard believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims alleged in this matter and
intends to vigorously defend this matter. In the event of an adverse ruling, Seaboard Corporation and the other Cereoil
Defendants could be ordered to pay the liabilities of Cereoil, net of any amounts received from the liquidation of Cereoil’s
assets, and could be ordered to pay an inflation adjustment, interest, the Trustee’s fees and other expenses. Any award in
this case should be reduced by the amount of any award in the Clawback Action described above that is paid to Cereoil.
On September 30, 2021, HSBC Bank (Uruguay) SA (“HSBC”), a creditor in the Cereoil bankruptcy proceeding pending
in Uruguay, filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (the “Kansas District Court”) against Seaboard
Corporation alleging claims for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing,
unjust enrichment, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and fraud by concealment based upon a comfort letter, alleged
statements by Cereoil personnel (including the Chief Financial Officer serving at the behest of Seaboard), and the same
grain transactions that the Trustee challenges as fraudulent conveyances in the Cereoil bankruptcy in Uruguay discussed
above. HSBC seeks $10 million plus interest and other relief in excess of $3 million. In March 2022, Seaboard filed a
motion to dismiss HSBC’s claims on various grounds. On September 23, 2022, the Kansas District Court dismissed six of
HSBC’s seven claims. Three of those claims, for fraud, negligent misrepresentation and fraud by concealment, can be
refiled by HSBC in Uruguay. The other three claims, for breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair
dealing and unjust enrichment, were dismissed with prejudice and cannot be refiled unless HSBC successfully appeals the
Kansas District Court order. The one claim not dismissed in this matter is for promissory estoppel. Seaboard believes that
it has meritorious defenses to this claim and intends to vigorously defend this matter. In the event of an adverse ruling,
Seaboard Corporation could be ordered to pay HSBC the amounts described above.
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 of 2018, naming as parties Seaboard Corporation 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 should be ordered to pay all liabilities of Nolston, net of assets.
The bankruptcy filing listed the U.S. dollar equivalent of liabilities of approximately $29 million and assets of
approximately $15 million. Based on the administration of the case which resulted in duplicative claims made in the
Cereoil case and the liquidation of assets, as of December 31, 2024, the U.S. dollar equivalent of liabilities was estimated
to be approximately $1 million, and there are no remaining assets with any value. Seaboard believes that it has meritorious
defenses to the claims alleged in this matter and intends to vigorously defend this matter. In the event of an adverse ruling,
Seaboard Corporation and the other defendants could be ordered to pay the liabilities of Nolston, and could be ordered to
pay an inflation adjustment, interest, the Trustee’s fees and other expenses.
Guarantees
Certain of Seaboard’s non-consolidated affiliates have debt supporting their underlying operations. From time to time,
Seaboard will provide guarantees of such debt in order to further Seaboard’s business objectives. As of
December 31, 2024, guarantees outstanding were not material. Seaboard accrues a liability for any guarantee management
considers the likelihood of loss to be probable, and the amount accrued was immaterial.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
45
Commitments
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had various non-cancelable commitments under contractual agreements. The
purchase commitments included below qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception under U.S. GAAP and are
not recorded as derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets.
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Thereafter Totals
Hog procurement contracts (a)
$
91 $ 64 $ 18 $ 18 $ — $
— $ 191
Grain and ingredient commitments (b)
133
—
—
—
—
—
133
Grain and freight purchase contracts for resale (c)
982
—
—
—
—
—
982
Fuel supply contracts (d)
124
74
74
74
74
180
600
Capital expenditures (e)
236
—
—
—
—
—
236
Other commitments
68
1
1
1
1
7
79
Total unrecognized non-cancelable commitments
$ 1,634 $ 139 $ 93 $ 93 $ 75 $
187 $ 2,221
(a) The Pork segment has contracts with third parties for the purchase of hogs to support its operations. For variable
costs, the amounts are based on projected market prices as of December 31, 2024.
(b) The Pork segment enters into grain and ingredient purchase contracts to support its operations. For variable costs,
the amounts are based on projected commodity prices as of December 31, 2024.
(c) The CT&M segment enters into grain and freight purchase contracts, primarily to support firm sales
commitments. The amounts are fixed or based on projected commodity prices as of December 31, 2024.
(d) The Power segment has a natural gas supply contract for a significant portion of the fuel required for EDM III,
the most recently constructed barge. Also, the Marine segment has a fuel supply agreement to purchase liquefied
natural gas for the first three new build 3,500 TEU dual-fueled vessels. Two vessels were delivered in 2024 and
the third vessel was delivered in January 2025. The variable price components are based on market prices as of
December 31, 2024.
(e) The capital expenditures are primarily for the Marine segment’s construction of six vessels expected to be
delivered in 2025 and other investments that are expected to be substantially completed in 2025.
Note 9 − Employee Benefits
Seaboard has qualified defined benefit pension plans 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 made immaterial contributions to these plans in 2024 and none in 2023 and 2022. Seaboard does not intend to
make material contributions in 2025.
Also, Seaboard sponsors non-qualified, unfunded supplemental executive plans. Management has no plans to provide
funding for these supplemental executive plans in advance of when the benefits are paid.
Pursuant to Seaboard’s investment policies for qualified pension plans, assets are invested to achieve a diversified target
allocation of approximately 80% in equities and 20% in fixed-income securities. The investment strategy is periodically
reviewed by management for adherence to policy and performance.
The following tables show the qualified plans’ assets measured at estimated fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
respectively, and the level within the fair value hierarchy used to measure each category of assets:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Domestic equity securities
$
109 $
109 $
— $
—
Foreign equity securities
68
68
—
—
Domestic fixed income mutual funds
13
13
—
—
Foreign fixed income mutual funds
6
6
—
—
Money market funds
2
2
—
—
Total assets
$
198 $
198 $
— $
—
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
46
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Domestic equity securities
$
81 $
81 $
— $
—
Foreign equity securities
51
51
—
—
Domestic fixed income mutual funds
26
26
—
—
Foreign fixed income mutual funds
11
11
—
—
Money market funds
2
2
—
—
Total assets
$
171 $
171 $
— $
—
Assumptions used in determining pension information for the qualified and nonqualified plans were:
Years ended December 31,
2024
2023 2022
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate used to determine obligations
5.72 % 5.26 % 5.38 %
Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost
5.26 % 5.38 % 2.78 %
Expected return on plan assets
7.00 % 6.50 % 6.25 %
Long-term rate of increase in compensation levels
3.78 % 3.80 % 4.00 %
Management selected the discount rates based on a model-based result where the timing and amount of cash flows
approximates the estimated payouts. The expected return on the qualified plans’ assets assumption is based on the weighted
average of asset class expected returns that is consistent with the qualified plans’ asset allocation and related long-term
projected returns.
The aggregate changes in the benefit obligation and fair value of assets for the qualified and nonqualified plans and the
funded status were as follows:
December 31,
2024
2023
(Millions of dollars)
Assets
exceed
accumulated
benefits
Accumulated
benefits
exceed
assets
Total
Assets
exceed
accumulated
benefits
Accumulated
benefits
exceed
assets
Total
Reconciliation of benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of
year
$
113 $
129 $
242 $
129 $
147 $
276
Service cost
2
3
5
3
3
6
Interest cost
6
5
11
7
6
13
Actuarial losses (gains)
(11)
(3)
(14)
(1)
2
1
Plan settlements
—
(13)
(13)
(21)
(25)
(46)
Benefits paid
(4)
(5)
(9)
(4)
(4)
(8)
Benefit obligation at end of year
$
106 $
116 $
222 $
113 $
129 $
242
Reconciliation of fair value of plan
assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning
of year
$
122 $
49 $
171 $
126 $
56 $
182
Actual return on plan assets
18
7
25
21
9
30
Employer contributions
—
22
22
—
13
13
Plan settlements
—
(13)
(13)
(21)
(25)
(46)
Benefits paid
(4)
(3)
(7)
(4)
(4)
(8)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $
136 $
62 $
198 $
122 $
49 $
171
Funded status
$
30 $
(54) $
(24) $
9 $
(80) $
(71)
The benefit obligation decreased due to higher discount rates, further settlements and benefits paid. During 2023, Seaboard
entered into an agreement with an insurance company to purchase a group annuity contract for a select group of retirees
in the qualified pension plans.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
47
The accumulated benefit obligation for Seaboard’s defined benefit pension plans was $200 million and $216 million as of
December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for Seaboard’s defined benefit pension
plans in excess of plan assets was $46 million and $118 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Expected
future benefit payments for the qualified and nonqualified plans during each of the next five years and the next five years
thereafter were as follows: $8 million, $38 million, $9 million, $11 million, $10 million and $68 million, respectively.
The net periodic benefit cost of these plans was as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023 2022
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost
$
5 $
6 $
9
Interest cost
11
13
10
Expected return on plan assets
(12)
(11)
(14)
Amortization
1
—
6
Settlement loss recognized
3
1
—
Net periodic benefit cost
$
8 $
9 $
11
The amounts not reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes
as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $(29) million and $2 million, respectively. Such amounts primarily represent the
cumulative unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses that are generally amortized over the average remaining working
lifetime of the active participants for all of these plans.
Seaboard has defined contribution retirement programs for various groups of employees. Contribution expense for these
programs was $9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Seaboard has deferred compensation plans that allow certain employees to reduce their compensation in exchange for
values in various investments. In conjunction with these plans, Seaboard purchases investments that are classified as
trading securities and included in other current assets, and recognizes the amount payable to employees in other current
liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Investments for Seaboard’s deferred compensation plans were $17 million
and $22 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The amount payable to employees was $17 million and
$19 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Deferred compensation plan costs recognized in selling,
general and administrative expenses are offset by the effect of the mark-to-market adjustments on investments recorded in
other investment income (loss).
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
48
Note 10 − Derivatives and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Seaboard’s assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized based on a fair value
hierarchy determined as follows:
Level 1 — Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly, including
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities
in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data and require the reporting entity to develop its
assumptions.
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
Level 1
Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Trading securities – short-term investments:
Domestic equity securities
$
205 $
205 $
— $
—
Foreign equity securities
98
98
—
—
Domestic debt securities
635
158
477
—
Foreign debt securities
102
11
91
—
Money market funds held in trading accounts
28
28
—
—
Other trading securities
7
—
7
—
Trading securities – other current assets
17
17
—
—
Derivatives
30
17
13
—
Total assets
$
1,122 $
534 $
588 $
—
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$
5 $
5 $
— $
—
Total liabilities
$
5 $
5 $
— $
—
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2023
Level 1
Level 2 Level 3
Assets:
Trading securities – short-term investments:
Domestic equity securities
$
143 $
143 $
— $
—
Foreign equity securities
96
96
—
—
Domestic debt securities
593
173
420
—
Foreign debt securities
120
3
117
—
Money market funds held in trading accounts
17
17
—
—
Other trading securities
4
—
4
—
Trading securities – other current assets
22
22
—
—
Long-term investment – BDC
68
—
68
—
Derivatives
12
9
3
—
Total assets
$
1,075 $
463 $
612 $
—
Liabilities:
Derivatives
$
9 $
4 $
5 $
—
Total liabilities
$
9 $
4 $
5 $
—
Financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, net receivables, lines of credit and accounts payable are
carried at cost, which approximates fair value, as a result of the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair value of
short-term investments is measured using multiple levels. Debt securities categorized as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy
include debt securities held in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. The trading securities classified as other current
assets above are assets held for Seaboard’s deferred compensation plans.
As of December 31, 2023, Seaboard held a long-term investment in a BDC. During 2024, the BDC completed an IPO, and
the investment is included in short-term investments as of December 31, 2024. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements for further discussion.
The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by comparing interest rates for debt with similar terms and maturities. As
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
49
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 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of Seaboard’s long-term debt.
Derivatives
Seaboard’s operations are exposed to market risks from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates,
interest rates and equity prices. Seaboard uses derivatives to manage its commodity and foreign currency fluctuations.
From time to time, Seaboard enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate risk of certain variable-
rate long-term debt and enters into equity futures contracts to manage the equity price risk of certain short-term
investments. 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 a result,
fluctuations in prices and rates could have a material impact on earnings in any given reporting period. Credit risks
associated with derivative contracts are not significant as Seaboard minimizes counterparty exposure by dealing with
credit-worthy counterparties and uses margin accounts for some commodity contracts. As of December 31, 2024, the
maximum amount of credit risk related to foreign currency contracts, had the counterparties failed to perform according
to the terms of the contract, was $13 million.
Commodity Instruments
Seaboard uses various derivative futures and options to manage some of its risk to price fluctuations for raw materials and
other inventories, finished product sales and firm sales commitments. Commodity derivatives are recorded at fair value,
with any changes in fair value recognized as a component of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income.
Seaboard had the following aggregated outstanding notional amounts:
December 31,
(Millions)
Metric
2024
2023
Commodities:
Grain
Bushels
33
19
Hogs and pork products
Pounds
134
133
Soybean oil
Pounds
3
10
Soybean meal
Tons
1
—
Foreign Currency Exchange Agreements
Seaboard enters into foreign currency exchange agreements to manage the foreign currency exchange rate risk of 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 recognized as a component of cost of
sales. Other foreign currency exchange agreements are recognized as a component of foreign currency gains (losses), net.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Seaboard had foreign currency exchange agreements with notional amounts of
$334 million and $152 million, respectively, primarily related to the South African rand and euro.
The following table provides the amount of gain (loss) recorded for each type of derivative and where it was recognized
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income:
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Commodities
Cost of sales
$
(55) $
(18)
Foreign currencies
Cost of sales
(1)
6
Foreign currencies
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
7
(2)
The following table provides the fair value of each type of derivative held and where each derivative is included in the
consolidated balance sheets:
Asset
Liability
December 31, December 31,
December 31, December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Commodities
Other current assets $
17 $
9 Other current liabilities $
5 $
4
Foreign currencies Other current assets
13
3 Other current liabilities
—
5
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, 2024 and 2023, the commodity
derivatives had a margin account balance of $23 million and $19 million, respectively, resulting in a net other current asset
in the consolidated balance sheets of $35 million and $24 million, respectively.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
50
Note 11 − Stockholders’ Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
During 2023, in a privately negotiated transaction, Seaboard repurchased an aggregate of 189,724 shares of its common
stock from certain affiliates at a price below the traded market price for an aggregate purchase price of $600 million.
Shares repurchased were retired and retained earnings decreased $608 million for the purchase and related U.S. excise
taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023. The excise taxes were paid during 2024.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of related taxes, were as follows:
Cumulative
Foreign
Cumulative
Currency
Unrecognized
Translation
Pension
(Millions of dollars)
Adjustment
Cost
Total
Balance, December 31, 2021
$
(368)
$
(64)
$
(432)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
(42)
38
(4)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL to net earnings
9 (a)
5 (b)
14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(33)
43
10
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
(401)
$
(21)
$
(422)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
(3)
14
11
Amounts reclassified from AOCL to net earnings
—
1 (b)
1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(3)
15
12
Balance, December 31, 2023
$
(404)
$
(6)
$
(410)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
3
27
30
Amounts reclassified from AOCL to net earnings
1
3 (b)
4
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
4
30
34
Balance, December 31, 2024
$
(400)
$
24
$
(376)
(a) This reclassification adjustment primarily reflects the recognition of a currency translation adjustment upon the
disposition of a CT&M business in Brazil whose functional currency was the Brazilian real.
(b) This primarily represents the amortization of actuarial losses (gains) that were included in net periodic pension cost.
See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
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 business. The business’s functional currency has been the
U.S. dollar due to highly inflationary accounting since 2018. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements
of a subsidiary are remeasured into Seaboard’s reporting currency (U.S. dollars) and exchange gains and losses from the
remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in net income, rather than accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) on the balance sheet. The adjustments for the years presented are related to non-U.S. dollar functional
currencies of consolidated subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates in the CT&M segment.
The cumulative unrecognized pension cost represents the unamortized net actuarial gain (loss). Income tax for the
cumulative unrecognized pension cost component was recorded using an effective tax rate of 24% in 2024 and 25% in
2023 and 2022, except for unrecognized pension cost of $5 million, $2 million and $5 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022,
respectively, related to employees at certain subsidiaries for which no tax benefit was recorded.
Note 12 − Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
United States
$
(41) $
(403) $
(205)
Foreign
285
509
782
Total earnings before income taxes excluding noncontrolling interests
244
106
577
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
2
1
2
Total earnings before income taxes
$
246 $
107 $
579
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
51
The components of total income taxes were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Current:
Federal
$
(38) $
(36) $
54
Foreign
64
65
42
State and local
—
5
12
Deferred:
Federal
63
(118)
(94)
Foreign
—
(1)
5
State and local
67
(35)
(22)
Income tax expense (benefit)
156
(120)
(3)
Unrealized changes in other comprehensive income
—
4
8
Total income taxes
$
156 $
(116) $
5
Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 differed from the amounts computed by applying
the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% to earnings before income taxes excluding noncontrolling interests for
the following reasons:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2022
Computed “expected” tax expense excluding noncontrolling interests
$
51 $
22 $
121
Adjustments to tax expense attributable to:
Foreign tax differences
48
(26)
(60)
Tax-exempt income
(26)
(22)
(17)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
(46)
(28)
—
Foreign entity repatriation
—
—
10
Federal tax credits
(86)
(67)
(57)
Unrecognized tax benefits
4
(1)
7
Valuation allowance
212
(3)
(7)
IRS audit settlement
—
6
—
Other
(1)
(1)
—
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
156 $
(120) $
(3)
Certain of Seaboard’s foreign operations are subject to no income tax or a tax rate that is lower than the U.S. corporate tax
rate. Additionally, foreign operations are subject to the GILTI income inclusion which can be offset by U.S. foreign tax
credits. During 2024, Seaboard’s ability to utilize foreign tax credits to offset the GILTI income inclusion was limited by
U.S. taxable income. Fluctuation of earnings or losses incurred from certain foreign operations conducting business in
these jurisdictions impact the mix of taxable earnings. While certain of Seaboard’s operations have historically been
subject to low or no income tax, going forward, the enactment of Pillar Two will result in previously low taxed earnings
being taxed at least at a 15% minimum effective rate. The Pillar Two rules contain an exemption for qualified international
shipping activity that may apply to certain of Seaboard’s international shipping operations. During 2024, certain countries
in which Seaboard operates enacted Pillar Two laws, but these countries’ results did not have a material impact on income
tax expense.
Tax-exempt income was primarily related to federal blender’s credits on the biodiesel and renewable diesel that the Liquid
Fuels segment blends. As a result of these credits, Seaboard recognized non-taxable revenue of $125 million, $103 million
and $79 million in net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The receivable from the
U.S. government was $25 million and $42 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, included in other
receivables. With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the federal blender’s credits expired
December 31, 2024, and a new clean fuel production credit replaced the federal blender’s credits starting in 2025.
Regulatory guidance to implement the new credit was issued in early 2025, and the value varies based on the greenhouse
gas emissions factor of fuel produced and sold. This clean fuel production credit will be less than the federal blender’s
credit, but Seaboard is still evaluating the new guidance and the impact it will have on its financial statements.
State income taxes were lower than prior year primarily due to an increase in certain state income tax credits. In 2023,
state taxes were low primarily due to higher domestic losses and a decrease in certain state income tax rates.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
52
Seaboard has invested in research and development activities, capital expenditures and other investments that generate
federal tax credits. During 2024, Seaboard’s capital expenditures related to renewable biogas recovery facilities generated
$83 million of transferable federal investment tax credits. During 2023, Seaboard’s capital expenditures related to
renewable biogas recovery and solar facilities generated $31 million of transferable federal investment tax credits. During
2022, Seaboard invested $52 million in a solar renewable energy project in Guam and received $46 million of federal
investment tax credits. Seaboard accounted for this solar investment using the flow-through method and recognized the
impact of the investment tax credits in the period earned on a gross basis, with the charge related to the reduction of the
investment recorded in other investment income (loss) offset by the benefit of the credits recorded in income tax benefit
(expense). Research and development activities primarily accounted for the remainder of the federal tax credits generated.
Components of the net deferred income tax asset were as follows:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Deferred income tax assets:
Reserves/accruals
$
54 $
80
Research and development capitalization
168
172
Unrealized loss on investments
18
21
Deferred earnings of foreign subsidiaries
6
3
Net operating and capital loss carry-forwards
29
18
Tax credit carry-forwards
198
95
Other
13
10
Gross deferred income tax assets before valuation allowance
486
399
Less: Valuation allowance
242
30
Total deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$
244 $
369
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
$
146 $
139
Domestic partnerships
59
62
Other
2
1
Gross deferred income tax liabilities
207
202
Net deferred income tax asset
$
37 $
167
The activity within the valuation allowance account was as follows:
Balance at
Charge (credit) Balance at
(Millions of dollars)
beginning of year
to expense
end of year
Allowance for deferred tax assets:
Year ended December 31, 2024
$
30
212 $
242
Year ended December 31, 2023
$
33
(3) $
30
Year ended December 31, 2022
$
60
(27) $
33
The increase in the valuation allowance was primarily due to recording a valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2024, after considering U.S. pre-tax book income and the effects of permanent differences, Seaboard’s
U.S. operations were in a historical three-year cumulative loss position. Under U.S. GAAP, a three-year cumulative loss
position is significant objective negative evidence that it is more likely than not deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Accordingly, during 2024, Seaboard recorded a valuation allowance adjustment totaling $212 million, which was
primarily related to its U.S. deferred tax assets, with a corresponding charge to income tax expense. A valuation allowance
was not needed on certain transferable tax credits that Seaboard has the intent and ability to sell, and these credits are
discounted to estimated market value. Seaboard has also recorded a valuation allowance against certain foreign deferred
tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized.
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $527 million and foreign
net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $49 million, a portion of which expire in varying amounts between
2025 and 2044, while others have indefinite expiration periods. As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard had federal tax credit
carry-forwards of approximately $151 million, which expire between 2042 and 2044, and state tax credit carry-forwards
of approximately $93 million, a portion of which expire in varying amounts between 2025 and 2030 with the remainder
available for indefinite carry-forward.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
53
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. During 2022, Seaboard reversed its
indefinite reinvestment assertion in connection with certain previously-taxed undistributed earnings of its Seaboard Marine
subsidiary due to the tax effectiveness of repatriating. As a result, Seaboard recorded a deferred tax liability of $13 million
for federal and state incremental tax costs associated with the repatriation of Seaboard Marine’s previously-taxed foreign
undistributed earnings. For all other foreign subsidiaries, Seaboard intends to continue permanently reinvesting their funds
outside the U.S. as they continue to demonstrate no need to repatriate them to fund Seaboard’s U.S. operations for the
foreseeable future. Seaboard has not recorded deferred taxes for state or foreign withholding taxes that would result upon
repatriation of these funds to the U.S. because determination of the tax that might be paid on unremitted earnings if
eventually remitted is not practical due to the complexity of the multi-jurisdictional tax environment in which Seaboard
operates.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Seaboard had income taxes receivable of $71 million and $67 million, respectively,
primarily related to domestic tax jurisdictions, and had income taxes payable of $34 million and $41 million, respectively,
primarily related to foreign tax jurisdictions. Income taxes receivable and income taxes payable are included in other
receivables and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
Seaboard’s tax returns are regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which may result in material
adjustments. U.S federal tax years prior to 2021 are no longer subject to IRS tax assessment. In the U.S., typically the three
most recent tax years are subject to IRS audits, unless an agreement is made to extend the statute of limitations for an audit
in progress or the statute is specifically extended by law for certain specialized items. In Seaboard’s major non-U.S.
jurisdictions, including the Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast and Senegal, tax years are typically subject to examination
for three to six years.
After considering the valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Seaboard had $20 million and $49 million,
respectively, in total unrecognized tax benefits, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Seaboard does
not have any material uncertain tax positions in which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of the unrecognized
tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within 12 months of the reporting date.
The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits:
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Beginning balance at January 1
$
49 $
51
Additions for uncertain tax positions of prior years
5
2
Decreases for uncertain tax positions of prior years
(1)
(14)
Additions for uncertain tax positions of current year
5
18
Decreases related to audit settlements with taxing authorities
—
(6)
Lapse of statute of limitations
(6)
(2)
Ending balance as of December 31
$
52 $
49
Seaboard accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and had approximately
$10 million accrued as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Note 13 − Segment Information
Seaboard manages its business under six reportable segments: Pork, CT&M, Marine, Liquid Fuels, Power and Turkey.
The remaining operations are not reportable segments, as defined by the applicable accounting standard, and are classified
as All Other. Each of the six reportable segments is separately managed based on its diverse product or service. All Other
primarily represents a sugar and alcohol production and processing operation in Argentina and a jalapeño pepper
processing operation in Honduras.
The Pork segment primarily produces hogs to process and sells pork products to further processors, food service operators,
distributors and grocery stores throughout the U.S. and to foreign markets. The Pork segment also produces swine-derived
renewable natural gas with its integrated model of hog operations, covered anaerobic digester lagoons and biomethane
upgrading facilities at certain of its existing hog farms. 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 consolidated subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates. The Marine
segment provides cargo shipping services in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America. The Liquid Fuels
segment produces biodiesel and renewable diesel from pork fat and other animal fats and vegetable oils, along with the
related environmental credits, for sale to third parties in the U.S. The credits are recognized in revenue from goods and
services upon transfer of the credits. The Power segment is an independent power producer in the Dominican Republic
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
54
that owns two power-generating barges. The Turkey segment holds an equity method investment that produces and
processes turkey products. See Note 6 for additional information on this segment.
During 2024, changes to Seaboard’s organizational structure became effective, and Seaboard’s CODM assumed direct
oversight of the liquid fuels business, which had previously been reported in the Pork segment. As a result, the liquid fuels
business became its own reportable segment. Additionally, the previously separate reportable Sugar and Alcohol segment
became part of All Other as the economic conditions in Argentina over several years reduced this segment’s impact on the
consolidated financial statements. The prior period information below has been recast to conform to the new presentation.
Other changes in segments’ businesses during the years presented included the following:
•
In 2022, the Pork segment acquired hog inventory and certain hog farms in the central U.S. for total cash
consideration of $58 million to reduce reliance on third-party hog suppliers.
•
The Liquid Fuels segment’s renewable diesel production facility began operations during the third quarter of
2022.
•
The Power segment placed in service a second barge during the second quarter of 2022.
Seaboard’s Chief Executive Officer serves as the CODM. The CODM assesses performance and makes key operating
decisions based on total operating income (loss) and income (loss) from affiliates. The CODM uses total operating income
(loss) and income (loss) from affiliates to compare to historical trends and the forecast to assess segment results, allocate
capital, make strategic decisions and identify areas of opportunity. Operating income and income from affiliates for
segment reporting is prepared on the same basis as that used for consolidated purposes under U.S. GAAP. The CODM
does not receive proportionate consolidation information for equity method investments.
The following tables include certain segment information for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 and as
of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The significant segment expense categories align with the segment information
that is regularly provided to the CODM.
Year ended December 31, 2024
All
Other Inter-
Liquid
and
Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Pork CT&M Marine
Fuels Power Turkey Corporate
Elims
Total
External net sales:
Products
$ 1,991 $ 4,699 $
— $
556 $
—
$
135 $
— $ 7,381
Transportation
16
—
1,388
—
—
3
—
1,407
Energy
—
—
—
—
239
7
—
246
Other
48
18
—
—
—
—
—
66
Total external net sales
2,055
4,717
1,388
556
239
145
—
9,100
Intersegment net sales (a)
38
—
5
—
—
—
(43)
—
Total segment/consolidated net sales
$ 2,093 $ 4,717 $ 1,393 $
556 $
239
$
145 $
(43) $ 9,100
Less significant segment expenses:
Cost of sales
1,965
4,453
1,203
639
163
144
(43)
8,524
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
108
132
108
17
15
40
—
420
Total segment/consolidated operating
income (loss)
$
20 $
132 $
82 $ (100) $
61
$
(39) $
— $
156
Income from affiliates
26
17
4
—
1
37
—
—
85
Total operating income (loss) and
income from affiliates
$
46 $
149 $
86 $ (100) $
62 $
37 $
(39) $
— $
241
Depreciation and amortization expense $
148 $
25 $
60 $
44 $
22
$
12 $
— $
311
Capital expenditures
$
299 $
11 $
172 $
2 $
9
$
18 $
— $
511
Total assets as of December 31, 2024(b) $ 2,111 $ 1,615 $
992 $
630 $
306 $
375 $
1,636 $
— $ 7,665
Investment in affiliates as of
December 31, 2024
$
154 $
164 $
40 $
— $
3 $
375 $
2 $
— $
738
(a)
The Pork segment’s intersegment sales primarily represent the sale of pork fat to the Liquid Fuels segment, which uses it as a feedstock in the
renewable diesel and biodiesel production processes. The Marine segment’s intersegment sales primarily represent shipping services provided to
the jalapeño pepper processing business. Intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
(b)
Total assets for the Turkey segment primarily represent Seaboard’s investment in Butterball. All Other and Corporate’s total assets primarily
represent short-term investments held by Corporate; these investments were $1 billion, $963 million, and $1 billion as of December 31, 2024, 2023
and 2022, respectively.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
55
Year ended December 31, 2023
All
Other Inter-
Liquid
and
Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Pork CT&M Marine
Fuels Power Turkey Corporate
Elims
Total
External net sales:
Products
$ 1,768 $ 5,125 $
— $
698 $
—
$
163 $
— $ 7,754
Transportation
13
—
1,499
—
—
3
—
1,515
Energy
—
—
—
—
237
5
—
242
Other
37
14
—
—
—
—
—
51
Total external net sales
1,818
5,139
1,499
698
237
171
—
9,562
Intersegment net sales (a)
45
—
4
—
—
—
(49)
—
Total segment/consolidated net sales
$ 1,863 $ 5,139 $ 1,503 $
698 $
237
$
171 $
(49) $ 9,562
Less significant segment expenses:
Cost of sales
2,220
4,854
1,176
759
154
133
(50)
9,246
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
98
140
99
12
12
42
—
403
Total segment/consolidated operating
income (loss)
$
(455) $
145 $
228 $
(73) $
71
$
(4) $
1 $
(87)
Income (loss) from affiliates
32
(18)
3
—
—
87
1
—
105
Total operating income (loss) and
income (loss) from affiliates
$
(423) $
127 $
231 $
(73) $
71 $
87 $
(3) $
1 $
18
Depreciation and amortization expense $
122 $
24 $
64 $
42 $
21
$
10 $
— $
283
Capital expenditures
$
361 $
7 $
121 $
— $
3
$
14 $
— $
506
Total assets as of December 31, 2023(b) $ 2,075 $ 1,590 $
847 $
646 $
337 $
371 $
1,700 $
— $ 7,566
Investment in affiliates as of
December 31, 2023
$
154 $
164 $
38 $
— $
3 $
370 $
2 $
— $
731
Year ended December 31, 2022
All
Other Inter-
Liquid
and
Segment
(Millions of dollars)
Pork CT&M Marine
Fuels Power Turkey Corporate
Elims
Total
External net sales:
Products
$ 1,958 $ 6,275 $
— $
607 $
—
$
139 $
— $ 8,979
Transportation
11
—
2,043
—
—
2
—
2,056
Energy
—
—
—
—
158
6
—
164
Other
29
15
—
—
—
—
—
44
Total external net sales
1,998
6,290
2,043
607
158
147
— 11,243
Intersegment net sales (a)
—
—
4
—
—
—
(4)
—
Total segment/consolidated net sales
$ 1,998 $ 6,290 $ 2,047 $
607 $
158
$
147 $
(4) $ 11,243
Less significant segment expenses:
Cost of sales
1,970
6,009
1,354
634
135
116
(5) 10,213
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
88
130
102
9
9
35
—
373
Total segment/consolidated operating
income (loss)
$
(60) $
151 $
591 $
(36) $
14
$
(4) $
1 $
657
Income from affiliates
24
21
4
—
—
103
—
—
152
Total operating income (loss) and
income from affiliates
$
(36) $
172 $
595 $
(36) $
14 $
103 $
(4) $
1 $
809
Depreciation and amortization expense $
109 $
25 $
56 $
20 $
16
$
9 $
— $
235
Capital expenditures
$
315 $
14 $
136 $
— $
—
$
9 $
— $
474
Total assets as of December 31, 2022(b) $ 1,932 $ 1,915 $
882 $
766 $
342 $
350 $
1,715 $
— $ 7,902
Investment in affiliates as of
December 31, 2022
$
152 $
210 $
36 $
— $
3 $
350 $
2 $
— $
753
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
56
Geographic Information
Seaboard had sales in Colombia totaling $1,027 million, $1,260 million and $1,578 million for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, representing 11%, 13% and 14% 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 or service:
Years ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024 2023
2022
Caribbean, Central and South America
$ 3,899 $ 4,197 $ 5,054
Africa
2,422
2,586
3,107
United States (a)
2,108
2,102
2,181
Canada/Mexico
327
289
338
Pacific Basin and Far East
257
325
490
Europe
82
59
71
All other
5
4
2
Total sales
$ 9,100 $ 9,562 $ 11,243
(a) For Marine segment services on product delivery to the U.S., geographic location is based on origination port.
The following table provides a geographic summary of Seaboard’s property, plant and equipment according to their
physical location and primary port for the vessels:
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2024
2023
United States
$
1,930 $
1,795
Dominican Republic
250
261
China (a)
136
117
Argentina
66
60
Ivory Coast
35
34
Senegal
32
32
Zambia
23
23
All other
88
88
Total property, plant and equipment, net
$
2,560 $
2,410
(a) Represents vessels under construction for the Marine segment.
57
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2024, Seaboard’s management has evaluated, under the direction of its chief executive and chief
financial officers, the effectiveness of Seaboard’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, Seaboard’s
chief executive and chief financial officers concluded that Seaboard’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective
to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports it files and submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. It should be noted that any system
of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute,
assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any system of disclosure controls and
procedures is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Due to these and other inherent
limitations of any such system, there can be no assurance that any design will always succeed in achieving its stated goals
under all potential future conditions.
Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in Seaboard’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter
ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Seaboard’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of 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, 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”). 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, 2024.
KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited Seaboard’s financial statements contained
herein, also audited Seaboard’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. The audit report is
included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 9B. Other Information
During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no director or officer of Seaboard adopted or terminated a
“Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of
Regulation S-K.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information about the executive officers of Seaboard is included under the caption “Information About Seaboard’s
Executive Officers” in Item 1 of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Seaboard has a Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy for Senior Financial Officers applicable to its senior financial officers
(including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller and persons
performing similar functions) and a Code of Ethics Policy applicable to its directors, officers and other employees
(together, the “Codes”). Seaboard has posted the Codes on its internet website, www.seaboardcorp.com, and intends to
satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 10-K regarding any future changes and waivers to the Codes by
posting such information on that website.
Seaboard has adopted an Insider Trading Policy applicable to Seaboard’s directors, officers and employees that includes
procedures and processes reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations and
the NYSE American listing standards. Seaboard’s Insider Trading Policy prohibits employees and related persons and
entities from trading in securities of Seaboard while in possession of material, nonpublic information. The Insider Trading
Policy prohibits employees from disclosing material, nonpublic information about Seaboard to others who may trade on
the basis of that information. The Insider Trading Policy also requires Seaboard to comply with all applicable insider
58
trading laws, rules, regulations and listing standards, including those governing its purchase, sale, or other disposition of
Seaboard securities. A copy of Seaboard’s Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19 to this Form 10-K.
In addition to the information provided above, the information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to
the information under the captions “Item 1: Election of Directors,” “Board of Directors Information – Committees of the
Board – Audit Committee,” “Board of Directors Information – Director Nominations,” and “Delinquent Section 16(a)
Reports” of Seaboard’s definitive proxy statement for the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed no
later than 120 days after December 31, 2024 (“Proxy Statement”).
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the captions “Board of
Directors Information – Compensation of Directors,” “Executive Compensation and Other Information,” “Employment
Arrangements with Named Executive Officers,” “Benefit Plans,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in the Proxy
Statement.
Seaboard has not established any equity compensation plans or individual agreements for its employees under which
Seaboard common stock or options, rights or warrants with respect to Seaboard common stock may be granted, nor has it
historically granted any such awards. As a result, Seaboard does not maintain any policies or practices on the timing of
awards of options in relation to Seaboard’s disclosure of material nonpublic information. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2024, none of Seaboard’s named executive officers were awarded options with an effective grant date during
any period beginning four business days before the filing or furnishing of a Form 10-Q, Form 10-K or Form 8-K that
disclosed material nonpublic information and ending one business day after the filing or furnishing of such reports.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Seaboard has not established any equity compensation plans or individual agreements for its employees under which
Seaboard common stock or options, rights or warrants with respect to Seaboard common stock may be granted.
In addition to the information provided above, the information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to
the information under the captions “Principal Stockholders” and “Share Ownership of Management and Directors”
included in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the captions
“Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Board of Directors Information – Controlled Company”
and “Board of Directors Information – Committees of the Board” included in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Seaboard’s independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, Kansas City, MO, Auditor Firm ID: 185.
The other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the caption
“Item 2: Selection of Independent Auditors” included in the Proxy Statement.
59
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial statements
The financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
2. Financial statement schedules
All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the
consolidated financial statements or related consolidated notes.
3. Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
Description
3.1
Seaboard Corporation Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 4, 2009.
3.2
Seaboard Corporation Restated By-laws. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Seaboard’s Form
8-K dated January 25, 2024.
4
Description of Common Stock. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2019.
10.1*
Seaboard Corporation Retiree Medical Benefit Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2009 and
dated December 22, 2008, amending and restating the Seaboard Corporation Retiree Medical Benefit Plan
dated March 4, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2008.
10.2*
First Amendment to the Seaboard Corporation Retiree Medical Benefit Plan effective March 25, 2015 and
dated March 31, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended April 4, 2015.
10.3*
Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2009 and dated
December 22, 2008, amending and restating the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
Plan dated December 29, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008.
10.4*
Amendment No. 1 to the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective
January 1, 2009 and dated December 17, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Seaboard’s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
10.5*
Amendment No. 2 to the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective
January 1, 2019 and dated January 2, 2019. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Seaboard’s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
10.6*
Amended and Restated Seaboard Corporation Post-2018 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective
January 1, 2023 dated December 13, 2022. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Seaboard’s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
10.7*
Seaboard Corporation 409A Executive Retirement Plan Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2013 and
dated December 21, 2012, amending and restating the Seaboard Corporation Executive Retirement Plan,
Amendment and Restatement dated December 22, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of
Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
10.8*
First Amendment to the Seaboard Corporation 409A Executive Retirement Plan effective as of January 1, 2015
and dated January 14, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2015.
10.9*
Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan as restated and amended effective January 1, 2021. Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
60
10.10*
Seaboard Marine Pension Plan effective January 1, 2021. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2021.
10.11*
Amendment No. 1 to the Seaboard Marine Pension Plan as Restated as of January 1, 2021, dated
November 15, 2021. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2021.
10.12*
Seaboard Corporation Long-term Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2022. Incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.13 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
10.13*
Seaboard Corporation 401(K) Excess Plan effective January 1, 2022 and dated December 13, 2022.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2022.
10.14*
Seaboard Marine Ltd. 401(K) Excess Plan effective January 1, 2009 and dated December 18, 2009.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009.
10.15*
First Amendment to the Seaboard Marine Ltd. 401(k) Excess Plan effective January 1, 2022. Incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2022.
10.16*
Seaboard Corporation Named Executive Officers’ Bonus Policy (effective for 2021 and supersedes all
policies). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2021.
10.17*
Restated Employment Agreement between Seaboard Corporation and Robert L. Steer dated August 27, 2020.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 26, 2020.
10.18*
Supplemental Retirement Benefit Agreement between Seaboard Corporation and Robert L. Steer dated
January 2, 2023. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended April 1, 2023.
10.19*
Restated Employment Agreement between Seaboard Corporation and David H. Rankin dated
January 12, 2021. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2020.
10.20*+
Supplemental Retirement Benefit Agreement between Seaboard Corporation and David M. Becker dated
January 2, 2023.
10.21*
Employment Agreement between Seaboard Marine Ltd. and Edward A. Gonzalez dated December 21, 2012.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2012.
10.22*
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Seaboard Marine Ltd. and Edward A. Gonzalez dated
July 31, 2023. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
July 1, 2023.
10.23*
Summary of Perquisite for Personal Use of Seaboard Airplane. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
10.24
Amended and Restated Terminal Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Seaboard Marine Ltd. for
Marine Terminal Operations dated May 30, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
Seaboard’s Form 8-K dated May 30, 2008.
10.25
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Terminal Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Seaboard
Marine Ltd. for Marine Terminal Operations dated March 30, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2013.
10.26
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Terminal Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Seaboard
Marine Ltd. for Marine Terminal Operations dated July 31, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of Seaboard’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2013.
10.27
Marketing Agreement dated February 2, 2004 by and among Seaboard Corporation, Seaboard Farms, Inc.,
Triumph Foods, LLC, and for certain limited purposes only, the members of Triumph Foods, LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Seaboard’s Form 8-K dated February 3, 2004.
61
10.28
Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement dated November 10, 2023 by and among
Seaboard Corporation, Seaboard Foods LLC, CoBank, ACB, Farm Credit Services of America, PCA and other
lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Seaboard’s Form 8-K dated November 10, 2023.
19+
Seaboard Corporation Insider Trading Policy.
21+
List of subsidiaries.
31.1+
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2+
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
97.1
Seaboard Corporation Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 97.1 of Seaboard’s Form 10-K dated February 13, 2024.
101.INS+ Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because
its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE+ Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104+
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+ Filed electronically with this annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC and transmitted via EDGAR.
(b) Exhibits
See exhibits identified above under Item 15(a)(3).
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
None.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
62
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SEABOARD CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Robert L. Steer
Robert L. Steer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 13, 2025
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
Date
Title
/s/ Robert L. Steer
February 13, 2025
President, Chief Executive Officer
Robert L. Steer
(principal executive officer)
/s/ David H. Rankin
February 13, 2025
Executive Vice President,
David H. Rankin
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
/s/ Barbara M. Smith
February 13, 2025
Vice President and
Barbara M. Smith
Corporate Controller
(principal accounting officer)
/s/ Ellen S. Bresky
February 13, 2025
Chairwoman of the Board
Ellen S. Bresky
/s/ Douglas W. Baena
February 13, 2025
Director
Douglas W. Baena
/s/ David A. Adamsen
February 13, 2025
Director
David A. Adamsen
/s/ Frances B. Shifman
February 13, 2025
Director
Frances B. Shifman
/s/ Paul M. Squires
February 13, 2025
Director
Paul M. Squires
Board of Directors
Ellen S. Bresky
Director and Chairwoman of the Board
David A. Adamsen
Director and Audit Committee Member
Paul M. Squires
Director
SEABOARD CORPORATION
Stockholder Information
Douglas W. Baena
Director and Audit Committee Chair
Frances B. Shifman
Director and Audit Committee Member
Executive Officers
Robert L. Steer
President and Chief Executive Officer
David H. Rankin
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
David M. Becker
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
Chad M. Groves
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Foods LLC
Jacob A. Bresky
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Overseas and
Trading Group
Edward A. Gonzalez
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Marine Ltd.
Peter P. Ostenfeld-Rosenthal
President and Chief Executive Officer, Seaboard Energy, LLC
Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar of Stock
EQ Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0874
(800) 401-1957
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 4,900 stockholders of
record of its common stock as of January 31, 2025.
Availability of Reports
Seaboard provides access to its annual reports on Form 10-K and all
amendments at https://www.seaboardcorp.com/investors as soon as
reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Annual Meeting
The 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Seaboard
Corporation will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
local time at:
The Sheraton Overland Park Convention Center
6100 College Boulevard
Overland Park, Kansas 66211
SEABOARD CORPORATION
9000 W 67TH STREET
MERRIAM, KS 66202
WWW.SEABOARDCORP.COM