SEABOARD CORP /DE/ (SEB) FY 2024 MD&A

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.

17

​

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.

18

​

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

19

​

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.

20

​

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

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

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

21

​

$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.

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

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

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.

22

​

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 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

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

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

23

​

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.

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.

​

24

​