10-Q 1 ppc-20140928x10q.htm 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2014
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 1-9273
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 75-1285071
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1770 Promontory Circle, Greeley, CO |  | 80634-9038
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (970) 506-8000
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
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 ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer | ý |  | Accelerated Filer |  | ¨
Non-accelerated Filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |  | Smaller reporting company |  | ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ý No ¨
Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, as of October 29, 2014, was 259,029,033.

INDEX
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 | 4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 | 5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 | 6
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 | 7
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 28, 2014 | 8
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 30
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 41
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 43
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | 43
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 43
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 45
Item 5. | Other Information | 46
Item 6. | Exhibits | 47
SIGNATURES | 49
EXHIBIT INDEX | 50

1

2

PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. | CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
|  | (Unaudited) |  |
|  | (In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 868,597 |  |  | $ | 508,206 |
Investment in available-for-sale securities |  | — |  |  | 96,902 |
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts |  | 413,402 |  |  | 376,678 |
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC |  | 240 |  |  | 2,388 |
Inventories |  | 817,892 |  |  | 808,832 |
Income taxes receivable |  | — |  |  | 64,868 |
Current deferred tax assets |  | 2,227 |  |  | 2,227 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 77,393 |  |  | 61,848 |
Assets held for sale |  | 1,419 |  |  | 7,033 |
Total current assets |  | 2,181,170 |  |  | 1,928,982 |
Deferred tax assets |  | 85,213 |  |  | 18,921 |
Other long-lived assets |  | 30,766 |  |  | 40,163 |
Identified intangible assets, net |  | 28,219 |  |  | 32,525 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | 1,180,414 |  |  | 1,151,811 |
Total assets |  | $ | 3,505,782 |  |  | $ | 3,172,402 |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 383,779 |  |  | $ | 370,360 |
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC |  | 1,969 |  |  | 3,934 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |  | 307,153 |  |  | 283,355 |
Income taxes payable |  | 176,153 |  |  | — |
Current deferred tax liabilities |  | 15,070 |  |  | 15,515 |
Current maturities of long-term debt |  | 260 |  |  | 410,234 |
Total current liabilities |  | 884,384 |  |  | 1,083,398 |
Long-term debt, less current maturities |  | 502,115 |  |  | 501,999 |
Deferred tax liabilities |  | — |  |  | 13,944 |
Other long-term liabilities |  | 88,490 |  |  | 80,459 |
Total liabilities |  | 1,474,989 |  |  | 1,679,800 |
Common stock |  | 2,590 |  |  | 2,590 |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 1,656,623 |  |  | 1,653,119 |
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |  | 424,305 |  |  | (120,156 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | (55,815 | ) |  | (45,735 | )
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity |  | 2,027,703 |  |  | 1,489,818 |
Noncontrolling interest |  | 3,090 |  |  | 2,784 |
Total stockholders’ equity |  | 2,030,793 |  |  | 1,492,602 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |  | $ | 3,505,782 |  |  | $ | 3,172,402 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
|  | Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
|  | (In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales |  | $ | 2,268,048 |  |  | $ | 2,142,815 |  |  | $ | 6,472,929 |  |  | $ | 6,363,863 |
Cost of sales |  | 1,817,783 |  |  | 1,906,242 |  |  | 5,458,083 |  |  | 5,726,348 |
Gross profit |  | 450,265 |  |  | 236,573 |  |  | 1,014,846 |  |  | 637,515 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 44,629 |  |  | 43,797 |  |  | 138,437 |  |  | 131,888 |
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 135 |  |  | 3,658 |  |  | 2,286 |  |  | 4,622 |
Operating income |  | 405,501 |  |  | 189,118 |  |  | 874,123 |  |  | 501,005 |
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest |  | 11,372 |  |  | 20,413 |  |  | 45,407 |  |  | 68,199 |
Interest income |  | (1,171 | ) |  | (571 | ) |  | (2,974 | ) |  | (1,494 | )
Foreign currency transaction loss |  | 6,414 |  |  | 2,682 |  |  | 4,932 |  |  | 4,771 |
Miscellaneous, net |  | (610 | ) |  | (8 | ) |  | (2,609 | ) |  | (730 | )
Income before income taxes |  | 389,496 |  |  | 166,602 |  |  | 829,367 |  |  | 430,259 |
Income tax expense |  | 133,693 |  |  | 5,578 |  |  | 284,932 |  |  | 24,216 |
Net income |  | 255,803 |  |  | 161,024 |  |  | 544,435 |  |  | 406,043 |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | (181 | ) |  | 107 |  |  | (26 | ) |  | (161 | )
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation |  | $ | 255,984 |  |  | $ | 160,917 |  |  | $ | 544,461 |  |  | $ | 406,204 |
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | 258,999 |  |  | 258,826 |  |  | 258,966 |  |  | 258,825 |
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents |  | 523 |  |  | 560 |  |  | 482 |  |  | 341 |
Diluted |  | 259,522 |  |  | 259,386 |  |  | 259,448 |  |  | 259,166 |
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.99 |  |  | $ | 0.62 |  |  | $ | 2.10 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.99 |  |  | $ | 0.62 |  |  | $ | 2.10 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
|  | Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
|  | (In thousands)
Net income |  | $ | 255,803 |  |  | $ | 161,024 |  |  | $ | 544,435 |  |  | $ | 406,043 |
Other comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $(10), $0, $(30) and $0, respectively |  | 17 |  |  | — |  |  | (12 | ) |  | — |
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $396, $0, $6,105 and $0, respectively |  | (653 | ) |  | 313 |  |  | (10,068 | ) |  | 36,114 |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  | (636 | ) |  | 313 |  |  | (10,080 | ) |  | 36,114 |
Comprehensive income |  | 255,167 |  |  | 161,337 |  |  | 534,355 |  |  | 442,157 |
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | (181 | ) |  | 107 |  |  | (26 | ) |  | (161 | )
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation |  | $ | 255,348 |  |  | $ | 161,230 |  |  | $ | 534,381 |  |  | $ | 442,318 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
|  | Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Stockholders |  |  |  |
|  | Common Stock |  | Additional Paid-in Capital |  | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  | Total
|  | Shares |  | Amount |
|  | (In thousands)
Balance at December 29, 2013 |  | 259,029 |  |  | $ | 2,590 |  |  | $ | 1,653,119 |  |  | $ | (120,156 | ) |  | $ | (45,735 | ) |  | $ | 2,784 |  |  | $ | 1,492,602 |
Net income |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 544,461 |  |  | — |  |  | (26 | ) |  | 544,435 |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (10,080 | ) |  | — |  |  | (10,080 | )
Issuance of subsidiary common stock |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 332 |  |  | 332 |
Share-based compensation plans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Requisite service period recognition |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,504 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,504 |
Balance at September 28, 2014 |  | 259,029 |  |  | $ | 2,590 |  |  | $ | 1,656,623 |  |  | $ | 424,305 |  |  | $ | (55,815 | ) |  | $ | 3,090 |  |  | $ | 2,030,793 |
Balance at December 30, 2012 |  | 258,999 |  |  | $ | 2,590 |  |  | $ | 1,642,003 |  |  | $ | (669,711 | ) |  | $ | (68,511 | ) |  | $ | 2,626 |  |  | $ | 908,997 |
Net income |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 406,204 |  |  | — |  |  | (161 | ) |  | 406,043 |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36,114 |  |  |  |  | 36,114 |
Share-based compensation plans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock issued under compensation plans |  | 30 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Requisite service period recognition |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,415 |
Balance at September 29, 2013 |  | 259,029 |  |  | 2,590 |  |  | $ | 1,644,418 |  |  | $ | (263,507 | ) |  | $ | (32,397 | ) |  | $ | 2,465 |  |  | $ | 1,353,569 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
|  | (In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 544,435 |  |  | $ | 406,043 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 112,740 |  |  | 113,853 |
Foreign currency transaction loss |  | 8,585 |  |  | 3,734 |
Accretion of bond discount |  | 342 |  |  | 342 |
Asset impairment |  | — |  |  | 3,457 |
Gain on property disposals |  | (1,112 | ) |  | (509 | )
Gain on investment securities |  | (49 | ) |  | — |
Share-based compensation |  | 3,504 |  |  | 2,415 |
Deferred income tax benefit |  | (79,619 | ) |  | — |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
Trade accounts and other receivables |  | (35,785 | ) |  | (25,458 | )
Inventories |  | (10,339 | ) |  | 39,421 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | (16,694 | ) |  | (17,304 | )
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities |  | 36,686 |  |  | 69,895 |
Income taxes |  | 239,944 |  |  | (1,818 | )
Deposits |  | — |  |  | 1,898 |
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations |  | (1,764 | ) |  | (3,174 | )
Other operating assets and liabilities |  | 1,534 |  |  | 3,921 |
Cash provided by operating activities |  | 802,408 |  |  | 596,716 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment |  | (131,349 | ) |  | (76,293 | )
Purchases of investment securities |  | (55,100 | ) |  | — |
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities |  | 152,050 |  |  | — |
Proceeds from property disposals |  | 8,422 |  |  | 3,330 |
Cash used in investing activities |  | (25,977 | ) |  | (72,963 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |
Proceeds from revolving line of credit |  | — |  |  | 505,600 |
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations |  | (410,199 | ) |  | (758,283 | )
Sale of subsidiary common stock |  | 332 |  |  | — |
Payment of capitalized loan costs |  | — |  |  | (5,006 | )
Cash used in financing activities |  | (409,867 | ) |  | (257,689 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | (6,173 | ) |  | (3,928 | )
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | 360,391 |  |  | 262,136 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |  | 508,206 |  |  | 68,180 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |  | $ | 868,597 |  |  | $ | 330,316 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Business
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “PPC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrim's products are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and in the northern and central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 80 countries. Pilgrim's fresh chicken products consist of refrigerated (nonfrozen) whole chickens, whole cut-up chickens and selected chicken parts that are either marinated or non-marinated. The Company's prepared chicken products include fully cooked, ready-to-cook and individually frozen chicken parts, strips, nuggets and patties, some of which are either breaded or non-breaded and either marinated or non-marinated. As a vertically integrated company, we control every phase of the production of our products. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Pilgrim's has approximately 35,400 employees and has the capacity to process more than 34 million birds per week for a total of more than 10 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 3,750 contract growers supply poultry for the Company's operations. As of September 28, 2014, JBS USA Holdings, Inc. (“JBS USA”), an indirect subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., beneficially owned 75.5% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 28, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.
Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2014) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reportable Segment
We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
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Book Overdraft
The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. There is no option for early adoption. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected a transition approach to implement the standard.
2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be categorized into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation:

Level 1 |  | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 |  | Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
Level 3 |  | Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
As of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company held certain items that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included derivative assets and liabilities and deferred compensation plan assets. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity futures instruments. The Company maintains nonqualified deferred compensation plans for executives and other highly compensated employees. Investments are maintained within a trust and include money market funds, mutual funds and life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

|  | September 28, 2014
|  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
|  | (In thousands)
Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments |  | $ | 5,125 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 5,125 |
Derivative assets - commodity options instruments |  | — |  |  | 62 |  |  | — |  |  | 62 |
Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments |  | 1,278 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,278 |
Deferred compensation plan assets |  | 7,218 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,218 |
Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments |  | (5,350 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,350 | )
Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments |  | — |  |  | (1,013 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,013 | )
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Public bonds and notes |  | 525,335 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 525,335 |
Capitalized lease obligations |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 627 |  |  | 627 |

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|  | December 29, 2013
|  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
|  | (In thousands)
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 96,902 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 96,902 |
Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments |  | 1,494 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,494 |
Derivative assets - commodity options instruments |  | — |  |  | 1,395 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,395 |
Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments |  | 1,214 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,214 |
Deferred compensation plan assets |  | 7,208 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,208 |
Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments |  | (1,728 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,728 | )
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Public bonds and notes |  | 552,592 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 552,592 |
Term notes |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 424,650 |  |  | 424,650 |
Capitalized lease obligations |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 704 |  |  | 704 |

| Term Notes and Revolver |  | Capitalized Lease Obligations
| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
| September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities: | (In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 424,650 |  |  | $ | 686,435 |  |  | $ | 704 |  |  | $ | 880 |
Borrowings | — |  |  | 509,500 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Payments | (410,099 | ) |  | (762,091 | ) |  | (100 | ) |  | (92 | )
Change in fair value inputs | (14,551 | ) |  | (6,983 | ) |  | 23 |  |  | — |
Balance, end of period | $ | — |  |  | $ | 426,861 |  |  | $ | 627 |  |  | $ | 788 |

The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 1 is determined using a market approach, taking into account current interest rates, creditworthiness, and liquidity risks in relation to current market conditions, and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The valuation of financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. The valuation of financial assets in Level 3 is determined using an income approach based on unobservable inputs such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
In addition to the fair value disclosure requirements related to financial instruments carried at fair value, accounting standards require interim disclosures regarding the fair value of all of the Company’s financial instruments. The methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and any changes in methods or significant assumptions from prior periods are also required to be disclosed. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:

|  | September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013 |  |
|  | Carrying Amount |  | Fair Value |  | Carrying Amount |  | Fair Value |  | Note Reference
|  |  |  | (In thousands) |  |  |  |
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 96,902 |  |  | $ | 96,902 |  |  | 5
Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments |  | 5,125 |  |  | 5,125 |  |  | 1,494 |  |  | 1,494 |  |  | 6
Derivative assets - commodity options instruments |  | 62 |  |  | 62 |  |  | 1,395 |  |  | 1,395 |  |  | 6
Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments |  | 1,278 |  |  | 1,278 |  |  | 1,214 |  |  | 1,214 |  |  | 6
Deferred compensation plan assets |  | 7,218 |  |  | 7,218 |  |  | 7,208 |  |  | 7,208 |  |  |
Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments |  | (5,350 | ) |  | (5,350 | ) |  | (1,728 | ) |  | (1,728 | ) |  | 6
Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments |  | (1,013 | ) |  | (1,013 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements |  | (502,376 | ) |  | (525,962 | ) |  | (912,233 | ) |  | (977,946 | ) |  | 9

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Derivative assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation plan assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative liabilities were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were estimated by calculating the net present value of future payments for each debt obligation or borrowing by: (i) using a risk-free rate applicable for an instrument with a life similar to the remaining life of each debt obligation or borrowing plus the current estimated credit risk spread for the Company or (ii) using the quoted market price at September 28, 2014 or December 29, 2013, as applicable.
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges when required by U.S. GAAP. There were no significant fair value measurement losses recognized for such assets and liabilities in the periods reported.
3. TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following:

|  | September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
|  | (In thousands)
Trade accounts receivable |  | $ | 405,520 |  |  | $ | 369,715 |
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC |  | 240 |  |  | 2,388 |
Employee receivables |  | — |  |  | 14 |
Notes receivable - current |  | 1,145 |  |  | — |
Other receivables |  | 9,467 |  |  | 11,005 |
Receivables, gross |  | 416,372 |  |  | 383,122 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  | (2,730 | ) |  | (4,056 | )
Receivables, net |  | $ | 413,642 |  |  | $ | 379,066 |

4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:

| September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
| (In thousands)
Live chicken and hens | $ | 384,120 |  |  | $ | 368,582 |
Feed, eggs and other | 213,035 |  |  | 216,045 |
Finished chicken products | 220,157 |  |  | 223,932 |
Total chicken inventories | 817,312 |  |  | 808,559 |
Commercial feed and other | 580 |  |  | 273 |
Total inventories | $ | 817,892 |  |  | $ | 808,832 |

5. | INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

We recognize investments in available-for-sale securities as cash equivalents, current investments or long-term investments depending upon each security's length to maturity. Additionally, those securities identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current.
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The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities:

|  | September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
|  | Amortized Cost |  | Fair Value |  | Amortized Cost |  | Fair Value
|  | (In thousands)
Cash equivalents: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed income securities |  | $ | 433,413 |  |  | $ | 433,413 |  |  | $ | 103,121 |  |  | $ | 103,124 |
Other |  | 19,577 |  |  | 19,577 |  |  | 56 |  |  | 56 |
Short-term investments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed income securities |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 96,902 |  |  | $ | 96,902 |

All of the fixed income securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days and all of the fixed income securities classified as short-term investments above mature within one year. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Gross realized losses recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $7,700 and $8,100, respectively. No gross realized gains or losses were recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities recognized during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 that have been included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 are disclosed in “Note 12. Stockholders' Equity.”
6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company utilizes various raw materials in its operations, including corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, sorghum and energy, such as natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate.
The Company has operations in Mexico and, therefore, has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are translated to U.S. dollars. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency forward contracts to manage this translational foreign exchange risk.
The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts.
We have not designated the derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized net gains of $28.0 million and $8.0 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. We also recognized net gains of $14.0 million and $21.9 million related to changes in the fair value of our derivative financial instruments during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table:
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| September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
| (Fair values in thousands)
Fair values: |  |  |
Commodity derivative assets | $ | 5,187 |  |  | $ | 2,889 |
Commodity derivative liabilities | (6,363 | ) |  | (1,728 | )
Cash collateral posted with brokers | 8,040 |  |  | 4,142 |
Foreign currency derivative assets | 1,278 |  |  | 1,214 |
Derivatives coverage(a): |  |  |
Corn | 2.0 | % |  | 1.1 | %
Soybean meal | 1.3 | % |  | (3.6 | )%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: |  |  |
Corn | July 2016 |  |  | September 2015 |
Soybean meal | July 2015 |  |  | July 2014 |

(a) | Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following:

| September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
| (In thousands)
Land | $ | 66,283 |  |  | $ | 66,071 |
Buildings | 1,083,380 |  |  | 1,077,859 |
Machinery and equipment | 1,530,264 |  |  | 1,502,968 |
Autos and trucks | 55,083 |  |  | 55,779 |
Construction-in-progress | 130,229 |  |  | 66,926 |
PP&E, gross | 2,865,239 |  |  | 2,769,603 |
Accumulated depreciation | (1,684,825 | ) |  | (1,617,792 | )
PP&E, net | $ | 1,180,414 |  |  | $ | 1,151,811 |

The Company recognized depreciation expense of $33.9 million and $34.3 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. We also recognized depreciation expense of $101.1 million and $102.3 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, we spent $131.3 million on capital projects and transferred $67.3 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures were primarily incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 to improve efficiencies and reduce costs in the U.S. and to expand capacity in Mexico.
During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $4.1 million and $8.4 million, respectively, and recognized a net loss of $26,700 and a net gain of $1.1 million, respectively. PP&E sold in 2014 included a warehouse, a commercial building and a vehicle maintenance center in Texas, an office building in Mexico City, a processing plant in Franconia, Pennsylvania, and miscellaneous equipment. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $0.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and recognized net gains on these sales of $0.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. PP&E sold in 2013 included vehicle maintenance centers in Arkansas and Texas and miscellaneous equipment.
Management has committed to the sale of certain properties and related assets, including, but not limited to, a processing plant in Louisiana and other miscellaneous assets, which no longer fit into the operating plans of the Company. The Company is actively marketing these properties and related assets for immediate sale and believes a sale of each property can be consummated within the next 12 months. At September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company reported properties and related assets totaling $1.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively, in the line item Assets held for sale on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company tested the recoverability of its assets held for sale and determined that the aggregate carrying amount of each asset group was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in that asset group.
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The Company has closed or idled various processing complexes, processing plants, hatcheries, broiler farms, and feed mills throughout the U.S. Neither the Board of Directors nor JBS USA has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these idled assets. Management is therefore not certain that it can or will divest any of these assets within one year, is not actively marketing these assets and, accordingly, has not classified them as assets held for sale. The Company continues to depreciate these assets. At September 28, 2014, the carrying amount of these idled assets was $73.0 million based on depreciable value of $184.6 million and accumulated depreciation of $111.6 million.
The Company last tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held and used in December 2013. At that time, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held and used was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group and that long-lived assets held and used passed the Step 1 recoverability test under ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. There were no indicators present during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 that required the Company to test its long-lived assets held and used for recoverability.
8. CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components:

| September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
| (In thousands)
Accounts payable: |  |  |
Trade accounts | $ | 331,832 |  |  | $ | 313,266 |
Book overdrafts | 50,045 |  |  | 55,378 |
Other payables | 1,902 |  |  | 1,716 |
Total accounts payable | 383,779 |  |  | 370,360 |
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC | 1,969 |  |  | 3,934 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: |  |  |
Compensation and benefits | 106,329 |  |  | 100,965 |
Interest and debt-related fees | 12,094 |  |  | 7,558 |
Insurance and self-insured claims | 88,679 |  |  | 99,244 |
Derivative liabilities: |  |  |
Futures | 5,350 |  |  | 1,729 |
Options | 1,012 |  |  | — |
Other accrued expenses | 93,689 |  |  | 73,859 |
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 307,153 |  |  | 283,355 |
| $ | 692,901 |  |  | $ | 657,649 |

9. | LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements consisted of the following components:

| Maturity |  | September 28, 2014 |  | December 29, 2013
|  |  | (In thousands)
Senior notes, at 7 7/8%, net of unaccreted discount | 2018 |  | $ | 498,098 |  |  | $ | 497,757 |
U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): |  |  |  |  |
The U.S. Credit Facility Term B-1 note payable at 2.4375% | 2014 |  | — |  |  | 204,880 |
The U.S. Credit Facility Term B-2 note payable at 9.00% | 2014 |  | — |  |  | 205,219 |
Other | Various |  | 4,277 |  |  | 4,377 |
Long-term debt |  |  | 502,375 |  |  | 912,233 |
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt |  |  | (260 | ) |  | (410,234 | )
Long-term debt, less current maturities |  |  | $ | 502,115 |  |  | $ | 501,999 |

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Senior and Subordinated Notes
At September 28, 2014, the Company had an aggregate principal balance of $500.0 million of 7 7/8% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) outstanding that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The 2018 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by one of the Company’s subsidiaries. Interest is payable on December 15 and June 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2011. Additionally, the Company had an aggregate principal balance of $3.6 million of 7 5/8% senior unsecured notes due 2015 and 8 3/8% senior subordinated unsecured notes due 2017 outstanding at September 28, 2014.
On June 23, 2011, the Company entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA's account that support certain obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. JBS USA agreed to arrange for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company serving the Company in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential workers compensation, auto and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit cost the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility (as defined below). In the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, the Company reimbursed JBS USA $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for letter of credit costs. As of September 28, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. There remains no other commitment to make advances by JBS USA under the Subordinated Loan Agreement.
U.S. Credit Facility
Pilgrim’s and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and other lenders party thereto, which was amended and restated on August 7, 2013. As of September 28, 2014, the U.S. Credit Facility provided for a $700.0 million revolving credit facility and a delayed draw term loan commitment of up to $400 million (the “Delayed Draw Term Loans”). The Company can draw upon the Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment in one or more advances until December 28, 2014. The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitment by up to an additional $250.0 million and to increase the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment by up to an additional $500.0 million, in each case subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining the lenders’ agreement to participate in the increase and an aggregate limit on all commitments under the U.S. Credit Facility of $1.85 billion. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides for a $100 million sub-limit for swingline loans and a $200 million sub-limit for letters of credit. The revolving loan commitment under the U.S. Credit Facility matures on August 7, 2018. Any Delayed Draw Term Loans would be payable in quarterly installments beginning in fiscal year 2015 equal to 1.875% of the principal outstanding as of December 28, 2014, with all remaining principal and interest due at maturity on August 7, 2018.
On December 28, 2009, the Company paid loan costs totaling $50.0 million related to the U.S. Credit Facility that it recognized as an asset on its balance sheet. On August 7, 2013, the Company paid loan costs totaling $5.0 million related to the amendment and restatement to the U.S. Credit Facility that is recognized as an asset on its balance sheet. The Company amortizes these capitalized costs to interest expense over the life of the U.S. Credit Facility.
Subsequent to the end of each fiscal year, a portion of our cash flow was required to be used to repay outstanding principal amounts under the Term B loans. With respect to 2013, the Company paid $204.9 million of its cash flow toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-1 loans on December 30, 2013 and paid $205.2 million of its cash flow toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-2 loans on April 28, 2014. Following the April 28, 2014 payment, the Company had no outstanding principal under the Term B loans. The U.S. Credit Facility also requires us to use the proceeds we receive from certain asset sales and specified debt or equity issuances and upon the occurrence of other events to repay outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Credit Facility.
Actual borrowings by the Company under the revolving credit commitment component of the U.S. Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base, which is a formula based on certain eligible inventory, eligible receivables and restricted cash under the control of CoBank ACB. As of September 28, 2014, the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $679.9 million. The Company had letters of credit of $20.1 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of September 28, 2014.
The U.S. Credit Facility contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain restricted payments, consummate certain assets sales, enter into certain transactions with JBS USA and our other affiliates, merge, consolidate and/or sell or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. The U.S. Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a minimum level of tangible net worth covenant. The Company is currently in compliance with this financial covenant. All other financial covenants were
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eliminated in connection with the August 7, 2013 amendment and restatement to the U.S. Credit Facility. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides that the Company may not incur capital expenditures in excess of $350.0 million in any fiscal year.
All obligations under the U.S. Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the accounts receivable and inventories of the Company and its non-Mexico subsidiaries, (ii) 65% of the equity interests in the Company’s direct foreign subsidiaries and 100% of the equity interests in the Company’s other subsidiaries, (iii) substantially all of the personal property and intangibles of the borrowers and guarantors under the U.S. Credit Facility and (iv) substantially all of the real estate and fixed assets of the Company and the guarantor subsidiaries under the U.S. Credit Facility.
Mexico Credit Facility
On July 23, 2014, Avícola and certain Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is 560.0 million Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the TIIE rate plus 1.05%. The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on July 23, 2017. As of September 28, 2014, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $41.7 million. There are currently no outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility. The Mexico Credit facility replaced our amended and restated credit agreement with ING Bank (México), S.A. Institucíon de Banca Múltiple, ING Grupo Financiero, as lender and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent, which was terminated on July 23, 2014.

10. | INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax expense of $284.9 million, a 34.4% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 compared to income tax expense of $24.2 million, a 5.6% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. The income tax expense recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the Company's year-to-date income. The income tax expense recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the company's year-to-date income offset by a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of year-to-date earnings.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of September 28, 2014, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, there is tax benefit of $6.1 million reflected in other comprehensive income. There was no tax benefit reflected in other comprehensive income for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 because the Company had a valuation allowance.
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2008 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009.
The Company is pursuing the IRS' amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.

11. | PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company sponsors programs that provide retirement benefits to most of its employees. These programs include qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan and defined contribution retirement savings plans. Expenses recognized under all of these retirement plans totaled $1.5 million and $1.9 million in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. Expenses recognized under all of these retirement plans totaled $4.3 million and $5.7 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively.
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Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components:

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
| Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits |  | Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits |  | Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits |  | Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
| (In thousands)
Service cost | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (20 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Interest cost | 2,026 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 1,988 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 6,078 |  |  | 60 |  |  | 5,965 |  |  | 59 |
Estimated return on plan assets | (1,593 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,349 | ) |  | — |  |  | (4,780 | ) |  | — |  |  | (4,048 | ) |  | — |
Amortization of net loss (gain) | 14 |  |  | — |  |  | 250 |  |  | — |  |  | 42 |  |  | — |  |  | 751 |  |  | — |
Net costs | $ | 447 |  |  | $ | 20 |  |  | $ | 869 |  |  | $ | 20 |  |  | $ | 1,340 |  |  | $ | 60 |  |  | $ | 2,668 |  |  | $ | 59 |

During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, the Company contributed $8.2 million and $11.6 million, respectively, to its defined benefit plans.
The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis.
The Company and certain retirement plans that it sponsors invest in a variety of financial instruments. Certain postretirement funds in which the Company participates hold significant amounts of mortgage-backed securities. However, none of the mortgages collateralizing these securities are considered subprime.

12. | STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014(a) |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013(a)
| Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits |  | Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities |  | Total |  | Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
| (In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (45,797 | ) |  | $ | 62 |  |  | $ | (45,735 | ) |  | $ | (68,511 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (10,094 | ) |  | 169 |  |  | (9,925 | ) |  | 35,363 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income | 26 |  |  | (181 | ) |  | (155 | ) |  | 751 |
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | (10,068 | ) |  | (12 | ) |  | (10,080 | ) |  | 36,114 |
Balance, end of period | $ | (55,865 | ) |  | $ | 50 |  |  | $ | (55,815 | ) |  | $ | (32,397 | )

(a) | All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.

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|  | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) |  |
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |  | Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
|  | (In thousands) |  |
Realized gain on sale of securities |  | $ | 290 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | Selling, general and administrative expense
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses: |  |  |  |  |  |
Union employees pension plan(b)(d) |  | — |  |  | (27 | ) |  | Cost of sales
Legacy Gold Kist plans(c)(d) |  | (42 | ) |  | (724 | ) |  | Selling, general and administrative expense
Total before tax |  | 248 |  |  | (751 | ) |  |
Tax benefit (expense) |  | (93 | ) |  | — |  |  |
Total reclassification for the period |  | $ | 155 |  |  | (751 | ) |  |

(a) | Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations.

(b) | The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.

(c) | The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees.

(d) | These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restrictions on Retained Earnings
Both the U.S. Credit Facility and the indenture governing the 2018 Notes restrict, but do not prohibit, the Company from declaring dividends.

13. | INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the “STIP”). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. The Company has accrued $22.6 million in costs related to the STIP at September 28, 2014 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during the remainder of 2014 and 2015.
The Company also sponsors a performance-based, omnibus long-term incentive plan that provides for the grant of a broad range of long-term equity-based and cash-based awards to the Company's officers and other employees, members of the Board of Directors and any consultants (the “LTIP”). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At September 28, 2014, we have reserved approximately 6.6 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP.
The following awards existed during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014:

Award Type |  | Benefit Plan |  | Award Quantity |  | Grant Date |  | Vesting Condition |  | Vesting Date |  | Estimated Forfeiture Rate |  | Settlement Method
RSA |  | Employment Agreement |  | 100,000 |  |  | January 14, 2011 |  | Service |  | January 3, 2014 |  | — | % |  | Stock
RSA |  | LTIP |  | 72,675 |  |  | August 27, 2012 |  | Service |  | April 27, 2014 |  | — | % |  | Stock
RSU |  | LTIP |  | 608,561 |  |  | February 4, 2013 |  | Service |  | December 31, 2014 |  | 9.66 | % |  | Stock
RSA |  | LTIP |  | 15,000 |  |  | February 25, 2013 |  | Service |  | February 24, 2015 |  | — | % |  | Stock
RSA |  | LTIP |  | 15,000 |  |  | February 25, 2013 |  | Service |  | February 24, 2016 |  | — | % |  | Stock
RSU |  | LTIP |  | 206,933 |  |  | February 26, 2013 |  | Service |  | December 31, 2014 |  | — | % |  | Stock
RSU |  | LTIP |  | 462,518 |  |  | February 19, 2014 |  | Service |  | December 31, 2016 |  | 13.49 | % |  | Stock

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The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date.
Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below:

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
| September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
| (In thousands)
Share-based compensation cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cost of sales | $ | 60 |  |  | $ | 102 |  |  | $ | 231 |  |  | $ | 255 |
Selling, general and administrative expense | 1,067 |  |  | 711 |  |  | 3,273 |  |  | 2,160 |
Total | $ | 1,127 |  |  | $ | 813 |  |  | $ | 3,504 |  |  | $ | 2,415 |
Income tax benefit | $ | 156 |  |  | $ | 151 |  |  | $ | 672 |  |  | $ | 488 |

The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below:

| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
| Number |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |  | Number |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
| (In thousands, except weighted average fair values)
RSAs: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding at beginning of period | 203 |  |  | $ | 6.59 |  |  | 273 |  |  | $ | 6.54 |
Granted | — |  |  | — |  |  | 30 |  |  | 8.72 |
Vested | (173 | ) |  | 6.22 |  |  | (100 | ) |  | 7.10 |
Outstanding at end of period | 30 |  |  | $ | 8.72 |  |  | 203 |  |  | $ | 6.59 |
RSUs: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding at beginning of period | 729 |  |  | $ | 8.81 |  |  | — |  |  | $ | — |
Granted | 462 |  |  | 16.70 |  |  | 815 |  |  | 8.82 |
Vested | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Forfeited | (71 | ) |  | 10.34 |  |  | (72 | ) |  | 8.89 |
Outstanding at end of period | 1,120 |  |  | $ | 11.97 |  |  | 743 |  |  | $ | 8.81 |

The total fair value of shares vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 was $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
At September 28, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $7.1 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.05 years.
Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Pilgrim's has been and, in some cases, continues to be a party to certain transactions with affiliated persons and our current and former directors and executive officers. Company management has analyzed the terms of all contracts executed with related parties and believes that they are substantially similar to, and contain terms no less favorable to us than, those obtainable from unaffiliated parties.
On December 28, 2009, JBS USA became the holder of the majority of the common stock of the Company. As of September 28, 2014, JBS USA beneficially owned 75.5% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.
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Transactions with JBS USA and JBS USA, LLC (a JBS USA subsidiary) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are summarized below:

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
| September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013
| (In thousands)
JBS USA: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Letter of credit fees(a) | 335 |  |  | 513 |  |  | 1,005 |  |  | 1,697 |
JBS USA, LLC: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchases from JBS USA, LLC(b) | 31,994 |  |  | 19,155 |  |  | 85,333 |  |  | 59,945 |
Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation(c) | 2,099 |  |  | 11,281 |  |  | 21,013 |  |  | 34,659 |
Sales to JBS USA, LLC(b) | 2,763 |  |  | 13,996 |  |  | 36,234 |  |  | 49,263 |
Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC(c) | 891 |  |  | 630 |  |  | 2,197 |  |  | 1,313 |

(a) | Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2014, we have paid JBS USA $1.0 million for letter of credit costs. As of September 28, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.

(b) | We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $2.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $0.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of September 28, 2014, approximately $1.0 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(c) | On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On May 5, 2010, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on May 5, 2015.

On June 13, 2013, PPC entered into an inventory purchase agreement with two of its Mexican subsidiaries, Incubadora Hidalgo S. de R. L. de C.V. (“Incubadora”), and Pilgrim's Pride S. de R.L. de C.V. (“PPSRLCV”), under which Incubadora, and PPSRLCV disbursed $100.0 million to PPC as a non-refundable advance payment towards the purchase of inventory. The agreement expired on June 13, 2014. During the term of this agreement, Incubadora, and PPSRLCV purchased inventory from PPC through the ordinary course of business. The price for the inventory was determined as the fair market value of the inventory at the time of the purchase less a discount of 2.1863%. These purchases reduced the advance payment until the advance payment amount was exhausted. On June 13, 2014, the inventory purchase agreement was amended to increase the discount to 3.21% and extend the maturity date to June 13, 2015. Transactions and balances resulting from this agreement eliminate upon consolidation.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In the Company’s opinion, it has made appropriate and adequate accruals for claims where necessary; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if significantly different than the amounts accrued, the ultimate outcome could have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. For a discussion of the material legal proceedings and claims, see Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings.” Below is a summary of some of these material proceedings and claims. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these cases.
On December 1, 2008, Pilgrim’s and six of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division (“Bankruptcy Court”). The cases were jointly administered under Case No. 08-45664. The Company emerged from Chapter 11 on December 28, 2009. The Company is the named defendant in several pre-petition lawsuits that, as of June 29, 2014, have not been resolved. Among the claims presently pending are claims brought against certain current and former directors, executive officers and employees of the
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Company, the Pilgrim’s Pride Administrative Committee and the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Committee seeking unspecified damages under section 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1132. These claims were brought by individual participants in the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan, individually and on behalf of a putative class, alleging that the defendants breached fiduciary duties to plan participants and beneficiaries or otherwise violated ERISA. Although the Company is not a named defendant in these claims, our bylaws require us to indemnify our current and former directors and officers from any liabilities and expenses incurred by them in connection with actions they took in good faith while serving as an officer or director. In these actions the plaintiffs assert claims in excess of $35.0 million. The likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of any possible loss to the Company cannot be determined at this time.
Other claims presently pending against the Company are claims seeking unspecified damages brought by current or former contract chicken growers who allege, along with other assertions, that the Company breached grower contracts and made false representations to induce the plaintiffs into building chicken farms and entering into chicken growing agreements with the Company. In the case styled Shelia Adams, et al. v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, on September 30, 2011, the trial court issued its findings of fact and conclusions of law stating that the Company violated section 192(e) of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by purportedly attempting to manipulate the price of chicken by idling the El Dorado, Arkansas complex and rejecting the El Dorado growers’ contracts. The trial court awarded damages in the amount of $25.8 million. Afterward, the Company filed post-judgment motions attacking the trial court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law, which, on December 28, 2011, were granted in part and resulted in a reduction of the damages award from $25.8 million to $25.6 million. On January 19, 2012, the Company appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the "Fifth Circuit"). Oral argument occurred December 3, 2012. On August 27, 2013, the Fifth Circuit reversed the judgment, and entered a judgment in favor of the Company. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a petition for rehearing en banc. Plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing was denied on October 15, 2013. On January 13, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari requesting the Supreme Court of the United States to accept their case for review. Plaintiff’s petition for a Writ of Certiorari was denied on February 24, 2014. The Fifth Circuit's decision and prior favorable trial court rulings regarding the El Dorado growers' claims suggest that the likelihood of any recovery by growers remaining in the case is too remote to maintain the previously-recorded loss accrual. Therefore, the Company reversed the accrual on September 1, 2013.
As for the remaining chicken grower claims, the bench trial relating to the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex began on July 16, 2012. That bench trial concluded on August 2, 2012, but the Marshall Court postponed its ruling until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The bench trial relating to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches, Texas complex began on September 12, 2012, but was also postponed until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The remaining bench trial for the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes was scheduled for October 29, 2012, but that trial date was canceled. Following the denial by the Supreme Court of the United States for a Writ of Certiorari related to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the El Dorado, Arkansas complex, the Marshall Court requested briefing on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex and scheduled trial proceedings for allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches complex on August 25, 2014 and allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes on October 27, 2014. Prior to commencing the trial proceedings on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes, the Marshall Court announced it would enter judgment in PPC’s favor on all remaining federal causes of action, and plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville complexes were given additional time to brief Arkansas state law claims. The court-imposed deadline passed with no briefs filed by plaintiffs. At this time, the Marshall Court has not memorialized its decision in writing.
The United States Department of Treasury, IRS filed an amended proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to which the IRS asserted claims that total $74.7 million. We entered into two Stipulations with the IRS on December 12, 2012 that accounted for approximately $29.3 million of the amended proof of claim and should result in no additional tax due.
In connection with the remaining claim for approximately $45.4 million included in the amended proof of claim, we filed a petition in Tax Court on May 26, 2010 in response to a Notice of Deficiency that was issued to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist. The Notice of Deficiency and the Tax Court proceeding relate to a loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004. On December 11, 2013, the Tax Court issued its opinion in the Tax Court case holding the loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004 is capital in nature. On January 10, 2014, PPC filed both a Motion for Reconsideration and a Motion for Full Tax Court review of both its Motion for Reconsideration and any order issued in response to such motion. On March 10, 2014, the Tax Court denied both the Motion for Reconsideration and the Motion for Full Tax Court review. On April 14, 2014, the Company appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the Fifth Circuit. The Company filed an opening brief with the Fifth Circuit on June 30, 2014. The IRS filed a response brief with the Fifth Circuit on August 15, 2014. The Company then filed their reply brief with the Fifth Circuit on September 2, 2014. The Fifth Circuit has tentatively scheduled oral argument for the first full week of January 2015.
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Upon the initial filing of the Gold Kist tax return for the year ended June 26, 2004, the Company assessed the likelihood that the position related to the proceeding would be sustained upon examination and determined that it met the recognition threshold and the full amount of benefit was recognized. We continue to believe the position is more likely than not of being sustained. If adversely determined, the outcome could have a material effect on the Company's operating results and financial position.
16. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
On December 15, 2010, the Company sold the 2018 Notes. The 2018 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of West Virginia, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Guarantor”). In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, the following condensed consolidating financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company (referred to as “Parent” for the purpose of this note only) on a Parent-only basis, the Guarantor on a Guarantor-only basis, the combined non-Guarantor subsidiaries and elimination entries necessary to arrive at the information for the Parent, the Guarantor and non-Guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company using the equity method for this presentation.
The tables below present the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, as well as the condensed consolidating statements of operations and comprehensive income for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 based on the guarantor structure.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 604,990 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 263,607 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 868,597 |
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts |  | 367,848 |  |  | 1,419 |  |  | 44,135 |  |  | — |  |  | 413,402 |
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC |  | 240 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 240 |
Inventories |  | 696,989 |  |  | 20,639 |  |  | 100,264 |  |  | — |  |  | 817,892 |
Income taxes receivable |  | 588 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (588 | ) |  | — |
Current deferred tax assets |  | — |  |  | 9,902 |  |  | 506 |  |  | (8,181 | ) |  | 2,227 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 38,519 |  |  | 208 |  |  | 38,666 |  |  | — |  |  | 77,393 |
Assets held for sale |  | 1,419 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,419 |
Total current assets |  | 1,710,593 |  |  | 32,168 |  |  | 447,178 |  |  | (8,769 | ) |  | 2,181,170 |
Intercompany receivable |  | (66,101 | ) |  | 123,514 |  |  | — |  |  | (57,413 | ) |  | — |
Investment in subsidiaries |  | 669,742 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (669,742 | ) |  | — |
Deferred tax assets |  | 75,260 |  |  | — |  |  | 13,466 |  |  | (3,513 | ) |  | 85,213 |
Other long-lived assets |  | 29,741 |  |  | — |  |  | 181,025 |  |  | (180,000 | ) |  | 30,766 |
Identified intangible assets, net |  | 20,521 |  |  | — |  |  | 7,698 |  |  | — |  |  | 28,219 |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  | 1,029,532 |  |  | 45,682 |  |  | 109,966 |  |  | (4,766 | ) |  | 1,180,414 |
Total assets |  | $ | 3,469,288 |  |  | $ | 201,364 |  |  | $ | 759,333 |  |  | $ | (924,203 | ) |  | $ | 3,505,782 |
Accounts payable |  | 318,106 |  |  | 17,501 |  |  | 48,172 |  |  | — |  |  | 383,779 |
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC |  | 1,969 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,969 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |  | 246,759 |  |  | 37,318 |  |  | 23,076 |  |  | — |  |  | 307,153 |
Income taxes payable |  | 151,714 |  |  | — |  |  | 25,027 |  |  | (588 | ) |  | 176,153 |
Current deferred tax liabilities |  | 7,189 |  |  | — |  |  | 15,070 |  |  | (7,189 | ) |  | 15,070 |
Current maturities of long-term debt |  | 260 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 260 |
Total current liabilities |  | 725,997 |  |  | 54,819 |  |  | 111,345 |  |  | (7,777 | ) |  | 884,384 |
Long-term debt, less current maturities |  | 527,115 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (25,000 | ) |  | 502,115 |
Intercompany payable |  | — |  |  | 3,561 |  |  | 53,852 |  |  | (57,413 | ) |  | — |
Deferred tax liabilities |  | — |  |  | 4,204 |  |  | 301 |  |  | (4,505 | ) |  | — |
Other long-term liabilities |  | 85,140 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,350 |  |  | — |  |  | 88,490 |
Total liabilities |  | 1,338,252 |  |  | 62,584 |  |  | 168,848 |  |  | (94,695 | ) |  | 1,474,989 |
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity |  | 2,131,036 |  |  | 138,780 |  |  | 587,395 |  |  | (829,508 | ) |  | 2,027,703 |
Noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,090 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,090 |
Total stockholders’ equity |  | 2,131,036 |  |  | 138,780 |  |  | 590,485 |  |  | (829,508 | ) |  | 2,030,793 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |  | $ | 3,469,288 |  |  | $ | 201,364 |  |  | $ | 759,333 |  |  | $ | (924,203 | ) |  | $ | 3,505,782 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS December 29, 2013
| Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
| (In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 413,092 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 95,114 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 508,206 |
Investment in available-for-sale securities | 96,902 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 96,902 |
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts | 327,367 |  |  | 1,380 |  |  | 47,931 |  |  | — |  |  | 376,678 |
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC | 2,388 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,388 |
Inventories | 696,604 |  |  | 20,215 |  |  | 92,013 |  |  | — |  |  | 808,832 |
Income taxes receivable | 52,662 |  |  | — |  |  | 12,793 |  |  | (587 | ) |  | 64,868 |
Current deferred tax assets | 3,213 |  |  | 5,698 |  |  | 506 |  |  | (7,190 | ) |  | 2,227 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 34,881 |  |  | 270 |  |  | 26,697 |  |  | — |  |  | 61,848 |
Assets held for sale | 6,798 |  |  | — |  |  | 235 |  |  | — |  |  | 7,033 |
Total current assets | 1,633,907 |  |  | 27,563 |  |  | 275,289 |  |  | (7,777 | ) |  | 1,928,982 |
Intercompany receivable | (64,772 | ) |  | 114,707 |  |  | — |  |  | (49,935 | ) |  | — |
Investment in subsidiaries | 472,431 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (472,431 | ) |  | — |
Deferred tax assets | 5,995 |  |  | — |  |  | 18,924 |  |  | (5,998 | ) |  | 18,921 |
Other long-lived assets | 37,282 |  |  | — |  |  | 182,881 |  |  | (180,000 | ) |  | 40,163 |
Identified intangible assets, net | 23,463 |  |  | — |  |  | 9,062 |  |  | — |  |  | 32,525 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,009,711 |  |  | 44,643 |  |  | 102,221 |  |  | (4,764 | ) |  | 1,151,811 |
Total assets | $ | 3,118,017 |  |  | $ | 186,913 |  |  | $ | 588,377 |  |  | $ | (720,905 | ) |  | $ | 3,172,402 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 410,234 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 410,234 |
Accounts payable | 308,154 |  |  | 12,711 |  |  | 49,495 |  |  | — |  |  | 370,360 |
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC | 3,934 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3,934 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 269,062 |  |  | 33,821 |  |  | (19,528 | ) |  | — |  |  | 283,355 |
Income taxes payable | — |  |  | — |  |  | 587 |  |  | (587 | ) |  | — |
Current deferred tax liabilities | 7,190 |  |  | — |  |  | 15,515 |  |  | (7,190 | ) |  | 15,515 |
Total current liabilities | 998,574 |  |  | 46,532 |  |  | 46,069 |  |  | (7,777 | ) |  | 1,083,398 |
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 526,999 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (25,000 | ) |  | 501,999 |
Intercompany payable | — |  |  | — |  |  | 49,935 |  |  | (49,935 | ) |  | — |
Deferred tax liabilities | 13,944 |  |  | 5,698 |  |  | 297 |  |  | (5,995 | ) |  | 13,944 |
Other long-term liabilities | 77,228 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,231 |  |  | — |  |  | 80,459 |
Total liabilities | 1,616,745 |  |  | 52,230 |  |  | 99,532 |  |  | (88,707 | ) |  | 1,679,800 |
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity | 1,501,272 |  |  | 134,683 |  |  | 486,061 |  |  | (632,198 | ) |  | 1,489,818 |
Noncontrolling interest | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,784 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,784 |
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,501,272 |  |  | 134,683 |  |  | 488,845 |  |  | (632,198 | ) |  | 1,492,602 |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 3,118,017 |  |  | $ | 186,913 |  |  | $ | 588,377 |  |  | $ | (720,905 | ) |  | $ | 3,172,402 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net sales |  | $ | 1,844,929 |  |  | $ | 121,540 |  |  | $ | 276,394 |  |  | $ | 25,185 |  |  | $ | 2,268,048 |
Cost of sales |  | 1,453,490 |  |  | 124,940 |  |  | 214,168 |  |  | 25,185 |  |  | 1,817,783 |
Gross profit (loss) |  | 391,439 |  |  | (3,400 | ) |  | 62,226 |  |  | — |  |  | 450,265 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 38,184 |  |  | 1,112 |  |  | 5,333 |  |  | — |  |  | 44,629 |
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 135 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 135 |
Operating income (loss) |  | 353,120 |  |  | (4,512 | ) |  | 56,893 |  |  | — |  |  | 405,501 |
Interest expense, net |  | 11,315 |  |  | (48 | ) |  | 105 |  |  | — |  |  | 11,372 |
Interest income |  | (215 | ) |  | — |  |  | (956 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,171 | )
Foreign currency transaction loss |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,414 |  |  | — |  |  | 6,414 |
Miscellaneous, net |  | (1,815 | ) |  | 1,447 |  |  | (323 | ) |  | 81 |  |  | (610 | )
Income (loss) before income taxes |  | 343,835 |  |  | (5,911 | ) |  | 51,653 |  |  | (81 | ) |  | 389,496 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  | 118,146 |  |  | (2,245 | ) |  | 17,792 |  |  | — |  |  | 133,693 |
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 225,689 |  |  | (3,666 | ) |  | 33,861 |  |  | (81 | ) |  | 255,803 |
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 30,295 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (30,295 | ) |  | — |
Net income (loss) |  | 255,984 |  |  | (3,666 | ) |  | 33,861 |  |  | (30,376 | ) |  | 255,803 |
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (181 | ) |  | — |  |  | (181 | )
Net income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation |  | $ | 255,984 |  |  | $ | (3,666 | ) |  | $ | 34,042 |  |  | $ | (30,376 | ) |  | $ | 255,984 |

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net sales |  | $ | 1,889,353 |  |  | $ | 132,942 |  |  | $ | 245,372 |  |  | $ | (124,852 | ) |  | $ | 2,142,815 |
Cost of sales |  | 1,676,605 |  |  | 117,753 |  |  | 235,856 |  |  | (123,972 | ) |  | 1,906,242 |
Gross profit |  | 212,748 |  |  | 15,189 |  |  | 9,516 |  |  | (880 | ) |  | 236,573 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 36,976 |  |  | 1,068 |  |  | 5,753 |  |  | — |  |  | 43,797 |
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 3,126 |  |  | — |  |  | 532 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,658 |
Operating income |  | 172,646 |  |  | 14,121 |  |  | 3,231 |  |  | (880 | ) |  | 189,118 |
Interest expense, net |  | 20,246 |  |  | — |  |  | 167 |  |  | — |  |  | 20,413 |
Interest income |  | (8 | ) |  | — |  |  | (563 | ) |  | — |  |  | (571 | )
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) |  | (1 | ) |  | — |  |  | 2,683 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,682 |
Miscellaneous, net |  | (1,508 | ) |  | 1,260 |  |  | (98 | ) |  | 338 |  |  | (8 | )
Income before income taxes |  | 153,917 |  |  | 12,861 |  |  | 1,042 |  |  | (1,218 | ) |  | 166,602 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  | 13,643 |  |  | — |  |  | (8,065 | ) |  | — |  |  | 5,578 |
Income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 140,274 |  |  | 12,861 |  |  | 9,107 |  |  | (1,218 | ) |  | 161,024 |
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 20,643 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (20,643 | ) |  | — |
Net income |  | 160,917 |  |  | 12,861 |  |  | 9,107 |  |  | (21,861 | ) |  | 161,024 |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 107 |  |  | — |  |  | 107 |
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation |  | $ | 160,917 |  |  | $ | 12,861 |  |  | $ | 9,000 |  |  | $ | (21,861 | ) |  | $ | 160,917 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net sales |  | $ | 5,491,934 |  |  | $ | 362,390 |  |  | $ | 819,354 |  |  | $ | (200,749 | ) |  | $ | 6,472,929 |
Cost of sales |  | 4,660,153 |  |  | 344,707 |  |  | 653,972 |  |  | (200,749 | ) |  | 5,458,083 |
Gross profit |  | 831,781 |  |  | 17,683 |  |  | 165,382 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,014,846 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 119,268 |  |  | 3,491 |  |  | 15,678 |  |  | — |  |  | 138,437 |
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 2,286 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,286 |
Operating income |  | 710,227 |  |  | 14,192 |  |  | 149,704 |  |  | — |  |  | 874,123 |
Interest expense, net |  | 45,114 |  |  | (109 | ) |  | 402 |  |  | — |  |  | 45,407 |
Interest income |  | (522 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,452 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,974 | )
Foreign currency transaction loss |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,930 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,932 |
Miscellaneous, net |  | (7,090 | ) |  | 5,034 |  |  | (766 | ) |  | 213 |  |  | (2,609 | )
Income before income taxes |  | 672,723 |  |  | 9,267 |  |  | 147,590 |  |  | (213 | ) |  | 829,367 |
Income tax expense |  | 233,478 |  |  | 5,171 |  |  | 46,283 |  |  | — |  |  | 284,932 |
Income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 439,245 |  |  | 4,096 |  |  | 101,307 |  |  | (213 | ) |  | 544,435 |
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 105,216 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (105,216 | ) |  | — |
Net income |  | 544,461 |  |  | 4,096 |  |  | 101,307 |  |  | (105,429 | ) |  | 544,435 |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (26 | ) |  | — |  |  | (26 | )
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation |  | $ | 544,461 |  |  | $ | 4,096 |  |  | $ | 101,333 |  |  | $ | (105,429 | ) |  | $ | 544,461 |

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net sales |  | $ | 5,538,779 |  |  | $ | 404,360 |  |  | $ | 801,270 |  |  | $ | (380,546 | ) |  | $ | 6,363,863 |
Cost of sales |  | 5,059,584 |  |  | 366,769 |  |  | 679,661 |  |  | (379,666 | ) |  | 5,726,348 |
Gross profit |  | 479,195 |  |  | 37,591 |  |  | 121,609 |  |  | (880 | ) |  | 637,515 |
Selling, general and administrative expense |  | 111,473 |  |  | 3,187 |  |  | 17,228 |  |  | — |  |  | 131,888 |
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 4,090 |  |  | — |  |  | 532 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,622 |
Operating income |  | 363,632 |  |  | 34,404 |  |  | 103,849 |  |  | (880 | ) |  | 501,005 |
Interest expense, net |  | 67,710 |  |  | — |  |  | 489 |  |  | — |  |  | 68,199 |
Interest income |  | (14 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,480 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,494 | )
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) |  | (10 | ) |  | — |  |  | 4,781 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,771 |
Miscellaneous, net |  | (5,254 | ) |  | 3,569 |  |  | 435 |  |  | 520 |  |  | (730 | )
Income before income taxes |  | 301,200 |  |  | 30,835 |  |  | 99,624 |  |  | (1,400 | ) |  | 430,259 |
Income tax expense |  | 528 |  |  | 5,764 |  |  | 17,924 |  |  | — |  |  | 24,216 |
Income before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 300,672 |  |  | 25,071 |  |  | 81,700 |  |  | (1,400 | ) |  | 406,043 |
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |  | 105,532 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (105,532 | ) |  | — |
Net income |  | 406,204 |  |  | 25,071 |  |  | 81,700 |  |  | (106,932 | ) |  | 406,043 |
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (161 | ) |  | — |  |  | (161 | )
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation |  | $ | 406,204 |  |  | $ | 25,071 |  |  | $ | 81,861 |  |  | $ | (106,932 | ) |  | $ | 406,204 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net income (loss) |  | $ | 255,984 |  |  | $ | (3,666 | ) |  | $ | 33,861 |  |  | $ | (30,376 | ) |  | $ | 255,803 |
Other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax |  | 17 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 17 |
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax |  | (653 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (653 | )
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax |  | (636 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (636 | )
Comprehensive income (loss) |  | 255,348 |  |  | (3,666 | ) |  | 33,861 |  |  | (30,376 | ) |  | 255,167 |
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (181 | ) |  | — |  |  | (181 | )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation |  | $ | 255,348 |  |  | $ | (3,666 | ) |  | $ | 34,042 |  |  | $ | (30,376 | ) |  | $ | 255,348 |

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net income |  | $ | 160,917 |  |  | $ | 12,861 |  |  | $ | 9,107 |  |  | $ | (21,861 | ) |  | $ | 161,024 |
Other comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax |  | 313 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 313 |
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax |  | 313 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 313 |
Comprehensive income |  | 161,230 |  |  | 12,861 |  |  | 9,107 |  |  | (21,861 | ) |  | 161,337 |
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 107 |  |  | — |  |  | 107 |
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation |  | $ | 161,230 |  |  | $ | 12,861 |  |  | $ | 9,000 |  |  | $ | (21,861 | ) |  | $ | 161,230 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net income |  | $ | 544,461 |  |  | $ | 4,096 |  |  | $ | 101,307 |  |  | $ | (105,429 | ) |  | $ | 544,435 |
Other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax |  | (12 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (12 | )
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax |  | (10,068 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (10,068 | )
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax |  | (10,080 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (10,080 | )
Comprehensive income |  | 534,381 |  |  | 4,096 |  |  | 101,307 |  |  | (105,429 | ) |  | 534,355 |
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (26 | ) |  | — |  |  | (26 | )
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation |  | $ | 534,381 |  |  | $ | 4,096 |  |  | $ | 101,333 |  |  | $ | (105,429 | ) |  | $ | 534,381 |

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Net income |  | $ | 406,204 |  |  | $ | 25,071 |  |  | $ | 81,700 |  |  | $ | (106,932 | ) |  | $ | 406,043 |
Other comprehensive income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax |  | 36,114 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 36,114 |
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax |  | 36,114 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 36,114 |
Comprehensive income |  | 442,318 |  |  | 25,071 |  |  | 81,700 |  |  | (106,932 | ) |  | 442,157 |
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (161 | ) |  | — |  |  | (161 | )
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation |  | $ | 442,318 |  |  | $ | 25,071 |  |  | $ | 81,861 |  |  | $ | (106,932 | ) |  | $ | 442,318 |

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities |  | $ | 608,674 |  |  | $ | 5,441 |  |  | $ | 188,506 |  |  | $ | (213 | ) |  | $ | 802,408 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment |  | (109,071 | ) |  | (5,448 | ) |  | (16,830 | ) |  | — |  |  | (131,349 | )
Purchases of investment securities |  | (55,100 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (55,100 | )
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities |  | 152,050 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 152,050 |
Proceeds from property sales and disposals |  | 5,544 |  |  | 7 |  |  | 2,871 |  |  | — |  |  | 8,422 |
Cash used in investing activities |  | (6,577 | ) |  | (5,441 | ) |  | (13,959 | ) |  | — |  |  | (25,977 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments on long-term debt |  | (410,199 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (410,199 | )
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary common stock |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 332 |  |  | — |  |  | 332 |
Other financing activities |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (213 | ) |  | 213 |  |  | — |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities |  | (410,199 | ) |  | — |  |  | 119 |  |  | 213 |  |  | (409,867 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (6,173 | ) |  | — |  |  | (6,173 | )
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | 191,898 |  |  | — |  |  | 168,493 |  |  | — |  |  | 360,391 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |  | 413,092 |  |  | — |  |  | 95,114 |  |  | — |  |  | 508,206 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |  | $ | 604,990 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 263,607 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 868,597 |

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
|  | Parent |  | Subsidiary Guarantor |  | Subsidiary Non-Guarantors |  | Eliminations/ Adjustments |  | Consolidation
|  | (In thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities |  | $ | 551,027 |  |  | $ | 4,235 |  |  | $ | 41,974 |  |  | $ | (520 | ) |  | $ | 596,716 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment |  | (63,298 | ) |  | (4,240 | ) |  | (8,755 | ) |  | — |  |  | (76,293 | )
Proceeds from property sales and disposals |  | 2,288 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 1,037 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,330 |
Cash used in investing activities |  | (61,010 | ) |  | (4,235 | ) |  | (7,718 | ) |  | — |  |  | (72,963 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from long-term debt |  | 505,600 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 505,600 |
Payments on long-term debt |  | (758,283 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (758,283 | )
Payment of capitalized loan costs |  | (5,006 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,006 | )
Other financing activities |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (520 | ) |  | 520 |  |  | — |
Cash used in financing activities |  | (257,689 | ) |  | — |  |  | (520 | ) |  | 520 |  |  | (257,689 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (3,928 | ) |  | — |  |  | (3,928 | )
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | 232,328 |  |  | — |  |  | 29,808 |  |  | — |  |  | 262,136 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |  | 27,657 |  |  | — |  |  | 40,523 |  |  | — |  |  | 68,180 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |  | $ | 259,985 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 70,331 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 330,316 |

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NOTE 17. PENDING ACQUISITION
On July 28, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Provemex Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “Tyson Mexico”) from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for approximately $400.0 million, which is subject to adjustment for closing date working capital. The transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014 or the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. We expect to fund the purchase price from available cash balances and bank credit. Tyson Mexico is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. It has a production capacity of 3 million birds per week in its three plants and employs more than 5,400 in its plants, offices and seven distribution centers.

ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Description of the Company
We are one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Mexico and Puerto Rico. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. We have approximately 35,400 employees and have the capacity to process more than 34 million birds per week for a total of more than 10 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 3,750 contract growers supply poultry for our operations. As of September 28, 2014, JBS USA Holdings, Inc. (“JBS USA”), an indirect subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., beneficially owned 75.5% of our outstanding common stock. See “Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation” of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report for additional information.
We operate on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2014) in this report applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
Executive Summary
We reported net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of $256.0 million or $0.99 per diluted common share, for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 compared to net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of $160.9 million, or $0.62 per diluted common share, for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. These operating results included gross profit of $450.3 million and $236.6 million, respectively.
We reported net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of $544.5 million, or $2.10 per diluted common share, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 compared to net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of $406.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted common share, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. These operating results included gross profit of $1,014.8 million and $637.5 million, respectively.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, $802.4 million and $596.7 million of cash was provided by operations, respectively. At September 28, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $868.6 million.
Net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $125.2 million or 5.8%, from net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013, primarily because of increases in both net sales per pound and sales volume partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation associated with our Mexico operations. Higher net sales per pound, which resulted from a slight shift in product mix toward higher-priced chicken products when compared to the same period in the prior year as well as the impact of Marek's disease on breeder flocks in Mexico, contributed $87.6 million, or 4.1% , to the increase in net sales. The increase in sales volume, which resulted from strong demand in the U.S. for chicken products, contributed $41.5 million, or 1.9 percentage points, to the increase in net sales. The impact of foreign currency translation associated with our Mexico operations partially offset the impact of increased net sales per pound and sales volume by $3.9 million, or 2.0 percentage points.
Net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $109.1 million, or 1.7%, from net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, primarily because of an increase in sales volume partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation associated with our Mexico operations and a decrease in net sales per pound. Increased sales volume, which resulted from strong demand in both the U.S. and Mexico for chicken products contributed $141.9 million, or 2.2 percentage points, to the increase in net sales. The impact of foreign currency translation associated with our Mexico operations partially offset the impact of increased sales volume by $24.7 million, or 0.4 percentage points. Lower net sales per pound, which resulted from a slight shift in product mix toward lower-priced chicken products when compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset the impact of increased sales volume by $8.1 million, or 0.1 percentage point.
30

Despite strong demand in both the U.S. and Mexico for chicken products, our net sales were hampered by supply constraints caused by breeding flock reductions in prior years. Based on current information available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, supplies of all three major proteins—beef, pork and chicken—are currently constrained compared to prior years, and we believe these conditions will continue until mid-2015. We also believe the industry does not currently possess the physical capability to rapidly increase production. Consumer demand for chicken products, especially for tenders, small whole chickens and boneless, skinless breast portions, was strong in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, when compared to the same period in the prior year and remains strong as of the date of this report. Leg quarter demand also remains well supported in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, when compared to the same period in the prior year as boneless dark meat consumption has grown in the U.S. over the past year. The combination of strong demand and constrained supply has resulted in increased market prices for most chicken products.
Market prices for feed ingredients remain volatile. Consequently, there can be no assurance that our feed ingredients prices will not increase materially and that such increases would not negatively impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flow. The following table compares the highest and lowest prices reached on nearby futures for one bushel of corn and one ton of soybean meal during the current year and previous two years:

| Corn |  | Soybean Meal
| Highest Price |  | Lowest Price |  | Highest Price |  | Lowest Price
2014: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter | $ | 4.24 |  |  | $ | 3.23 |  |  | $ | 464.20 |  |  | $ | 307.20 |
Second Quarter | 5.16 |  |  | 4.39 |  |  | 506.00 |  |  | 448.40 |
First Quarter | 4.92 |  |  | 4.12 |  |  | 470.50 |  |  | 416.50 |
2013: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fourth Quarter | 4.49 |  |  | 4.12 |  |  | 464.60 |  |  | 392.80 |
Third Quarter | 7.17 |  |  | 4.49 |  |  | 535.50 |  |  | 396.00 |
Second Quarter | 7.18 |  |  | 6.29 |  |  | 490.30 |  |  | 391.80 |
First Quarter | 7.41 |  |  | 6.80 |  |  | 438.50 |  |  | 398.20 |
2012: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fourth Quarter | 8.46 |  |  | 6.88 |  |  | 518.00 |  |  | 393.00 |
Third Quarter | 8.49 |  |  | 5.70 |  |  | 541.80 |  |  | 407.50 |
Second Quarter | 6.77 |  |  | 5.51 |  |  | 437.50 |  |  | 374.30 |
First Quarter | 6.79 |  |  | 5.93 |  |  | 374.50 |  |  | 299.00 |

We purchase derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs such as corn, soybean meal, sorghum, wheat, soybean oil and natural gas. We will sometimes take a short position on a derivative instrument to minimize the impact of a commodity's price volatility on our operating results. We will also occasionally purchase derivative financial instruments in an attempt to mitigate currency exchange rate exposure related to the financial statements of our Mexico operations that are denominated in Mexican pesos. We do not designate derivative financial instruments that we purchase to mitigate commodity purchase or currency exchange rate exposures as cash flow hedges; therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we recognized net gains totaling $28.0 million and net gains of $8.0 million, respectively, related to changes in the fair values of our derivative financial instruments.
Although changes in the market price paid for feed ingredients impact cash outlays at the time we purchase the ingredients, such changes do not immediately impact cost of sales. The cost of feed ingredients is recognized in cost of sales, on a first-in-first-out basis, at the same time that the sales of the chickens that consume the feed grains are recognized. Thus, there is a lag between the time cash is paid for feed ingredients and the time the cost of such feed ingredients is reported in cost of goods sold. For example, corn delivered to a feed mill and paid for one week might be used to manufacture feed the following week. However, the chickens that eat that feed might not be processed and sold for another 42-63 days, and only at that time will the costs of the feed consumed by the chicken become included in cost of goods sold.
Commodities such as corn, soybean meal, sorghum, wheat and soybean oil are actively traded through various exchanges with future market prices quoted on a daily basis. These quoted market prices, although a good indicator of the commodity's base price, do not represent the final price for which we can purchase these commodities. There are several components in addition to the quoted market price, such as freight, storage and seller premiums, that are included in the final price that we pay for grain. Although changes in quoted market prices may be a good indicator of the commodity’s base price, the components mentioned
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above may have a significant impact on the total change in grain costs recognized from period to period. Prices related to these individual components of the total price of corn were especially high in late 2013 as we transitioned from a year of record low corn stocks, primarily caused by drought conditions, to a year with normal corn stocks. Prices related to these individual components of the total price of corn returned to normal levels in the first quarter of 2014. Prices related to these individual components of the total price of soybean meal remain near historically high levels due to low soybean stocks in the U.S.
Market prices for chicken products are currently at levels sufficient to offset the costs of feed ingredients. However, there can be no assurance that chicken prices will not decrease due to such factors as competition from other proteins and substitutions by consumers of non-protein foods because of uncertainty surrounding the general economy and unemployment.
We recently participated in antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings initiated by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”). In these proceedings, MOFCOM re-examined whether US chicken producers, including us, were dumping certain chicken products into the People’s Republic of China (excluding the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong), and whether US chicken producers, including us, were receiving countervailable subsidies in respect of those chicken products. Following review in World Trade Organization (“WTO”) dispute settlement proceedings, MOFCOM concluded their most recent proceedings in June 2014 and imposed antidumping and countervailing duties on the US chicken producers. The combined antidumping and countervailing duties imposed range from 50.6% to 78.0%. The rate imposed on us is 77.9%. Until these duties are modified or eliminated, the duty rates can be expected to deter Chinese importers from purchases of US-origin chicken products, including our chicken products, and can be expected to diminish the volume of such purchases. The basis for imposing the duties may be challenged by the U.S. in further WTO dispute settlement proceedings.
On July 25, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Provemex Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “Tyson Mexico”) from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for approximately $400.0 million, which is subject to adjustment for closing date working capital. The transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014 or the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. We expect to fund the purchase price from available cash balances and bank credit. Tyson Mexico is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. It has a production capacity of 3 million birds per week in its three plants and employs more than 5,400 in its plants, offices and seven distribution centers.
Business Segment and Geographic Reporting
We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico. We conduct separate operations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico; however, for geographic reporting purposes, we include Puerto Rico within our U.S. operations. Corporate expenses are allocated to Mexico based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S.
Results of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
Net sales. Net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $125.2 million, or 5.8%, from net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. The following table provides net sales information:

Sources of net sales |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 2,026,277 |  |  | $ | 93,643 |  |  | 4.8 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 241,771 |  |  | 31,590 |  |  | 15.0 | % | (b)
Total net sales |  | $ | 2,268,048 |  |  | $ | 125,233 |  |  | 5.8 | % |

(a) | U.S. net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $93.6 million, or 4.8%, from U.S. net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of increases in both sales volume and net sales per pound. The increase in sales volume contributed $47.4 million, or 2.5 percentage points. Higher net sales per pound, which reflects a slight shift in product mix toward higher-priced fresh chicken products when compared to the same period in the prior year, contributed $46.2 million, or 2.4 percentage points to the net sales increase. Included in U.S. net sales generated during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 were net sales to JBS USA, LLC totaling $2.8 million and $14.0 million, respectively.

(b) | Mexico net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $31.6 million, or 15.0%, from Mexico net sales generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of an increase in net sales per pound partially offset by a decrease in sales volume and the impact of foreign currency translation. The increase in net sales per pound, which was triggered by an outbreak of Marek's disease in a large portion of Mexico breeding flocks that resulted in constrained supplies of both hatching eggs and broilers, contributed $41.4 million, or 19.7 percentage points, to the increase in net sales. Decreased sales volume resulting from the impact of constrained broiler supply and the impact of foreign currency

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translation partially offset the impact of increased net sales per pound on net sales by $5.9 million, or 2.8 percentage points, and $3.9 million, or 1.8 percentage points, respectively.
Gross profit . Gross profit increased by $213.7 million, or 90.3%, from $236.6 million generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 to $450.3 million generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014. The following tables provide information regarding gross profit and cost of sales information:

Components of gross profit |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2013 |  | Percent of Net Sales |
|  | Thirteen Weeks Ended |
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |
| Amount |  | Percent |  |
|  | In thousands, except percent data |
Net sales |  | $ | 2,268,048 |  |  | $ | 125,233 |  |  | 5.8 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales |  | 1,817,783 |  |  | (88,459 | ) |  | (4.6 | )% |  | 80.1 | % |  | 89.0 | % | (a)(b)
Gross profit |  | $ | 450,265 |  |  | $ | 213,692 |  |  | 90.3 | % |  | 19.9 | % |  | 11.0 | % |

Sources of gross profit |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 391,414 |  |  | $ | 161,571 |  |  | 70.3 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 58,851 |  |  | 52,121 |  |  | 774.5 | % | (b)
Total gross profit |  | $ | 450,265 |  |  | $ | 213,692 |  |  | 90.3 | % |

Sources of cost of sales |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 1,634,863 |  |  | $ | (67,928 | ) |  | (4.0 | )% | (a)
Mexico |  | 182,920 |  |  | (20,531 | ) |  | (10.1 | )% | (b)
Total cost of sales |  | $ | 1,817,783 |  |  | $ | (88,459 | ) |  | (4.6 | )% |

(a) | Cost of sales incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $67.9 million, or 4.0%, from cost of sales incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. Cost of sales decreased primarily because of a $102.8 million decrease in feed ingredients costs, derivative gains of $27.2 million recognized in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to derivative gains of $7.4 million recognized in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013, a $4.6 million decrease in employee wages and benefits, a $3.8 million decrease in freight and storage costs, a $3.4 million decrease in contract grower costs and a $2.0 million decrease in co-pack costs. These decreases in cost of sales components were partially offset by the impact of a nonrecurring $9.4 million favorable adjustment to accrued settlement liabilities during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. Additional increases to cost of sales included a $2.5 million increase in outside services costs and a $1.4 million increase in rent and lease costs. Other factors affecting cost of sales were individually immaterial.

(b) | Cost of sales incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $20.5 million, or 10.1%, from cost of sales incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. Cost of sales decreased primarily because of a decrease in feed ingredients costs and the impact of foreign currency translation partially offset by the impact of increased sales volume. Decreases in feed ingredients costs contributed $12.5 million, or 6.1 percentage points, to the decrease in costs of sales. The impact of foreign currency translation contributed $2.9 million, or 1.4 percentage points, to the decrease in cost of sales. In addition to the impact of increased sales volume, a $1.3 million increase in contract labor costs partially offset these decreases in cost of sales components. Other factors affecting cost of sales were individually immaterial.

Operating income. Operating income increased by $216.4 million, or 114.4%, from $189.1 million generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 to $405.5 million generated in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014. The following tables provide information regarding operating income, SG&A expense and administrative restructuring charges:
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Components of operating income |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |  | Percent of Net Sales |
Thirteen Weeks Ended |
Amount |  | Percent |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
Gross profit |  | $ | 450,265 |  |  | $ | 213,692 |  |  | 90.3 | % |  | 19.9 | % |  | 11.0 | % |
SG&A expense |  | 44,629 |  |  | 832 |  |  | 1.9 | % |  | 2.0 | % |  | 2.0 | % | (a)(b)
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 135 |  |  | (3,523 | ) |  | (96.3 | )% |  | — | % |  | 0.2 | % | (c)
Operating income |  | $ | 405,501 |  |  | $ | 216,383 |  |  | 114.4 | % |  | 17.9 | % |  | 8.8 | % |

Sources of operating income |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 351,316 |  |  | $ | 163,962 |  |  | 87.5 | % |
Mexico |  | 54,185 |  |  | 52,421 |  |  | 2,971.7 | % |
Total operating income |  | $ | 405,501 |  |  | $ | 216,383 |  |  | 114.4 | % |
Sources of SG&A expense |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 39,963 |  |  | $ | 1,132 |  |  | 2.9 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 4,666 |  |  | (300 | ) |  | (6.0 | )% | (b)
Total SG&A expense |  | $ | 44,629 |  |  | $ | 832 |  |  | 1.9 | % |
Sources of administrative restructuring charges |  | Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 135 |  |  | $ | (3,523 | ) |  | (96.3 | )% | (c)
Mexico |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — | % |
Total administrative restructuring charges |  | $ | 135 |  |  | $ | (3,523 | ) |  | (96.3 | )% |

(a) | SG&A expense incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $1.1 million, or 2.9%, from SG&A expense incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a $1.4 million increase in management fees charged for administrative functions shared with JBS USA, LLC and a $1.3 million increase in employee wages and benefits partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in insurance expense, a $0.4 million decrease in outside services expense, a $0.3 million decrease in accounting services expense and a $0.2 million decrease in depreciation expense. Other factors affecting SG&A expense were individually immaterial.

(b) | SG&A expense incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $0.3 million, or 6.0%, from SG&A expense incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a $0.6 million decrease in contract labor expense, a $0.4 million decrease in legal services expense and a $0.3 million decrease in management fees charged by the U.S. operations partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in employee wages and benefits and a $0.1 million increase in travel and entertainment expenses. Other factors affecting SG&A expense were individually immaterial.

(c) | Administrative restructuring charges incurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased by $3.5 million from administrative restructuring charges incurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013. During the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014, we incurred administrative restructuring charges composed of live operations rationalization costs of $0.1 million. In the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013, we incurred administrative restructuring charges composed of noncash impairment costs of $3.1 million and live operations rationalization costs totaling $0.6 million.

Net interest expense. Net interest expense decreased 48.6% to $10.2 million recognized in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 from $19.8 million recognized in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a decrease in average borrowings that was partially offset by a higher weighted average interest rate compared to the same period in the prior year. Average borrowings decreased from $910.1 million in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 to $500.0 million in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014. The weighted average interest rate increased from 7.08% in the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 to 7.88% in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014.
Income taxes. Income tax expense increased to $133.7 million, a 34.3% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 compared to income tax expense of $5.6 million, a 3.3% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended
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September 29, 2013, primarily due to a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of the utilization of of domestic net operating losses. We experienced a higher effective tax rate in the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 and expect to experience a higher effective tax rate for the full year 2014 as compared to the full year 2013 due to a 2013 decrease in the total valuation allowance that resulted primarily from the utilization of almost all of our domestic net operating losses. The income tax expense recognized for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2013 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on our year-to-date income offset by a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of year-to-date earnings.
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Compared to Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013
Net sales. Net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $109.1 million, or 1.7%, from net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. The following table provides net sales information:

Sources of net sales |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 5,758,704 |  |  | $ | 95,713 |  |  | 1.7 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 714,225 |  |  | 13,353 |  |  | 1.9 | % | (b)
Total net sales |  | $ | 6,472,929 |  |  | $ | 109,066 |  |  | 1.7 | % |

(a) | U.S. net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $95.7 million, or 1.7%, from U.S. net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of an increase in sales volume partially offset by a decrease in net sales per pound. The increase in sales volume, which resulted from strong demand in the U.S. for chicken products, contributed $111.6 million, or 2.0 percentage points, to the increase in net sales. Lower net sales per pound, which reflects a slight shift in product mix toward lower-priced fresh chicken products when compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset the impact of increased sales volume on net sales by $15.9 million, or 0.2 percentage points. Included in U.S. net sales generated during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 were net sales to JBS USA, LLC totaling $36.2 million and $49.3 million, respectively.

(b) | Mexico net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $13.4 million, or 1.9%, from Mexico net sales generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of an increase in sales volume of $30.3 million, or 4.3 percentage points, and an increase in net sales price of $7.7 million, or 1.1 percentage points. The increase in net sales per pound was triggered by an outbreak of Marek's disease in a large portion of Mexico breeder flocks that resulted in constrained supplies of both hatching eggs and broilers. The impact of foreign currency translation partially offset the impact of increased sales volume and increased net sales per pound on net sales by $24.7 million, or 3.5 percentage points.

Gross profit . Gross profit increased by $377.3 million, or 59.2%, from $637.5 million generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 to $1,014.8 million generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. The following tables provide information regarding gross profit and cost of sales information:

Components of gross profit |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |  | Percent of Net Sales |
|  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended |
|  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |
| Amount |  | Percent |  |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
Net sales |  | $ | 6,472,929 |  |  | $ | 109,066 |  |  | 1.7 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales |  | 5,458,083 |  |  | (268,265 | ) |  | (4.7 | )% |  | 84.3 | % |  | 90.0 | % | (a)(b)
Gross profit |  | $ | 1,014,846 |  |  | $ | 377,331 |  |  | 59.2 | % |  | 15.7 | % |  | 10.0 | % |

Sources of gross profit |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 858,617 |  |  | $ | 335,509 |  |  | 64.1 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 156,229 |  |  | 41,822 |  |  | 36.6 | % | (b)
Total gross profit |  | $ | 1,014,846 |  |  | $ | 377,331 |  |  | 59.2 | % |

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Sources of cost of sales |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 4,900,087 |  |  | $ | (239,796 | ) |  | (4.7 | )% | (a)
Mexico |  | 557,996 |  |  | (28,469 | ) |  | (4.9 | )% | (b)
Total cost of sales |  | $ | 5,458,083 |  |  | $ | (268,265 | ) |  | (4.7 | )% |

(a) | Cost of sales incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $239.8 million, or 4.7%, from cost of sales incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. Cost of sales decreased primarily because of a $362.1 million decrease in feed ingredients costs, a $20.4 million decrease in employee wages and benefits, a $16.7 million decrease in co-pack costs and a $14.3 million decrease in freight and storage costs. These decreases in cost of sales components were partially offset by the impact of a nonrecurring $9.4 million favorable adjustment to accrued settlement liabilities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, derivative gains of $13.2 million recognized in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to derivative gains of $20.2 million recognized in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, a $5.4 million increase in utilities costs and a $4.7 million increase in contract labor costs. Other factors affecting cost of sales were individually immaterial.

(b) | Cost of sales incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $28.5 million, or 4.9%, from cost of sales incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. Cost of sales decreased primarily because of a decrease in feed ingredients costs and the impact of foreign currency translation partially offset by the impact of increased sales volume. Decreases in feed ingredients costs contributed $35.4 million, or 6.0 percentage points, to the decrease in costs of sales. The impact of foreign currency translation contributed $19.3 million, or 3.3 percentage points, to the increase in cost of sales. Cost of sales also decreased because of a $1.8 million gain recognized on the sale of a building in Mexico City during the current period. In addition to the impact of increased sales volume, a $2.8 million increase in freight and storage costs, a $2.4 million increase in utilities costs and a $2.2 million increase in contract labor costs partially offset these decreases in cost of sales components. Other factors affecting cost of sales were individually immaterial.

Operating income. Operating income increased by $373.1 million, or 74.5%, from income of $501.0 million generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 to income of $874.1 million generated in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. The following tables provide information regarding operating income, SG&A expense and administrative restructuring charges:

Components of operating income |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |  | Percent of Net Sales |
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended |
Amount |  | Percent |  | September 28, 2014 |  | September 29, 2013 |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
Gross profit |  | $ | 1,014,846 |  |  | $ | 377,331 |  |  | 59.2 | % |  | 15.7 | % |  | 10.0 | % |
SG&A expense |  | 138,437 |  |  | 6,549 |  |  | 5.0 | % |  | 2.1 | % |  | 2.1 | % | (a)(b)
Administrative restructuring charges |  | 2,286 |  |  | (2,336 | ) |  | (50.5 | )% |  | — | % |  | 0.1 | % | (c)
Operating income |  | $ | 874,123 |  |  | $ | 373,118 |  |  | 74.5 | % |  | 13.5 | % |  | 7.9 | % |

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Sources of operating income |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 731,702 |  |  | $ | 330,601 |  |  | 82.4 | % |
Mexico |  | 142,421 |  |  | 42,517 |  |  | 42.6 | % |
Total operating income |  | $ | 874,123 |  |  | $ | 373,118 |  |  | 74.5 | % |
Sources of SG&A expense |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 124,629 |  |  | $ | 7,244 |  |  | 6.2 | % | (a)
Mexico |  | 13,808 |  |  | (695 | ) |  | (4.8 | )% | (b)
Total SG&A expense |  | $ | 138,437 |  |  | $ | 6,549 |  |  | 5.0 | % |
Sources of administrative restructuring charges |  | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 |  | Change from Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2013 |
Amount |  | Percent |
|  | (In thousands, except percent data) |
United States |  | $ | 2,286 |  |  | $ | (2,336 | ) |  | (50.5 | )% | (c)
Mexico |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — | % |
Total administrative restructuring charges |  | $ | 2,286 |  |  | $ | (2,336 | ) |  | (50.5 | )% |

(a) | SG&A expense incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 increased $7.2 million, or 6.2%, from SG&A expense incurred by the U.S. operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a $7.4 million increase in employee wages and benefits, a $5.7 million increase in management fees charged for administrative functions shared with JBS USA, LLC and a $1.6 million increase in legal services expense that were partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in depreciation expense, recognition of a $1.1 million bad debt recovery in the current period, a $1.0 million decrease in brokerage expense and a $1.0 million decrease in contract labor expense. Other factors affecting SG&A expense were individually immaterial.

(b) | SG&A expense incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $0.7 million, or 4.8%, from SG&A expense incurred by the Mexico operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a $2.6 million decrease in contract labor expense, a $0.9 million decrease in management fees charged by the U.S. operations and a $0.6 million decrease in legal services expense that were partially offset by a $3.1 million increase in employee wages and benefits and a $0.3 million increase in marketing expense. Other factors affecting SG&A expense were individually immaterial.

(c) | Administrative restructuring charges incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 decreased $2.3 million, or 50.5% from administrative restructuring charges incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 we incurred administrative restructuring charges composed of (i) live operations rationalization costs of $0.9 million, (ii) employee-related costs of $0.6 million, (iii) other exit or disposal costs of $0.4 million and (iv) inventory valuation costs of $0.3 million. In the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, we incurred administrative restructuring charges composed of noncash impairment costs of $3.1 million and live operations rationalization costs totaling $1.5 million.

Net interest expense. Net interest expense decreased 36.4% to $42.4 million recognized in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 from $66.7 million recognized in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 primarily because of a decrease in average borrowings that was partially offset by a higher weighted average interest rate compared to the same period in the prior year. Average borrowings decreased from $1.02 billion in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 to $591.2 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. The weighted average interest rate recognized increased from 7.16% in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 to 8.02% in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014.
Income taxes. Income tax expense increased to $284.9 million, a 34.4% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 compared to income tax expense of $24.2 million, a 5.6% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013, primarily due to a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of utilization of net operating losses. We experienced a higher effective tax rate in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 and expect to experience a higher effective tax rate for the full year 2014 as compared to the full year 2013 due to a 2013 decrease in the total valuation allowance that resulted primarily from the utilization of almost all of our domestic net operating losses. The income tax expense recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on our year-to-date income offset by a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of year-to-date earnings.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents our available sources of liquidity as of September 28, 2014:

Source of Liquidity |  | Facility Amount |  | Amount Outstanding |  | Amount Available |
|  | (In millions) |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 868.6 |  |
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |  |  | — |  |
Borrowing arrangements: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Credit Facility |  | $ | 700.0 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | 679.9 |  | (a)
Mexico Credit Facility |  | 41.7 |  |  | — |  |  | 41.7 |  | (b)

(a) | Actual borrowings under our U.S. Credit Facility (as described below) are subject to a borrowing base, which is a formula based on certain eligible inventory and eligible receivables. The borrowing base in effect at September 28, 2014 was $700.0 million. Availability under the U.S. Credit Facility is also reduced by our outstanding standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit outstanding at September 28, 2014 totaled $20.1 million.

(b) | As of September 28, 2014, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the amount available under the Mexico Credit Facility (as described below) was $41.7 million. The Mexico Credit Facility provides for a loan commitment of 560.0 million Mexican pesos.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements
At September 28, 2014, we had an aggregate principal balance of $500.0 million of 7 7/8% senior unsecured notes due 2018 outstanding. Additionally, we had an aggregate principal balance of $3.6 million of 7 5/8% senior unsecured notes due 2015 and 8 3/8% senior subordinated unsecured notes due 2017 outstanding at September 28, 2014.
On June 23, 2011, we entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, we agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA's account that support certain obligations of our company or its subsidiaries.
We and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and other lenders party thereto, which was amended and restated on August 7, 2013. As of September 28, 2014, the U.S. Credit Facility provided for a $700.0 million revolving credit facility and a delayed draw term loan commitment of up to $400 million (the “Delayed Draw Term Loans”). We can draw upon the Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment, in one or more advances, until December 28, 2014. The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitment by up to an additional $250.0 million and to increase the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment by up to an additional $500.0 million, in each case subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining the lenders’ agreement to participate in the increase and an aggregate limit on all commitments under the U.S. Credit Facility of $1.85 billion. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides for a $100 million sub-limit for swingline loans and a $200 million sub-limit for letters of credit. The revolving loan commitment under the U.S. Credit Facility matures on August 7, 2018. Any Delayed Draw Term Loans would be payable in quarterly installments beginning in fiscal year 2015 equal to 1.875% of the principal outstanding as of December 28, 2014, with all remaining principal and interest due at maturity on August 7, 2018. We paid $204.9 million toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-1 loans on December 30, 2013 and paid $205.2 million toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-2 loans on April 28, 2014. Following the April 28, 2014 payment, we had no outstanding principal under the Term B loans.
On July 23, 2014, certain of our Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is 560.0 million Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the TIIE rate plus 1.05%. The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on July 23, 2017. As of September 28, 2014, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $41.7 million. There are currently no outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility. The Mexico Credit Facility replaced our amended and restated credit agreement with ING Bank (México), S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple, ING Grupo Financiero, as lender and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent, which was terminated on July 23, 2014.
See “Note 9. Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements” of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report for additional information relating to our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We maintain operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to ten years. We estimate the maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is approximately $1.4 million; however, the actual
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amount would be offset by any recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. No liability has been recorded related to this contingency as the likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable, and the fair value of the guarantees is immaterial. We historically have not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees.
We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as, based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Historical Flow of Funds
Cash provided by operating activities was $802.4 million and $596.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily as a result of net income and working capital changes for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013.
Our working capital position, which we define as current assets less current liabilities, increased $451.2 million to $1,296.8 million and a current ratio of 2.47 at September 28, 2014 compared to $845.6 million and a current ratio of 1.78 at December 29, 2013. Our working capital position increased $245.8 million to $1,058.4 million and a current ratio of 2.39 at September 29, 2013 compared to $812.6 million and a current ratio of 2.11 at December 30, 2012. The increase in working capital during both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 was primarily the result of the generation of cash from operations.
Trade accounts and other receivables increased $34.6 million, or 9.1%, to $413.6 million at September 28, 2014 from $379.1 million at December 29, 2013. The change in trade accounts and other receivables resulted primarily from an increase in sales generated in the two weeks ended September 28, 2014 as compared to sales generated in the two weeks ended December 29, 2013. Trade accounts and other receivables increased $25.0 million, or 6.5%, to $411.5 million at September 29, 2013 from $386.4 million at December 30, 2012. The change in trade accounts and other receivables resulted primarily from increased sales price per pound.
Inventories increased $9.1 million, or 1.1%, to $817.9 million at September 28, 2014 from $808.8 million at December 29, 2013. The change in inventories was due to increased costs for feed grains and their impact on the value of our live chicken inventories as well as an increase in live head. Inventories decreased $39.2 million, or 4.1%, to $911.1 million at September 29, 2013 from $950.3 million at December 30, 2012. The change in inventories was primarily due to a decrease in feed inventories partially offset by an increase in live chicken
Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $15.5 million, or 25.1%, to $77.4 million at September 28, 2014 from $61.8 million at December 29, 2013. This change resulted primarily from a $5.6 million increase in value-added tax receivables and a $3.9 million increase in margin cash on deposit with our derivatives traders. Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $16.8 million, or 29.9%, to $72.8 million at September 29, 2013 from $56.0 million at December 30, 2012. This change resulted primarily from an $11.0 million increase in outstanding derivatives and a $5.5 million increase in value-added tax receivables.
Accounts payable, including accounts payable to JBS USA, increased $11.5 million, or 3.1%, to $385.7 million at September 28, 2014 from $374.3 million at December 29, 2013. This change resulted primarily from a $18.6 million increase in trade payables and a $2.0 million decrease in the payable to JBS USA. The number of days of payables outstanding (“DPO”) increased because we moved more accounts to our structured payables program. Accounts payable, including accounts payable to JBS USA, increased $50.1 million, or 15.4%, to $375.9 million at September 29, 2013 from $325.8 million at December 30, 2012. This change resulted primarily from the increase in DPO in the U.S. at September 29, 2013 when compared to December 30, 2012.
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities decreased $23.8 million, or 8.4%, to $307.2 million at September 28, 2014 from $283.4 million at December 29, 2013. This change resulted primarily from a $19.8 million increase in other accrued liabilities such as property taxes, legal fees and contract grower compensation, a $5.4 million increase in accrued compensation and benefits costs, a $4.6 million increase in derivative liabilities and a $4.5 million increase in accrued interest that was partially offset by a $10.6 million decrease in accrued insurance and self-insured claims costs. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities increased $18.6 million, or 6.5%, to $302.1 million at September 29, 2013 from $283.5 million at December 30, 2012. This change resulted primarily from an $8.3 million increase in accrued insurance and self-insured claims costs, a $6.8 million increase in accrued interest costs, a $5.7 million increase in accrued compensation and benefits costs and a $2.0 million increase in
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derivative liabilities that was partially offset by a $4.3 million decrease in other accrued liabilities such as property taxes, legal settlement costs, legal fees and contract grower compensation.
Income taxes, which includes income taxes receivable, income taxes payable, both current and noncurrent deferred tax assets, both current and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions, changed from a net asset position of $32.4 million at December 29, 2013 to a net liability position of $127.3 million at September 28, 2014. This change resulted primarily from tax expense recorded on our year-to-date income that was based on a higher effective tax rate. We experienced a higher effective tax rate in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 due to a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of utilization of net operating losses. Net income tax assets decreased $0.9 million, or 4.2%, to $21.6 million at September 29, 2013 from $22.5 million at December 30, 2012. This change resulted primarily from the accrual of income taxes payable in Mexico.
Cash used in investing activities was $26.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and cash used in investing activities was $73.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. Capital expenditures totaled $131.3 million and $76.3 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. Capital expenditures increased by $55.1 million primarily because of the number of projects that were active during the thirty‑nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 when compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. Capital expenditures for 2014 cannot exceed $350.0 million under the the U.S. Credit Facility. Cash was used to purchase investment securities totaling $55.1 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. Cash proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment securities totaled $152.0 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. Cash proceeds from property disposals in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 were $8.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
Cash used in financing activities was $409.9 million and $257.7 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. Cash proceeds drawn from our revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings totaled $505.6 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013. No cash proceeds were drawn from our revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. Cash was used to repay revolving line of credit obligations, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations totaling $410.2 million and $758.3 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. Cash proceeds from the sale of subsidiary common stock totaled $0.3 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. Cash used in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2013 to pay for capitalized loan costs related to the amendment and restatement of the U.S. Credit Facility was $5.0 million.
Contractual obligations at September 28, 2014 were as follows:

Contractual Obligations(a) |  | Total |  | Less than One Year |  | One to Three Years |  | Three to Five Years |  | Greater than Five Years
|  | (In thousands)
Long-term debt(b) |  | $ | 503,633 |  |  | $ | 116 |  |  | $ | 3,517 |  |  | $ | 500,000 |  |  | $ | — |
Interest(c) |  | 181,403 |  |  | 40,449 |  |  | 80,727 |  |  | 60,113 |  |  | 114 |
Capital leases |  | 805 |  |  | 194 |  |  | 263 |  |  | 232 |  |  | 116 |
Operating leases |  | 32,094 |  |  | 10,651 |  |  | 14,812 |  |  | 5,416 |  |  | 1,215 |
Derivative liabilities |  | 6,362 |  |  | 6,362 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Purchase obligations(d) |  | 156,146 |  |  | 147,033 |  |  | 9,113 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total |  | $ | 880,443 |  |  | $ | 204,805 |  |  | $ | 108,432 |  |  | $ | 565,761 |  |  | $ | 1,445 |

(a) | The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 28, 2014 was $16.5 million. We did not include this amount in the contractual obligations table above as reasonable estimates cannot be made at this time of the amounts or timing of future cash outflows.

(b) | Long-term debt is presented at face value and excludes $20.1 million in letters of credit outstanding related to normal business transactions.

(c) | Interest expense in the table above assumes the continuation of interest rates and outstanding borrowings as of September 28, 2014.

(d) | Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction.

On July 25, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Tyson Mexico from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for approximately $400.0 million, which is subject to adjustment for closing date working capital. The transaction is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014 or the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. We expect to fund the purchase price from available cash balances and bank credit.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. See “Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation” of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report for additional information relating to this new accounting pronouncement.
Critical Accounting Policies
During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014, (i) we did not change any of our existing critical accounting policies, (ii) no existing accounting policies became critical accounting policies because of an increase in the materiality of associated transactions or changes in the circumstances to which associated judgments and estimates relate and (iii) there were no significant changes in the manner in which critical accounting policies were applied or in which related judgments and estimates were developed.

ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

Market Risk-Sensitive Instruments and Positions
The risk inherent in our market risk-sensitive instruments and positions is primarily the potential loss arising from adverse changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the credit quality of investments as discussed below. The sensitivity analyses presented do not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions our management may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ.
Commodity Prices
We purchase certain commodities, primarily corn, soybean meal and sorghum, for use as ingredients in the feed we either sell commercially or consume in our live operations. As a result, our earnings are affected by changes in the price and availability of such feed ingredients. In the past, we have from time to time attempted to minimize our exposure to the changing price and availability of such feed ingredients using various techniques, including, but not limited to, executing purchase agreements with suppliers for future physical delivery of feed ingredients at established prices and purchasing or selling derivative financial instruments such as futures and options.
Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10.0% change in the weighted-average cost of our primary feed ingredients as of September 28, 2014. However, fluctuations greater than 10.0% could occur. Based on our feed consumption during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014, such a change would have resulted in a change to cost of sales of $72.7 million, excluding the impact of any feed ingredients derivative financial instruments in that period. A 10.0% change in ending feed ingredient inventories at September 28, 2014, would be $10.6 million, excluding any potential impact on the production costs of our chicken inventories.
The Company purchases commodity derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for the next 12 months. A 10.0% change in corn, soybean meal, sorghum and natural gas prices on September 28, 2014, would have resulted in a change of approximately $0.7 million in the fair value of our net commodity derivative asset position, including margin cash, as of that date.
Interest Rates
Market risk for fixed-rate debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical decrease in interest rates of 10.0%. Using a discounted cash flow analysis, a hypothetical 10.0% decrease in interest rates would have increased the fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $4.0 million as of September 28, 2014.
Foreign Currency
Our earnings are also affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations related to the Mexican peso net monetary position of our Mexican subsidiaries. We manage this exposure primarily by attempting to minimize our Mexican peso net monetary position. We are also exposed to the effect of potential currency exchange rate fluctuations to the extent that amounts are repatriated from Mexico to the U.S. We currently anticipate that the cash flows of our Mexico subsidiaries will be reinvested in our Mexico operations. In addition, the Mexican peso exchange rate can directly and indirectly impact our financial condition and results of operations in several ways, including potential economic recession in Mexico because of devaluation of their currency. The impact on our financial position and results of operations resulting from a hypothetical change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso cannot be reasonably estimated. Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), representing the change in the U.S. dollar value of the net monetary assets of our Mexican subsidiaries denominated in Mexican pesos, was a loss of $5.0
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million and a loss of $4.7 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. The average exchange rates for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 were 13.11 Mexican pesos to one U.S. dollar and 12.67 Mexican pesos to one U.S. dollar, respectively. No assurance can be given as to how future movements in the Mexican peso could affect our future financial condition or results of operations.
Quality of Investments
Certain retirement plans that we sponsor invest in a variety of financial instruments. We have analyzed our portfolios of investments and, to the best of our knowledge, none of our investments, including money market funds units, commercial paper and municipal securities, have been downgraded, and neither we nor any fund in which we participate hold significant amounts of structured investment vehicles, auction rate securities, collateralized debt obligations, credit derivatives, hedge funds investments, fund of funds investments or perpetual preferred securities. Certain postretirement funds in which we participate hold significant amounts of mortgage-backed securities. However, none of the mortgages collateralizing these securities are considered subprime.
Impact of Inflation
Due to low to moderate inflation in the U.S. and Mexico and our rapid inventory turnover rate, the results of operations have not been significantly affected by inflation during the past three-year period.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries of our Company may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes statements made herein, in our other filings with the SEC, in press releases, and in certain other oral and written presentations. Statements of our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future, denoted by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “imply,” “intend,” “should,” “foresee” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the following:

• | Matters affecting the chicken industry generally, including fluctuations in the commodity prices of feed ingredients and chicken;

• | Our ability to obtain and maintain commercially reasonable terms with vendors and service providers;

• | Our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations;

• | Our ability to retain management and other key individuals;

• | Outbreaks of avian influenza or other diseases, either in our own flocks or elsewhere, affecting our ability to conduct our operations and/or demand for our poultry products;

• | Contamination of our products, which has previously and can in the future lead to product liability claims and product recalls;

• | Exposure to risks related to product liability, product recalls, property damage and injuries to persons, for which insurance coverage is expensive, limited and potentially inadequate;

• | Changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations or the application thereof;

• | New immigration legislation or increased enforcement efforts in connection with existing immigration legislation that cause our costs of business to increase, cause us to change the way in which we do business or otherwise disrupt our operations;

• | Competitive factors and pricing pressures or the loss of one or more of our largest customers;

• | Inability to consummate, or effectively integrate, any acquisition, including the acquisition of Tyson Mexico, or to realize the associated anticipated cost savings and operating synergies;

• | Currency exchange rate fluctuations, trade barriers, exchange controls, expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations;

• | Disruptions in international markets and distribution channels;

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• | Our ability to maintain favorable labor relations with our employees and our compliance with labor laws;

• | Extreme weather or natural disasters;

• | The impact of uncertainties in litigation; and

• | Other risks described herein and under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013 as filed with the SEC.

Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of these factors, among others, many of which are beyond our control.
In making these statements, we are not undertaking, and specifically decline to undertake, any obligation to address or update each or any factor in future filings or communications regarding our business or results, and we are not undertaking to address how any of these factors may have caused changes to information contained in previous filings or communications. Although we have attempted to list comprehensively these important cautionary risk factors, we must caution investors and others that other factors may in the future prove to be important and affect our business or results of operations.

ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of September 28, 2014, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that information we are required to disclose in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In connection with the evaluation described above, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, identified no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Grower Claims and Proceedings
On June 1, 2009, approximately 555 former and current independent contract broiler growers, their spouses and poultry farms filed an adversary proceeding against us in the Bankruptcy Court styled “Shelia Adams, et al. v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation.” In the adversary proceeding, the plaintiffs assert claims against us for: (i) violations of Sections 202(a), (b) and (e), 7 US C. § 192 of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (the “PSA”); (ii) intentional infliction of emotional distress; (iii) violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”); (iv) promissory estoppel; (v) simple fraud; and (vi) fraud by nondisclosure. The case relates to our Farmerville, Louisiana; Nacogdoches, Texas; and the El Dorado, De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes. The plaintiffs also filed a motion to withdraw the reference of the adversary proceeding from the Bankruptcy Court to the U.S. District for the Eastern Court of Texas (“Marshall Court”). The motion was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas-Fort Worth Division (the “Fort Worth Court”). The Bankruptcy Court recommended the reference be withdrawn, but that the Fort Worth Court retain venue over the action to ensure against forum shopping. The Fort Worth Court granted the motion to withdraw the reference. We filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims. The Fort Worth Court granted in part and denied in part our motion, dismissing the following claims and ordering the plaintiffs to file a motion to amend their lawsuit and re-plead their claims with further specificity or the claims would be dismissed with prejudice: (i) intentional infliction of emotional distress; (ii) promissory estoppel; (iii) simple fraud and fraudulent nondisclosure; and (iv) DTPA claims with respect to growers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend on October 7, 2009. Plaintiffs’ motion for leave was granted and the plaintiffs filed their Amended Complaint on December 7, 2009. Subsequent to the Fort Worth Court granting in part and denying in part our motion to dismiss, the plaintiffs filed a motion to transfer venue of the proceeding from the Fort Worth Court to the Marshall Court. We filed a response to the motion, but the motion to transfer was granted on December 17, 2009. On December 29, 2009, we filed our answer to plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint with the Marshall Court. A bench trial
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commenced on June 16, 2011. The trial concluded as to the El Dorado growers on August 25, 2011. On September 30, 2011, the Marshall Court issued its Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law and Judgment finding in favor of the Company on each of the grower claims with exception of claims under 7 U.S.C. §192(e), and awarding damages to plaintiffs in the aggregate of approximately $25.8 million. Afterward, we filed post-judgment motions attacking the trial court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law, which, on December 28, 2011, were granted in part and resulted in a reduction of the damages award from $25.8 million to $25.6 million. On January 19, 2012, we appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the "Fifth Circuit"). Oral argument occurred on December 3, 2012. On August 27, 2013, the Fifth Circuit reversed the judgment, and entered a judgment in favor of the Company. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a petition for rehearing en banc. Plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing was denied on October 15, 2013. On January 13, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari requesting the Supreme Court of the United States to accept their case for review. Plaintiff’s petition for a Writ of Certiorari was denied on February 24, 2014. The Fifth Circuit's decision and prior favorable trial court rulings regarding the El Dorado growers' claims suggest that the likelihood of any recovery by growers remaining in the case is too remote to maintain the previously-recorded loss accrual. Therefore, the Company reversed the accrual on September 1, 2013.
As for the remaining chicken grower claims, the bench trial relating to the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex began on July 16, 2012. That bench trial concluded on August 2, 2012, but the Marshall Court postponed its ruling until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The bench trial relating to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches, Texas complex began on September 12, 2012, but was also postponed until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The remaining bench trial for the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes was scheduled for October 29, 2012, but that trial date was canceled. Following the denial by the Supreme Court of the United States for a Writ of Certiorari related to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the El Dorado, Arkansas complex, the Marshall Court requested briefing on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex and scheduled trial proceedings for allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches complex on August 25, 2014 and allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes on October 27, 2014. Prior to commencing the trial proceedings on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes, the Marshall Court announced it would enter judgment in PPC’s favor on all remaining federal causes of action, and plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville complexes were given additional time to brief Arkansas state law claims. The court-imposed deadline passed with no briefs filed by plaintiffs. At this time, the Marshall Court has not memorialized its decision in writing.
ERISA Claims and Proceedings
On December 17, 2008, Kenneth Patterson filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, against Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, Clifford E. Butler, J. Clinton Rivers, Richard A. Cogdill, Renee N. DeBar, our Compensation Committee and other unnamed defendants (the “Patterson action”). On January 2, 2009, a nearly identical suit was filed by Denise M. Smalls in the same court against the same defendants (the “Smalls action”). The complaints in both actions, brought pursuant to section 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 US C. § 1132, alleged that the individual defendants breached fiduciary duties to participants and beneficiaries of the Pilgrim’s Pride Stock Investment Plan (the “Stock Plan”), as administered through the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan (the “RSP”), and the To-Ricos, Inc. Employee Savings and Retirement Plan (the “To-Ricos Plan”) (collectively, the “Plans”) by failing to sell the common stock held by the Plans before it declined in value in late 2008. Patterson and Smalls further alleged that they purported to represent a class of all persons or entities who were participants in or beneficiaries of the Plans at any time between May 5, 2008 through the present and whose accounts held our common stock or units in our common stock. Both complaints sought actual damages in the amount of any losses the Plans suffered, to be allocated among the participants’ individual accounts as benefits due in proportion to the accounts’ diminution in value, attorneys’ fees, an order for equitable restitution and the imposition of constructive trust, and a declaration that each of the defendants have breached their fiduciary duties to the Plans’ participants.
On July 20, 2009, the Court entered an order consolidating the Smalls and Patterson actions. On August 12, 2009, the Court ordered that the consolidated case will proceed under the caption “In re Pilgrim’s Pride Stock Investment Plan ERISA Litigation, No. 2:08-cv-472-TJW.”
Patterson and Smalls filed a consolidated amended complaint (“Amended Complaint”) on March 2, 2010. The Amended Complaint names as defendants the Pilgrim’s Pride Board of Directors, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, Charles L. Black, Linda Chavez, S. Key Coker, Keith W. Hughes, Blake D. Lovette, Vance C. Miller, James G. Vetter, Jr., Donald L. Wass, J. Clinton Rivers, Richard A. Cogdill, the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Committee, Robert A. Wright, Jane Brookshire, Renee N. DeBar, the Pilgrim’s Pride Administrative Committee, Gerry Evenwel, Stacey Evans, Evelyn Boyden, and “John Does 1-10.” The Amended Complaint purports to assert claims on behalf of persons who were participants in or beneficiaries of the RSP or the To-Ricos Plan at any time between January 29, 2008 through December 1, 2008 (“the alleged class period”), and whose accounts included investments in the Company’s common stock.
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Like the original Patterson and Smalls complaints, the Amended Complaint alleges that the defendants breached ERISA fiduciary duties to participants and beneficiaries of the RSP and To-Ricos Plan by permitting both Plans to continue investing in the Company’s common stock during the alleged class period. The Amended Complaint also alleges that certain defendants were “appointing” fiduciaries who failed to monitor the performance of the defendant-fiduciaries they appointed. Further, the Amended Complaint alleges that all defendants are liable as co-fiduciaries for one another’s alleged breaches. Plaintiffs seek actual damages in the amount of any losses the RSP and To-Ricos Plan attributable to the decline in the value of the common stock held by the Plans, to be allocated among the participants’ individual accounts as benefits due in proportion to the accounts’ alleged diminution in value, costs and attorneys’ fees, an order for equitable restitution and the imposition of constructive trust, and a declaration that each of the defendants have breached their ERISA fiduciary duties to the RSP and To-Ricos Plan’s participants.
The Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint on May 3, 2010. On August 29, 2012, the Magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation to deny the Defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint on grounds that the complaint included too many exhibits. Defendants filed objections with the District Court, and on October 29, 2012, the District Court adopted the Recommendation of the Magistrate Judge and entered an order denying Defendants’ motion to dismiss. On November 11, 2012, Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. The motion is fully briefed and was argued to the Court on February 28, 2013. The parties are awaiting a decision on the motion.
Tax Claims and Proceedings
The United States Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) filed an amended proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to which the IRS asserted claims that total $74.7 million. We filed in the Bankruptcy Court (i) an objection to the IRS’ amended proof of claim, and (ii) a motion requesting the Bankruptcy Court to determine our U.S. federal tax liability pursuant to Sections 105 and 505 of Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code. The objection and motion asserted that the Company had no liability for the additional U.S. federal taxes that have been asserted for pre-petition periods by the IRS. The IRS responded in opposition to our objection and motion. On July 8, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court granted our unopposed motion requesting that the Bankruptcy Court abstain from determining our federal tax liability. As a result we have worked with the IRS through the normal processes and procedures that are available to all taxpayers outside of bankruptcy including the United States Tax Court (“Tax Court”) proceedings discussed below) to resolve the IRS’ amended proof of claim. On December 13, 2012, we entered into two Stipulation of Settled Issues (“Stipulation” or “Stipulations”) with the IRS. The first Stipulation relates to the Company’s 2003, 2005, and 2007 tax years and resolves all of the material issues in the case. The second Stipulation relates to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”) for the tax years ended June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005, and resolves all substantive issues in the case. These Stipulations account for approximately $29.3 million of the amended proof of claim and should result in no additional tax due.
In connection with the remaining claim of $45.4 million included in the amended proof of claim, we filed a petition in Tax Court on May 26, 2010 in response to a Notice of Deficiency that was issued to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist. The Notice of Deficiency and the Tax Court proceeding relate to a loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004. On December 11, 2013, the Tax Court issued its opinion in the Tax Court case holding the loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004 is capital in nature. On January 10, 2014, PPC filed both a Motion for Reconsideration and a Motion for Full Tax Court review of both its Motion for Reconsideration and any order issued in response to such motion. On March 10, 2014, the Tax Court denied both the Motion for Reconsideration and the Motion for Full Tax Court review. On April 14, 2014, the Company appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the Fifth Circuit. The Company filed an opening brief with the Fifth Circuit on June 30, 2014. The IRS filed a response brief with the Fifth Circuit on August 15, 2014. The Company then filed their reply brief with the Fifth Circuit on September 2, 2014. The Fifth Circuit has tentatively scheduled oral argument for the first full week of January 2015.
We can provide no assurances as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of any possible loss to us related to the above Tax Court case related to Gold Kist’s tax year ended June 26, 2004. If adversely determined, the outcome could have a material effect on the Company’s operating results and financial position.
Other Claims and Proceedings
We are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, you should carefully consider the risks discussed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, which, along with risks disclosed in this report, are risks we believe could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. These
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risks are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that it currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results.
The following risk factors supplement those contained in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K:
There can be no assurance that we will consummate the acquisition of Tyson Mexico or that Tyson Mexico can be combined successfully with our business.
In evaluating the terms of our acquisition of Tyson Mexico, we analyzed the respective businesses of Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson Mexico and made certain assumptions concerning their respective future operations. A principal assumption was that the acquisition will produce operating results better than those historically experienced or presently expected to be experienced in the future by us in the absence of the acquisition. There can be no assurance, however, that this assumption is correct or that the businesses of Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson Mexico will be successfully integrated in a timely manner.
Assumption of unknown liabilities in acquisitions may harm our financial condition and operating results.
Acquisitions may be structured in such a manner that would result in the assumption of unknown liabilities not disclosed by the seller or uncovered during pre-acquisition due diligence. For example, our proposed acquisition of Tyson Mexico is structured as a stock purchase in which we effectively assume all of the liabilities of Tyson Mexico, including liabilities that may be unknown. Such unknown obligations and liabilities could harm our financial condition and operating results.
We may pursue additional opportunities to acquire complementary businesses, which could further increase leverage and debt service requirements and could adversely affect our financial situation if we fail to successfully integrate the acquired business.
We intend to continue to pursue selective acquisitions of complementary businesses in the future. Inherent in any future acquisitions are certain risks such as increasing leverage and debt service requirements and combining company cultures and facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, particularly during the period immediately following such acquisitions. Additional debt or equity capital may be required to complete future acquisitions, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the required capital. Furthermore, acquisitions involve a number of risks and challenges, including:

• | Diversion of management’s attention;

• | The need to integrate acquired operations;

• | Potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies;

• | Lack of experience in operating in the geographical market of the acquired business; and

• | An increase in our expenses and working capital requirements.

Any of these and other factors could adversely affect our ability to achieve anticipated cash flows at acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of acquisitions.

ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION

On October 29, 2014, Dr. Marcus Vinicius Pratini de Moraes decided to retire as a Director of the Company. On October 29, 2014, the JBS Nominating Committee nominated and elected Andre Nogueira de Souza, Chief Executive Officer of JBS USA Holdings, Inc., as a JBS Director of the Company to replace Dr. Pratini. Mr. Nogueira has more than seven years of industry experience and more than 20 years of corporate financial banking experience.
As previously discussed, the Company filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on December 1, 2008 and emerged from bankruptcy on December 28, 2009. The Chapter 11 cases were being jointly administered under case number 08-45664. The Company has and intends to continue to post important information about the restructuring, including quarterly operating reports and other financial information required by the Bankruptcy Court, on the Company’s website www.pilgrims.com under the “Investors-Reorganization” caption. The quarterly operating reports are required to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court no later than the 20 th day of the next calendar month immediately following the end of the fiscal quarter and will be posted on the Company’s website concurrently with being filed with the Bankruptcy Court. The Company uses its website as a means of complying with its disclosure obligations under SEC Regulation FD.
The information contained on or accessible through the Company’s website shall not be deemed to be part of this report.
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS

2.1 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 15, 1986, by and among Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Texas corporation; Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and Doris Pilgrim Julian, Aubrey Hal Pilgrim, Paulette Pilgrim Rolston, Evanne Pilgrim, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, Greta Pilgrim Owens and Patrick Wayne Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-8805) effective November 14, 1986).
2.2 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 27, 2000 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of WLR Foods, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 000-17060) dated September 28, 2000).
2.3 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 3, 2006, by and among the Company, Protein Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gold Kist Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.(D)(1) to Amendment No. 11 to the Company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on December 5, 2006).
2.4 |  |  | Stock Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., dated September 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2009).
2.5 |  |  | Amendment No.1 to the Stock Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., dated December 28, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed January 22, 2010).
3.1 |  |  | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
3.2 |  |  | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
4.1 |  |  | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (included as Exhibit 3.1).
4.2 |  |  | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (included as Exhibit 3.2).
4.3 |  |  | Stockholders Agreement dated December 28, 2009 between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
4.4 |  |  | Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2009).
4.5 |  |  | Indenture dated as of December 14, 2010 among the Company, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of West Virginia, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
4.6 |  |  | Form of Senior 7.875% Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
4.7 |  |  | Form of Guarantee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
|  | Additional long-term debt instruments are not filed since the total amount of those securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed ten percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
12 |  |  | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.*
31.1 |  |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2 |  |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1 |  |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.2 |  |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
101.INS |  |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

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101.LAB |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label
101.PRE |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

* |  | Filed herewith.

** |  | Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.

|  | PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
Date: October 30, 2014 |  | /s/ Fabio Sandri
|  | Fabio Sandri
|  | Chief Financial Officer
|  | (Principal Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

2.1 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 15, 1986, by and among Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Texas corporation; Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and Doris Pilgrim Julian, Aubrey Hal Pilgrim, Paulette Pilgrim Rolston, Evanne Pilgrim, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, Greta Pilgrim Owens and Patrick Wayne Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-8805) effective November 14, 1986).
2.2 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 27, 2000 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of WLR Foods, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 000-17060) dated September 28, 2000).
2.3 |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 3, 2006, by and among the Company, Protein Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gold Kist Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.(D)(1) to Amendment No. 11 to the Company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on December 5, 2006).
2.4 |  |  | Stock Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., dated September 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2009).
2.5 |  |  | Amendment No.1 to the Stock Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., dated December 28, 2009 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed January 22, 2010).
3.1 |  |  | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
3.2 |  |  | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
4.1 |  |  | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (included as Exhibit 3.1).
4.2 |  |  | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (included as Exhibit 3.2).
4.3 |  |  | Stockholders Agreement dated December 28, 2009 between the Company and JBS USA Holdings, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed on December 27, 2012).
4.4 |  |  | Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2009).
4.5 |  |  | Indenture dated as of December 14, 2010 among the Company, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation of West Virginia, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
4.6 |  |  | Form of Senior 7.875% Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
4.7 |  |  | Form of Guarantee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2010).
|  | Additional long-term debt instruments are not filed since the total amount of those securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed ten percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
12 |  |  | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.*
31.1 |  |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2 |  |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1 |  |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.2 |  |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
101.INS |  |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

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101.LAB |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label
101.PRE |  |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

* |  | Filed herewith.

** |  | Furnished herewith.

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