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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Operations of Seaboard Corporation and its Subsidiaries Seaboard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Seaboard”) is a diverse global agribusiness and transportation company. In the United States (“U.S.”), Seaboard is primarily engaged in pork production and processing and ocean transportation. Overseas, Seaboard is primarily engaged in commodity merchandising, grain processing, sugar production, and electric power generation. Seaboard also has an interest in a turkey operation in the U.S. Seaboard Flour LLC and SFC Preferred LLC, entities owned by the chief executive officer and his family, hold approximately 76% of Seaboard’s outstanding common stock. Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Affiliates The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seaboard Corporation and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in non-controlled affiliates are accounted for by the equity method. Financial information from certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates is reported on a one- to three-month lag, depending on the specific entity. Short-Term Investments Short-term investments are retained for future use in the business. Investments held by Seaboard that are categorized as available-for-sale are reported at their estimated fair value with any related unrealized gains and losses reported net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Investments held by Seaboard that are categorized as trading securities are reported at their estimated fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in other investment income (loss), net on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Gains and losses on sale of investments are generally based on the specific identification method. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. The Power segment, however, collects interest on certain past due accounts, and the Commodity Trading and Milling segment provides extended payment terms for certain customers in certain countries due to local market conditions. The allowance for doubtful accounts is Seaboard’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. For most operating segments, Seaboard uses a specific identification approach to determine, in management’s judgment, the collection value of certain past due accounts based on contractual terms. For the Marine segment, the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an aging percentage methodology primarily based on historical write-off experience. Seaboard reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Inventories Seaboard uses the lower of last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market for determining inventory cost of live hogs, fresh pork product and related materials. Grain, flour and feed inventories at foreign milling operations are valued at the lower of weighted average cost or market. All other inventories, including further processed pork products, are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost or market. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and are being depreciated on the straight-line method over useful lives, ranging from 3 to 30 years. Property, plant and equipment leases which are deemed to be installment purchase obligations have been capitalized and included in the property, plant and equipment accounts. Routine and planned major maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred, while major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Notes Receivable from Affiliates Seaboard monitors the credit quality of notes receivable from its affiliates by obtaining and reviewing financial information for these affiliates on a monthly basis and by having Seaboard representatives serve on the Board of Directors of these affiliates. If based on current information and events it is probable that Seaboard will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the notes receivable from affiliates and an amount can be reasonably estimated, Seaboard will write-down the notes receivable to estimated realizable value. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment by each reporting unit at the quarter end closest to the anniversary date of the acquisition, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that impairment is likely. Separable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Any one event or a combination of events such as change in the business climate, a negative change in relationships with significant customers and changes to strategic decisions, including decisions to expand made in response to economic or competitive conditions could require an interim assessment prior to the next required annual assessment. Goodwill is related to the repurchase in 2007 of a noncontrolling interest of Seaboard Foods LLC (“Seaboard Foods”) in the Pork segment for a total of $12 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Based on the annual assessment conducted by this reporting unit during 2015, there were no impairment charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015. Accrued Self-Insurance Seaboard is self-insured for certain levels of workers’ compensation, health care coverage, property damage and general, vehicle and product recall liability. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements for known and anticipated claims. Changes in estimates to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current operating results. Asset Retirement Obligation Seaboard has recorded long-lived assets and a related liability for the asset retirement obligation costs associated with the closure of the hog lagoons it is legally obligated to close in the future should Seaboard cease operations or plan to close such lagoons voluntarily in accordance with a changed operating plan. Based on detailed assessments and appraisals obtained to estimate the future asset retirement obligation costs, Seaboard recorded the present value of the projected costs in non-current other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the retirement asset depreciated over the economic life of the related asset. The following table shows the changes in the asset retirement obligation during 2015 and 2014:
|  | Years ended December 31, |
(Millions of dollars) |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |
Beginning balance |  | $ | 17 |  | $ | 16 |
Accretion expense |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |
Ending balance |  | $ | 18 |  | $ | 17 |
Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. However, in the future, as these timing differences reverse, a lower statutory tax rate may apply pursuant to the provisions for domestic manufacturers of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), Seaboard will recognize the benefit or cost of this change in the future. Revenue Recognition As a result of a marketing agreement with Triumph Foods, LLC (“Triumph”), Seaboard’s sales prices for its pork products included in product revenues are primarily based on a margin sharing arrangement that considers the average sales price and mix of products sold from both Seaboard’s and Triumph’s hog processing plants. Seaboard earns a fee for marketing the pork products of Triumph, and recognizes this fee as service revenue primarily based on the number of head processed by Triumph. Revenues for the Commodity Trading and Milling Segment are recognized when the commodity is delivered to the customer, collection is reasonably assured and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Revenues for cargo services are recognized ratably over the transit time for each voyage, with expenses associated with cargo services recognized as incurred. Revenues for all other commercial exchanges are recognized at the time products are shipped or delivered in accordance with shipping terms or services rendered, the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss, collection is reasonably assured and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, impairment of long-lived assets, potential write-down related to investments in and advances to affiliates and notes receivable from affiliates, income taxes and accrued pension liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Earnings Per Common Share Earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share are the same for all periods presented. Change in Accounting Method During the second quarter of 2015, Seaboard invested an additional $10 million in a business operating a 300 megawatt electricity generating facility in the Dominican Republic. This investment increased Seaboard's ownership interest to 29.9% from less than 20%. Seaboard's previous investment of $6 million was accounted for using the cost method and as a result of this additional investment, Seaboard changed its accounting method to the equity method. This change in accounting required Seaboard to present its prior period financial results to reflect the equity method of accounting from the date of the initial investment, which resulted in a $6 million adjustment to retained earnings and a corresponding increase to its investment as of January 1, 2013. There is no tax impact to Seaboard on these amounts. See Note 12 for more information. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, management considers all demand deposits and overnight investments as cash equivalents. The following table shows the amounts paid for interest and income taxes:
|  | Years ended December 31, |
(Millions of dollars) |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2013 |
Interest |  | $ | 17 |  | $ | 20 |  | $ | 11 |
Income taxes, net of refunds |  |  | 60 |  |  | 135 |  |  | 60 |
Supplemental Non-Cash Transactions As more fully described in Note 4, as of September 27, 2014 Seaboard’s Pork segment sold to Triumph a 50% interest in its processed meats division, Daily’s Premium Meats (“Daily’s”). As a result, Seaboard deconsolidated Daily’s from its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2014. The following table summarizes the non-cash transactions resulting from this deconsolidation:
(Millions of dollars) |  |
Decrease in net working capital |  | $ | 21 |
Increase in investment in and advances to affiliates |  |  | (74) |
Decrease in property, plant and equipment |  |  | 16 |
Decrease in goodwill |  |  | 28 |
Decrease in other intangible assets, net (not subject to amortization) |  |  | 17 |
Gain on sale of controlling interest in subsidiary |  |  | 66 |
Net proceeds from sale of controlling interest in subsidiary |  | $ | 74 |
As discussed in Note 4, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Seaboard has notes receivable from affiliates which accrue pay-in-kind interest income. Non-cash, pay-in-kind interest income and accretion of discount recognized on these notes receivable for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $17 million, $16 million and $14 million, respectively. Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation Seaboard has operations in several foreign countries, and the currencies of the countries fluctuate in relation to the U.S. dollar. Certain of the major contracts and transactions, however, are denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, the value of the U.S. dollar fluctuates in relation to the currencies of countries where certain of Seaboard’s foreign subsidiaries and affiliates primarily conduct business. These fluctuations result in exchange gains and losses. The activities of these foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are primarily conducted with U.S. subsidiaries or operate in hyper-inflationary environments. As a result, the financial statements of certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are re-measured using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Seaboard’s Sugar segment, three consolidated subsidiaries (Commodity Trading and Milling segment businesses in Canada, Guyana and Zambia) and nine non-controlled, non-consolidated affiliates (Marine segment business in Jamaica and Commodity Trading and Milling segment businesses in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa and Zambia) use local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated at average rates. Translation gains and losses are recorded as components of other comprehensive income (loss). For these entities, U.S. dollar denominated net asset or liability conversions to the local currency are recorded through income. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Seaboard recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at their fair values. Accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on its designation and effectiveness. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the instrument and the related change in value of the underlying commitment. Additionally, in order to designate a derivative financial instrument as a hedge for accounting purposes, extensive record keeping is required. For derivatives that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes, the change in fair value has no net impact on earnings, to the extent the derivative is considered effective, until the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, or for the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument, the change in fair value affects current period net earnings. Seaboard uses various derivative instruments to manage various types of market risks from its day-to-day operations, primarily including commodity futures and option contracts, foreign currency exchange agreements and interest rate exchange agreements. While management believes each of these instruments primarily are entered into in order to effectively manage various market risks, as of December 31, 2015, none of the derivatives were designated and accounted for as hedges, primarily as a result of the extensive record-keeping requirements. Seaboard also enters into speculative derivative transactions not directly related to its raw material requirements. Recently Issued Accounting Standard Adopted In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued simplification guidance that requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and non-current amounts. Since early adoption is permitted, Seaboard adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2015 using the prospective transition method. Seaboard reclassified its current deferred income tax assets to non-current deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2015 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior periods were not retroactively adjusted. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to develop a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. Seaboard is currently evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Seaboard will be required to adopt this guidance on January 1, 2018, and it is currently anticipated that Seaboard will apply this guidance using the cumulative effect transition method. In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventory measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. Under the new standard, inventory should be recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Seaboard is analyzing the impact of this new standard and, at this time, cannot estimate the impact of adoption on net earnings. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires entities to measure equity investments, other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting, at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income if a readily determinable fair value exists. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the cost method of accounting is also eliminated. An entity may elect to record these equity investments at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Seaboard is analyzing the impact of this new standard on certain of its equity investments and, at this time, cannot estimate the impact of adoption on net earnings.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51801978&loc=d3e6003-108592 + Details
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