The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands)
Net income
$
349,990
$
121,567
$
851,451
$
188,106
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Gains (losses) arising during the period
110,012
(104,656)
(4,124)
39,269
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Gains (losses) arising during the period
2,314
1,384
4,321
(275)
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized
(639)
133
(2,700)
(216)
Available-for-sale securities:
Gains (losses) arising during the period
(43)
(112)
109
(166)
Income tax effect
10
27
(27)
40
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized
152
139
(82)
168
Income tax effect
(37)
(34)
20
(41)
Defined benefit plans:
Gains (losses) arising during the period
1,016
(365)
9,135
9,628
Income tax effect
(351)
(1,583)
(2,386)
(4,710)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized
11,037
266
11,381
714
Income tax effect
(2,671)
(67)
(2,754)
(173)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
120,800
(104,868)
12,893
44,238
Comprehensive income
470,790
16,699
864,344
232,344
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
130
289
867
1,185
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
$
470,660
$
16,410
$
863,477
$
231,159
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2023
261,931
$
2,620
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,978,849
$
2,071,073
$
(176,483)
$
13,205
$
3,344,577
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
850,584
—
867
851,451
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
—
—
—
—
—
12,893
—
12,893
Stock-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans
332
3
—
—
(3)
—
—
—
—
Requisite service period recognition
—
—
—
—
9,745
—
—
—
9,745
Balance at September 29, 2024
262,263
$
2,623
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,988,591
$
2,921,657
$
(163,590)
$
14,072
$
4,218,666
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance at June 30, 2024
262,084
$
2,621
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,986,198
$
2,571,797
$
(284,390)
$
13,942
$
3,745,481
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
349,860
—
130
349,990
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
—
—
—
—
—
120,800
—
120,800
Stock-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans
179
2
—
—
(2)
—
—
—
—
Requisite service period recognition
—
—
—
—
2,395
—
—
—
2,395
Balance at September 29, 2024
262,263
$
2,623
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,988,591
$
2,921,657
$
(163,590)
$
14,072
$
4,218,666
5
Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance at December 25, 2022
261,611
$
2,617
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,969,833
$
1,749,499
$
(336,448)
$
12,462
$
2,853,276
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
186,921
—
1,185
188,106
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—
—
—
—
—
—
44,238
—
44,238
Stock-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans
264
2
—
—
(2)
—
—
—
—
Requisite service period recognition
—
—
—
—
5,603
—
—
—
5,603
Balance at September 24, 2023
261,875
$
2,619
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,975,434
$
1,936,420
$
(292,210)
$
13,647
$
3,091,223
Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance at June 25, 2023
261,875
$
2,619
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,973,498
$
1,815,142
$
(187,342)
$
13,358
$
3,072,588
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
121,278
—
289
121,567
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
—
—
—
—
—
—
(104,868)
—
(104,868)
Stock-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition
—
—
—
—
1,936
—
—
—
1,936
Balance at September 24, 2023
261,875
$
2,619
(25,142)
$
(544,687)
$
1,975,434
$
1,936,420
$
(292,210)
$
13,647
$
3,091,223
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
851,451
$
188,106
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
321,768
307,414
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
45,220
(46,808)
Asset impairment
26,633
4,011
Gain on early extinguishment of debt recognized as a component of interest expense
(11,211)
—
Stock-based compensation
9,205
5,236
Loan cost amortization
3,798
6,059
Accretion of discount related to Senior Notes
1,898
1,581
Loss (gain) on property disposals
1,104
(8,416)
Loss (gain) on equity-method investments
(6)
330
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables
62,646
(65,183)
Inventories
172,990
(12,957)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(65,555)
(8,039)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
79,672
12,224
Income taxes
151,902
40,463
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations
13,135
(1,700)
Other operating assets and liabilities
(23,858)
(22,723)
Cash provided by operating activities
1,640,792
399,598
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment
(316,949)
(432,339)
Proceeds from property disposals
9,724
17,188
Proceeds from insurance recoveries
—
20,681
Cash used in investing activities
(307,225)
(394,470)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations
(151,671)
(765,899)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings
—
1,278,032
Proceeds from contribution (payment of distribution) of capital under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Holdings and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
1,425
(1,592)
Payments on early extinguishment of debt
(200)
—
Payments of capitalized loan costs
(16)
(10,275)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(150,462)
500,266
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(29,916)
(1,036)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
1,153,189
504,358
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period
731,223
434,759
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of period
$
1,884,412
$
939,117
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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.”), the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Mexico, France, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. 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 countries listed above. Additionally, the Company exports chicken and pork products to over 110 countries. Our fresh products consist of refrigerated whole or cut-up chicken, selected chicken parts that are either marinated or non-marinated, primary pork cuts, added value pork, and pork ribs. The Company’s prepared products include fully cooked, ready-to-cook and individually frozen chicken parts, strips, nuggets and patties, processed sausages, bacon, smoked meat, gammon joints, pre-packed meats, sandwich and deli counter meats and meatballs. The Company’s other products include plant-based protein offerings, ready-to-eat meals, multi-protein frozen foods, vegetarian foods and desserts. The Company also provides direct-to-consumer meals and hot food to-go solutions in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in the U.S., the U.K., Mexico, France, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. As of September 29, 2024, Pilgrim’s had approximately 62,000 employees and had the capacity to process approximately 41.8 million birds per 5-day work week. Approximately 4,400 contract growers supply chicken for the Company’s operations. As of September 29, 2024, PPC had the capacity to process approximately 42,750 pigs per 5-day work week and 206 contract growers supply pigs for the Company’s U.K. operations. As of September 29, 2024, JBS S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “JBS”), beneficially owned 82.4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited condensed 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 nine months ended September 29, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 29, 2024. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company operates on the basis of a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. Any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2024) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The nine months ended September 29, 2024 represents the period from January 1, 2024 through September 29, 2024. The nine months ended September 24, 2023 represents the period from December 26, 2022 through September 24, 2023.
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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP using management’s best estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of the contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments. Significant estimates made by the Company include the allowance for credit losses, reserves related to inventory obsolescence or valuation, useful lives of long-lived assets, goodwill, valuation of deferred tax assets, insurance accruals, valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations, income tax accruals, certain derivative positions, certain litigation reserves and valuations of acquired businesses.
The functional currency of the Company’s U.S. operations and certain holding-company subsidiaries in Luxembourg, the U.K., Malta and the Republic of Ireland is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of its U.K. operations is the British pound. The functional currency of the Company’s operations in France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland is the euro. The Company has determined that there was a significant change in economic factors that necessitated a reassessment of the appropriate functional currency of the Mexico reportable segment. The primary economic factors driving the change include 1)
the recent sustained, historical strengthening of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar and against other global currencies without a correlated impact on the average product sales prices of our Mexico operations and 2) a shift in the proportional volume of spend we have that is denominated in Mexican peso in relation to spend that is denominated in U.S. dollar. As a result of this reassessment, on April 1, 2024, the Company changed the functional currency of its Mexico operations from U.S. dollar to the Mexican peso. The change in the functional currency was accounted for on April 1, 2024, and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. For foreign currency-denominated entities, including the Company’s Mexico operations after April 1, 2024, translation from local currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for assets and liabilities using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from translation of these financial records are reflected as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the Company’s Mexico operations prior to April 1, 2024, remeasurement from the Mexican peso to U.S. dollars was performed for monetary assets and liabilities using the exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet date. Remeasurement was performed for non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. Income and expense accounts were remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Net adjustments that resulted from remeasurement of the financial records, as well as foreign currency transaction gains and losses, are reflected in Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
The Company is required to maintain cash balances with brokers as collateral for exchange-traded futures contracts. These balances are classified as restricted cash as they are not available for use by the Company to fund daily operations. The balance of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents may also include investments in U.S. Treasury Bills that qualify as restricted cash equivalents, as required by the brokers, to offset the obligation to return cash collateral.
The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,877,981
$
697,748
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
6,431
33,475
Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$
1,884,412
$
731,223
Industrial Revenue Bond Transaction
On August 22, 2024, the Company closed an industrial revenue bond transaction with the Douglas-Coffee County Industrial Authority d/b/a Douglas-Coffee County Development Authority (the “County”) in order to receive a five-year real property tax abatement on the Company’s newly constructed Douglas, Georgia protein conversion facility. Pursuant to this transaction, the County issued an industrial revenue bond for $130.0 million principal amount to the Company and then used the proceeds of the bond issuance to purchase the land and facility from the Company. The County then leased the facility back to the Company under a finance lease, the terms of which provide for the payment of rent in an amount equal to that of bond service costs. The related land and building are recorded as assets in Property, plant, and equipment, net on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has the legal right to set-off and intends to set-off the corresponding lease and bond service payments, therefore the Company has netted the finance lease obligation with the bond asset. As such, no amount for our obligation under the finance lease or the corresponding industrial revenue bond asset are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted as of September 29, 2024
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires additional disclosures for reportable segments. The guidance requires disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker along with additional measures of segment profit that are regularly used by the chief operating decision maker in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective for years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period of the current fiscal year and is still assessing the impacts on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires additional disclosures for income taxes to enhance transparency and usefulness of income tax disclosures. The guidance requires additional disclosures for the tabular rate reconciliation, income taxes paid, and the disaggregation of domestic, federal and state, and foreign components within income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company plans to adopt this guidance as it becomes effective and is assessing the impacts on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
2.REVENUE RECOGNITION
The vast majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from contracts which are based upon a customer ordering our products. While there may be master agreements, the contract is only established when the customer’s order is accepted by the Company. The Company accounts for a contract, which may be verbal or written, when it is approved and committed by both parties, the rights of the parties are identified along with payment terms, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is probable.
The Company evaluates the transaction for distinct performance obligations, which are the sale of its products to customers. Since its products are commodity market-priced, the sales price is representative of the observable, standalone selling price. Each performance obligation is recognized based upon a pattern of recognition that reflects the transfer of control to the customer at a point in time, which is upon destination (customer location or port of destination), which faithfully depicts the transfer of control and recognition of revenue. There are instances of customer pick-up at the Company’s facility, in which case control transfers to the customer at that point and the Company recognizes revenue. The Company’s performance obligations are typically fulfilled within days to weeks of the acceptance of the order.
The Company makes judgments regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from revenue and cash flows with customers. Determination of a contract requires evaluation and judgment along with the estimation of the total contract value and if any of the contract value is constrained. Due to the nature of our business, there is minimal variable consideration, as the contract is established at the acceptance of the order from the customer. When applicable, variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and updated on a regular basis until the contract is completed. Allocating the transaction price to a specific performance obligation based upon the relative standalone selling prices includes estimating the standalone selling prices including discounts and variable consideration.
Disaggregated Revenue
Revenue has been disaggregated into the categories below to show how economic factors affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows:
Additional disaggregation of revenue by sales channel is provided below:
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
Retail
Foodservice
Export
Other
Total
U.S.
$
1,464,948
$
1,083,508
$
121,838
$
103,097
$
2,773,391
Europe
831,869
207,757
123,718
144,783
1,308,127
Mexico(a)
129,294
234,954
—
139,213
503,461
Total net sales
$
2,426,111
$
1,526,219
$
245,556
$
387,093
$
4,584,979
Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
(In thousands)
Retail
Foodservice
Export
Other
Total
U.S.
$
1,257,026
$
973,493
$
129,624
$
128,174
$
2,488,317
Europe
803,971
231,774
114,768
161,692
1,312,205
Mexico(a)
134,067
265,011
—
160,596
559,674
Total net sales
$
2,195,064
$
1,470,278
$
244,392
$
450,462
$
4,360,196
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
Retail
Foodservice
Export
Other
Total
U.S.
$
4,253,747
$
3,082,396
$
350,600
$
329,945
$
8,016,688
Europe
2,465,912
639,384
351,473
420,802
3,877,571
Mexico(a)
401,794
752,210
—
457,964
1,611,968
Total net sales
$
7,121,453
$
4,473,990
$
702,073
$
1,208,711
$
13,506,227
Nine Months Ended September 24 2023
(In thousands)
Retail
Foodservice
Export
Other
Total
U.S.
$
3,730,554
$
2,826,967
$
397,397
$
412,175
$
7,367,093
Europe
2,389,647
685,781
349,492
437,299
3,862,219
Mexico(a)
358,486
777,498
—
468,619
1,604,603
Total net sales
$
6,478,687
$
4,290,246
$
746,889
$
1,318,093
$
12,833,915
(a)Included in Mexico foodservice channel are sales to wholesale public meat markets that typically sell product on to foodservice customers. Included in Mexico other channel are sales to live chicken markets.
The Company can incur incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract such as broker expenses that are not expected to be recovered. The amortization period for such expenses is less than one year; therefore, the costs are expensed as incurred.
Taxes
The Company excludes all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer (for example, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes) from the transaction price.
Contract Balances
The Company receives payment from customers based on terms established with the customer. Payments are typically due within 14 to 30 days of delivery. Revenue contract liabilities relate to payments received in advance of satisfying the performance under the customer contract. The revenue contract liabilities relate to customer prepayments and the advanced consideration, such as cash, received from governmental agency contracts for which performance obligations to the end customer have not been satisfied.
Changes in the revenue contract liabilities balance are as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
84,958
Revenue recognized
(82,047)
Cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period
82,218
Balance as of September 29, 2024
$
85,129
Accounts Receivable
The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. We record an allowance for credit losses, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for credit losses are based on historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We write off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon age or customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable.
3. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company utilizes various raw materials in its operations, including corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, 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 twelve months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate.
The Company has operations in Mexico, the U.K., France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, it has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are remeasured in U.S. dollars. The Company has purchased foreign currency forward contracts to manage a portion of this 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. The Company’s counterparties require that it post collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts. This cash collateral is reported in the line item Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Undesignated contracts may include contracts not designated as hedges or contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting. The fair value of each of these derivatives is recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Prepaid expenses and other current assets or Accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Changes in fair value of each derivative are recognized immediately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income within Net sales, Cost of sales, or Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) depending on the risk the derivative is intended to mitigate. While management
believes these instruments help mitigate various market risks, they are not designated and accounted for as hedges as a result of the extensive record keeping requirements.
The Company does not apply hedge accounting treatment to certain derivative financial instruments that it has purchased to mitigate commodity purchase exposures in the U.S. and Mexico or foreign currency transaction exposures on our Mexico operations. Therefore, the Company recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to the commodity derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains and losses related to cash flows are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Cash provided by operating activities. Unrealized gains and losses related to cash flows are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the line item Other operating assets and liabilities. Gains or losses related to the foreign currency derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company does apply hedge accounting treatment to certain derivative financial instruments related to its Europe reportable segment that it has purchased to mitigate foreign currency transaction exposures. Before the settlement date of the financial derivative instruments, the Company recognizes changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge into accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). When the derivative financial instruments are settled, the amount in AOCI is then reclassified to earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Net sales and Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
We have generally applied the normal purchase and normal sale scope exception (“NPNS”) to our forward physical grain purchase contracts delivered by truck and to our forward physical natural gas and solar-generated power purchase contracts. NPNS contracts are accounted for using the accrual method of accounting; therefore, amounts payable under these contracts are recorded when we take delivery of the contracted product and no amounts were recorded for the fair value of these contracts in the condensed consolidated financial statements at September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with brokers is included in the following table:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Fair values:
Commodity derivative assets
$
9,349
$
1,202
Commodity derivative liabilities
(4,503)
(17,118)
Foreign currency derivative assets
1,299
175
Foreign currency derivative liabilities
(226)
(723)
Sales contract derivative assets
678
960
Cash collateral posted with brokers(a)
6,431
33,475
Derivatives coverage(b):
Corn
10.3
%
10.9
%
Soybean meal
7.4
%
39.6
%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Corn
December 2025
July 2024
Soybean meal
December 2025
March 2024
(a)Collateral posted with brokers consists primarily of cash, short-term treasury bills or other cash equivalents.
(b)Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.
The following table presents the gains and losses of each derivative instrument held by the Company not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:
Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands)
Foreign currency derivatives loss
$
—
$
(6,164)
$
—
$
(53,818)
Foreign currency transaction losses
Commodity derivative gain (loss)
12,612
3,324
(3,582)
(13,023)
Cost of sales
Sales contract derivative gain (loss)
(3,815)
3,100
(282)
5,628
Net sales
Total
$
8,797
$
260
$
(3,864)
$
(61,213)
(a)Amounts represent income (expenses) related to results of operations.
The following tables present the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges:
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands)
Foreign currency derivative gains (losses)
$
2,301
$
1,346
$
4,301
$
(302)
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Net sales(a)
Cost of sales(b)
Net sales(a)
Cost of sales(b)
(In thousands)
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded
$
4,584,979
$
3,901,009
$
4,360,196
$
4,014,314
Impact from cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivatives
299
(340)
106
239
(a) Amounts represent income (expenses) related to net sales.
(b) Amounts represent expenses (income) related to cost of sales.
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Net sales(a)
Cost of sales(b)
Net sales(a)
Cost of sales(b)
(In thousands)
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded
$
13,506,227
$
11,746,722
$
12,833,915
$
12,036,561
Impact from cash flow hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivatives
2,255
(445)
440
224
(a) Amounts represent income (expenses) related to net sales.
(b) Amounts represent expenses (income) related to cost of sales.
At September 29, 2024, there was a $0.3 million pre-tax deferred net loss on foreign currency derivatives recorded in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the next twelve months. This expectation is based on the anticipated settlements on the hedged investments in foreign currencies that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred loss to earnings.
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for credit losses, consisted of the following:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Trade accounts receivable
$
1,034,901
$
1,027,916
Notes receivable from third parties
9,231
51,168
Other receivables
31,275
59,435
Receivables, gross
1,075,407
1,138,519
Allowance for credit losses
(7,757)
(9,341)
Receivables, net
$
1,067,650
$
1,129,178
Accounts receivable from related parties(a)
$
1,964
$
1,778
(a)Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 17. Related Party Transactions.”
Activity in the allowance for credit losses was as follows:
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
(9,341)
Provision released to operating results
1,010
Account write-offs and recoveries
46
Effect of exchange rate
528
Balance, end of period
$
(7,757)
In June 2023, the Company and JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) jointly entered into a receivables purchase agreement with a bank for an uncommitted facility with a maximum capacity of $415.0 million and no recourse to the Company or JBS USA. Under the facility, the Company may sell eligible trade receivables in exchange for cash. Transfers under the agreement are recorded as a sale under ASC 860, Broad Transactions – Transfers and Servicing. At the transfer date, the Company receives cash equal to the face value of the receivables sold less a fee based on the current Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus an applicable margin applied over the customer payment term. The fees are immaterial.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Raw materials and work-in-process
$
1,042,088
$
1,158,467
Finished products
551,033
642,028
Operating supplies
74,594
75,530
Maintenance materials and parts
113,210
109,374
Total inventories
$
1,780,925
$
1,985,399
6. INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
The Company recognizes investments in available-for-sale securities as cash equivalents, current investments or long-term investments depending upon each security’s length to maturity. The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities:
Interest income and gross realized gains during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities were $26.2 million and $47.2 million, while interest income and gross realized gains during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2023 were $5.8 million and $12.1 million. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities investments are historically 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 nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 that have been included in AOCI and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of AOCI to earnings during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 are disclosed in “Note 13. Stockholders’ Equity.”
7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The activity in goodwill by segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 was as follows:
December 31, 2023
Currency Translation
September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
U.S.
$
41,936
$
—
$
41,936
Europe
1,116,521
51,618
1,168,139
Mexico
127,804
(25,073)
102,731
Total
$
1,286,261
$
26,545
$
1,312,806
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
December 31, 2023
Amortization
Currency Translation
September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
Cost:
Trade names not subject to amortization
$
580,473
$
—
$
25,083
$
605,556
Trade names subject to amortization
112,681
—
1,506
114,187
Customer relationships
441,719
—
8,420
450,139
Accumulated amortization:
Trade names
(57,762)
(2,919)
(251)
(60,932)
Customer relationships
(223,128)
(21,389)
(2,033)
(246,550)
Intangible assets, net
$
853,983
$
(24,308)
$
32,725
$
862,400
Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Customer relationships
3-18 years
Trade names subject to amortization
15-20 years
On July 1, 2024, the Company effectively completed a reorganization within its Europe reportable segment. The previous reporting units were Moy Park, Pilgrim's UK, and Pilgrim's Food Masters. The new reporting units are Fresh Pork/Lamb, Fresh Poultry, Food Service, Meals, and Brands & Snacking. As a result of this reorganization, the Company reassigned assets and liabilities to the applicable reporting units and allocated goodwill using the relative net assets approach. The Company then performed an interim impairment test on the reporting units on both a pre- and post-reorganization basis. There was no impairment recognized as a result of these tests. The Company additionally assessed if the Pilgrim’s Europe reorganization indicated that any carrying amounts of its non-goodwill intangible assets might not be recoverable. The reorganization did not result in any change in business use for any of the intangible assets and therefore, the Company determined no indicators were present that required us to test the recoverability of the asset group-level carrying amounts of its Europe intangible assets at that date.
At September 29, 2024, the Company assessed if events or changes in circumstances indicated that any asset group-level carrying amounts of its U.S. and Mexico intangible assets might not be recoverable. The Company will perform its annual tests of recoverability of all goodwill and trade names not subject to amortization in the fourth quarter of 2024, which if there were to be an impairment could be material.
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Land
$
378,073
$
273,846
Buildings
2,093,646
2,170,716
Machinery and equipment
4,099,773
3,953,008
Autos and trucks
130,190
93,858
Finance lease assets
4,275
5,550
Construction-in-progress
384,737
458,146
PP&E, gross
7,090,694
6,955,124
Accumulated depreciation
(3,978,078)
(3,796,721)
PP&E, net
$
3,112,616
$
3,158,403
The Company recognized depreciation expense of $102.3 million and $96.2 million during the three months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively. The Company recognized depreciation expense of $297.5 million and $282.6 million during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 29, 2024, the Company incurred $285.8 million on capital projects and transferred $360.7 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. During the nine months ended September 24, 2023, the Company spent $432.3 million on capital projects and transferred $292.6 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses for the periods ended September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $15.8 million and $46.9 million, respectively.
During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, the Company sold a feed mill in the U.S. and breeder farm equipment in Mexico for proceeds of $5.2 million and $9.7 million, respectively, and recognized a net gain of $1.6 million and a net loss of $1.1 million, respectively, on these sales. During the three and nine months ended September 24, 2023, the Company sold certain PP&E for $2.2 million and $17.2 million, respectively, in cash and recognized a net loss of $0.9 million and a net gain of $8.4 million, respectively, on these sales.
During the nine months ended September 29, 2024, the Company reclassified $5.5 million of certain building and land assets from PP&E to assets held for sale. The assets reclassified to assets held for sale are in connection with our ongoing restructuring activities of our Europe reportable segment. We measured the assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less anticipated costs to sell.
The Company has closed or idled various other facilities in the U.S. and in the U.K. The Board of Directors has not 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. As of September 29, 2024, the carrying amounts of these idled assets totaled $48.0 million based on depreciable value of $186.9 million and accumulated depreciation of $138.9 million. Idled asset values include those assets that are no longer in use as a result of the recent restructuring activities of our Europe reportable segment. During the nine months ended September 29, 2024, the Company recognized an additional impairment loss on PP&E of $26.6 million incurred as a result of those restructuring activities. Additional information regarding restructuring activities is included in “Note 16. Restructuring-Related Activities.”
As of September 29, 2024, the Company assessed if events or changes in circumstances indicated that the asset group-level carrying amounts of its PP&E held for use might not be recoverable. There were no indicators present that required the Company to test the recoverability of the asset group-level carrying amounts of its PP&E held for use at that date.
Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts payable
$
1,276,988
$
1,294,830
Book overdrafts
88,272
90,612
Other payables
26,010
25,134
Total accounts payable
1,391,270
1,410,576
Accounts payable to related parties(a)
19,404
41,254
Revenue contract liabilities(b)
85,129
84,958
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits
311,971
249,474
Litigation settlements(c)
125,481
73,330
Accrued sales rebates
116,214
104,390
Insurance and self-insured claims
74,941
76,287
Current maturities of operating lease liabilities
63,959
67,440
Interest and debt-related fees
61,280
71,508
Taxes
34,030
37,635
Derivative liabilities(d)
4,729
17,841
Other accrued expenses
208,658
228,822
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,001,263
926,727
Total
$
2,497,066
$
2,463,515
(a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 17. Related Party Transactions.”
(b) Additional information regarding revenue contract liabilities is included in “Note 2. Revenue Recognition.”
(c) Additional information regarding litigation settlements is included in “Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies.”
(d) Additional information regarding derivative liabilities is included in “Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments.”
10. SUPPLIER FINANCE PROGRAMS
The Company maintains supplier finance programs, under which we agree to pay for confirmed invoices from participating suppliers to a financing entity. Maturity dates are generally between 65-120 days and we pay either the supplier or the financing entity depending on the supplier’s election. As of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance of confirmed invoices was $359.6 million and $192.7 million, respectively, and are included in Accounts payable in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $284.3 million, a 25.0% effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 compared to an income tax expense of $20.5 million, a 9.8% effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The increased income tax expense in 2024 resulted primarily from the increase of profit before income taxes.
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 29, 2024, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.
For the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, there is a tax effect of $(5.1) million and $(4.9) million, respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income.
For the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, there are immaterial tax effects reflected in income tax expense due to excess tax windfalls and shortfalls related to stock-based compensation.
The Company operates in the U.S. (including multiple state jurisdictions), Puerto Rico and several foreign locations including Mexico, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, and continental Europe. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2019 in U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions, for years prior to 2010 in Mexico, and for years prior to 2017 in the U.K.
12. DEBT
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements, including current notes payable to banks, consisted of the following components:
Maturity
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
Senior notes payable, net of discount, at 6.875%
2034
$
491,099
$
490,408
Senior notes payable, net of discount, at 6.25%
2033
974,217
993,595
Senior notes payable at 3.50%
2032
900,000
900,000
Senior notes payable, net of discount, at 4.25%
2031
850,129
992,711
U.S. Credit Facility (defined below) at SOFR plus 1.35%
2028
—
—
Europe Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at SONIA plus 1.25%
2027
—
—
Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE plus 1.35%
2026
—
—
Finance lease obligations
Various
1,934
2,486
Long-term debt
3,217,379
3,379,200
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
(546)
(674)
Long-term debt, less current maturities
3,216,833
3,378,526
Less: Capitalized financing costs
(32,753)
(37,685)
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs
On May 1, 2024, the Board approved a bond repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding senior notes. Under the program, the Company has repurchased $144.3 million of outstanding principal of the Senior Notes due 2031 and $20.0 million of outstanding principal of the Senior Notes due 2033, resulting in gross realized gains of $13.8 million, including immaterial realized gains recognized in the three months ended September 29, 2024. The gross realized gains on early extinguishment of debt are recognized as a reduction in interest expense. The original discount and capitalized financing costs of $1.1 million and $1.2 million associated with the amounts repurchased, respectively, are partially offsetting the gross gains on early extinguishment of debt, along with a nominal amount of transaction fees.
U.S. Credit Facility
On October 4, 2023, the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a Revolving Syndicated Facility Agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with CoBank, ACB as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto. The U.S. Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan commitment of up to $850.0 million. The loan commitment matures on October 4, 2028. The U.S. Credit Facility is unsecured and will be used for general corporate purposes. Outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to either the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or the prime rate plus applicable margins based on the Company’s credit ratings. As of September 29, 2024, the Company had outstanding letters of credit and available borrowings under the revolving credit commitment of $24.7 million and $825.3 million, respectively, and there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement.
The U.S. Credit Facility requires customary financial and other covenants for transactions of this type, including limitations on 1) liens, 2) indebtedness, 3) sales and other dispositions of assets, 4) dividends, distributions, and other payments in respect of equity interest, 5) investments, and 6) voluntary prepayments, redemptions or repurchases of junior debt. In each case, clauses 1 to 6 are subject to certain exceptions which can be material and certain of such clauses only apply to the Company upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants under the U.S. Credit Facility.
Europe Credit Facility
On June 24, 2022, Moy Park Holdings (Europe) Ltd. (“MPH(E)”) and other Pilgrim’s entities located in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland entered into an unsecured multicurrency revolving facility agreement (the “Europe Credit Facility”) with the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, as agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The Europe Credit Facility provides for a multicurrency revolving loan commitment of up to £150.0 million. The loan commitment matures on June 24, 2027. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at the current Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”) interest rate plus 1.25%. All obligations under this agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. As of September 29, 2024, both the U.S. dollar-equivalent loan commitment and borrowing availability were $200.6 million and there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement.
The Europe Credit Facility contains representations and warranties, covenants, indemnities and conditions, in each case, that the Company believes are customary for transactions of this type. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to meet certain financial and other restrictive covenants. Additionally, the Company is prohibited from taking certain actions without consent of the lenders, including, without limitation, incurring additional indebtedness, entering into certain mergers or other business combination transactions, permitting liens or other encumbrances on its assets and making restricted payments, including dividends, in each case, except as expressly permitted under the Europe Credit Facility. The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants under the Europe Credit Facility.
Mexico Credit Facility
On August 15, 2023, certain of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA México as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is Mex$1.1 billion and can be borrowed on a revolving basis. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to The Interbank Equilibrium Interest (“TIIE”) rate plus 1.35%. The Mexico Credit Facility contains covenants and defaults that the Company believes are customary for transactions of this type. The Mexico Credit Facility will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on August 15, 2026. As of September 29, 2024, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment and borrowing availability was $56.4 million. As of September 29, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility. The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants under the Mexico Credit Facility.
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 14. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized 50,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock, although no shares have been issued and no shares are outstanding.
Restrictions on Dividends
The U.S. Credit Facility and the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes have currently no restrictions on dividends. Under certain triggering events, the U.S. Credit Facility may limit the Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends. Additionally, the Europe Credit Facility may restrict MPH(E) and other Pilgrim’s entities located in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland to, among other things, make payments and distributions to the Company.
14. 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 such as the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the “Union Plan”), the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees (the “GK Plan”), the Tulip Limited Pension Plan and the Geo Adams Group Pension Fund, nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan and defined contribution retirement savings plan. Expenses recognized under all retirement plans totaled $8.3 million and $8.3 million in the three months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively, and $26.9 million and $23.7 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.
Defined Benefit Plans Obligations and Assets
During 2024, the Company executed a termination of its Union and GK Plans. Under the plan terminations, participants were offered a lump sum buyout or an annuity placement buyout. As a result, the Company settled the first portion of $43.4 million of outstanding benefit obligations and recognized a $10.7 million loss on settlement during the period ended September 29, 2024. The loss was recognized in Miscellaneous, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Assets of the pension plans were used to settle the obligations. The remaining outstanding pension obligations under the Union and GK Plans are expected to be settled during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the defined benefit plans were as follows:
Overfunded (underfunded) benefit obligation, end of period
$
2,139
$
(1,080)
$
(12,057)
$
(1,160)
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
(In thousands)
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period
Noncurrent asset
$
2,362
$
—
$
—
$
—
Current liability
(237)
(187)
(7,717)
(187)
Long-term liability
14
(893)
(4,340)
(973)
Net financial position
$
2,139
$
(1,080)
$
(12,057)
$
(1,160)
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
(In thousands)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period
Net actuarial loss (gain)
$
19,565
$
(78)
$
40,487
$
(87)
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was $184.1 million and $237.5 million at September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
(In thousands)
Interest cost
$
3,140
$
13
$
2,821
$
14
$
8,089
$
35
$
7,918
$
36
Estimated return on plan assets
(3,127)
—
(2,596)
—
(8,330)
—
(7,349)
—
Settlement loss
10,774
—
—
—
10,774
—
—
—
Expenses paid from assets
112
—
54
—
304
—
200
—
Amortization of net loss
259
—
261
—
594
—
701
—
Amortization of past service cost
4
—
5
—
13
—
13
—
Net costs(a)
$
11,162
$
13
$
545
$
14
$
11,444
$
35
$
1,483
$
36
(a) Net costs are included in the line item Miscellaneous, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Economic Assumptions
The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period
Discount rate
4.96
%
4.88
%
4.81
%
5.06
%
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost
Discount rate
4.79
%
5.06
%
5.09
%
5.16
%
Expected return on plan assets
5.42
%
N/A
4.98
%
N/A
Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows:
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period
$
40,487
$
(87)
$
48,121
$
(66)
Amortization
(607)
—
(714)
—
Realized loss on settlement
(10,774)
—
—
—
Actuarial loss (gain)
(8,762)
9
(11,882)
(24)
Asset loss (gain)
(394)
—
2,301
—
Currency translation loss (gain)
(385)
—
364
—
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period
$
19,565
$
(78)
$
38,190
$
(90)
Remeasurement
The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis.
The Company sponsors two defined contribution retirement savings plans in the U.S. reportable segment for eligible U.S. and Puerto Rico employees. The Company maintains three postretirement plans for eligible employees in the Mexico reportable segment, as required by Mexico law, which primarily cover termination benefits. The Company maintains seven defined contribution retirement savings plans in the Europe reportable segment for eligible U.K. and Europe employees, as required by U.K. and Europe law. The Company’s expenses related to its defined contribution plans totaled $7.5 million and $7.4 million in the three months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively, and $25.0 million and $21.2 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.
15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
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 available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;
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 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company held fixed income securities, derivative assets and derivative liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fixed income securities consist of investments, such as money market funds and commercial paper. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity futures instruments, commodity options instruments, sales contracts instruments, foreign currency instruments to manage translation and remeasurement risk.
The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Total
(In thousands)
Assets:
Fixed income securities
$
1,739,734
$
—
$
1,739,734
$
324,947
$
—
$
324,947
Commodity derivative assets
9,349
—
9,349
1,202
—
1,202
Foreign currency derivative assets
1,299
—
1,299
175
—
175
Sales contract derivative assets
—
678
678
—
960
960
Liabilities:
Commodity derivative liabilities
(4,503)
—
(4,503)
(17,118)
—
(17,118)
Foreign currency derivative liabilities
(226)
—
(226)
(723)
—
(723)
See “Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information.
The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 1 is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities 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. For each class of assets and liabilities not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets but for which fair value is disclosed, the Company is not required to provide the quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
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 our debt obligations recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
September 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 3.50%, at Level 2 inputs
$
(900,000)
$
(796,698)
$
(900,000)
$
(760,203)
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 4.25%, at Level 2 inputs
(850,129)
(814,779)
(992,711)
(902,650)
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 2 inputs
(974,217)
(1,041,809)
(993,595)
(1,029,020)
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.875%, at Level 2 inputs
(491,099)
(554,825)
(490,408)
(540,230)
See “Note 12. Debt” for additional information.
The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain other liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities. 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 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 Sheets. The fair value of the Company’s Level 2 fixed-rate debt obligations was based on the quoted market price at September 29, 2024 or December 31, 2023, 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.
In 2022, the Company began restructuring initiatives in its Europe reportable segment. Additional restructuring initiatives also commenced in 2023 and 2024. The purpose of our ongoing restructuring activities is to integrate central operations and reallocate processing capacities between production facilities resulting in closures of some facilities in the Europe reportable segment.
The following table provides a summary of our estimates of timelines and costs associated with these restructuring initiatives by major type of cost:
Moy Park
Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. 2022
Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. 2024
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2022
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2023
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2024
Pilgrim’s Europe Central
Total
(In thousands)
Earliest implementation date
October 2022
November 2022
September 2024
December 2022
October 2023
April 2024
January 2024
Expected predominant completion date
June 2023
July 2023
December 2024
July 2023
March 2024
December 2024
December 2024
Costs incurred and expected to be incurred:
Employee-related costs
$
11,103
$
20,325
$
1,633
$
14,490
$
3,027
$
18,434
$
26,005
$
95,017
Asset impairment costs
3,476
15,269
—
4,141
—
9,540
1,824
34,250
Contract termination costs
248
262
—
—
—
1,678
1,360
3,548
Other exit and disposal costs (a)
6,245
7,594
—
6,330
—
11,655
916
32,740
Total exit and disposal costs (b)
$
21,072
$
43,450
$
1,633
$
24,961
$
3,027
$
41,307
$
30,105
$
165,555
Costs incurred since earliest implementation date:
Employee-related costs
$
11,103
$
20,325
$
1,633
$
14,490
$
3,027
$
17,356
$
23,865
$
91,799
Asset impairment costs
3,476
15,269
—
4,141
—
9,540
1,824
34,250
Contract termination costs
248
262
—
—
—
749
1,360
2,619
Other exit and disposal costs (a)
6,245
7,594
—
6,330
—
7,129
916
28,214
Total exit and disposal costs
$
21,072
$
43,450
$
1,633
$
24,961
$
3,027
$
34,774
$
27,965
$
156,882
(a)Comprised of other costs directly related to the restructuring initiatives including Moy Park flock depletion, the write-off of Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. prepaid maintenance costs and Pilgrim’s Food Masters consulting fees.
(b)All costs, except for asset impairment costs, are estimated to result in cash outlays.
During the nine months ended September 29, 2024, the Company recognized the following expenses and paid the following cash related to each restructuring initiative:
Expenses
Cash Outlays
(In thousands)
Moy Park
$
—
$
869
Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. 2022
17,698
3,009
Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. 2024
1,633
131
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2022
—
1,663
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2023
—
2,140
Pilgrim’s Food Masters 2024
34,774
10,649
Pilgrim’s Europe Central
27,965
23,585
Total
$
82,070
$
42,046
These expenses are reported in the line item Restructuring activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table reconciles liabilities and reserves associated with each restructuring initiative from its respective inception toSeptember 29, 2024. Ending liability balances for employee termination benefits and other charges are reported in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ending reserve balance for inventory adjustments is reported in the line item Inventories in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(a)The Company routinely executes transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of September 29, 2024, goods purchased and in transit from JBS USA were immaterial and not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(b)The Company has an agreement with JBS USA to allocate costs associated with JBS USA’s procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for both companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA 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. The Company also has an agreement with JBS USA 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 on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA will be reimbursed by JBS USA. This agreement expires on December 31, 2025.
18. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company operates in three reportable segments: U.S., Europe (formerly known as “U.K. and Europe”), and Mexico. The Company measures segment profit as operating income. Corporate expenses are allocated to the Mexico and Europe reportable segments based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S. reportable segment.
We conduct separate operations in the continental U.S. and in Puerto Rico. For segment reporting purposes, the Puerto Rico operations are included in the U.S. reportable segment. The chicken products processed by the U.S. reportable segment are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The segment’s primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants.
The Europe reportable segment processes primarily fresh chicken, pork products, specialty meats, ready meals and other prepared foods that are sold to foodservice, retail and direct to consumer customers. The segment’s primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants.
The chicken products processed by the Mexico reportable segment are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The segment’s primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants.
Additional information regarding reportable segments is as follows:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024(a)
September 24, 2023(b)
September 29, 2024(c)
September 24, 2023(d)
(In thousands)
Net sales
U.S.
$
2,773,391
$
2,488,317
$
8,016,688
$
7,367,093
Europe
1,308,127
1,312,205
3,877,571
3,862,219
Mexico
503,461
559,674
1,611,968
1,604,603
Total
$
4,584,979
$
4,360,196
$
13,506,227
$
12,833,915
(a)In addition to the above third party sales, for the three months ended September 29, 2024, the U.S. reportable segment had intercompany sales to the Mexico reportable segment of $22.5 million. These sales consisted of fresh products, prepared products and grain.
(b)In addition to the above third party sales, for the three months ended September 24, 2023, the U.S. reportable segment had intercompany sales to the Mexico reportable segment of $105.9 million. These sales consisted of fresh products, prepared products and grain.
(c)In addition to the above third party sales, for the nine months ended September 29, 2024, the U.S. reportable segment had intercompany sales to the Mexico reportable segment of $99.4 million. These sales consisted of fresh products, prepared products and grain.
(d)In addition to the above third party sales, for the nine months ended September 24, 2023, the U.S. reportable segment had intercompany sales to the Mexico reportable segment of $201.8 million. These sales consisted of fresh products, prepared products and grain.
(a)For this disclosure, we exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280-10-50-41, Segment Reporting. Long-lived assets, as used in ASC 280-10-50-41, implies hard assets that cannot be readily removed.
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
General
The Company is a party to many routine contracts in which it provides general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, the Company has not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities because, based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s loan agreements generally obligate the Company to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental increased costs due to a change in law that imposes (1) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (2) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (3) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, some of the Company’s loan agreements contain a withholding tax provision that requires the Company to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law. These increased cost and withholding tax provisions continue for the entire term of the applicable transaction and there is no limitation on the maximum additional amounts the Company could be obligated to pay under such provisions. Any failure to pay amounts due under such provisions generally would trigger an event of default and, in a secured financing transaction, would entitle the lender to foreclose upon the collateral to realize the amount due.
Litigation
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. The Company cannot predict the outcome of the litigation matters or other actions nor when they will be resolved. The consequences of the pending litigation matters are inherently uncertain, and settlements, adverse actions, or adverse judgments in some or all of these matters, including investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) or the Attorneys General, may result in monetary damages, fines, penalties, or injunctive relief against the Company, which could be material and could adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations. Any claims or litigation, even if fully indemnified or insured, could damage the Company’s reputation and make it more difficult to compete effectively or to obtain adequate insurance in the future. In addition, the U.S. government’s recent focus on market dynamics in the meat processing industry could expose the Company to additional costs and risks. Except as noted below, we have recorded no provision and are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of loss or amount of any range of loss with respect to these proceedings due to the nature and status of these matters.
Tax Claims and Proceedings
During 2014 and 2015, the Mexican Tax Administration Service (“SAT”) opened a review of Avícola Pilgrim’s Pride de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Avícola”) with regard to tax years 2009 and 2010. In both instances, the SAT claims that controlled company status did not exist for certain subsidiaries because Avícola did not own 50% of the shares in voting rights of Incubadora Hidalgo, S. de R.L de C.V. and Comercializadora de Carnes de México S. de R.L de C.V. (both in 2009) and Pilgrim’s Pride, S. de R.L. de C.V. (in 2010). Avícola appealed the opinion, and on January 31, 2023, the appeal as to tax year 2009 was dismissed by the Mexico Supreme Court. Accordingly, during 2023 PPC paid $25.9 million for tax year 2009. The opinion for tax year 2010 is still under appeal. Accordingly, the Company has an accrual of $14.8 million as of September 29, 2024 with regard to the tax year 2010.
On May 12, 2022, the SAT issued tax assessments against Pilgrim’s Pride, S. de R.L. de C.V. and Provemex Holdings, LLC in connection with PPC’s acquisition of Tyson de México. Following the acquisition, PPC re-domiciled Provemex Holdings, LLC from the U.S. to Mexico. The tax authorities claim that Provemex Holdings, LLC was a Mexican entity at the time of the acquisition and, as a result, was obligated to pay taxes on the sale. The Mexican subsidiaries of PPC filed a petition to nullify these assessments, which is still pending. Amounts under appeal are approximately $250.8 million for each of the two tax assessments. No provision has been recorded for these amounts at this time.
In 2019 and 2020, the UK Revenue & Customs Authority (HMRC) opened reviews of the 2017 and 2018 tax returns of Onix Investments UK Ltd in which HMRC evaluated the deductibility of certain interest related expenses incurred by Onix Investments UK Ltd (the “Deductions”). The Deductions total $7.9 million for tax year 2017 and $32.1 million for tax year 2018. On April 12, 2024, HMRC concluded that the Deductions should be disallowed and Onix Investments UK Ltd appealed. On October 8, 2024, HMRC issued a Review Conclusion Letter affirming the prior decision to disallow the Deductions. Onix Investments UK Ltd intends to timely file a Grounds of Appeal and will continue to defend this matter.
U.S. Litigation
Between September 2, 2016 and October 13, 2016, a series of federal class action lawsuits were filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (“Illinois Court”) against PPC and other defendants by and on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers of broiler chickens alleging violations of antitrust and unfair competition laws and styled as In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:16-cv-08637 (the “Broiler Antitrust Litigation”). The complaints seek, among other relief, treble damages for an alleged conspiracy among defendants to reduce output and increase prices of broiler chickens
from the period of January 2008 to the present. PPC has entered into agreements to settle all claims made by the three certified classes for an aggregate total of $195.5 million, each of which has received final approval from the Illinois Court. PPC continues to defend itself against the direct-action plaintiffs as well as parties that have opted out of the class settlements (collectively, the “Broiler Opt Outs”). PPC will seek reasonable settlements with the Broiler Opt Outs where they are available. To date, we have recognized an expense of $537.4 million to cover settlements with various Broiler Opt Outs. We have recognized these settlement expenses within Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Between August 30, 2019 and October 16, 2019, a series of purported class action lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (“Maryland Court”) against PPC and a number of other chicken producers, as well as Webber, Meng, Sahl & Company and Agri Stats, styled as Jien, et al. v. Perdue Farms, Inc., et al., No.19-cv-02521. The plaintiffs are a putative class of poultry processing plant production and maintenance workers (“Poultry Workers Class”) and allege that the defendants conspired to fix and depress the compensation paid to Poultry Workers Class in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. PPC entered into an agreement to settle all claims made by the Poultry Workers Class for $29.0 million and paid the plaintiffs this amount during 2021, though the agreement is still subject to final approval by the Maryland Court. We have recognized these settlement expenses within SG&A expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
On January 27, 2017, a purported class action on behalf of broiler chicken farmers was brought against PPC and other chicken producers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to reduce competition for grower services and depress the price paid to growers. The complaint was consolidated with several subsequently filed consolidated amended class action complaints and styled as In re Broiler Chicken Grower Litigation, Case No. CIV-17-033. On June 24, 2024, a settlement was reached in the amount of $100.0 million. This settlement was paid on October 28, 2024. We have recognized these settlement expenses within SG&A expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The incremental increase in settlement amount was recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2024.
On October 20, 2016, Patrick Hogan, acting on behalf of himself and a putative class of certain PPC stockholders, filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against PPC and its named executive officers styled as Hogan v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, et al., No. 16-CV-02611. The complaint alleges, among other things, that PPC’s SEC filings contained statements that were rendered materially false and misleading. PPC continues to litigate against the putative class plaintiffs. No loss related to this matter can be reasonably estimated or determined probable at this time, therefore no accrual has been recorded to date on this matter.
U.S. State Matters
From February 21, 2017 through May 4, 2021, the Attorneys General for multiple U.S. states have issued civil investigative demands (“CIDs”). The CIDs request, among other things, data and information related to the acquisition and processing of broiler chickens and the sale of chicken products. PPC is cooperating with the Attorneys General in these states in producing documents pursuant to the CIDs.
On September 1, 2020, February 22, 2021, and October 28, 2021, the Attorneys General in New Mexico(State of New Mexico v. Koch Foods, et al., D-101-CV-2020-01891), Alaska (State of Alaska v. Agri Stats, Inc., et al., 3AN-21-04632), and Washington (State of Washington v. Tyson Foods Inc., et al., 21-2-14174-5), respectively, filed complaints against PPC and others based on allegations similar to those asserted in the Broiler Antitrust Litigation. The State of Washington settlement was paid in the second quarter of 2023 for $11.0 million. On June 24, 2024, PPC entered into a settlement with the Attorney General in New Mexico for $5.2 million. The State of New Mexico settlement was paid in the third quarter of 2024. On July 3, 2024, PPC entered into a settlement with Attorney General in Alaska for $1.25 million, and this amount was paid on July 10, 2024. These settlements were recognized in SG&A expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in their respective periods.
U.S. Federal Matters
On February 9, 2022, PPC learned that the DOJ opened a civil investigation into human resources antitrust matters, and on October 6, 2022, PPC learned that the DOJ opened a civil investigation into grower contracts and payment practices and on October 2, 2023, received a CID requesting information from PPC. PPC is cooperating with the DOJ in its investigations and CID. The DOJ has informed the Company that it is likely to file a civil complaint pursuant to at least one of these investigations.
35
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
Overview
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.”), the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Mexico, France, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. We reported net income attributable to Pilgrim’s of $850.6 million, or $3.58 per diluted common share, and income before tax totaling $1.1 billion, for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. These operating results included net sales of $13.5 billion, gross profit of $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion of cash provided by operating activities. We generated a consolidated operating margin of 8.9%. For the nine months ended September 29, 2024, we generated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is included below.
Global Economic Conditions
During the third quarter of 2024, global inflation levels continued to decline, but remain above historical averages, in commodity, labor and other operating costs leading to reduced costs from these inputs across all our businesses. The global energy market continues to be impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, driving up prices as supply out of the Black Sea region is disrupted and future production is at risk. The Russia-Ukraine war's impact on the global feed ingredient market is currently less pronounced as global supply in other growing areas has developed and grain exports from the Black Sea region have remained steady throughout the first nine months of 2024, with exception of moderate impact on winter wheat crop as noted below. The U.K. and E.U. region saw a continued decrease in inflation rate and flat demand, leading to cost recovery for our business and stabilizing prices for customers, though labor costs continue to be a challenge for our Europe operations. We have and will continue to invest in our people and implement supply chain solutions to mitigate global economic impacts in our Europe operations. In Mexico, inflation remains high and the peso continued to weaken against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter of 2024. Mexico remains a relatively volatile market given overall business seasonality.
Russia-Ukraine War Impacts
The impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions has not been limited to businesses that operate in Russia and Ukraine and has negatively impacted and will likely continue to negatively impact other global economic markets including where we operate. The impacts have included and may continue to include, but are not limited to, higher prices for commodities, such as food products, ingredients and energy products, increasing inflation in some countries, and disrupted trade and supply chains. The conflict has disrupted shipments of grains, vegetable oils, fertilizer and energy products.
The impact on the agriculture markets falls into two main categories: (1) the effect on Ukrainian crop production, as the region is key in global grain production; and (2) the duration of the disruption in trade flows. Safety and financing concerns in the region are restricting export execution, which is in turn forcing grain and oil demand to find alternative supply. The duration of the war and related volatility makes global markets extremely sensitive to growing-season weather in other global grain producing regions and has led to a large risk premium in futures prices. The continued volatility in the global markets as a result of the war could adversely impact our costs by driving up prices, raising inflation and increasing pressure on the supply of feed ingredients and energy products throughout the global markets.
In addition, the U.S. government and other governments in jurisdictions in which we operate have imposed sanctions and export controls against Russia, Belarus and interests therein and threatened additional sanctions and controls. The impact of these measures, now and in the future, could adversely affect our business, supply chain or customers.
Raw Materials and Pricing
Our U.S. and Mexico segments use corn and soybean meal as the main ingredients for feed production, while our Europe segment uses wheat, soybean meal and barley as the main ingredients for feed production. The following table reflects the highest and lowest prices reached on nearby futures for one bushel of corn, one ton of soybean meal, and one metric ton of wheat during the current and previous years:
36
Corn(a)
Soybean Meal(a)
Wheat(a)
Highest Price
Lowest Price
Highest Price
Lowest Price
Highest Price
Lowest Price
(In whole dollars)
(In whole pounds sterling)
2024
Third Quarter
4.18
3.62
387.0
303.4
196.9
168.7
Second Quarter
4.65
3.97
386.5
328.3
202.8
165.1
First Quarter
4.67
4.00
381.2
327.8
184.5
153.7
2023
Fourth Quarter
5.05
4.50
473.6
363.2
193.9
182.0
Third Quarter
6.37
4.61
464.7
388.2
216.0
170.8
Second Quarter
6.78
5.55
465.7
389.7
204.8
165.5
First Quarter
6.85
6.19
513.0
438.3
239.0
191.0
(a)We obtain corn and soybean meal prices from the Chicago Board of Trade, and we obtain wheat prices from the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange.
U.S. commodity market prices for chicken products trended above the historical five-year average as sustained price support delayed the normal seasonal price decreases until late in the quarter. Year-over-year price increases were supported by each major cut. Per the October 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture (or “USDA”) report on poultry slaughter, estimated industry ready-to-cook production ended the quarter 2.7% above prior year levels primarily due to incremental increases in broilers processed and average liveweights.
During the third quarter of 2024, the U.S. chicken market experienced firm volume demand, supported by growth in both the retail and foodservice distribution channels throughout the quarter. Export volume in shipments were lower than the five-year historical average for the first two months of the quarter, but were sufficient to prevent buildup of dark meat inventories in cold storage while sustaining price levels that were higher than prior year. Chicken cold storage inventories ended the quarter 6.9% below prior year levels after declining seasonally during the quarter.
During the third quarter of 2024, the U.K. chicken market volume was higher than in the same quarter of the prior year and also increased compared to the first half of 2024. European supplies into U.K. are increasing slightly as other markets for the E.U. are declining. Our utilities and feed ingredient costs are lower relative to third quarter of 2023. We continue to focus on managing costs, including labor and yield efficiencies, agricultural performance and increasing operational efficiency through investments in capital projects.
Commodity prices for chicken in Mexico decreased during the third quarter and on average were below prior year prices, but trended upwards towards the end of the third quarter.
Prices for the remainder of the year will depend on (1) the evolution of foodservice, retail and export meat demand and (2) factors such as feed production input costs, further spread of avian influenza both domestically and abroad, uncertainty surrounding the general economy and overall protein supply.
U.K. market prices for pork products decreased slightly throughout the third quarter of 2024 from downward pressure as a result of the price differential between U.K. and E.U. pork prices as well as reduced retail demand due to weather impacts. The pig supply has increased throughout 2024 though largely due to increased weights. U.K. pig farming became profitable in the second quarter of 2023 and continues to remain profitable.
U.K. prices for prepared foods have remained at elevated levels from inflationary pressure, primarily from increased pork prices. We continue to focus on partnering with our Key Customers and increasing operational efficiency.
Reportable Segments
We operate in three reportable segments: U.S., Europe (formerly known as “U.K. and Europe”), and Mexico. We measure segment profit as operating income. Certain corporate expenses are allocated to the Mexico and Europe reportable segments based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S. For additional information, see “Note 18. Reportable Segments” of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report.
37
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Net sales. Net sales generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024 increased $224.8 million, or 5.2%, from net sales generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023. The following table provides net sales information:
Sources of net sales
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Impact on Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
Sales Volume
Sales Prices
Foreign Currency Translation Impact
(In thousands, except percent data)
(In percent)
U.S.
$
2,773,391
$
285,074
11.5
%
1.5
%
10.0
%
—
%
Europe
1,308,127
(4,078)
(0.3)
%
1.2
%
(3.9)
%
2.4
%
Mexico
503,461
(56,213)
(10.0)
%
1.4
%
(1.5)
%
(9.9)
%
Total net sales
$
4,584,979
$
224,783
5.2
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. U.S. net sales generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024 increased $285.1 million, or 11.5%, from U.S. net sales generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to an increase in net sales per pound of $248.4 million, or 10.0 percentage points, and an increase in sales volume of $36.7 million, or 1.5 percentage points. The increase in net sales per pound was driven primarily by favorable market pricing conditions and shift in product mix. The third quarter average commodity chicken market prices were above both prior year and the historical five-year average.
Europe Reportable Segment. Europe net sales generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $4.1 million, or 0.3%, from Europe net sales generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to a decrease in net sales per pound of $51.3 million, or 3.9 percentage points. The decrease in net sales per pound was primarily due to shift in product mix and due to the structure of certain customer contracts impacted by lower input costs. The decrease in net sales per pound was partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation and an increase in sales volume of $31.0 million, or 2.4 percentage points, and $16.2 million, or 1.2 percentage points, respectively.
Mexico Reportable Segment. Mexico net sales generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $56.2 million, or 10.0%, from Mexico net sales generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023 due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of $55.4 million, or 9.9 percentage points, and a decrease in net sales per pound of $8.6 million, or 1.5 percentage points. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales volume of $7.8 million, or 1.4 percentage points. The decrease in net sales per pound was driven by an decrease in commodity chicken prices based on market requirements. The increase in sales volume was driven by shifts in product mix.
Gross profit and cost of sales. Gross profit increased by $338.1 million, or 97.7%, from $345.9 million generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023 to $684.0 million generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024. The following tables provide information regarding gross profit and cost of sales information:
Components of gross profit
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Percent of Net Sales
Three Months Ended
Amount
Percent
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands, except percent data)
Net sales
$
4,584,979
$
224,783
5.2
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of sales
3,901,009
(113,305)
(2.8)
%
85.1
%
92.1
%
Gross profit
$
683,970
$
338,088
97.7
%
14.9
%
7.9
%
38
Sources of gross profit
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
492,966
$
322,310
188.9
%
Europe
131,841
35,894
37.4
%
Mexico
59,163
(20,116)
(25.4)
%
Total gross profit
$
683,970
$
338,088
97.7
%
Sources of cost of sales
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
2,280,425
$
(37,236)
(1.6)
%
Europe
1,176,286
(39,972)
(3.3)
%
Mexico
444,298
(36,097)
(7.5)
%
Total cost of sales
$
3,901,009
$
(113,305)
(2.8)
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our U.S. operations during the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $37.2 million, or 1.6%, from cost of sales incurred by our U.S. segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in cost per pound sold of $71.5 million, or 3.1 percentage points, partially offset by an increase in sales volume of $34.2 million, or 1.5 percentage points. The decrease from prior year in cost per pound sold is primarily due to declining feed ingredients costs, specifically corn and soybean meal. Corn market prices decreased approximately 28% from prior year levels and soybean meal market prices decreased approximately 14% from prior year levels. Factors that are partially offsetting the decrease in cost of sales from feed ingredients are increased payroll and incentive compensation costs, grower costs, and other operating costs.
Europe Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our Europe operations during the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $40.0 million, or 3.3%, from cost of sales incurred by our Europe segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in cost per pound from lower input costs.
Mexico Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our Mexico operations during the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $36.1 million, or 7.5%, from cost of sales incurred by our Mexico segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023. This decrease was driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation of $48.9 million, or 10.2 percentage points. Partially offsetting this decrease were increases in sales volume and cost per pound sold of $6.7 million, or 1.4 percentage points, and $6.1 million, or 1.3 percentage points, respectively.
Operating income and SG&A expense.Operating income increased by $302.0 million, or 146.3%, from income of $206.4 million generated in the three months ended September 24, 2023 to income of $508.4 million generated in the three months ended September 29, 2024. The following tables provide information regarding operating income and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense:
Components of operating income
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Percent of Net Sales
Three Months Ended
Amount
Percent
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands, except percent data)
Gross profit
$
683,970
$
338,088
97.7
%
14.9
%
7.9
%
SG&A expense
144,780
6,211
4.5
%
3.2
%
3.2
%
Restructuring activities
30,836
29,896
3,180.4
%
0.6
%
—
%
Operating income
$
508,354
$
301,981
146.3
%
11.1
%
4.7
%
39
Sources of operating income
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
419,844
$
318,462
314.1
%
Europe
45,601
2,792
6.5
%
Mexico
42,909
(19,273)
(31.0)
%
Total operating income
$
508,354
$
301,981
146.3
%
Sources of SG&A expense
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
73,122
$
3,848
5.6
%
Europe
55,404
3,206
6.1
%
Mexico
16,254
(843)
(4.9)
%
Total SG&A expense
$
144,780
$
6,211
4.5
%
Sources of restructuring activities
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Three Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
Europe
30,836
29,896
3,180.4
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our U.S. reportable segment during the three months ended September 29, 2024 increased $3.8 million, or 5.6%, from SG&A expense incurred by our U.S. reportable segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023. The increase in SG&A expense resulted primarily from an increase in incentive compensation costs, partially offset by a net decrease in legal settlement expense.
Europe Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our Europe reportable segment during the three months ended September 29, 2024 increased $3.2 million, or 6.1%, from SG&A expense incurred by our Europe segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation expense.
Mexico Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our Mexico reportable segment during the three months ended September 29, 2024 decreased approximately $0.8 million, or 4.9%, from SG&A expense incurred by our Mexico segment during the three months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in payroll and incentive compensation costs.
Restructuring activities. Restructuring activities costs of $30.8 million were recognized in the three months ended September 29, 2024. These charges were incurred by our Europe reportable segment primarily as a result of severance, asset impairment, and other charges related to the closure of facilities within our Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim's U.K. businesses.
Net interest expense. Net interest expense decreased to $19.5 million recognized in the three months ended September 29, 2024 from $33.5 million recognized in the three months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in net interest expense resulted primarily from a decrease in interest expense on outstanding borrowings due to decreased borrowings and an increase in interest income on higher cash balances.
Income taxes. Income tax expense increased to $131.6 million, a 27.3% effective tax rate, for the three months ended September 29, 2024 compared to an income tax expense of $44.6 million, a 26.8% effective tax rate, for the three months ended September 24, 2023.
40
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Net sales. Net sales generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased $672.3 million, or 5.2%, from net sales generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The following table provides net sales information:
Sources of net sales
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Impact on Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
Sales Volume
Sales Prices
Foreign Currency Translation Impact
(In thousands, except percent data)
(In percent)
U.S.
$
8,016,688
$
649,595
8.8
%
1.8
%
7.0
%
—
%
Europe
3,877,571
15,352
0.4
%
1.7
%
(3.9)
%
2.6
%
Mexico
1,611,968
7,365
0.5
%
2.3
%
(2.6)
%
0.8
%
Total net sales
$
13,506,227
$
672,312
5.2
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. U.S. net sales generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased $649.6 million, or 8.8%, from U.S. net sales generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to an increase in net sales per pound and an increase in sales volume of $514.0 million, or 7.0 percentage points, and $135.6 million, or 1.8 percentage points, respectively. The increase in net sales per pound was driven primarily by favorable market pricing conditions. The first nine months average commodity chicken market prices were above both prior year and the historical five-year average.
Europe Reportable Segment. Europe net sales generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased $15.4 million, or 0.4%, from Europe net sales generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to a favorable impact of foreign currency translation and an increase in sales volume of $100.8 million, or 2.6 percentage points, and $64.4 million, or 1.7 percentage points, respectively. The increase in net sales was partially offset by a decrease in net price per pound sold of $149.8 million, or 3.9 percentage points. The decrease in net sales per pound was primarily due to the structure of certain customer contracts impacted by lower input costs.
Mexico Reportable Segment. Mexico net sales generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased $7.4 million, or 0.5%, from Mexico net sales generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023 primarily due to an increase in sales volume and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation of $37.2 million, or 2.3 percentage points, and $11.5 million, or 0.8 percentage points, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in net sales per pound of $41.3 million, or 2.6 percentage points. The increase in sales volume was driven by sales mix with a year-over-year increase in imports and processed chicken volumes, partially offset by a decrease in live chicken volumes. The decrease in price per pound sold was driven by the shift in product mix.
Gross profit and cost of sales. Gross profit increased by $962.2 million from $797.4 million generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023 to $1.8 billion generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024. The following tables provide information regarding gross profit and cost of sales information:
Components of gross profit
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Percent of Net Sales
Nine Months Ended
Amount
Percent
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands, except percent data)
Net sales
$
13,506,227
$
672,312
5.2
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of sales
11,746,722
(289,839)
(2.4)
%
87.0
%
93.8
%
Gross profit
$
1,759,505
$
962,151
120.7
%
13.0
%
6.2
%
41
Sources of gross profit
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
1,182,597
$
859,507
266.0
%
Europe
337,876
70,708
26.5
%
Mexico
239,032
31,723
15.3
%
Elimination
—
213
N/A
Total gross profit
$
1,759,505
$
962,151
120.7
%
Sources of cost of sales
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
6,834,091
$
(209,912)
(3.0)
%
Europe
3,539,695
(55,356)
(1.5)
%
Mexico
1,372,936
(24,358)
(1.7)
%
Elimination
—
(213)
N/A
Total cost of sales
$
11,746,722
$
(289,839)
(2.4)
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our U.S. operations during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $209.9 million, or 3.0%, from cost of sales incurred by our U.S. segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in cost per pound sold of $339.6 million, or 4.8 percentage points, partially offset by an increase in sales volume of $129.6 million, or 1.8 percentage points. The decrease from prior year in cost per pound sold is primarily due to declining feed ingredients costs, specifically corn and soybean meal. Corn market prices decreased approximately 28% from prior year levels and soybean meal market prices decreased approximately 23% from prior year levels. Factors that are partially offsetting the decrease in cost of sales from feed ingredients are increased payroll and incentive compensation costs and an increase in insurance costs related to prior year recognition of income for business interruption insurance recoveries.
Europe Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our Europe operations during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $55.4 million, or 1.5%, from cost of sales incurred by our Europe segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in cost per pound sold. The decrease in cost per pound sold was driven by lower feed ingredients, labor, utilities and other operating costs and was partially offset by an increase related to the prior year one-time recognition of business interruption insurance income.
Mexico Reportable Segment. Cost of sales incurred by our Mexico operations during the nine months ended September 29, 2024decreased$24.4 million, or 1.7%, from cost of sales incurred by our Mexico segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. This decrease was driven by a decrease in cost per pound sold of $66.5 million, or 4.8 percentage points. The decrease in cost per pound sold was driven by decreased commodity feed ingredient input costs. The decrease in cost per pound sold was partially offset by increases in sales volume and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of $32.4 million, or 2.3 percentage points, and $9.8 million, or 0.7 percentage points, respectively. The increase in volume was driven by changes in mix with a year-over-year increase in imports, partially offset by a decrease in processed and live chicken volumes.
Operating income and SG&A expense.Operating income increased by $861.4 million, or 254.9%, from income of $338.0 million generated in the nine months ended September 24, 2023 to income of $1,199.4 million generated in the nine months ended September 29, 2024. The following tables provide information regarding operating income and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense:
42
Components of operating income
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Percent of Net Sales
Nine Months Ended
Amount
Percent
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In thousands, except percent data)
Gross profit
$
1,759,505
$
962,151
120.7
%
13.0
%
6.2
%
SG&A expense
478,017
57,334
13.6
%
3.5
%
3.3
%
Restructuring activities
82,070
43,386
112.2
%
0.6
%
0.3
%
Operating income
$
1,199,418
$
861,431
254.9
%
8.9
%
2.6
%
Sources of operating income
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
907,249
$
796,708
720.7
%
Europe
100,710
30,127
42.7
%
Mexico
191,459
34,383
21.9
%
Eliminations
—
213
N/A
Total operating income
$
1,199,418
$
861,431
254.9
%
Sources of SG&A expense
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
U.S.
$
275,348
$
62,799
29.5
%
Europe
155,096
(2,805)
(1.8)
%
Mexico
47,573
(2,660)
(5.3)
%
Total SG&A expense
$
478,017
$
57,334
13.6
%
Sources of restructuring activities charges
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2024
Change from Nine Months Ended September 24, 2023
Amount
Percent
(In thousands, except percent data)
Europe
$
82,070
$
43,386
112.2
%
U.S. Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our U.S. reportable segment during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased $62.8 million, or 29.5%, from SG&A expense incurred by our U.S. reportable segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The increase in SG&A expense resulted primarily from an increase in legal settlement expense and incentive compensation costs, partially offset by an insurance recovery recognized in the current year.
Europe Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our Europe reportable segment during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $2.8 million, or 1.8%, from SG&A expense incurred by our Europe segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to a decrease in salaries expense related to the Pilgrim’s Europe central restructuring initiative.
Mexico Reportable Segment. SG&A expense incurred by our Mexico reportable segment during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 decreased $2.7 million, or 5.3%, from SG&A expense incurred by our Mexico segment during the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The primary driver of the decrease in SG&A expense was a decrease in marketing spend and labor costs, partially offset by an increase driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.
Restructuring activities. Restructuring activities costs of $82.1 million were recognized in the nine months ended September 29, 2024. These charges were incurred by our Europe reportable segment primarily as a result of asset impairment, severance, and other charges in our Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim’s U.K. businesses related to site closures.
Net interest expense. Net interest expense decreased to $65.7 million recognized in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 from $112.1 million recognized in the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The decrease in net interest expense resulted primarily from a decrease in interest expense on outstanding borrowings due to decreased borrowings and an increase in interest income on higher cash balances. Contributing to the decrease in net interest expense is gross realized gains of
43
$13.8 million recognized on the repurchases of $144.3 million of outstanding principal of the Senior Notes due 2031 and $20.0 million of outstanding principal of the Senior Notes due 2033.
Income taxes. Income tax expense increased to $284.3 million, a 25.0% effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 compared to an income tax expense of $20.5 million, a 9.8% effective tax rate, for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. The change from an income tax benefit to an income tax expense in 2024 resulted primarily from the increase in profit before income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents our available sources of liquidity as of September 29, 2024:
Sources of Liquidity
Facility Amount
Amount Outstanding
Amount Available
(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
—
$
—
$
1,878.0
Borrowing arrangements:
U.S. Credit Facility(a)
850.0
—
825.3
Mexico Credit Facility(b)
56.4
—
56.4
Europe Credit Facility(c)
200.6
—
200.6
(a)Availability under the U.S. Credit Facility is also reduced by our outstanding standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit outstanding at September 29, 2024 totaled $24.7 million.
(b)The U.S. dollar-equivalent of the facility amount under the Mexico Credit Facility is $56.4 million (Mex$1.1 billion).
(c)The U.S. dollar-equivalent of the facility amount under the Europe Credit Facility is $200.6 million (£150 million).
On May 1, 2024, the Pilgrim’s Board of Directors approved a bond repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $200.0 million worth of our outstanding senior notes. Under the program, we have repurchased $144.3 million of outstanding principal of the Senior Notes Due 2031 and $20.0 million of the outstanding principal of the Senior Notes due 2033 for an aggregate of $150.5 million.
We expect cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our credit facilities, to provide sufficient liquidity to fund current obligations, projected working capital requirements, maturities of long-term debt and capital spending for at least the next twelve months.
Historical Flow of Funds
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In millions)
Net income
$
851.5
$
188.1
Net noncash expenses
398.4
269.4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables
62.6
(65.2)
Inventories
173.0
(13.0)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(65.6)
(8.0)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
79.7
12.2
Income taxes
151.9
40.5
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations
13.1
(1.7)
Other operating assets and liabilities
(23.8)
(22.7)
Cash provided by operating activities
$
1,640.8
$
399.6
Net Noncash Expenses
Items necessary to reconcile from net income to cash flow provided by operating activities included net noncash expenses of $398.4 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. Net noncash expense items included depreciation and amortization of $321.8 million, asset impairment of $26.6 million, deferred income tax expense of $45.2 million, gain on early extinguishment of debt recognized as component of interest expense of $11.2 million, stock-based compensation costs of $9.2 million, loan cost amortization of $3.8 million, accretion of discounts related to Senior Notes of $1.9 million, and losses on property disposals of $1.1 million. Other net noncash items were immaterial.
44
Items necessary to reconcile from net income to cash flow provided by operating activities included net noncash expenses of $269.4 million for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. Net noncash expense items included depreciation and amortization of $307.4 million, loan cost amortization of $6.1 million, stock-based compensation of $5.2 million, asset impairment of $4.0 million, accretion of discounts related to Senior Notes of $1.6 million, and loss on equity method investment of $0.3 million. These expense items were partially offset by a deferred income tax benefit of $46.8 million and gains on property disposals of $8.4 million.
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
The change in trade accounts and other receivables represented a $62.6 million source of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. This change primarily resulted from a decrease in trade accounts receivable due to timing of payments received. The change in trade accounts and other receivables represented a $65.2 million use of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. This change primarily resulted from an increase in trade accounts receivable from increased sales prices in the U.K. and Mexico and increased volumes.
The change in inventories represented a $173.0 million source of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. This change resulted primarily from decreased raw materials, work-in-process inventories due to lower feed ingredient costs, and lower finished goods inventories. The change in inventories represented a $13.0 million use of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. This change resulted primarily from increased finished goods inventories.
The change in prepaid expenses and other current assets represented a $65.6 million use of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. This change resulted primarily from an increase in prepaid indirect taxes in our Mexico and Europe reportable segments. The change in prepaid expenses and other current assets represented a $8.0 million use of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. This change resulted primarily from a net increase in prepaid insurance and prepaid maintenance of information technology.
The change in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities represented a $79.7 million source of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. This change resulted primarily from timing of payments to our suppliers, a reduction in grain input costs, and timing of legal settlement payments. The change in accounts payable, revenue contract liabilities, accrued expenses and other current liabilities represented a $12.2 million source of cash related to operating activities for the nine months ended September 24, 2023. This change resulted primarily from timing of payments to our suppliers, a reduction in grain input costs, an increase in our revenue contract liabilities and year-to-date fair value fluctuations of our derivative instruments.
The change in income taxes, which includes income taxes receivable, income taxes payable, deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities, reserves for uncertain tax positions, and the tax components within accumulated other comprehensive loss, represented a $151.9 million and $40.5 million source of cash for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, respectively.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In millions)
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment
$
(316.9)
$
(432.4)
Proceeds from property disposals
9.7
17.2
Proceeds from property insurance recoveries
—
20.7
Cash used in investing activities
$
(307.2)
$
(394.5)
Capital expenditures were incurred for growth projects, such as the South Georgia protein conversion plant, and to improve operational efficiencies, system enhancement projects, and reduce costs for the nine months ended September 29, 2024.
Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 24, 2023 were primarily incurred to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs. Capital expenditures in 2023 also included investments in the Athens, GA plant expansion, the South Georgia protein conversion plant and other automation projects. Proceeds from property disposals were primarily for the sale of a farm in Mexico. Proceeds from property insurance recoveries reflects cash received on insurance claims related to the property losses incurred from the Mayfield, Kentucky tornado that occurred in December 2021.
45
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
September 24, 2023
(In millions)
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations
$
(151.7)
$
(765.9)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings
—
1,278.1
Proceeds from contribution (payment of distribution) of capital under Tax Sharing Agreement with JBS USA Holdings
1.4
(1.6)
Payments on early extinguishment of debt
(0.2)
—
Payments of capitalized loan costs
—
(10.3)
Cash provided by financing activities
$
(150.5)
$
500.3
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations are primarily related to open market repurchases of outstanding senior notes. The proceeds from contribution of capital under the Tax Sharing Agreement with JBS USA Holdings were an allocation made during tax year 2023 for payment of historical tax adjustments. Payments on early extinguishment of debt are transaction fees related to the bond repurchases.
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings include the $1.0 billion issuance of the U.S. Senior Notes Due 2033 in April 2023, less a $6.8 million discount, borrowings on the U.S. revolving credit facility of $235.0 million, and borrowings on the U.K. and Europe revolving credit facility of $49.9 million. Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations include a pay down of $480.1 million on the U.S. term loan, repayments of all $285.1 million borrowings under both the U.S. and U.K. revolving credit facilities, and $0.6 million in payments of finance lease obligations. Payments of capitalized loan costs include costs incurred in relation to the issuance of the U.S. Senior Notes due 2033. The distribution from Tax Sharing Agreement with JBS USA Holdings is payment of net tax incurred during the tax year 2022 under the tax sharing agreement.
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements
Our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements consist of senior notes, revolving credit facilities and other term loan agreements. For a description, refer to “Note 12. Debt.”
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
“EBITDA” is defined as the sum of net income (loss) plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. “Adjusted EBITDA” is calculated by adding to EBITDA certain items of expense and deducting from EBITDA certain items of income that we believe are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance consisting of: (1) foreign currency transaction losses (gains), (2) costs related to litigation settlements, (3) restructuring activities losses, (4) loss on settlement of pension obligations due to plan termination, (5) write-downs of inventory as a result of hurricane, (6) property insurance recoveries for property damage losses, and (7) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. EBITDA is presented because it is used by us and we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties, in addition to and not in lieu of results prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, to compare the performance of companies. We believe investors would be interested in our Adjusted EBITDA because this is how our management analyzes EBITDA applicable to continuing operations. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA, in combination with our financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provides investors with additional perspective regarding the impact of certain significant items on EBITDA and facilitates a more direct comparison of our performance with our competitors. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for an analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of the limitations of these measures are:
•They do not reflect our cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
•They do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
•They do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
•Although depreciation and amortization are noncash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;
•They are not adjusted for all noncash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows;
46
•EBITDA does not reflect the impact of earnings or charges attributable to noncontrolling interests;
•They do not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider to not be indicative of our ongoing operations; and
•They do not reflect limitations on or costs related to transferring earnings from our subsidiaries to us.
In addition, other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only on a supplemental basis.
Nine Months Ended
September 29, 2024
(In thousands)
Net income
$
851,451
Add:
Interest expense, net
65,733
Income tax expense
284,321
Depreciation and amortization
321,768
EBITDA
1,523,273
Add:
Litigation settlements
72,190
Restructuring activities losses
82,070
Loss on settlement of pension from plan termination
10,709
Inventory write-down as a result of hurricane
8,075
Minus:
Foreign currency transaction gains
7,240
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
867
Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,688,210
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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 available-for-sale securities 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 from those described below.
Commodity Prices
We purchase certain commodities, primarily corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, and wheat, 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. 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, (1) executing purchase agreements with suppliers for future physical delivery of feed ingredients at established prices and (2) purchasing or selling derivative financial instruments such as futures and options.
For this sensitivity analysis, market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase in the weighted-average cost of our primary feed ingredients as of the periods presented. The impact of this fluctuation, if realized, could be mitigated by related commodity hedging activity. However, fluctuations greater than 10% could occur.
Three Months Ended September 29, 2024
Amount
Impact of 10% Increase in Feed Ingredient Prices
(In thousands)
Feed ingredient purchases(a)
$
862,891
$
86,289
Feed ingredient inventory(b)
132,573
13,257
(a)Based on our feed consumption, a 10% increase in the price of our feed ingredient purchases would have increased cost of sales for the three months ended September 29, 2024.
(b)A 10% increase in ending feed ingredient prices would have increased inventories as of September 29, 2024.
September 29, 2024
Amount
Impact of 10% Increase in Commodity Prices
(In thousands)
Net commodity derivative assets(a)
$
17,758
$
1,776
(a)We purchase commodity derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to our anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for the next 12 months. A 10% increase in corn, soybean meal, soybean oil and wheat prices would have resulted in an increase in the fair value of our net commodity derivative asset position, including margin cash, as of September 29, 2024.
Interest Rates
Fixed-rate debt. Market risk for fixed-rate debt is estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 10%. Using a discounted cash flow analysis, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates would have decreased the fair value of our fixed-rate debt by $103.9 million as of September 29, 2024.
Foreign Currency
Mexico Foreign Investments
We are exposed to foreign exchange-related variability of investments and earnings from our Mexican subsidiaries. Foreign currency market risk is the possibility that our financial results or financial position could be better or worse than planned because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. For this sensitivity analysis, market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% change in exchange rates used to convert Mexican peso to U.S. dollars, and the effect of this change on our Mexican foreign investments.
Net Assets. As of September 29, 2024, our Mexican subsidiaries that are denominated in Mexican peso had net assets of $1.1 billion. A 10% weakening in Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar exchange rate would cause a decrease in the net
48
assets of our Mexican subsidiaries by $104.3 million. A 10% strengthening in the Mexican peso against the U.S dollar exchange rate would cause an increase in the net assets of our Mexican subsidiaries of $127.4 million.
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. The Mexican peso exchange rate can directly and indirectly impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Europe Foreign Investments
We are exposed to foreign exchange-related variability of investments and earnings from our Europe subsidiaries. Foreign currency market risk is the possibility that our financial results or financial position could be better or worse than planned because of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. For this sensitivity analysis, market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% change in exchange rates used to convert British pound and euro to U.S. dollars, and the effect of this change on our Europe foreign investments.
Net Assets. As of September 29, 2024, our Europe subsidiaries that are denominated in British pounds had net assets of $4.5 billion. A 10% weakening in British pound against the U.S. dollar exchange rate would cause a decrease in the net assets of our Europe subsidiaries by $413.1 million. A 10% strengthening in the British pound against the U.S dollar exchange rate would cause an increase in the net assets of our Europe subsidiaries of $504.9 million.
Cash flow hedging transactions. We periodically enter into foreign currency forward contracts, which are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, to hedge foreign currency risk on a portion of sales generated and purchases made by our Europe reportable segment. A 10% weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound and U.S. dollar against the euro would result in immaterial changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments. No assurance can be given as to how future movements in currency rates 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
The U.S., Mexico and most of Europe continue to experience inflation at above-historical levels, though to a lesser degree than in the prior year. None of the locations in which we operate are experiencing hyperinflation. We have responded to these inflationary challenges by continuing negotiations with customers to recoup the extraordinary costs we have experienced. We also continue to focus on operational initiatives that aim to deliver labor efficiencies, better agricultural performance and improved yields.
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 and pork industries generally, including fluctuations in the commodity prices of feed ingredients, pigs 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;
49
•Outbreaks of avian influenza or other diseases, either in our own flock 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;
•Our ability to ensure that our directors, officers, employees, agents, third-party intermediaries and the companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations will comply with anti-corruption laws or other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities;
•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, inflation and pricing pressures, or the loss of one or more of our largest customers;
•Inability to consummate, or effectively integrate, any acquisition 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 segments, including risks associated with Brexit;
•Restrictions imposed by, and as a result of, Pilgrim’s leverage;
•Disruptions in international markets and distribution channels for various reasons, including, but not limited to, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine or Israel-Hamas wars;
•The impact of cyber-attacks, natural disasters, power losses, unauthorized access, telecommunication failures, and other problems on our information systems;
•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 2023 Annual Report.
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.
The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made. 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.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by our Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of September 29, 2024, the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 29, 2024, 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 SEC rules and forms, and that information we are required to disclose in our reports filed with the SEC is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, identified no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 29, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
During 2024, the Company has completed the first phase of a multi-year implementation of an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The implementation did not materially affect our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 29, 2024 and is not expected to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting throughout the remainder of the implementation period.
The information required with respect to this item can be found in Part I, Item 1, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies” in this quarterly report and is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, please see “ Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2023 Annual Report and “Part I—Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” herein, in each case as updated by the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted, modified, or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2024.
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, 2024
/s/ Matthew Galvanoni
Matthew Galvanoni
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory)