Edgar Filing: SMITHFIELD FOODS INC

SFD 3Q2014

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2014

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-15321

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3000




	Virginia		52-0845861
	(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer	o	Accelerated filer	o
Non-accelerated filer	x	Smaller reporting company	o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

At November 7, 2014, 1,000 shares of the registrant's Common Stock (no par value per share) were outstanding.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS




		PAGE
	PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income—Three and Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 (Successor) and September 26, 2013 (Predecessor)	3

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income—Three and Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 (Successor) and September 26, 2013 (Predecessor)	4

	Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets—September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013	5

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 (Successor) and September 26, 2013 (Predecessor)	6

	Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	33

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34


	PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	35

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35

Item 5.	Other Information	35

Item 6.	Exhibits	36

SIGNATURES		37

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions and unaudited)



	Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013

Sales	$	3,702.3		$	3,337.2		$	10,938.4		$	10,001.9
Cost of sales	3,248.3			3,048.6			9,619.2			9,148.1
Gross profit	454.0			288.6			1,319.2			853.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses	218.4			194.7			653.0			616.6
Merger related costs	—			18.0			—			18.0
Income from equity method investments	(14.5		)	(2.7		)	(40.5		)	(8.0		)
Operating profit	250.1			78.6			706.7			227.2
Interest expense	39.3			33.6			120.5			121.3
Non-operating gain	—			—			(1.1		)	—
Income before income taxes	210.8			45.0			587.3			105.9
Income tax expense	55.5			9.6			183.8			19.9
Net income	$	155.3		$	35.4		$	403.5		$	86.0

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions and unaudited)



	Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013

Net income	$	155.3		$	35.4		$	403.5		$	86.0

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(78.2		)	48.1			(76.7		)	5.6
Pension accounting	—			9.5			—			(31.9		)
Hedge accounting	4.5			(24.4		)	(96.3		)	(100.1		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(73.7		)	33.2			(173.0		)	(126.4		)

Comprehensive income (loss)	$	81.6		$	68.6		$	230.5		$	(40.4	)

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

(unaudited)



	September 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	58.8		$	193.4
Accounts receivable, net	868.4			810.9
Inventories	2,393.9			2,274.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	181.4			225.1
Total current assets	3,502.5			3,504.1

Property, plant and equipment, net	2,723.3			2,745.9
Goodwill	1,667.0			1,622.5
Investments	506.9			496.5
Intangible assets, net	1,391.0			1,405.8
Other assets	150.5			180.0
Total assets	$	9,941.2		$	9,954.8

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	37.2		$	48.5
Accounts payable	473.9			614.4
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	678.7			632.7
Total current liabilities	1,189.8			1,295.6

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	3,033.6			2,997.4
Other liabilities	1,202.5			1,381.4

Redeemable noncontrolling interests	49.4			48.6

Commitments and contingencies

Equity:
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock, no par value, 1,000 shares authorized; 1,000 issued and outstanding	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	4,160.8			4,157.4
Retained earnings	438.2			34.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(134.0		)	39.0
Total shareholder's equity	4,465.0			4,231.1
Noncontrolling interests	0.9			0.7
Total equity	4,465.9			4,231.8
Total liabilities and equity	$	9,941.2		$	9,954.8

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions and unaudited)



	Successor			Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	403.5		$	86.0
Adjustments to reconcile net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	172.1			188.9
Income from equity method investments	(40.5		)	(8.0		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net	(531.0		)	(368.0		)
Net cash flows from operating activities	4.1			(101.1		)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(187.8		)	(241.0		)
Business acquisitions	(11.0		)	(33.7		)
Net proceeds (expenditures) from breeding stock transactions	12.4			(11.3		)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	2.6			3.7
Advance note and other	4.3			(10.4		)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(179.5		)	(292.7		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	13.0			200.0
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(28.3		)	(461.8		)
Proceeds from Securitization Facility	255.0			200.0
Payments on Securitization Facility	(190.0		)	(80.0		)
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit facilities	(13.1		)	461.4
Other	(0.5		)	2.2
Net cash flows from financing activities	36.1			321.8

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	4.7			0.3
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(134.6		)	(71.7		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	193.4			322.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	58.8		$	250.5

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1:	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

Organization

Smithfield Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries ("Smithfield," "the Company," "we," "us" or "our"), is the largest hog producer and pork processor in the world. We produce and market a wide variety of fresh meat and packaged meats products both domestically and internationally. We conduct our operations through five reportable segments: Fresh Pork, Packaged Meats, Hog Production, International and Corporate. See Note 12—Reportable Segments for additional information about changes to our reportable segments during the current year.

On September 26, 2013 (the Merger Date), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 28, 2013 (the Merger Agreement) with WH Group Limited, formerly Shuanghui International Holdings Limited, a corporation formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands hereinafter referred to as WH Group, the Company merged with Sun Merger Sub, Inc., a Virginia corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of WH Group (the Merger Sub), in a transaction hereinafter referred to as the Merger. As a result of the Merger, the Company survived as a wholly owned subsidiary of WH Group.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. You should read these statements and notes in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. The information reflects all normal recurring adjustments which we believe are necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for all periods included.

The Merger was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. WH Group's cost of acquiring the Company has been pushed-down to establish a new accounting basis for the Company. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "Successor" refer to Smithfield Foods, Inc. and all its subsidiaries for the period subsequent to the Merger. All references to “Predecessor” refer to Smithfield Foods, Inc. and all its subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Merger. Purchase price allocations resulting from the Merger affect the comparability of results of operations for the Successor and Predecessor periods.

The consolidated condensed balance sheets, as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, reflect various fair value estimates and analyses resulting from applying the acquisition method of accounting as of the Merger Date, including work performed by third-party valuation specialists. This work was finalized during the third quarter of 2014 with no material adjustments.

Change in Fiscal Year End

On January 16, 2014, the Company elected to change its fiscal year end from the 52 or 53 week period which previously ended on the Sunday nearest April 30 to the 52 or 53 week period which ends on the Sunday nearest December 31. The change in fiscal year was made effective as of December 29, 2013. Accordingly, the three months ended September 28, 2014 correspond to the third quarter of 2014 and the three months ended September 26, 2013 correspond to the third quarter of 2013.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU 2013-11). This update does not have a significant impact on our consolidated condensed balance sheet.

In May 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers, except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Compared with current U.S. GAAP, the ASU also requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The new guidance is effective for fiscal year and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The guidance is not currently effective for us and has not been applied in this Form 10-Q. We are currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact of future adoption but at this time do not anticipate it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASU 2014-15). The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of adoption will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


NOTE 2:	INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:



	September 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
	(in millions)
Fresh and packaged meats	$	1,152.2	$	956.7
Livestock	950.1		1,054.8
Grains	168.1		134.5
Manufacturing supplies	77.9		69.3
Other	45.6		59.4
Total inventories	$	2,393.9	$	2,274.7


NOTE 3:	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our meat processing and hog production operations use various raw materials, primarily live hogs, corn and soybean meal, which are actively traded on commodity exchanges. We hedge these commodities when we determine conditions are appropriate to mitigate price risk. While this hedging may limit our ability to participate in gains from favorable commodity fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from adverse changes in raw material prices. We attempt to closely match the commodity contract terms with the hedged item. We also periodically enter into interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates on certain financial instruments and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain exposures to fluctuating foreign currency rates.

We record all derivatives in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. For derivatives that qualify and have been designated as hedges for accounting purposes, changes in fair value have no net impact on earnings, to the extent the derivative is considered perfectly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (commonly referred to as the "hedge accounting" method). For derivatives that do not qualify or are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings (commonly referred to as the "mark-to-market" method). We may elect either method of accounting for our derivative portfolio, assuming all the necessary requirements are met. We have in the past availed ourselves of either acceptable method and expect to do so in the future. We believe all of our derivative instruments represent economic hedges against changes in prices and rates, regardless of their designation for accounting purposes.

Changes in commodity prices could have a significant impact on cash deposit requirements under our broker and counter-party agreements. Additionally, certain of our derivative contracts contain credit risk-related contingent features, which would require us to post additional cash collateral to cover net losses on open derivative instruments if our credit rating was downgraded. As of September 28, 2014, the net liability position of our open derivative instruments that are subject to credit risk related contingent features was not material.

We are exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance or nonpayment by counter parties under financial instruments. Although our counter parties primarily consist of financial institutions that are investment grade, there is still a possibility that one or more of these companies could default. However, a majority of our financial instruments are exchange traded futures contracts held with brokers and counter parties with whom we maintain margin accounts that are settled on a daily basis, thereby limiting our credit exposure to non-exchange traded derivatives. Determination of the credit quality of our counter parties is based upon a number of factors, including credit ratings and our evaluation of their financial condition. As of September 28, 2014, we had no significant credit exposure on non-exchange traded derivative contracts. No significant concentrations of credit risk existed as of September 28, 2014.

The size and mix of our derivative portfolio varies from time to time based upon our analysis of current and future market conditions. All derivative contracts are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets or accrued expenses and other current liabilities within the consolidated condensed balance sheets, as appropriate.

The following table presents the fair values of our open derivative financial instruments on a gross basis.



	Assets				Liabilities
	September 28, 2014		December 29, 2013		September 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
	(in millions)				(in millions)
Derivatives using the "hedge accounting" method:
Grain contracts	$	2.0	$	5.5	$	139.0	$	16.2
Livestock contracts	25.1		0.7		21.8		1.1
Foreign exchange contracts	—		0.6		0.3		—
Total	27.1		6.8		161.1		17.3

Derivatives using the "mark-to-market" method:
Grain contracts	12.3		0.6		1.7		1.1
Livestock contracts	9.3		2.8		1.9		9.5
Energy contracts	0.3		2.9		0.5		—
Foreign exchange contracts	0.1		0.6		0.1		0.2
Total	22.0		6.9		4.2		10.8
Total fair value of derivative instruments	$	49.1	$	13.7	$	165.3	$	28.1

The majority of our derivatives are exchange traded futures contracts held with brokers, subject to netting arrangements that are enforceable during the ordinary course of business. Additionally, we have a smaller portfolio of over-the-counter derivatives that are held by counterparties under netting arrangements found in typical master netting agreements. These agreements legally allow for net settlement in the event of bankruptcy. We offset the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, along with the related cash collateral, that are executed with the same counterparty under these arrangements in the consolidated balance sheet. The following tables reconcile the gross amounts of derivative assets and liabilities to the net amounts presented in our consolidated condensed balance sheets and the related effects of cash collateral under netting arrangements that provide a legal right of offset of assets and liabilities.



	September 28, 2014
	Gross Amount of Derivative Assets/ Liabilities		Netting of Derivative Assets/ Liabilities			Net Derivative Assets/Liabilities		Cash Collateral			Net Amount Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	(in millions)
Assets:
Commodities	$	49.0	$	(33.9	)	$	15.1	$	34.0		$	49.1
Foreign exchange contracts	0.1		(0.1		)	—		—			—
Total	$	49.1	$	(34.0	)	$	15.1	$	34.0		$	49.1
Liabilities:
Commodities	$	164.9	$	(33.9	)	$	131.0	$	(118.3	)	$	12.7
Foreign exchange contracts	0.4		(0.1		)	0.3		—			0.3
Total	$	165.3	$	(34.0	)	$	131.3	$	(118.3	)	$	13.0



	December 29, 2013
	Gross Amount of Derivative Assets/ Liabilities		Netting of Derivative Assets/ Liabilities			Net Amount Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet		Cash Collateral			Net Amount
	(in millions)
Assets:
Commodities	$	12.5	$	(7.4	)	$	5.1	$	—		$	5.1
Foreign exchange contracts	1.2		—			1.2		—			1.2
Total	$	13.7	$	(7.4	)	$	6.3	$	—		$	6.3
Liabilities:
Commodities	$	27.9	$	(7.4	)	$	20.5	$	(15.6	)	$	4.9
Foreign exchange contracts	0.2		—			0.2		—			0.2
Total	$	28.1	$	(7.4	)	$	20.7	$	(15.6	)	$	5.1

See Note 10—Fair Value Measurements for additional information about the fair value of our derivatives.

Hedge Accounting Method

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into derivative instruments, such as futures, swaps and options contracts, to manage our exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to commodity price risk associated with the forecasted sale of live hogs and fresh pork, and the forecasted purchase of corn, wheat and soybean meal. In addition, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to manage our exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates associated with the forecasted purchase or sale of assets denominated in foreign currencies. As of September 28, 2014, we had no cash flow hedges for forecasted transactions beyond December 2015.

When cash flow hedge accounting is applied, derivative gains or losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The ineffective portion of derivative gains and loses is recognized as part of current period earnings. Derivative gains and losses, when reclassified into earnings, are recorded in cost of sales for grain contracts, sales for lean hog contracts, interest expense for interest rate contracts and selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for foreign exchange contracts. Gains and losses on derivatives designed to hedge price risk associated with fresh pork sales are recorded in the Hog Production segment.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, the range of notional volumes associated with open derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships was as follows:



	Minimum	Maximum	Metric
Commodities:
Corn	42,575,000	99,580,000	Bushels
Soybean meal	346,500	827,300	Tons
Lean hogs	103,280,000	1,847,680,000	Pounds
Foreign currency ⁽¹⁾	15,144,435	33,413,152	U.S. Dollars

——————————————


⁽¹⁾	Amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of various foreign currency contracts.

The following table presents the effects on our consolidated condensed financial statements of pre-tax gains and losses on derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships for the periods indicated:



	Gains (Losses) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative (Effective Portion)						Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Earnings (Effective Portion)						Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
	Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)						(in millions)						(in millions)
Commodity contracts:
Grain contracts	$	(159.5	)	$	(1.7	)	$	8.6		$	3.5		$	(4.7	)	$	(0.8	)
Lean hog contracts	93.0			(35.5		)	(83.5		)	—			9.1			0.2
Foreign exchange contracts	(0.6		)	0.5			0.1			(0.2		)	—			—
Total	$	(67.1	)	$	(36.7	)	$	(74.8	)	$	3.3		$	4.4		$	(0.6	)

	Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)						(in millions)						(in millions)
Commodity contracts:
Grain contracts	$	(122.0	)	$	(59.3	)	$	14.9		$	84.0		$	(5.0	)	$	(1.3	)
Lean hog contracts	(217.1		)	(14.3		)	(200.1		)	4.5			(8.7		)	(0.6		)
Foreign exchange contracts	(0.1		)	0.4			3.3			1.9			—			—
Total	$	(339.2	)	$	(73.2	)	$	(181.9	)	$	90.4		$	(13.7	)	$	(1.9	)

For the periods presented, foreign exchange contracts were determined to be highly effective. We have excluded from the assessment of effectiveness differences between spot and forward rates, which we have determined to be immaterial.

As of September 28, 2014, there were deferred net losses of $99.0 million, net of tax of $62.9 million, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We expect to reclassify $28.7 million ($17.5 million net of tax) of deferred net losses on closed commodity contracts into earnings within the next twelve months. We are unable to estimate the amount of unrealized gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months related to open contracts as their values are subject to change.

Fair Value Hedges

We enter into derivative instruments (primarily futures contracts) that are designed to hedge changes in the fair value of live hog inventories and firm commitments to buy grains. When fair value hedge accounting is applied, derivative gains and losses are recognized in earnings currently along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The gains or losses on the derivative instruments and the offsetting losses or gains on the related hedged items are recorded in cost of sales for commodity contracts.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, the range of notional volumes associated with open derivative instruments designated in fair value hedging relationships was as follows:



	Minimum	Maximum	Metric
Commodities:
Corn	450,000	8,200,000	Bushels

The following table presents the effects on our consolidated condensed statements of income of gains and losses on derivative instruments designated in fair value hedging relationships and the related hedged items for the periods indicated:



	Gains Recognized in Earnings on Derivative					Losses Recognized in Earnings on Related Hedged Item
	Successor		Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	September 28, 2014		September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)					(in millions)
Commodity contracts	$	5.9	$	(2.5	)	$	(5.6	)	$	2.4

	Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014		September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)					(in millions)
Commodity contracts	$	7.9	$	0.8		$	(7.3	)	$	(1.0	)

We recognized gains of $0.7 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, respectively, and gains of $0.7 million and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, on closed commodity derivative contracts as the underlying cash transactions affected earnings.

Mark-to-Market Method

Derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedge, have been de-designated from a hedging relationship, or do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting are marked-to-market with the unrealized gains and losses together with actual realized gains and losses from closed contracts being recognized in current period earnings. Under the mark-to-market method, gains and losses are recorded in cost of sales for commodity contracts and SG&A for foreign exchange contracts.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, the range of notional volumes associated with open derivative instruments using the "mark-to-market" method was as follows:



	Minimum	Maximum	Metric
Commodities:
Lean hogs	600,000	414,600,000	Pounds
Corn	490,000	17,680,000	Bushels
Soybean meal	—	5,500	Tons
Soybeans	75,000	3,330,000	Bushels
Wheat	—	85,000	Bushels
Natural gas	8,030,000	11,040,000	Million BTU
Live cattle	—	80,000	Pounds
Diesel	—	1,722,000	Gallons
Propane	—	966,000	Gallons
Foreign currency ⁽¹⁾	6,377,390	47,619,816	U.S. Dollars

——————————————


⁽¹⁾	Amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of various foreign currency contracts.

The following table presents the amount of gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of income on derivative instruments using the "mark-to-market" method by type of derivative contract for the periods indicated:



	Successor		Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014		September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)					(in millions)
Commodity contracts	25.2		9.6			39.8			38.6
Foreign exchange contracts	—		(1.4		)	(0.1		)	(0.6		)
Total	$	25.2	$	8.2		$	39.7		$	38.0

The table above reflects gains and losses from both open and closed contracts including, among other things, gains and losses related to contracts designed to hedge price movements that occur entirely within a quarter. The table includes amounts for both realized and unrealized gains and losses. The table is not, therefore, a simple representation of unrealized gains and losses recognized in the income statement during any period presented.


NOTE 4:	INVESTMENTS

Investments consist of the following:



Equity Investment	% Owned	September 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
		(in millions)
Campofrío Food Group (CFG) ⁽¹⁾	37%	$	343.4	$	351.4
Mexican joint ventures	50%	138.4		118.0
Other	Various	25.1		27.1
Total investments		$	506.9	$	496.5

——————————————


⁽¹⁾	Beginning in June 2014, our investment in CFG is through our interest in Sigma & WH Europe, as defined below.

We record our share of earnings and losses from our equity method investments in (income) loss from equity method investments. Some of these results are reported on a one-month lag which, in our opinion, does not materially impact our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In November 2013, Mexican processed meats producer Sigma Alimentos, S.A. De C.V. (Sigma) announced its intention to tender for all of CFG’s outstanding shares (the Tender Offer) at a bid price of €6.80 per share (the Bid Price). In December 2013, we announced our intention to participate in the Tender Offer by retaining our 37% interest in CFG. As a result, the Bid Price was increased to €6.90 per share.

In June 2014, we finalized our shareholder agreement with Sigma creating a new entity called Sigma & WH Food Europe, S.L. (Sigma & WH Europe) to hold all shares of CFG owned by Sigma and the Company. At the formation of Sigma & WH Europe, both the Company and Sigma contributed all of our shares of CFG to Sigma & WH Europe. As of September 28, 2014, Sigma & WH Europe owned 98% of the outstanding shares of CFG. The Tender Offer and the shareholder agreement with Sigma had no impact on the book value of our investment in CFG.

(Income) loss from equity method investments consists of the following:



		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
Equity Investment	Segment	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
		(in millions)						(in millions)
CFG ⁽¹⁾	International	$	0.4		$	(0.6	)	$	(2.8	)	$	(3.1	)
Mexican joint ventures	International	(13.9		)	(1.9		)	(34.4		)	(3.0		)
All other equity method investments	Various	(1.0		)	(0.2		)	(3.3		)	(1.9		)
Income from equity method investments		$	(14.5	)	$	(2.7	)	$	(40.5	)	$	(8.0	)

——————————————


⁽¹⁾	CFG prepares its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Our share of CFG’s results reflects U.S. GAAP adjustments and thus, there may be differences between the amounts we report for CFG and the amounts reported by CFG.


NOTE 5:	DEBT

Working Capital Facilities

As of September 28, 2014, we had aggregate credit facilities totaling $1.4 billion, including an inventory-based revolving credit facility totaling $1.025 billion (the Inventory Revolver), an accounts receivable securitization facility totaling $275.0 million (the Securitization Facility) and international credit facilities totaling $120.4 million. As of September 28, 2014, our unused capacity under these credit facilities was $953.8 million.

As part of the Securitization Facility agreement, all accounts receivable of our major Pork segment subsidiaries are sold to a wholly owned "bankruptcy remote" special purpose vehicle (SPV). The SPV pledges the receivables as security for loans and letters of credit. The SPV is included in our consolidated financial statements and therefore, the accounts receivable owned by it are included in our consolidated balance sheet. However, the accounts receivable owned by the SPV are separate and distinct from our other assets and are not available to our other creditors should we become insolvent. As of September 28, 2014, the SPV held $566.9 million of accounts receivable.


NOTE 6:	GUARANTEES

As part of our business, we are a party to various financial guarantees and other commitments as described below. These arrangements involve elements of performance and credit risk that are not included in the consolidated condensed balance sheets. We could become liable in connection with these obligations depending on the performance of the guaranteed party or the occurrence of future events that we are unable to predict. If we consider it probable that we will become responsible for an obligation, we will record the liability on our consolidated balance sheet.

As of September 28, 2014, we continued to guarantee $8.0 million of leases that were transferred to JBS S.A. in connection with the sale of Smithfield Beef, Inc which closed in October 2008. This guaranty may remain in place until the leases expire through February 2022.


NOTE 7:	INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate was 26% and 21% for the three months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, respectively, and 31% and 19% for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 28, 2014, taxable income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, and the expiration of certain federal tax credits as of December 31, 2013 impacted the effective tax rate. The three and nine months ended September 26, 2013 were impacted by income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, state income tax credits and federal legislation during that period that reinstated certain federal tax credits retroactively to January 1, 2012.

Beginning with the Successor period, the Company, with its subsidiaries, is included in its U.S. parent company’s consolidated federal income tax group and consolidated income tax return. The members of the consolidated group have elected to allocate income taxes among the members of the group by the separate return method, under which the parent company credits the subsidiary for income tax reductions resulting from the subsidiary’s inclusion in the consolidated return, or the parent company charges the subsidiary for its allocated share of the consolidated income tax liability.


NOTE 8:	PENSION PLANS

The components of net periodic pension cost consist of:



	Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)						(in millions)
Service cost	$	11.8		$	13.6		$	35.3		$	38.4
Interest cost	21.1			19.7			63.2			57.9
Expected return on plan assets	(21.5		)	(22.1		)	(64.4		)	(62.6		)
Net amortization	—			15.8			—			43.4
Net periodic pension cost	$	11.4		$	27.0		$	34.1		$	77.1


NOTE 9:	EQUITY

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables present changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related effects on net income of amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss).



	Successor									Predecessor
	Three Months Ended
	September 28, 2014									September 26, 2013
	Before Tax			Tax			After Tax			Before Tax			Tax			After Tax
	(in millions)
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustment arising during the period	$	(82.4	)	$	4.2		$	(78.2	)	$	54.8		$	(6.7	)	$	48.1

Pension accounting:
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service credits reclassified to cost of sales	—			—			—			5.3			(2.3		)	3.0
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service credits reclassified to SG&A	—			—			—			11.1			(4.6		)	6.5

Hedge accounting:
Losses arising during the period	(67.1		)	26.1			(41.0		)	(36.7		)	14.3			(22.4		)
Losses reclassified to sales	83.5			(32.5		)	51.0			—			—			—
Gains reclassified to cost of sales	(8.6		)	3.2			(5.4		)	(3.5		)	1.4			(2.1		)
(Gains) losses reclassified to SG&A	(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)	0.2			(0.1		)	0.1
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(74.7		)	1.0			(73.7		)	31.2			2.0			33.2



	Successor									Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014									September 26, 2013
	Before Tax			Tax			After Tax			Before Tax			Tax			After Tax
	(in millions)
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustment arising during the period	$	(81.0	)	$	4.3		$	(76.7	)	$	14.5		$	(8.9	)	$	5.6

Pension accounting:
Actuarial loss	—			—			—			(93.9		)	36.5			(57.4		)
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service credits reclassified to cost of sales	—			—			—			12.8			(5.2		)	7.6
Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service credits reclassified to SG&A	—			—			—			29.8			(11.9		)	17.9

Hedge accounting:
Losses arising during the period	(339.2		)	132.1			(207.1		)	(73.2		)	28.6			(44.6		)
(Gains) losses reclassified to sales	200.1			(77.7		)	122.4			(4.5		)	1.8			(2.7		)
Gains reclassified to cost of sales	(14.9		)	5.9			(9.0		)	(84.0		)	32.7			(51.3		)
Gains reclassified to SG&A	(3.3		)	0.7			(2.6		)	(1.9		)	0.4			(1.5		)
Total other comprehensive loss	$	(238.3	)	$	65.3		$	(173.0	)	$	(200.4	)	$	74.0		$	(126.4	)


NOTE 10:	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We are required to consider and reflect the assumptions of market participants in fair value calculations. These factors include nonperformance risk (the risk that an obligation will not be fulfilled) and credit risk, both of the reporting entity (for liabilities) and of the counterparty (for assets).

We use, as appropriate, a market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques), and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) to measure the fair value of an asset or liability. These valuation approaches incorporate inputs, such as observable, independent market data, that we believe are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability. These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk.

The FASB has established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted market prices (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:


▪	Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible by the reporting entity.


▪	Level 2—observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.


▪	Level 3—unobservable for an asset or liability. Unobservable inputs should only be used to the extent observable inputs are not available.

We have classified assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. For the periods presented, we had no transfers of assets or liabilities between levels within the fair value hierarchy. The timing of any such transfers would be determined at the end of each reporting period.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our non-pension financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013:



	September 28, 2014								December 29, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in millions)								(in millions)
Assets
Derivatives:
Commodity contracts	$	15.1	$	—	$	—	$	15.1	$	0.2	$	4.9	$	—	$	5.1
Foreign exchange contracts	—		—		—		—		—		1.2		—		1.2
Bond securities	19.4		—		—		19.4		19.8		—		—		19.8
Insurance contracts	—		70.2		—		70.2		—		65.8		—		65.8
Total	$	34.5	$	70.2	$	—	$	104.7	$	20.0	$	71.9	$	—	$	91.9

Liabilities
Derivatives:
Commodity contracts	$	81.6	$	49.4	$	—	$	131.0	$	15.1	$	5.4	$	—	$	20.5
Foreign exchange contracts	—		0.3		—		0.3		—		0.2		—		0.2
Total	$	81.6	$	49.7	$	—	$	131.3	$	15.1	$	5.6	$	—	$	20.7

The following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies and key inputs used to measure financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:

▪

Derivatives—Derivatives classified within Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices. In some cases where quoted market prices are not available, we value the derivatives using market based pricing models that utilize the net present value of estimated future cash flows to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2. These valuation models make use of market-based observable inputs, including exchange traded prices and rates, yield curves, credit curves, and measures of volatility.


▪	Bond securities—Bond securities are valued at quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1.


▪	Insurance contracts—Insurance contracts are valued at their cash surrender value using the daily asset unit value (AUV) which is based on the quoted market price of the underlying securities and classified within Level 2.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis after initial recognition; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, for example, when there is evidence of impairment. During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, we had no significant assets or liabilities that were measured and recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Other Financial Instruments

We determine the fair value of public debt using Level 2 inputs based on quoted market prices. The carrying amount of all other debt approximates fair value as those instruments are based on variable interest rates. The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013.



	September 28, 2014				December 29, 2013
	Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	(in millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion	$	3,124.0	$	3,045.4	$	3,120.2	$	3,020.1

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the relatively short-term maturity of these instruments.


NOTE 11:	CONTINGENCIES

Like other participants in the industry, we are subject to various laws and regulations administered by federal, state and other government entities, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and corresponding state agencies, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission and similar agencies in foreign countries.

We from time to time receive notices and inquiries from regulatory authorities and others asserting that we are not in compliance with such laws and regulations. In some instances, litigation ensues. In addition, individuals may initiate litigation against us.

North Carolina Nuisance Litigation

As previously disclosed in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 30, 2014 and June 29, 2014, in July, August and September 2013, 25 complaints were filed in the Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina by 479 individual plaintiffs against Smithfield and our wholly owned subsidiary, Murphy-Brown alleging causes of action for nuisance and related claims. All 25 complaints were dismissed without prejudice in September and October 2014.

On April 15, 2014, an additional request for pre-litigation mediation of farm nuisance dispute was filed against the Company and Murphy-Brown, in Duplin County, North Carolina on behalf of 35 claimants, at least some of whom appear to be claimants in the Wake County proceedings. The Company believes that the claims are unfounded and intends to defend the suits vigorously.

In August, September and October 2014, 25 complaints were filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina by 515 individual plaintiffs against our wholly owned subsidiary, Murphy-Brown, alleging causes of action for nuisance and related claims. The complaints relate to operations on approximately 10 company-owned and 56 contract farms. All 25 complaints include causes of action for temporary nuisance and negligence and seek recovery of an unspecified amount of compensatory, special and punitive damages, as well as unspecified injunctive and equitable relief. A single complaint also includes a cause of action for trespass. Murphy-Brown is in the process of responding to the complaints in all 25 cases. All 25 complaints stem from the nuisance cases previously filed in the Superior Court of Wake County; approximately 263 of the 515 plaintiffs had claims pending in those cases. The Company believes that the claims are unfounded and intends to defend the claims vigorously.

Our policy for establishing accruals and disclosures for contingent liabilities is contained in Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. We established a reserve estimating our expenses to defend against these and similar potential claims on the opening balance sheet upon the Merger. Consequently, expenses and other liabilities associated with these claims for subsequent periods will not affect our profits or losses unless our reserve proves to be insufficient or excessive. However, legal expenses incurred in our and our subsidiaries’ defense of these claims and any payments made to plaintiffs through unfavorable verdicts or otherwise will negatively impact our cash flows and our liquidity position. Given that these matters are in the very preliminary stages and given the inherent uncertainty of the outcome for these and similar potential claims, we cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for these loss contingencies outside the expenses we will incur to defend against these claims. We will continue to review whether an additional accrual is necessary and whether we have the ability to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for these matters.


NOTE 12:	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

Our operating segments are determined on the basis of how we internally report and evaluate financial information used to make operating decisions and assess performance. For external reporting purposes, we aggregate operating segments which have similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, types or classes of customers and distribution methods into reportable segments based on a combination of factors, including products produced and geographic areas of operations.

Prior to the second quarter of 2014, we conducted our operations through four reportable segments: Pork, Hog Production, International and Corporate. Over the past several years, the Pork segment has undergone significant structural change and consolidation. In the second quarter of 2014, two of the largest Pork segment operating companies, The Smithfield Packing Company, Inc. and Farmland Foods, Inc., merged to form Smithfield Farmland Corp (Smithfield Farmland). With this merger, only two large operating companies remain; Smithfield Farmland, which produces both fresh pork and packaged meats, and John Morrell Food Group, which is predominately a packaged meats company. Based on the evolution of the Pork segment over the past several years and the recent merger of Smithfield Farmland, the former Pork segment has been reorganized from an independent operating company structure to a product division structure to more closely align with the way in which the chief operating decision maker views the business, assesses segment performance and allocates resources. Therefore, the former Pork segment now consists of two reportable segments; the Fresh Pork segment and the Packaged Meats segment. As such, beginning with the second quarter of 2014, our reportable segments are: Fresh Pork, Packaged Meats, Hog Production, International and Corporate. The changes to our reportable segments have been applied retrospectively for all periods presented.

The Fresh Pork segment consists of our U.S. fresh pork operations. The Packaged Meats segment consists of our U.S. packaged meats operations. The Hog Production segment consists of our U.S. hog production operations. The International segment is comprised mainly of our meat processing and distribution operations in Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom, our interests in meat processing operations, mainly in Western Europe and Mexico, our hog production operations located in Poland and Romania and our interests in hog production operations in Mexico. The Corporate segment provides management and administrative services to support our other segments.

The following table presents sales and operating profit (loss) by segment for the periods indicated:



	Successor			Predecessor			Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)						(in millions)
Sales:
Segment sales—
Fresh Pork	$	1,444.3		$	1,296.7		$	4,437.2		$	3,808.3
Packaged Meats	1,733.8			1,508.7			5,010.5			4,553.7
Hog Production	803.2			840.0			2,509.7			2,531.4
International	439.3			395.4			1,240.0			1,128.5
Total segment sales	4,420.6			4,040.8			13,197.4			12,021.9
Intersegment sales—
Fresh Pork	(13.6		)	(11.2		)	(42.8		)	(31.9		)
Packaged Meats	—			—			(0.1		)	(0.9		)
Hog Production	(694.4		)	(682.7		)	(2,185.6		)	(1,957.4		)
International	(10.3		)	(9.7		)	(30.5		)	(29.8		)
Total intersegment sales	(718.3		)	(703.6		)	(2,259.0		)	(2,020.0		)
Consolidated sales	$	3,702.3		$	3,337.2		$	10,938.4		$	10,001.9

Operating profit (loss):
Fresh Pork	$	(12.5	)	$	(22.9	)	$	76.1		$	(20.0	)
Packaged Meats	111.3			77.6			330.1			296.4
Hog Production	139.6			48.5			278.1			18.7
International	40.3			17.3			111.1			35.1
Corporate	(28.6		)	(41.9		)	(88.7		)	(103.0		)
Consolidated operating profit	$	250.1		$	78.6		$	706.7		$	227.2

In connection with the Merger and the resulting new accounting basis, we recognized $1.7 billion of goodwill, which reflects the amount of the total consideration paid by WH Group that exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests, including the impact of immaterial measurement period adjustments. The following represents our allocation of goodwill to our reportable segments as of the Merger Date:



Goodwill
Packaged Meats	$	1,533.5
International	94.5
Fresh Pork	34.6
Hog Production	4.2
	$	1,666.8


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

You should read the following information in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the related notes in this Quarterly Report and the audited financial statements and the related notes as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. On September 26, 2013, we merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of WH Group in a transaction accounted for as a business combination. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Successor” refer to Smithfield Foods, Inc. and all its subsidiaries for the period subsequent to the Merger. All references to “Predecessor” refer to Smithfield Foods, Inc. and all its subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Merger.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are the largest hog producer and pork processor in the world. In the United States, we are also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Farmland®, Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Armour® and John Morrell®. We are committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintaining robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs.

We produce and market a wide variety of fresh meat and packaged meats products both domestically and internationally. We operate in a cyclical industry and our results are significantly affected by fluctuations in commodity prices for livestock (primarily hogs) and grains. Some of the factors that we believe are critical to the success of our business are our ability to:


▪	maintain and expand market share, particularly in packaged meats,


▪	develop and maintain strong customer relationships,


▪	continually innovate and differentiate our products,


▪	manage risk in volatile commodities markets, and


▪	maintain our position as a low cost producer of live hogs, fresh pork and packaged meats.

We conduct our operations through five reportable segments: Fresh Pork, Packaged Meats, Hog Production, International and Corporate. See Note 12—Reportable Segments for additional information about changes to our reportable segments during the current year.

Third Quarter Summary of Results

Net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $155.3 million compared to net income of $35.4 million for the third quarter of 2013. The following summarizes the operating results of each of our reportable segments and other significant changes impacting net income for the third quarter of 2014 compared to net income for the third quarter of 2013:


▪	Fresh Pork operating loss improved by $10.4 million primarily as a result of higher fresh pork market prices.


▪	Packaged Meats operating profit increased by $33.7 million as a result of higher average selling prices.


▪	Hog Production operating profit increased $91.1 million primarily as a result of significantly higher live hog market prices and lower feed costs.


▪	International operating profit increased by $23.0 million due to higher sales volume and lower raw material costs in our European operations as well as an increase in equity income from our joint ventures in Mexico.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified PEDv in the United States for the first time in 2013. PEDv, a disease that only infects pigs, not humans or other livestock, is an industry-wide issue and has a significant presence in U.S. swine. Our herds in several regions in which we operate are affected as PEDv continues to spread throughout the U.S. We are subject to risks related to our ability to maintain animal health and control PEDv. We are unable to predict the extent the disease will impact our operations or market prices in the future.

Renewable Fuel Standard

The federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requires that bio-fuels be blended into transportation fuels at ever-increasing volumes up to 36 billion gallons in 2030. In October 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a “partial waiver” to a statutory bar under the Clean Air Act prohibiting fuel manufacturers from introducing fuel additives that are not “substantially similar” to those already approved and in use for vehicles of model year (MY) 1975 or later. Prior to EPA's decision, the ethanol content of gasoline in the United States was limited to 10 percent (E10), which created a barrier, commonly referred to as the "blendwall," to the expansion of blended bio-fuels as prescribed by the RFS. The EPA's "partial waiver" allows fuel manufacturers to increase the ethanol content of gasoline to 15 percent (E15) for use in MY 2007 and newer light-duty motor vehicles, including passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles. In January 2011, the EPA granted another partial waiver authorizing E15 use in MY 2001-2006 light-duty motor vehicles. Judicial challenges to these rulemakings by a coalition of industry groups were dismissed.

On November 15, 2013, the EPA proposed volume requirements and associated percentage standards that would apply under the RFS program in calendar year 2014 for cellulosic bio-fuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced bio-fuel and total renewable fuel. EPA’s proposal reduces the volume of renewable fuels mandated by statute and reflects EPA’s current estimate of what will actually be produced in 2014. EPA’s proposal reflects a concern that existing transportation infrastructure is unprepared for higher blends of bio-fuels in transportation fuels such as E15 and that the reduction in required volumes will maintain a blending percentage at E10 through 2014. EPA will consider public comments before setting the final standard. Recent comments by senior EPA officials suggest that the final 2014 standard will include higher volumes than the November 2013 proposal due in part to greater overall domestic consumption of transportation fuel. However, it is expected that the final volumes will continue to maintain overall blending volumes at E10. Although the long-term impact of the RFS is currently unknown, studies have shown that expanded corn-based ethanol production has driven up the price of livestock feed and led to commodity-price volatility. We cannot presently assess the full economic impact of the RFS program on the meat processing industry or on our operations.

Country of Origin Labeling

Following a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruling on a complaint by Canada and Mexico that existing U.S. country- of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements violated the United States’ WTO obligations, USDA published a new rule effective May 23, 2013, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng, and Macadamia Nuts. 78 Fed. Reg. 31367 (May 24, 2013) (the 2013 Rule). The 2013 Rule requires, in part, that labels on covered meat products must list separately, in sequence, the specific country where the animal was "born," the country where it was "raised," and the country where it was "slaughtered." The rule also prohibits combining or commingling of meats with different "Born, Raised, and Slaughtered" combinations in the same package at retail.

On March 28, 2014 and on July 29, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected a judicial challenge to these rulemakings by a coalition of industry groups. The Canadian and Mexican governments challenged the 2013 Rule before the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO. On October 20, 2014, the DSB issued panel reports finding in favor of Canada and Mexico and against the United States' 2013 Rule. The U.S. Trade Representative is considering an appeal of the WTO determination. If the Canadian and Mexican WTO challenge is ultimately successful, then USDA will be faced with the choice of re-formulating another country of origin regulation, seeking amendments to the underlying statute from Congress, or subjecting U.S. industries to substantial retaliatory tariffs. Although the long-term impact of COOL is currently unknown, industry groups have indicated that the rules impose additional costs on the industry including costs associated with segregation of livestock, record-keeping and new packaging and labeling along with potential retaliatory trade measures under WTO rules. We cannot presently assess the full economic impact of COOL on the meat processing industry or on our operations.

Outlook

The commodity markets affecting our business fluctuate on a daily basis. In this operating environment, it is difficult to forecast industry trends and conditions. The outlook statements that follow must be viewed in this context.

We will continue to sharpen our strategic focus and drive operational improvements across our entire platform. Our most exciting growth prospect is the ongoing development of our packaged meats business. With the integration of two of our independent operating companies, we have improved our competitive cost structure and aligned our organization to better serve our customers’ needs. We will continue to strengthen our consumer-focused marketing programs and promote innovation to improve our product mix toward branded, value-added products. Consequently, we expect to deliver modest volume growth and very solid packaged meats margins, even in the midst of the highest raw materials cost we have ever experienced.

Barring a reemergence of PEDv, we could see modest pork production expansion in 2015, although lower prices should spur additional export demand. Identifying and executing synergistic opportunities with WH Group and Shuanghui, our sister company in China, also remains a priority and an opportunity to bolster profitability. At the same time, our cost structure should benefit from a record large U.S. corn and soybean crop. With the harvest well underway, corn and soybeans continue to trade near 5-year lows. All of this should allow us to maintain normalized fresh pork margins and above normalized hog production margins.

We believe a combination of operating initiatives and synergies should continue to fuel earnings for us for the remainder of 2014 and into 2015.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results of Operations

The tables presented below compare our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013. As used in the tables, "NM" means "not meaningful."

Three Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013



	Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			% Change
	(in millions)
Sales	$	3,702.3		$	3,337.2		11	%
Cost of sales	3,248.3			3,048.6			7	%
Gross profit	454.0			288.6			57	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	218.4			194.7			12	%
Merger related costs	—			18.0			(100	)%
Income from equity method investments	(14.5		)	(2.7		)	437	%
Operating profit	250.1			78.6			218	%
Interest expense	39.3			33.6			17	%
Income before income taxes	210.8			45.0			368	%
Income tax expense	55.5			9.6			478	%
Net income	$	155.3		$	35.4		340	%

Sales and gross profit


▪	Sales increased primarily as a result of higher domestic pork market prices.


▪	Gross profit increased primarily as a result of higher average selling prices and lower hog raising costs, which more than offset the increase in pork processing raw material costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A)


▪	The increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to higher variable compensation expenses stemming from higher year-over-year operating results, partially offset by lower pension expense.

Merger related costs


▪	We incurred approximately $18 million in professional fees during the prior year as a result of the Merger.

Income from equity method investments


▪	The increase in profitability in the current year is primarily driven by higher hog prices in Mexico.

Income tax expense

▪

Our effective tax rate was 26% and 21% for the three months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, respectively. For the three months ended September 28, 2014, taxable income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, and the expiration of certain federal tax credits as of December 31, 2013 impacted the effective tax rate. The three months ended September 26, 2013 were impacted by income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, state income tax credits and federal legislation during that period that reinstated certain federal tax credits retroactively to January 1, 2012.

Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013



	Successor			Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			% Change
	(in millions)
Sales	$	10,938.4		$	10,001.9		9	%
Cost of sales	9,619.2			9,148.1			5	%
Gross profit	1,319.2			853.8			55	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	653.0			616.6			6	%
Merger related costs	—			18.0			(100	)%
Income from equity method investments	(40.5		)	(8.0		)	406	%
Operating profit	706.7			227.2			211	%
Interest expense	120.5			121.3			(1	)%
Non-operating gain	(1.1		)	—			NM
Income before income taxes	587.3			105.9			455	%
Income tax expense	183.8			19.9			824	%
Net income	$	403.5		$	86.0		369	%

Sales and gross profit


▪	Sales increased primarily as a result of higher domestic pork market prices.


▪	Gross profit increased primarily as a result of higher sales and lower hog raising costs, which more than offset the increase in pork processing raw material costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A)


▪	The increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to higher variable compensation expenses stemming from higher year-over-year operating results, partially offset by lower pension expense.

Merger related costs


▪	We incurred approximately $18 million in professional fees during the prior year as a result of the Merger.

Income from equity method investments


▪	The increase in profitability in the current year is primarily driven by higher hog prices in Mexico.

Income tax expense

▪

Our effective tax rate was 31% and 19% for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, taxable income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, and the expiration of certain federal tax credits as of December 31, 2013 impacted the effective tax rate. The nine months ended September 26, 2013 were impacted by income relative to permanent items, the mix of income between jurisdictions, state income tax credits and federal legislation during that period that reinstated certain federal tax credits retroactively to January 1, 2012.

Segment Results

The following information reflects the results from each respective segment for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013.

Three Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013



	Successor			Predecessor
	Three Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			% Change
	(in millions)
Sales:
Fresh Pork	$	1,444.3		$	1,296.7		11	%
Packaged Meats	1,733.8			1,508.7			15	%
Hog Production	803.2			840.0			(4	)%
International	439.3			395.4			11	%
Total segment sales	4,420.6			4,040.8			9	%
Intersegment sales	(718.3		)	(703.6		)	2	%
Consolidated sales	$	3,702.3		$	3,337.2		11	%

Operating profit (loss):
Fresh Pork	$	(12.5	)	$	(22.9	)	45	%
Packaged Meats	111.3			77.6			43	%
Hog Production	139.6			48.5			188	%
International	40.3			17.3			133	%
Corporate	(28.6		)	(41.9		)	32	%
Consolidated operating profit	$	250.1		$	78.6		218	%

Fresh Pork


▪	Current year sales increased 11% due to a 24% increase in average selling prices partially offset by a 10% decrease in volume.


▪	Current year operating loss improved to $2 per head from $3 per head due to higher fresh pork market prices, which more than offset higher raw material costs.


▪	We processed 6.1 million hogs in the third quarter of 2014, a decrease of 9% from the prior year, largely attributable to PEDv. However, average hog weights were up 4%, which helped to offset the overall decline in volume.

Packaged Meats


▪	Current year sales increased 15% due to a 11% increase in average selling prices and a 4% increase in volume. Current year sales volume totaled 630.4 million pounds.


▪	Current year operating profit improved to $.18 per pound from $.13 per pound due to higher average selling prices, which more than offset higher raw material costs.

Hog Production


▪	Current year sales decreased due to lower sales volumes partially offset by higher domestic live hog market prices. Head sold during the year amounted to 3.3 million hogs, a decrease of 13% from the prior year. PEDv was a significant factor in the volume decline and favorably impacted market prices.


▪	Current year operating profit benefited from a 17% increase in domestic live hog market prices and lower feed costs.

International


▪	Current year sales were positively impacted by a 14% increase in volume of 372.1 million pounds, primarily driven by a 12% increase in hogs processed in Europe, and partially offset by a 7% decrease in average selling prices. We processed 1.1 million hogs in the third quarter of 2014. The effects of foreign currency translation also positively impacted sales by approximately $19 million.


▪	Current year operating profit was positively impacted by higher sales and lower feed costs in Europe along with higher equity income from our Mexican joint ventures.

Corporate


▪	Operating results in the Corporate segment were improved from last year, which included acquisition related expenses as a result of the Merger.

Nine Months Ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013



	Successor			Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013			% Change
	(in millions)
Sales:
Fresh Pork	$	4,437.2		$	3,808.3		17	%
Packaged Meats	5,010.5			4,553.7			10	%
Hog Production	2,509.7			2,531.4			(1	)%
International	1,240.0			1,128.5			10	%
Total segment sales	13,197.4			12,021.9			10	%
Intersegment sales	(2,259.0		)	(2,020.0		)	12	%
Consolidated sales	$	10,938.4		$	10,001.9		9	%

Operating profit (loss):
Fresh Pork	$	76.1		$	(20.0	)	481	%
Packaged Meats	330.1			296.4			11	%
Hog Production	278.1			18.7			NM
International	111.1			35.1			217	%
Corporate	(88.7		)	(103.0		)	14	%
Consolidated operating profit	$	706.7		$	227.2		211	%

Fresh Pork


▪	Current year sales increased 17% due to a 20% increase in average selling prices partially offset by a 3% decrease in volume.


▪	Current year operating profit improved to $4 per head from a loss of $1 per head due to higher fresh pork market prices, which more than offset higher raw material costs.


▪	We processed 19.6 million hogs in 2014, a decrease of 6% from the prior year, largely attributable to PEDv. However, average hog weights were up 4%, which helped to offset the overall decline in volume.

Packaged Meats


▪	Current year sales increased 10% due to higher average selling prices. Volumes were relatively unchanged from the prior year. Current year sales volume totaled 1.9 billion pounds, which remained relatively unchanged from prior year.


▪	Current year operating profit increased to $.17 per pound from $.15 due to higher average selling prices, which more than offset higher raw material costs.

Hog Production


▪	Current year sales were relatively unchanged from the prior year as the impact of higher domestic live hog market prices was offset by lower sales volumes. Head sold during the year amounted to 10.8 million, a decrease of 8% from the prior year. PEDv was a significant factor in the volume decline and significantly impacted the market prices.


▪	Current year operating profit benefited from a 21% increase in domestic live hog market prices and lower feed costs.

International


▪	Current year sales were positively impacted by a 18% increase in volume of 1.1 billion pounds, driven largely by a 13% increase in hogs processed in Europe, and partially offset by a 10% decrease in average selling prices. We processed 3.1 million hogs in 2014. The effects of foreign currency translation also positively impacted sales by approximately $44 million.


▪	Current year operating profit was positively impacted by higher sales and lower feed costs in Europe along with higher equity income from our Mexican joint ventures.

Corporate


▪	Operating results in the Corporate segment were improved from last year, which included acquisition related expenses associated with the WH Group and Kansas City Sausage transactions.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Summary

Our cash requirements consist primarily of the purchase of raw materials used in our hog production and pork processing operations, long-term debt obligations and related interest, lease payments for real estate, machinery, vehicles and other equipment, and expenditures for capital assets, other investments and other general business purposes. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash we receive as payment for the products we produce and sell, as well as our credit facilities.

We believe that our current liquidity position is strong and that our cash flows from operations and availability under our credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and financial obligations for at least the next twelve months. As of September 28, 2014, our liquidity position was approximately $1.0 billion, comprised of approximately $953.8 million in availability under our credit facilities and $58.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Sources of Liquidity

We have available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external. These resources provide funds required for current operations, acquisitions, integration costs, debt retirement and other capital requirements.

Accounts Receivable and Inventories

The meat processing industry is characterized by high sales volume and rapid turnover of inventories and accounts receivable. Because of the rapid turnover rate, we consider our meat inventories and accounts receivable highly liquid and readily convertible into cash. The Hog Production segment also has rapid turnover of accounts receivable. Although inventory turnover in the Hog Production segment is slower, mature hogs are readily convertible into cash. Borrowings under our credit facilities are used, in part, to finance increases in the levels of inventories and accounts receivable resulting from seasonal and other market-related fluctuations in raw material costs.

Credit Facilities



	Successor
	September 28, 2014
Facility	Capacity		Outstanding Letters of Credit			Outstanding Borrowings			Amount Available
	(in millions)
Inventory Revolver	$	1,025.0	$	—		$	(145.0	)	$	880.0
Securitization Facility	275.0		(98.8		)	(170.0		)	6.2
International facilities	120.4		—			(52.8		)	67.6
Total credit facilities	$	1,420.4	$	(98.8	)	$	(367.8	)	$	953.8

Cash Flows

Operating Activities



	Successor		Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014		September 26, 2013
	(in millions)
Net cash flows from operating activities	$	4.1	$	(101.1	)

The following items explain the significant changes in cash flows from operating activities:


▪	Cash received from customers increased due to higher average meat selling prices.


▪	Cash paid for grain and other ingredients purchased by the Hog Production segment decreased approximately $606.4 million from the prior year.


▪	Cash paid to outside hog suppliers increased due to a 21% increase in average domestic live hog prices.


▪	Cash paid to outside meat suppliers increased due to higher fresh meat market prices, particularly pork and beef.


▪	The current year included net tax payments of $102.8 million for domestic income taxes as compared to net

refunds of $17.9 million in the prior year.


▪	In the current year, we paid $104.7 million for the settlement of derivative contracts and for margin requirements compared to $26.3 million in the prior year.


▪	Cash interest payments increased approximately $53.3 million.

Investing Activities



	Successor			Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)
Capital expenditures	$	(187.8	)	$	(241.0	)
Business acquisitions	(11.0		)	(33.7		)
Net proceeds (expenditures) from breeding stock transactions	12.4			(11.3		)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	2.6			3.7
Advance note and other	4.3			(10.4		)
Net cash flows from investing activities	$	(179.5	)	$	(292.7	)

The following items explain the significant investing activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013:


▪	Capital expenditures during both years primarily related to plant and hog farm improvement projects, including the replacement of gestation stalls with group pens, which is more fully explained under "Additional Matters Affecting Liquidity" below.


▪	In April 2014, Kansas City Sausage Company, LLC (KCS) bought a meat processing business for $11.0 million.


▪	In 2013, we paid $33.7 million, net of cash acquired, for a 50% interest in KCS. Also, we advanced $10.0 million to the seller of KCS in exchange for a promissory note, which is secured by the remaining membership interests in KCS held by the seller.

Financing Activities



	Successor			Predecessor
	Nine Months Ended
	September 28, 2014			September 26, 2013
	(in millions)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	$	13.0		$	200.0
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(28.3		)	(461.8		)
Proceeds from Securitization Facility	255.0			200.0
Payments on Securitization Facility	(190.0		)	(80.0		)
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit facilities	(13.1		)	461.4
Other	(0.5		)	2.2
Net cash flows from financing activities	$	36.1		$	321.8

The following items explain the significant financing activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 and September 26, 2013:


▪	In the current year, we drew $65.0 million, net of repayments, on our Securitization Facility, primarily to cover margin requirements on our commodity derivative contracts.


▪	In July 2013, we repaid the outstanding principal balance on our 4% senior unsecured convertible notes totaling $400.0 million, and in May 2013, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal amount on our 7.75% senior unsecured notes totaling $55.0 million.


▪	In the prior year, we drew $485.0 million, net of repayments, on our Inventory Revolver and $120.0 million, net of repayments, on our Securitization Facility as well as issued $200.0 million in long-term debt to repay the aforementioned notes and for working capital needs.

Interest Rate Spread

As of September 28, 2014, the interest rates on borrowings under the Inventory Revolver and the Securitization Facility were LIBOR plus 3.0% and the lender's cost of funds of 0.20% plus 1.15%, respectively. The Inventory Revolver interest rate spread is based on a pricing-level grid in the agreement and is determined by our Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2011, among the Company, specified subsidiaries of the Company, Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, specified lenders, and other specified agents and arrangers, as amended).

Guarantees

Additional Matters Affecting Liquidity

Capital Projects

We anticipate annual capital expenditures in the range of $300 million to $350 million over the next several years to upgrade facilities with new machinery and equipment in order to improve our competitive cost structure and achieve least cost/best in class operations. These expenditures are expected to be funded with cash flows from operations and/or borrowings under our credit facilities.

Group Pens

In January 2007, we announced a voluntary, ten-year program to phase out individual gestation stalls at our company-owned sow farms and replace the gestation stalls with group pens. We anticipate the full cost of our transition to group pens will total approximately $360.0 million, including associated maintenance and repairs. This program represents a significant financial commitment and reflects our desire to be more animal friendly, as well as to address the concerns and needs of our customers. As of the end of calendar year 2013, we had completed conversions to group housing for over 54% of our sows on company-owned farms. We remain on track to finish conversion to group housing for all sows on company-owned farms by the end of 2017. Our hog production operations in Poland and Romania completed their conversions to group housing facilities a number of years ago.

In January 2014, we announced the recommendation that all of our contract sow growers join us in converting their facilities to group housing systems for pregnant sows. We asked contract sow growers to convert by 2022 and offered a sliding scale of incentives to accelerate that timetable through the receipt of contract extensions upon completion of the conversion.

Risk Management Activities

We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in commodity prices, and to a lesser degree, interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to changing prices and rates, as more fully described under "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Derivative Financial Instruments" in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. Our liquidity position may be positively or negatively affected by changes in the underlying value of our derivative portfolio. When the value of our open derivative contracts decreases, we may be required to post margin deposits with our brokers to cover a portion of the decrease. Conversely, when the value of our open derivative contracts increases, our brokers may be required to deliver margin deposits to us for a portion of the increase. During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, margin deposits ranged from $38.5 million to $382.0 million. The average daily amount on deposit with our brokers during the nine months ended September 28, 2014 was $195.7 million. As of September 28, 2014, the net amount on deposit with our brokers was $152.3 million.

The effects, positive or negative, on liquidity resulting from our risk management activities tend to be mitigated by offsetting changes in cash prices in our core business. For example, in a period of rising grain prices, gains resulting from long grain derivative positions would generally be offset by higher cash prices paid to farmers and other suppliers in spot markets. These offsetting changes do not always occur, however, in the same amounts or in the same period, with lag times of as much as twelve months.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated condensed financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on our experience and our understanding of the current facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There have been no significant updates to our critical accounting policies and estimates described in "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements include statements concerning our outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Our forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the availability and prices of live hogs, feed ingredients (including corn), raw materials, fuel and supplies, food safety, livestock disease, live hog production costs, product pricing, the competitive environment and related market conditions, risks associated with our indebtedness, including cost increases due to rising interest rates or changes in debt ratings or outlook, hedging risk, adverse weather conditions, operating efficiencies, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, access to capital, the cost of compliance with and changes to regulations and laws, including changes in accounting standards, tax laws, environmental laws, agricultural laws and occupational, health and safety laws, adverse results from litigation, actions of domestic and foreign governments, labor relations issues, credit exposure to large customers, the ability to realize the anticipated strategic benefits of the acquisition of Smithfield Foods, Inc. by WH Group, the ability to make effective acquisitions and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations and other risks and uncertainties described under Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. Any forward-looking statement that we make speaks only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.


ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For complete quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting the Company, see "Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013. The following table presents the sensitivity of the fair value of our open commodity contracts and foreign currency contracts to a hypothetical 10% change in market prices or in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, as of September 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013.



	September 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
	(in millions)
Grains	$	26.3	$	29.9
Livestock	109.7		27.9
Energy	3.9		5.2
Foreign currency	3.3		5.8


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), regarding the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 28, 2014. Based on that evaluation, management, including the CEO and CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 28, 2014.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 28, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Other than the following matters, there have been no material changes with respect to the legal proceedings disclosed in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2014, nor have any significant new matters arisen during the three months ended September 28, 2014.

North Carolina Nuisance Litigation

As previously disclosed in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2014, in July, August and September 2013, 25 complaints were filed in the Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina by 479 individual plaintiffs against Smithfield and our wholly owned subsidiary, Murphy-Brown alleging causes of action for nuisance and related claims. All 25 complaints were dismissed without prejudice in September and October 2014.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the eight months ended December 29, 2013.


ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.


ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.


ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.


ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS



Exhibit 3.1	—	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 26, 2013).
Exhibit 3.2	—	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 26, 2013).
Exhibit 31.1	—	Certification of C. Larry Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Exhibit 31.2	—	Certification of Kenneth M. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Exhibit 101	—	The following financial statements from Smithfield Foods, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (filed herewith).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



	Smithfield Foods, Inc.

	/s/ KENNETH M. SULLIVAN
	Kenneth M. Sullivan Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 7, 2014