SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

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 15—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 (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. See Note 2—Merger and Acquisitions for further information on the Merger.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-X. 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 Groups's cost of acquiring the Company has been pushed-down to establish a new accounting basis for the Company. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements are presented for two periods, Predecessor and Successor, which represent the accounting periods preceding and succeeding the completion of the Merger. The Predecessor and Successor periods have been separated by a vertical line on the face of the consolidated financial statements to highlight the fact that the financial information for such periods has been prepared under two different historical-cost bases of accounting.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 to April 30 to the 52 or 53 week period which ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. The change became effective at the end of the period ended December 29, 2013. Unless otherwise noted, all references to 2014 in this report are to the twelve months ended December 28, 2014.

For comparative purposes, the Consolidated Statements of Income for the eight months ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 are presented as follows:

	Successor		Predecessor
					(unaudited)
					Eight Months Ended
	September 27 - December 29, 2013		April 29 - September 26, 2013		December 30, 2012
	(in millions)
Sales	$	3,894.2	$	5,679.5	$	8,898.7
Cost of sales	3,543.1		5,190.1		7,943.5
Gross profit	351.1		489.4		955.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses	213.4		341.7		540.5
Merger related costs	23.9		18.0		—
Loss (income) from equity method investments	2.6		0.5		(6.5		)
Operating profit	111.2		129.2		421.2
Interest expense	59.0		64.6		111.8
Loss on debt extinguishment	1.7		—		120.7
Income before income taxes	50.5		64.6		188.7
Income tax expense	15.8		12.7		58.7
Net income	$	34.7	$	51.9	$	130.0

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as all majority owned subsidiaries and other entities for which we have a controlling interest. Entities that are 50% owned or less are accounted for under the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence. We use the cost method of accounting for investments in which our ability to exercise significant influence is limited. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Consolidating the results of operations and financial position of variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary does not have a material effect on sales, net income, or on our financial position for the fiscal periods presented. 

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations and cash flows in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate over the course of the year. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of shareholder's equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and included in other comprehensive income (loss) for each period. Gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred. We recorded net losses on foreign currency transactions of $4.0 million in 2014, net gains of $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $1.1 million in the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 28, 2013, respectively, and net losses of $7.4 million in the twelve months ended April 29, 2012.

Our Polish operations have different fiscal period end dates. As such, we have elected to consolidate the results of these operations on a one-month lag. We do not believe the impact of reporting the results of these entities on a one-month lag is material to the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The majority of our cash is concentrated in demand deposit accounts or money market funds. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates market value. 

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We regularly evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a variety of factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer and historical experience. Based on our evaluation, we record reserves to reduce the related receivables to amounts we reasonably believe are collectible. Our reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable was $7.5 millionand$3.2 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	December 28, 2014		December 29, 2013
	(in millions)
Livestock	$	928.1	$	1,054.8
Fresh and packaged meats	961.9		956.7
Grains	191.6		134.5
Manufacturing supplies	79.8		69.3
Other	45.4		59.4
Total inventories	$	2,206.8	$	2,274.7

Livestock are valued at the lower of the average cost of production or market and further adjusted for changes in the fair value of livestock that are hedged. Costs include feed, medications, contract grower fees and other production expenses. Fresh and packaged meats are valued based on USDA and other market prices and adjusted for the cost of further processing. Costs for fresh and packaged meats include meat, labor, supplies and overhead. Average costing is primarily utilized to account for fresh and packaged meats and grains. Manufacturing supplies principally consist of ingredients and packaging materials.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment is generally stated at historical cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Assets held under capital leases are classified in property, plant and equipment, net and depreciated over the lease term. The depreciation of assets held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. The cost of assets held under capital leases was $28.5 millionand$28.6 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The assets held under capital leases had accumulated depreciation of $1.2 millionand$0.6 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Depreciation expense is included in either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, as appropriate. Depreciation expense totaled $223.7 million, $53.7 million, $104.8 million, $235.3 million and $238.6 million in 2014, the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013, the twelve months ended April 28, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 29, 2012, respectively. 

Interest is capitalized on property, plant and equipment over the construction period. Total interest capitalized was $1.1 million, $0.4 million, $0.7 million, $4.8 million and $2.8 million in 2014, the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013, the twelve months ended April 28, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 29, 2012, respectively. 

Property, plant and equipment, net, consists of the following:

	Useful Life	December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	(in Years)	(in millions)
Land and improvements	0-20	$	546.4		$	551.9
Buildings and improvements	20-40	866.1			846.3
Machinery and equipment	5-25	1,125.5			996.4
Breeding stock	2	193.0			193.2
Computer hardware and software	3-5	34.3			35.3
Other	3-10	67.2			66.4
Construction in progress		191.2			106.4
		3,023.7			2,795.9
Accumulated depreciation		(270.3		)	(50.0		)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	2,753.4		$	2,745.9

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if impairment indicators arise. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is not, no further analysis is required. If it is, a prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit, if any.

The first step in the two-step impairment test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit is estimated by applying valuation multiples and/or estimating future discounted cash flows. The selection of multiples is dependent upon assumptions regarding future levels of operating performance as well as business trends and prospects, and industry, market and economic conditions. When estimating future discounted cash flows, we consider the assumptions that hypothetical marketplace participants would use in estimating future cash flows. In addition, where applicable, an appropriate discount rate is used, based on an industry-wide average cost of capital or location-specific economic factors. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any.

The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit). If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. 

Based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment tests, as of our testing date, no impairment indicators were noted for all the periods presented. 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

	Useful Life	December 28, 2014			December 29, 2013
	(in Years)	(in millions)
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer relations assets	14-16	$	54.4		$	55.2
Patents, rights and leasehold interests	5-25	3.0			3.0
Contractual relationships	17-22	40.0			40.0
Accumulated amortization		(8.2		)	(1.6		)
Amortized intangible assets, net		89.2			96.6
Non-amortized intangible assets:
Trademarks	Indefinite	1,291.7			1,309.2
Intangible assets, net		$	1,380.9		$	1,405.8

The fair values of trademarks are calculated using a royalty rate method. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which similar brands and trademarks are licensed in the marketplace. If the carrying value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for recoverability when indicators of impairment are present using estimated future undiscounted cash flows related to those assets. We have determined that no impairments of our intangible assets existed for any of the periods presented.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $6.8 million, $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $3.1 million and $3.0 million in 2014, the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013, the twelve months ended April 28, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 29, 2012, respectively. As of December 28, 2014, the estimated amortization expense associated with our intangible assets for each of the next five years is expected to be $6.8 million. 

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

DebtIssuance Costs, Premiums and Discounts

Debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts are amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related loan agreements using the effective interest method or other methods which approximate the effective interest method. 

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be realized. 

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. 

We record unrecognized tax benefit liabilities for known or anticipated tax issues based on our analysis of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in other liabilities and recognize the related expense in income tax expense. 

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension Accounting

We recognize the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans in the consolidated balance sheets. We measure our pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations and related plan assets as of the last day of our year. The measurement of our pension obligations and related costs is dependent on the use of assumptions and estimates. These assumptions include discount rates, salary growth, mortality rates and expected returns on plan assets. Changes in assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on our expenses and related funding requirements. 

We also recognize in other comprehensive income (loss), the net of tax results of the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized in net periodic benefit cost. These amounts are adjusted out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as they are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Self-Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block]

Self-Insurance Programs

We are self-insured for certain levels of general and vehicle liability, property, workers’ compensation, product recall and health care coverage. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements for known and anticipated claims. Any resulting adjustments to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current period earnings. 

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Contingent Liabilities

We are subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to the operation of our farms, labor, livestock procurement, securities, environmental, product, taxing authorities and other matters, and are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses and fees.

A determination of the amount of accruals and disclosures required, if any, for these contingencies is made after considerable analysis of each individual issue. We accrue for contingent liabilities when an assessment of the risk of loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We disclose contingent liabilities when the risk of material loss is at least reasonably possible or probable.

Our contingent liabilities contain uncertainties because the eventual outcome will result from future events. Our determination of accruals and any reasonably possible losses in excess of those accruals require estimates and judgments related to future changes in facts and circumstances, interpretations of the law, the amount of damages or fees, and the effectiveness of strategies or other factors beyond our control. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues from product sales upon delivery to customers or when title passes. Revenue is recorded at the invoice price for each product net of estimated returns and sales incentives provided to customers. Sales incentives include various rebate and trade allowance programs with our customers, primarily discounts and rebates based on achievement of specified volume or growth in volume levels.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising and Promotional Costs

Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred except for certain production costs, which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement. Promotional sponsorship costs are expensed as the promotional events occur. Advertising costs totaled $165.8 million,$48.0 million, $63.5 million, $143.1 million and $122.9 million in 2014, the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013, the twelve months ended April 28, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 29, 2012, respectively, and are included in SG&A.

Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are reported as a component of cost of sales. 

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $75.3 million, $23.2 million, $31.9 million, $80.9 million and $75.9 million in 2014, the three months ended December 29, 2013, the five months ended September 26, 2013, the twelve months ended April 28, 2013 and the twelve months ended April 29, 2012, respectively. 

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent 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 permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. The guidance is not currently effective for us and has not been applied to our financial statements. 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 effect our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our meat processing and hog production operations use various raw materials, primarily live hogs, corn, soybean meal and wheat, 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.

Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 financial statements.

In November 2013, Mexican processed meats producer Sigma Alimentos (Sigma) announced its intention to tender for all of CFG’s outstanding shares (CFG Tender Offer). In December 2013, we announced our intention to participate in the CFG Tender Offer by retaining our 37% interest in CFG. 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 in exchange for the same number of shares in Sigma & WH Europe. Effective September 19, 2014, CFG's common stock ceased to trade on the Madrid Exchange. As of December 28, 2014, Sigma & WH Europe owned approximately 98% of the outstanding shares of CFG. The CFG Tender Offer and the shareholder agreement with Sigma had no impact on the book value of our investment in CFG.