#United States #Seaboard Corporation #earnings report #NYSE SEB #Merriam

Seaboard Corporation's Earnings Report and Dividend Declaration

On February 13, 2025, Seaboard Corporation (NYSE American: SEB), located at 9000 West 67th Street, Merriam, Kansas, published its financial results for the quarters and fiscal years ending December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023. The report highlighted both successes and challenges in the corporation's financial landscape.

Financial Overview

The earnings report revealed significant figures that characterize the company's performance:

Three-Month and Annual Results

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported net sales of $2.482 billion, a noticeable increase from $2.282 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. Yearly net sales amounted to $9.1 billion, marking a slight decrease from $9.562 billion in 2023.

Operating income experienced a turnaround, with a reported figure of $114 million for Q4 2024 compared to a loss of $87 million during Q4 2023. For the year ending December 31, 2024, the operating income was $156 million, while in 2023, it reflected a substantial loss of $87 million, showcasing a positive shift in operational efficiency.

Net Earnings

Net earnings attributed to Seaboard soared to $154 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $64 million in Q4 2023. However, annual net earnings showed a decline, dropping to $88 million from $226 million in the previous year. This discrepancy emphasizes the volatility in the corporation’s earnings year-over-year.

Earnings Per Share

The earnings per share (EPS) mirrored this trend: for the fourth quarter of 2024, EPS stood at $158.58, significantly higher than the $64.67 recorded during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, annual EPS decreased from $202.21 in 2023 to $90.62.

Dividend Declaration

Further reinforcing its commitment to shareholders, Seaboard Corporation’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.25 per common share. This dividend is consistent with the previous quarter's dividend rate and will be paid on March 6, 2025, to shareholders on record as of February 24, 2025. This decision illustrates the company's intention to maintain shareholder value despite the fluctuations in earnings.

Regulatory Filings

In addition to the earnings release, Seaboard Corporation has filed its Official Annual Report on Form 10-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Interested parties can access the complete report via the corporation's website at Seaboard Corporation Investors.

Conclusion

In summary, Seaboard Corporation's earnings report presents a mixed bag of growth in quarterly income and sales, accompanied by notable annual declines, indicating the complexities within the current market environment. Yet, the company's decision to maintain dividends highlights its ongoing focus on shareholder returns. Investors and analysts alike will be keen to see how Seaboard continues to navigate the challenges ahead in the upcoming quarters.