Benzinga - by MarketBeat, Benzinga Contributor.
Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) is the largest and leading producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, with a 19% market share. Shareholders are rejoicing over its strong fiscal Q3 2024 earnings report and special $1.00 dividend. The company has staged a solid turnaround despite egg prices falling and the growing concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Demand has remained stronger than ever, as reflected by its blockbuster earnings figures. Despite record volumes, the basic materials sector stock is still in value investing territory, with shares trading at just 11.15X earnings and 13.59X forward earnings. It competes with Post Holdings Inc. (NYSE: POST) as one of the largest food service suppliers of egg products.
Avian Flu Impacts
On April 2, 2024, the company reported positive test results for avian flu at its Parmer County, Texas facility, resulting in depopulating 1.6 million egg-laying hens (adult female chickens) and 337,000 pullets (less than 1 year-old female chickens) or 3.6% of its total flock. Production at the facility has been temporarily halted.
Cal-Maine was impacted by the significant egg supply reduction. With recent outbreaks causing market prices to spike, the overall impact is still considered to not be severe according to the company.
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Eggs-Citing EPS Beat and Special Dividend
CEO Insights
Conventional eggs sold grew 2.6% to 192.2 million dozen, while specialty eggs rose 4.4% YoY to 108.6 million dozen sold. The net average selling price per dozen conventional eggs dropped 40% to $2.152 compared to $3.678 in the year-ago period. Specialty egg prices fell from $2.616 per dozen, down 36.1%, to $2.415 per dozen.
Bowman commented, "Demand for shell eggs has remained strong as consumers look for an affordable and nutritious protein option. Across our operations, we are focused on meeting this demand as we continue to identify opportunities to extend our market reach."
Bowman concluded, "We have a strong balance sheet that provides us with the flexibility to fund our growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions. We believe fiscal 2024 will be another successful year for the Company, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead for Cal-Maine Foods."
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The article "Cal-Maine Foods Delivers an Eggs-Citing EPS Beat" first appeared on MarketBeat.