Cal-maine Foods (CALM $29.93 -0.50) reported first quarter earnings of
$0.13 per share, $0.07 worse than the Capital IQ two estimate average of $0.20.
Revenues rose 28.0% year/year to $243.8 million versus the $222.2 million
consensus, reflecting higher average selling prices for shell eggs and favorable
retail demand.
Volumes also improved over the same period last year as indicated by a three
percent increase in total dozen eggs produced and a seven percent increase in
total dozen eggs sold.
"In spite of significantly higher feed costs, we were profitable for the
quarter. Feed costs were up 15 cents per dozen compared with the first quarter
of fiscal 2011 and we expect feed costs will remain very high and volatile for
the year ahead. However, in spite of challenging market conditions, we look
forward to the opportunities for growth in fiscal 2012."
For the first quarter of fiscal 2012, Cal-Maine will pay a cash dividend of
approx. $0.044 per share to holders of its common and Class A common stock. CALM
paid $0.102 last quarter.






