Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., one of the United States’ top poultry producers, delivered an impressive financial performance in the third quarter of 2024, achieving significant growth in both profit and net sales compared to 2023. This growth was driven by the company’s strategic initiatives in customer partnerships, product diversification, and operational efficiencies.
Financial Highlights for Q3 2024
For the quarter ending September 29, Pilgrim’s Pride reported a profit of $350 million, or $1.47 per share, a robust increase from the $121.6 million, or 51 cents per share, reported during the same period in 2023. Net sales also saw a marked improvement, reaching $4.6 billion—a 5% rise from the $4.4 billion achieved in the same quarter of the previous year.
The year-to-date financials for 2024 reflected even stronger gains. In the first nine months, Pilgrim’s Pride recorded a profit of $851.4 million, a significant jump from the $188.1 million profit for the same period in 2023. Net sales over this period rose to $13.5 billion from $12.8 billion, underscoring the company’s sustained growth and profitability through its strategic initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives Powering Growth
Pilgrim’s Pride’s strategy centers around key areas: partnership with core customers, diversification in its product offerings, and continuous improvements in operational efficiency. CEO Fabio Sandri noted, “Throughout the quarter, we continued to strengthen our business through consistent application and execution of our strategies of key customer partnership, portfolio diversification, and operational excellence.”
- Operational Excellence and Market Demand: The company’s U.S. fresh chicken portfolio saw notable gains due to improvements in operational excellence and increased demand across consumer segments. This segment benefited from competitive pricing and strong demand, particularly in case-ready and small bird products. Improved production efficiencies and favorable market fundamentals further supported growth in this category.
- Diversification in Value-Added Products: Pilgrim’s Pride has significantly diversified its portfolio, particularly within the value-added and branded prepared foods sectors. These products, sold under its own brand in both retail and foodservice channels, continue to see rapid expansion in distribution and promotional activity, allowing Pilgrim’s Pride to capture additional market share.
Regional Highlights
Pilgrim’s Pride’s positive performance was not limited to the United States; the company also reported strong gains in its European and Mexican markets.
Europe: Achieving Operational Efficiencies
In Europe, Pilgrim’s Pride achieved a nearly 40% increase in adjusted EBITDA, a result of optimization efforts across its network and back-office operations. The company’s popular brands, Richmond and Fridge Raiders, saw growth exceeding category averages, highlighting the success of their marketing and brand recognition efforts. Pilgrim’s Pride launched over 280 new products in the European market during this quarter alone, bolstered by industry awards for innovation, quality, and functionality. This product expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to meeting diverse consumer needs while adapting to regional tastes and preferences.
Mexico: Capitalizing on Seasonal Demand
In Mexico, Pilgrim’s Pride recorded a seasonal boost in sales, with branded products experiencing more than 20% growth. This success in Mexico reflects the company’s strategic efforts to diversify its product offerings while leveraging seasonal demand. Sandri commented on the company’s progress in Mexico, stating, “Mexico continued to successfully drive all pillars of our strategies during typical seasonality for the business, positioning us well for both short- and long-term growth opportunities.”
Sustainability Report: Progress and Goals
Earlier in the week, Pilgrim’s Pride released its 2023 sustainability report, outlining its efforts and achievements in environmental and social responsibility. While specific goals and achievements in the sustainability report have not been detailed, this move aligns with Pilgrim’s Pride’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns and maintaining industry leadership in sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Pilgrim’s Pride’s third-quarter performance in 2024 demonstrates its resilience and adaptability in a volatile market. The company’s substantial financial gains and successful execution of its strategic priorities—customer partnerships, portfolio diversification, and operational excellence—have positioned it well for future growth. These efforts, coupled with a clear commitment to sustainability, reflect Pilgrim’s Pride’s determination to remain competitive and meet evolving market demands across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.
As Pilgrim’s Pride heads into the final quarter of the year, its emphasis on innovation, market expansion, and operational efficiency appears set to drive further growth, making it a notable player in the global poultry industry.
