Brazilian meat giant JBS today (16 August) reported a half-year loss after problems with its US operations hit its bottom line in the second quarter of the year.

JBS, which filed net income of BRL147m (US$92.4m) in the first three months of 2011, reported a half-year loss of BRL33.8m amid challenges at its US poultry business.

Last month, US poultry processor Pilgrim’s Pride, in which JBS owns a majority stake, booked a second-quarter net loss of US$128.1m. It said “record-high” feed costs, weak consumer demand and an oversupply of chicken had hit the business. Pilgrim’s Pride also announced the closure of a site in Dallas in a bid to improve efficiency.

Today, JBS said the “under-performance” of its US poultry business and the “weak performance” of its beef operations had hit its EBITDA in the second quarter of 2011, which fell 41.2% to BRL587.7m.

However, JBS insisted the combined first-half EBITDA of its beef and pork units in the US was up 12.1% at $503.3m.

The company’s net revenues increased 14.1% during the first six months of 2011 to BRL6.43bn. Second-quarter net revenue was up 3.6% at BRL14.62bn.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

JBS said all its business units saw sales rise on an organic basis during the quarter when measured in local currencies. It said the growth reflected “an overall increase in average prices and strong demand in emerging markets”.