Stock in Pilgrim’s Pride, the second largest poultry producer in the US and Mexico, plunged to a 52-week low after the company announced its first quarter earnings will be more than 50% below previous predictions. 

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Shares fell by US$6.01 (18%) to $27.15 on the New York Stock Exchange.


The company is withdrawing its earnings outlook for the 2006 fiscal year and intends to cut 300 jobs at its plant in Franconia.


Pilgrim’s Pride has blamed declining profits on a poor performance from its Mexico operations, lower US prices for chicken quarters and public fears surrounding bird flu.


Reports have suggested that the company will slash its first-quarter earnings estimate to a range of 36 cents to 41 cents per share, excluding one-time charges and tax benefits. Originally, Pilgrim’s Pride had projected first-quarter earnings ranging from 75 cents to 85 cents per share. Pilgrim’s Pride has not yet revised its full-year earnings guidance, but it planned to do so when it releases its first-quarter 2006 financial statement, according to a statement by the company released yesterday (3 January). 

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact