Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 fiscal 2026, net sales decreased to $769.5 million from $954.7 million, a decline of 19.4% [17] - Total shell egg sales fell to $649.6 million from $903.9 million, down 28.1%, with selling prices down 26.5% and sales volumes down 2.2% [17] - Gross profit was $207.4 million, down 41.8% from $356 million, primarily due to lower shell egg selling prices [18] - Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods was $102.8 million, down 53.1% from $219.1 million, with diluted earnings per share at $2.13, down 52.3% [18] - For the first half of fiscal 2026, net sales were $1.7 billion, down 2.8% from the previous year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shell egg sales represented 84.4% of total net sales in Q2, down from 94.7% [3] - Specialty eggs accounted for 44% of total shell egg sales, up from 31.7% [4] - Prepared food sales surged to $71.7 million from $10.4 million, an increase of 586.4% [17] - In the first half, specialty egg sales rose to $569.2 million, up 4.7% with 3.8% higher sales volumes [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Breeder flocks grew by 12.7%, total chicks hatched rose by 65.1%, and the average number of layer hens expanded by 2.6% [17] - The company is experiencing a shift in sales mix towards specialty and prepared foods, which is expected to enhance earnings predictability [3][4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving into a more resilient, strategically diversified portfolio, focusing on specialty eggs and prepared foods [7][10] - Investments include a $15 million project to expand prepared foods capabilities, expected to add $17 million in annual production by mid-fiscal 2027 [8] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and pursue disciplined capital allocation for growth [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the company is well-positioned to navigate through market cycles, emphasizing the importance of reliability in supply [12][14] - The company anticipates continued growth in specialty eggs and prepared foods, with a target of 30% growth in prepared foods over the next 18-24 months [31][46] - Management acknowledges ongoing supply challenges related to avian influenza and emphasizes the need for operational execution [11][12] Other Important Information - The company maintains a virtually debt-free status with cash and temporary cash investments of $1.1 billion [19] - A cash dividend of approximately $0.72 per share is planned for Q2 fiscal 2026 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does Cal-Maine plan to weather down markets without generating losses? - Management highlighted the strength of their balance sheet and diversification into specialty eggs and prepared foods, which are expected to perform well in lower market conditions [31][34] Question: What is the expected gross margin for prepared foods moving forward? - Management indicated a target of a 19% EBITDA margin for prepared foods, despite some short-term slippage due to ongoing adjustments [39] Question: How does the company view M&A opportunities in the current market? - Management believes that the attractiveness of prepared foods remains stable, and they will continue to evaluate acquisitions in a disciplined manner [41] Question: What is the expected cadence of specialty egg capacity growth? - Management anticipates specialty eggs could exceed 50% of total shell egg net sales in the long term, supported by recent acquisitions [46] Question: How should SG&A expenses be expected to trend for the rest of the year? - Management noted that SG&A expenses may remain elevated due to increased professional fees and promotional activities as specialty volumes grow [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 fiscal 2026, net sales were $769.5 million, down 19.4% from $954.7 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 [14] - Total shell egg sales decreased by 28.1% to $649.6 million, with selling prices down 26.5% and sales volumes down 2.2% [14] - Gross profit fell 41.8% to $207.4 million, primarily due to lower shell egg selling prices [15] - Operating income decreased by 55.5% to $123.9 million, with an operating income margin of 16.1% [15] - Net income attributable to the company was $102.8 million, down 53.1% from $219.1 million [15] - Diluted earnings per share were $2.13, down 52.3% from $4.47 [15] - For the first half of fiscal 2026, net sales were $1.7 billion, down 2.8% [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shell egg sales represented 84.4% of total net sales in Q2 fiscal 2026, down from 94.7% [3] - Specialty eggs accounted for 44% of total shell egg sales, up from 31.7% [4] - Prepared food sales surged 586.4% to $71.7 million compared to $10.4 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 [14] - Specialty egg sales in the first half of fiscal 2026 were $569.2 million, up 4.7% with 3.8% higher sales volumes [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Breeder flocks grew by 12.7%, and total chicks hatched rose by 65.1% [14] - The average number of layer hens expanded by 2.6% [14] - Prepared foods capacity is expected to increase by more than 30% over the next 18 to 24 months [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving into a more resilient, strategically diversified portfolio, focusing on specialty eggs and prepared foods [6] - Investments include a $15 million project to expand prepared foods capabilities, expected to add $17 million in annual scrambled egg production [7] - The company aims to demonstrate long-term growth through multiple growth engines and a focus on consumer preferences [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of reliability in supply to build trust with retailers and consumers [11] - The company is positioned to manage through cycles effectively, emphasizing a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation [12] - Management expressed confidence in the growth of specialty eggs and prepared foods, targeting a 30% growth in prepared foods over the next 18-24 months [25] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong cash position and an unlevered balance sheet, allowing for targeted acquisitions and capital returns [17] - A cash dividend of approximately $0.72 per share is scheduled for payment on February 12, 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view earnings power in depressed egg markets? - Management noted that the company is in a better position than in previous downturns due to diversification into specialty eggs and prepared foods, which are expected to perform well even in lower markets [24][27] Question: What is the expected gross margin for prepared foods moving forward? - Management indicated a target of a 19% EBITDA margin for prepared foods, despite some expected slippage in the near term [28] Question: How does the company plan to utilize outside egg purchases as supplies normalize? - Management stated that outside egg purchases are expected to decline as production increases, aiming for a 93%-95% self-produced sales ratio [47][49] Question: What is the outlook on bird flu cases and its impact on the industry? - Management expressed concern over the ongoing presence of the virus globally, indicating that the situation remains precarious despite recent decreases in bird flu cases [50][51]

Financial Performance - Cal-Maine Foods' net sales for Q2 FY26 were $769.5 million, a decrease of 19.4%[8] - Gross profit for Q2 FY26 was $207.4 million, down 41.8%[8] - Operating income for Q2 FY26 was $123.9 million, a decrease of 55.5%[8] - Net income attributable to Cal-Maine for Q2 FY26 was $102.8 million, down 53.1%[8] - Diluted EPS for Q2 FY26 was $2.13, a decrease of 52.3%[8] - Net cash flow from operations for Q2 FY26 was $94.8 million, down 22.8%[8] Strategic Growth & Diversification - Specialty eggs and prepared foods accounted for 46% of net sales in Q2 FY26, an increase from 31% in Q2 FY25[10, 11] - Specialty eggs represented 44% of shell egg sales in Q2 FY26, up from 32% in Q2 FY25[13, 15] - The company is investing to expand prepared foods capabilities, expecting to add 17 million pounds annually of scrambled egg production by mid-fiscal 2027[17] - A high-speed pancake line is expected to add another 12 million pounds of capacity through early fiscal 2027[17] - Crepini Foods is investing to add 18 million pounds of capacity, expanding production more than sevenfold[17] Capital Allocation - Cal-Maine repurchased 846,037 shares of its common stock during the quarter for a total of $74.8 million[23]

Core Insights - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported a second-quarter earnings per share of $2.13, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.94, despite a significant decline in revenue and profitability year over year [1] - Quarterly sales amounted to $769.50 million, reflecting a 19.4% decrease compared to the previous year, and fell short of the expected $826.395 million [1] Financial Performance - Shell egg sales were reported at $649.6 million, down 28.1%, while prepared foods sales surged to $71.7 million from $10.4 million, marking an increase of 586.4% [2] - Gross profit decreased to $207.4 million, down 41.8%, with a gross profit margin of 27.0%, primarily due to a 26.5% drop in shell egg selling prices and a 2.2% decline in shell egg sales volume [3] - Operating income fell to $123.9 million, down 55.5%, resulting in an operating income margin of 16.1%, indicating a sharp decline in both profit and operating leverage compared to the prior period [3] Strategic Outlook - The company aims to transition from a commodity-focused egg business to a higher-value, more stable earnings platform, driven by increasing demand for specialty eggs, premium offerings, hybrid pricing, and prepared foods, while maintaining its core shell-egg business as the foundation [6] - The company ended the quarter with $1.14 billion in cash and short-term investments, indicating a strong liquidity position [4] Shareholder Returns - Cal-Maine Foods announced a cash dividend of approximately 72 cents per share, payable on February 12, as part of its variable dividend policy [5] - During the quarter, the company repurchased 846,037 shares of its common stock for $74.8 million, under a $500 million buyback authorization, with $375.2 million remaining for future repurchases [5]

Production and Flock Management - Cal-Maine Foods reported an increase of 2.6% in the average number of layer hens and a 12.7% increase in breeder flocks during Q2 of fiscal 2026 compared to the same period last year[92]. - The estimated table-egg layer flock as of December 1, 2025, was approximately 302.8 million, a decrease from 331.4 million in 2021[91]. - The company aims to add approximately 1.1 million cage-free layer hens and 250,000 pullets in fiscal 2026 as part of its expansion projects[92]. - The company’s total flock as of November 29, 2025, was approximately 49.3 million layers and 11.4 million pullets and breeders, the largest in the U.S.[84]. Financial Performance - The company recorded a gross profit of $207.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, down from $356.0 million in the same period of fiscal 2025, primarily due to a decrease in the net average selling price of shell eggs[102]. - Total net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 were $769.5 million, a decrease of 19.4% compared to $954.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2025[113]. - Shell egg sales represented 84.4% of total net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, down from 94.6% in the same period of fiscal 2025[114]. - Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $123.9 million, compared to $278.1 million for the same period of fiscal 2025[134]. - Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. for the second quarter ended November 29, 2025, was $102.8 million, or $2.14 per share, down from $219.1 million, or $4.49 per share, in the same period of fiscal 2025[142]. Sales and Pricing - Cage-free egg revenue represented approximately 33.3% of total shell egg revenue in Q2 of fiscal year 2026, up from 23.4% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2025[94]. - The net average selling price per dozen for shell eggs declined 26.5% to $2.014 in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 from $2.740 in the prior-year period, with conventional egg prices dropping 38.8% to $1.802[103]. - Specialty egg sales decreased by $1.3 million, or 0.4%, in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily due to a 0.8% decrease in prices[118]. - Egg products sales rose by $4.3 million, or 14.3%, in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by a 10.1% increase in the net average selling price[121]. - Conventional egg sales decreased by $231.8 million, or 21.0%, for the twenty-six weeks ended November 29, 2025, primarily due to a 19.4% decrease in prices[122]. Acquisitions and Investments - The company acquired assets of Clean Egg, LLC for approximately $23.7 million, which included 677,000 brown cage-free and free-range layers and pullets[96]. - The company acquired Echo Lake Foods, expanding its prepared foods product line, which contributed to a $61.2 million increase in prepared food sales compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2025[109]. - The company acquired ISE America, enhancing its market reach in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states with a capacity of approximately 4.7 million laying hens[101]. - The company completed a strategic investment in Crepini LLC, establishing a new egg products and prepared foods venture with a capital of approximately $6.75 million[99]. Costs and Expenses - Farm production costs per dozen produced increased by 2.8%, or $0.03, primarily due to higher facility costs[110]. - Total cost of sales decreased by 6.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, totaling $562.1 million compared to $598.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2025[124]. - Delivery expenses increased by 11.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, primarily due to the acquisition of Echo Lake Foods[129]. - Farm production costs per dozen produced increased by 2.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, totaling $0.926[124]. Cash Flow and Capital Management - Net cash provided by operating activities for the twenty-six weeks ended November 29, 2025, was $373.4 million, up from $240.2 million in the same period of fiscal 2025, driven by increased cash collections and the addition of Echo Lake Foods[145]. - Cash used in investing activities was $246.0 million for the twenty-six weeks ended November 29, 2025, primarily due to acquisitions of Echo Lake Foods and Clean Egg, compared to $247.4 million in the prior-year period[146]. - Cash paid for business acquisitions was $299.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended November 29, 2025, related to Echo Lake Foods and Clean Egg, compared to $111.5 million in the prior-year period[146]. - Working capital decreased to $1.5 billion as of November 29, 2025, from $1.7 billion at May 31, 2025, while the current ratio increased to 8.0 from 6.4[144]. - The company expects its current cash balances and projected cash flows to be sufficient to fund cash needs for at least the next 12 months[154]. Shareholder Returns - Dividends paid increased to $180.5 million in fiscal 2026 from $87.8 million in the same prior-year period[147]. - A cash dividend of approximately $34.3 million, or $0.719 per share, is scheduled to be paid on February 12, 2026[153]. - The company repurchased 846,037 shares for approximately $74.8 million under its share repurchase program during the twenty-six weeks ended November 29, 2025[151].

Financial Performance - Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 were $769.5 million, a decrease of 19.4% compared to $954.7 million in the prior year[10] - Gross profit decreased to $207.4 million, down 41.8%, resulting in a gross profit margin of 27.0%[5] - Operating income fell to $123.9 million, down 55.5%, with an operating income margin of 16.1%[5] - Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods was $102.8 million, a decline of 53.1%, leading to diluted earnings per share of $2.13, down 52.3%[5] - Net sales for the 13 weeks ended November 29, 2025, were $769,498, a decrease of 19.4% compared to $954,671 for the same period in 2024[28] - Gross profit for the 26 weeks ended November 29, 2025, was $518,700, down 13.9% from $603,260 in 2024[28] - Operating income decreased to $373,053 for the 26 weeks ended November 29, 2025, compared to $465,018 in 2024, reflecting a decline of 19.7%[28] - Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. for the 13 weeks ended November 29, 2025, was $102,759, down 53.2% from $219,064 in 2024[28] - Basic net income per common share for the 13 weeks ended November 29, 2025, was $2.14, a decrease of 52.3% compared to $4.49 in 2024[28] Sales Composition - Shell egg sales accounted for 84.4% of total net sales, down 1,030 basis points year-over-year, while specialty eggs represented 44.0% of total shell egg sales, an increase of 1,230 basis points[5] - Prepared foods sales surged to $71.7 million, up 586.4% from $10.4 million in the same quarter last year[5] Investments and Future Plans - The company announced a $36 million investment to expand prepared foods production capacity by over 30% over the next two years[5] - Cal-Maine Foods plans to continue focusing on specialty and prepared foods to drive growth and improve long-term earnings visibility[17] - The company expects ongoing sales mix shifts to enhance earnings durability and predictability over time[9] Balance Sheet Highlights - Total assets increased to $3,144,064 as of November 29, 2025, compared to $3,084,619 on May 31, 2025, representing a growth of 1.9%[30] - Cash and short-term investments decreased to $1,138,988 from $1,392,100, a decline of 18.2%[30] - Stockholders' equity rose to $2,697,766 as of November 29, 2025, up 5.1% from $2,566,015 on May 31, 2025[30] - Current liabilities decreased to $218,828 from $308,371, a reduction of 29.1%[30] Other Income - The company reported other income of $26,291 for the 26 weeks ended November 29, 2025, an increase of 20.5% from $21,896 in 2024[28]

Core Insights - Cal-Maine Foods reported a significant decline in net sales and profits for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2026, attributed to lower egg prices and sales volume [5][9][12] - The company is focusing on diversifying its sales mix, particularly increasing the share of specialty eggs and prepared foods, which are expected to enhance earnings predictability over time [5][8][15] Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Highlights - Net sales were $769.5 million, down 19.4% from $954.7 million in the prior year [9] - Shell egg sales accounted for 84.4% of total net sales, a decrease of 1,030 basis points [5] - Specialty eggs represented 44.0% of total shell egg sales, an increase of 1,230 basis points [5] - Prepared foods sales surged to $71.7 million, up 586.4% compared to $10.4 million in the same quarter last year [10] - Gross profit was $207.4 million, down 41.8%, with a gross profit margin of 27.0% [11] First Half of Fiscal 2026 Highlights - Total net sales were $1.692 billion, down 2.8% from $1.741 billion [12] - Shell egg sales represented 85.0% of total net sales, down 950 basis points [5] - Specialty egg sales increased by 4.7%, with prepared foods sales reaching $155.6 million, up 702.9% [13] - Gross profit was $518.7 million, down 14.0%, with a gross profit margin of 30.7% [14] Strategic Execution Highlights - The company announced a $36 million investment to centralize and expand prepared foods production, increasing capacity by over 30% in the next two years [5] - Acquired Clean Egg, LLC production assets to expand specialty and free-range egg capacity [5] - Breeder flocks grew by 12.7%, and total chicks hatched rose by 65.1% [5] Share Repurchase and Dividend Payment - During the quarter, Cal-Maine Foods repurchased 846,037 shares for a total of $74.8 million, with $375.2 million remaining under the current repurchase authorization [16] - A cash dividend of approximately $0.72 per share will be paid on February 12, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 28, 2026 [17]

Group 1 - The nation's largest egg producer is preparing to report its financial results before the market opens on Wednesday [1]

Core Viewpoint - Cal-Maine Foods is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to its high dividend yield, robust earnings, and strategic expansion into prepared foods, despite recent stock volatility and market challenges [5][17]. Financial Performance - Cal-Maine reported net sales of $922.6 million for Q1, a 17.4% increase year-over-year, with net income of $199.3 million, or $4.12 per diluted share, driven by higher shell-egg prices and prepared-food sales [7]. - The company sold approximately 317.6 million dozen eggs, a 2.5% increase YoY, with a net average selling price of $2.486 per dozen [8]. - Gross profit reached $311.3 million, reflecting a 33.7% margin, while operating income was $249.2 million, supported by lower feed costs [8]. Dividend and Valuation - Cal-Maine's dividend yield stands at approximately 11%, significantly higher than the average yield of 2.9% in the consumer staples sector, with a payout ratio of 33% of earnings [1][5]. - The stock trades at about 3× forward earnings, well below the consumer defensive sector median P/E of roughly 12×, indicating it is undervalued [2][10]. Market Position and Strategy - As the largest fully integrated egg producer in the U.S., Cal-Maine offers a diverse product mix, including cage-free and organic eggs, and has expanded into prepared egg foods [4]. - Recent management changes and a $15 million expansion at Echo Lake Foods aim to enhance production capacity and efficiency in prepared foods, expected to increase output by 30% over the next one to two years [12][13]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have noted Cal-Maine's potential for growth, with some projecting a 20% increase in share price over the next year, while others maintain a cautious outlook due to expected easing of egg prices [5][16]. - The average price target among analysts suggests a potential upside of around 19% from current trading levels [16][18].

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis focusing on major indices such as Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500, along with specific ETFs like SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust [1] Group 2 - The analysis includes insights on market trends and performance metrics relevant to the mentioned indices and ETFs [1]