[Executive Summary & Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Executive%20Summary%20%26%20Highlights) Cal-Maine Foods achieved its strongest first quarter in fiscal 2026, driven by significant financial growth and strategic expansion in specialty eggs and prepared foods [Financial and Operating Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20and%20Operating%20Highlights) Cal-Maine Foods reported its strongest first quarter in company history for fiscal 2026, driven by significant growth in net sales, gross profit, operating income, and net income. Specialty eggs and prepared foods were key growth drivers, with the Echo Lake acquisition contributing substantially to prepared foods sales | Metric | Q1 FY2026 (Millions) | Change YoY | Q1 FY2025 (Millions) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------------- | :--------- | :------------------- | | **Net Sales** | $922.6 | +17.4% | $785.9 | | Shell Egg Sales | $789.4 | +6.5% | - | | Conventional Egg Sales | $505.9 | +4.4% | - | | Specialty Egg Sales | $283.5 | +10.4% | - | | Prepared Foods Sales | $83.9 | +839.1% | $8.9 | | Gross Profit | $311.3 | +25.9% | $247.2 | | Gross Profit Margin | 33.7% | - | - | | Operating Income | $249.2 | +33.3% | $187.0 | | Operating Income Margin | 27.0% | - | - | | Net Income | $199.3 | +32.9% | $149.6 | | Diluted EPS | $4.12 | +34.6% | $3.06 | | Net Cash Flow from Operations | $278.6 | +137.2% | - | - Specialty eggs and prepared foods combined accounted for **39.8% of net sales**, up from **33.8% YoY**[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Echo Lake acquisition contributed **$70.5 million in sales**[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Breeder flocks grew **46%**, total chicks hatched rose **77%**, and average layer hens expanded **10%**, reflecting prior investments[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Declared a cash dividend of approximately **$66.5 million**, or **$1.37 per share**[5](index=5&type=chunk) [CEO Commentary](index=1&type=section&id=CEO%20Commentary) CEO Sherman Miller highlighted the strongest first quarter in company history, attributing success to higher specialty egg sales, expansion of the prepared foods platform, and solid conventional egg performance. He emphasized Cal-Maine Foods' position as a unique combination of value and growth, driven by strategic priorities - Cal-Maine Foods delivered its **strongest first quarter in company history**, supported by higher specialty egg sales, prepared foods expansion, and solid conventional egg performance[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The company is positioned as a uniquely attractive combination of both value and growth in the food sector[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Quarterly Results Overview](index=2&type=section&id=Quarterly%20Results%20Overview) This section details Cal-Maine Foods' Q1 FY2026 financial performance, highlighting significant increases in net sales and gross profit, primarily driven by specialty eggs and prepared foods [Net Sales and Revenue Breakdown](index=2&type=section&id=Net%20Sales%20and%20Revenue%20Breakdown) Net sales increased by 17.4% to $922.6 million, with total shell egg sales up 6.5% due to higher volume and selling prices. Specialty eggs drove a greater portion of shell egg sales, reflecting an ongoing mix shift, while prepared foods sales saw an extraordinary increase primarily due to the Echo Lake Foods acquisition | Category | Q1 FY2026 Sales (Millions) | YoY Change | Volume Change | Price Change | | :------------------- | :------------------------- | :--------- | :------------ | :----------- | | Net Sales | $922.6 | +17.4% | - | - | | Total Shell Egg Sales | $789.4 | +6.5% | +2.5% | +3.9% | | Conventional Egg Sales | $505.9 | +4.4% | Flat | +4.7% | | Specialty Egg Sales | $283.5 | +10.4% | +7.5% | +2.6% | | Prepared Foods Sales | $83.9 | +839.1% | - | - | - Shell egg sales represented **85.6% of total net sales**, indicating diversification towards prepared foods[6](index=6&type=chunk) - Specialty eggs accounted for **35.9% of total shell egg sales**, a **130-basis point increase**, reflecting an ongoing mix shift[6](index=6&type=chunk)[7](index=7&type=chunk) - The acquisition of Echo Lake Foods contributed **$70.5 million to net sales**[6](index=6&type=chunk) [Profitability Analysis](index=2&type=section&id=Profitability%20Analysis) Gross profit increased by 25.9% to $311.3 million, primarily driven by higher shell egg selling prices, growth in specialty egg sales volume, lower feed costs, and contributions from the Echo Lake Foods acquisition | Metric | Q1 FY2026 (Millions) | Q1 FY2025 (Millions) | YoY Change | | :----------- | :------------------- | :------------------- | :--------- | | Gross Profit | $311.3 | $247.2 | +25.9% | - Key drivers for gross profit increase include **3.9% higher shell egg selling prices**, **7.5% growth in specialty egg sales volume**, **4.3% lower feed costs**, and contributions from the Echo Lake Foods acquisition[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Strategic Priorities Powering Growth](index=2&type=section&id=Strategic%20Priorities%20Powering%20Growth) Cal-Maine Foods is actively expanding specialty egg and prepared food platforms, pursuing disciplined M&A, and leveraging operational excellence to drive sustained growth [Expanding Specialty Eggs and Prepared Foods](index=2&type=section&id=Expanding%20Specialty%20Eggs%20and%20Prepared%20Foods) Cal-Maine Foods is actively expanding its specialty egg and prepared foods platforms, which together accounted for nearly 40% of net sales. Specialty eggs showed broad-based growth across channels, and the company maintains a strong portfolio of national and regional brands, including Eggland's Best® as the 1 branded specialty egg - Specialty eggs represented **30.7% of net sales**, and prepared foods contributed **9.1% of sales** in Q1 FY2026, totaling nearly **40% of net sales**[11](index=11&type=chunk) - Specialty egg sales delivered **double-digit dollar and volume increases** in cage-free and pasture-raised categories, with strong growth across retail, foodservice, and private-label programs[12](index=12&type=chunk) - Cal-Maine Foods' brand portfolio includes Eggland's Best®, Land O'Lakes®, Farmhouse Eggs®, 4-Grain®, Sunups®, Sunny Meadow®, MeadowCreek Foods®, and Crepini®, with Eggland's Best® maintaining its **1 branded specialty egg position**[13](index=13&type=chunk)[25](index=25&type=chunk) [Pursuing Disciplined, Accretive M&A](index=3&type=section&id=Pursuing%20Disciplined%2C%20Accretive%20M%26A) The company leverages its strong balance sheet and cash flow for disciplined M&A, targeting acquisitions like Echo Lake Foods and Crepini Foods that enhance mix, improve margin, and build capabilities. The Echo Lake acquisition is exceeding expectations, leading to an incremental $14.8 million investment in a new high-speed pancake production line - Cal-Maine's M&A strategy focuses on strengthening financial returns and advancing its consumer-driven growth by targeting assets that enhance mix, improve margin profile, and build capabilities[14](index=14&type=chunk)[15](index=15&type=chunk) - The acquisition of Echo Lake Foods is on track to **exceed financial and operational expectations**[16](index=16&type=chunk) - An incremental **$14.8 million** is being invested in a new high-speed pancake production line at the Burlington, Wisconsin facility, adding **12 million pounds of annual pancake capacity**[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Leveraging Operational and Financial Excellence](index=3&type=section&id=Leveraging%20Operational%20and%20Financial%20Excellence) Cal-Maine Foods maintains a vertically integrated model focused on quality, safety, supply reliability, and efficiency. Ongoing modernization initiatives and the 'Cal-Maine Way' drive operational execution, supported by a robust balance sheet that provides capital allocation flexibility - The company's vertically integrated model ensures quality, safety, supply reliability, and efficiency, reinforced by in-line facilities and modernization initiatives[17](index=17&type=chunk) - The 'Cal-Maine Way' combines best practices, process innovation, and talent development to drive consistent operational execution[17](index=17&type=chunk) - A robust balance sheet provides strategic advantage and full flexibility for dynamic capital allocation[17](index=17&type=chunk) [Supply and Demand Dynamics](index=3&type=section&id=Supply%20and%20Demand%20Dynamics) U.S. egg consumption is robust, driven by health and convenience trends, while the national table-egg flock recovers from HPAI, necessitating significant biosecurity investments - U.S. egg consumption is driven by growing demand for protein, increased focus on health and wellness, affordability, and population expansion[18](index=18&type=chunk) - Specialty eggs and prepared food categories are capturing greater market share due to consumer preference for enhanced attributes and convenience[18](index=18&type=chunk) - The national table-egg flock is recovering from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) but remains below historical levels, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity[19](index=19&type=chunk) - Cal-Maine has invested over **$80 million** since 2015 in advanced technology, equipment, and procedures to safeguard flock health and mitigate HPAI risks[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Looking Forward](index=4&type=section&id=Looking%20Forward) Cal-Maine Foods anticipates a compelling long-term growth trajectory, underpinned by its scale, vertical integration, diversification, and strategic focus on specialty eggs and prepared foods - The company foresees a clear and compelling long-term growth trajectory by continuing to execute its strategic priorities

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific information or data regarding companies or industries [1]

Core Insights - Cal-Maine Foods reported its strongest first quarter in company history, driven by higher specialty egg sales and the expansion of its prepared foods platform [3][4] - The company is positioned for growth through strategic priorities including expanding specialty eggs and prepared foods, pursuing disciplined M&A, and leveraging operational excellence [7][8] Financial Performance - Net sales reached $922.6 million, a 17.4% increase from $785.9 million in the previous year [4][27] - Gross profit increased by 25.9% to $311.3 million, with a gross profit margin of 33.7% [6][27] - Operating income rose 33.3% to $249.2 million, with an operating income margin of 27.0% [7][27] - Net income was $199.3 million, up 32.9%, translating to diluted earnings per share of $4.12, a 34.6% increase [7][27] Sales Breakdown - Shell egg sales accounted for $789.4 million, up 6.5%, while specialty egg sales increased by 10.4% to $283.5 million [4][5] - Prepared foods sales surged 839.1% to $83.9 million, significantly aided by the acquisition of Echo Lake Foods [4][9] - Specialty eggs and prepared foods combined represented 39.8% of net sales, up from 33.8% [7][9] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on expanding its specialty egg offerings, which include cage-free, organic, and pasture-raised categories, to meet consumer demand [8][10] - Recent acquisitions, such as Echo Lake Foods, are aimed at enhancing product differentiation and expanding into new food formats [12][13] - Investments in operational capabilities, including a new high-speed pancake production line, are expected to enhance growth in the frozen breakfast category [14] Market Dynamics - U.S. egg consumption is driven by trends favoring protein-rich foods and health-conscious choices, with specialty eggs and prepared foods gaining market share [17] - The national table-egg flock is recovering from the impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), but remains below historical levels, necessitating strong biosecurity measures [17] Future Outlook - The company anticipates a clear long-term growth trajectory, supported by its scale, vertical integration, and financial discipline [18] - Specialty eggs and prepared foods are expected to continue as key value drivers for the future [18]

Group 1 - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is set to release its first-quarter earnings results on October 1, with expected earnings of $5.10 per share and projected revenue of $960.31 million, up from $785.87 million a year ago [1] - The company appointed Keira Lombardo as its first Chief Strategy Officer on August 11 [1] - Shares of Cal-Maine Foods closed at $94.10 after a decline of 2.1% [2] Group 2 - Goldman Sachs analyst Leah Jordan initiated coverage on Cal-Maine Foods with a Neutral rating and a price target of $110, while Stephens & Co. analyst Pooran Sharma maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $108 to $115 [4]

Group 1 - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is set to release its first-quarter earnings results on October 1, with expected earnings of $5.10 per share and projected revenue of $960.31 million, up from $785.87 million a year ago [1] - The company appointed Keira Lombardo as its first Chief Strategy Officer on August 11 [1] - Shares of Cal-Maine Foods decreased by 2.1%, closing at $94.10 [2] Group 2 - Goldman Sachs analyst Leah Jordan initiated coverage on Cal-Maine Foods with a Neutral rating and a price target of $110, while Stephens & Co. analyst Pooran Sharma maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $108 to $115 [4]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7][8] AI and Energy Demand - AI technologies, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, are extremely energy-intensive, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities [2] - The energy requirements for AI are expected to escalate, leading to potential crises in power grids and rising electricity prices [2][6] Investment Opportunity - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI, making it a unique investment opportunity [3][6] - It is noted that this company is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but plays a crucial role in the energy infrastructure needed for AI [3][6] Financial Position - The company is described as being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, which is nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It is trading at a low valuation of less than 7 times earnings, indicating a potentially undervalued investment opportunity [10] Strategic Positioning - The company is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7] - It has a unique footprint in nuclear energy, positioning it as a key player in the future of clean and reliable power [14] Market Trends - The article discusses the broader trends of onshoring and tariffs that are influencing the energy and AI sectors, suggesting that this company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends [5][14] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, further supporting the growth of companies involved in AI and energy [12]

Group 1 - The article promotes a portfolio strategy that generates income without the need for selling assets, aiming to simplify retirement investing [1][2] - It emphasizes community and education, suggesting that investors should not navigate the investment landscape alone [2][4] - The service offers features such as model portfolios, buy/sell alerts, and regular market updates to support investors [2][4] Group 2 - The article mentions a long position in CALM, indicating a positive outlook on the company's shares [3] - It highlights the importance of monitoring investment positions and providing alerts to members [4] - The content reflects a collaborative approach to investing, with contributions from various analysts and a focus on high dividend opportunities [4]

Group 1 - The article promotes a portfolio strategy that generates income without the need for selling assets, aiming to simplify retirement investing [1] - It emphasizes community and education in investment practices, suggesting that investors should not navigate the market alone [2] - The service offers features such as model portfolios, buy/sell alerts, and regular market updates to support investors [2][4] Group 2 - The article mentions a long position in CALM, indicating a beneficial interest in the company's shares [3] - It highlights the importance of monitoring investment positions and providing alerts to members regarding buy and sell recommendations [4]

RIDGELAND, Miss., Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM), the largest egg company in the United States and a leading player in the egg-based prepared food industry, today announced it will host its first-ever quarterly earnings conference call and webcast in conjunction with the release of its fiscal first quarter 2026 results. The company will report results for the quarter ended August 30, 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The earnings rele ...

Core Viewpoint - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (CALM) is highlighted as a potentially undervalued stock in the food production sector, demonstrating strong financial metrics and a solid balance sheet despite operating in a volatile agricultural market [2][12]. Financial Metrics - Cal-Maine Foods has an Intrinsic Value to Price (IV/P) ratio of 5.20, indicating its intrinsic value is estimated to be over five times its current market price, suggesting a significant margin of safety for investors [4][12]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $5.6 billion and an enterprise value of around $4.3 billion, reflecting a large net cash position [11]. - Free cash flow for the trailing twelve months (TTM) is approximately $1.06 billion, with a free cash flow yield of about 18.9% [11]. - Revenue for the TTM stands at approximately $4.26 billion, with an operating margin of around 36% and a net income of about $1.22 billion, resulting in a net margin of approximately 29% [11]. - Return on equity (ROE) is notably high at approximately 47.7%, with a trailing P/E ratio of about 4.6x [11]. Balance Sheet Strength - Cal-Maine Foods maintains a strong balance sheet with no debt, significant cash reserves of around $500 million, and rising book value, providing rare downside protection in its sector [8][15]. Capital Returns - The company has a shareholder-friendly policy, paying a healthy dividend yield of approximately 5.2% linked to earnings and engaging in opportunistic buybacks, supported by strong free cash flow [9][11]. Investment Thesis - Despite potential undervaluation due to its exposure to egg pricing, Cal-Maine's superior execution and capital discipline have masked the cyclical nature of its business [15]. - The combination of a 2.70 Acquirer's Multiple and a 5.20 IV/P ratio positions Cal-Maine Foods among the lowest in the large-cap food sector, presenting a compelling deep value opportunity [12][15]. - The stock offers both growth and income potential at a steep discount, making it an attractive option for investors seeking strong cash generation and capital return [15].